Yep, my to-do list included a Walmart return. I knew there would be a line. I didn’t expect over-the-top service. I expected a long wait. I knew I would see some interesting people.
I was not disappointed on any level.
One woman occupied the register next to me the whole time I waited in line and beyond. She had a large bag full of returns from a number of shopping trips, challenging the customer service representative to process her returns. I would give this employee a nine out of ten for patience, kindness, and proficiency. She did her best to take care of a complicated return.
The woman just ahead of me had an unusual issue. She said she had ordered groceries online, but hadn’t paid for them. Several employees told her to go to the pick up area and ask about her order. She insisted on asking about the status of her order.
“Can I see the order on your phone?”
“I don’t have a phone. I ordered online.”
With a smile on her face, the rep said, “Well, if you drive around to pickup, they might be able to help you.”
She unhappily headed off in that direction.
Two people ahead of me: a woman who needed to get some kind of refund. She didn’t have a receipt, but knew the cashier and time of the purchase. They said, “We might be able to figure it out.” I thought that was very gracious. I don’t know if they got it figured out.
Finally, I heard those special words, “Next.” I had a return with receipt in hand. So basic. So easy. Routine.
After a lot of keyboard clicks, the rep showed me the screen. The shipper refunded my purchase, but I could keep the product. What am I going to do with all these L and XL tops? I guess we can donate them. I guess the shipping cost more than the product itself.
I wonder if there’s a way to play this game. Is there a way to find out who doesn’t want their stuff back so I can get refunds, keep clothes, and basically get stuff for free? Of course there is.
I drop off Amazon returns at Kohls, post office returns, and UPS returns weekly. Occasionally I send something back FedEx. I think the whole return business is a business in itself. Postage, boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and krinkle cut paper make shipping an expensive and involved endeavor.
Do you want to return a product? Fuhgeddaboudit. Keep the money. Keep the junk. Good luck.
Waite for it... 