posted on September 4, 2001 08:22:12 PM new
Hi, If you read my computer thread, you'll know that I am having some apprehensions about possibly returning the computers that are not selling to the store. I just feel like I cheated the store big time. Granted the boxes aren't opened etc. But something tells me it is wrong. I mean other people have to take their chances like ressawago who buys returned item and finds many damaged ones in the batch. He is stuck with all those items. Whereas I can take them back. I am feeling like this is morally wrong and possibly even illegal. I mean, can we really buy from the store, try to sell and if we don't get our bucks return it/
I don't know. I just returned a 12 piece lot to gymboree because it did not get the reserve price I wanted. The lady looked at me all weird and said "OH, all the wrong size?" I felt stupid. I have done it with coach purses that I found cheap too. I am more reluctant to "try my luck" these days as I am beginning to feel like someone is getting hurt. MInd you, I do return the items how they came, no tags removed, no opened boxes if electronics. Anyway else feel the same way or do this type of thing/
posted on September 4, 2001 08:35:33 PM new
7-10 days is not enough days to sell merchandise.
why dont you take them in as inventory and relist later.
i think you are taking advantage of good stores which aim to serve their ultimate customers,NOT RESELLERS.
see if you can find the wholesaler who sells these items
you can only do this so many times,then you will be on their black list.
posted on September 4, 2001 08:37:11 PM new
Why are you dealing in this type of stuff if you don't have good results? Are you experimenting and trying to find something that works for you?
Once I bought an item out of a pawnshop, that was mislabled. It was the right brand but the wrong model (labeled as a higher priced model than it was, but I was ignorant and bought it). I found out later what I actually had and tried to return it, only to find that it was identified correctly on the receipt (no, I didn't really look at the receipt beforehand). So, it was labeled incorrectly on the item, but the pawnbroker knew excactly what it was and put that on the receipt (a scam--don't fall for it like I did).
I was stuck with it and was fortunate to break even on the thing.
Maybe you should be stuck with the stuff too, instead of returning it. Sell it for what you can get--and learn.
posted on September 4, 2001 08:39:08 PM new
saweemosman,
I personally never return ANY item I buy, unless the item was defective upon purchase. I feel that it is my responsibility to be a responsible shopper and find the best price and best product before I make a purchase. If I find later that I could have gotten it cheaper, or of a better quality, I blame myself for not researching more. I come from a line of entrepreneurs and understand the frustration involved when you spend hours on a sale only to have the item returned the next day. Those are my personal ethics.
That said... your situation appears to be slightly different. You are entering into the world of businesses dealing with other businesses. You are not a consumer buying a product. You are acting as a middle-man who is buying a product for resale at a profit. In the world of business, it is very common to return over-stocked or out-dated merchandise within a reasonable time-period for credit or exchange. However, this is a mutual agreement between the wholesaler and the middle-man. The best advice I would give you to avoid any guilt, is to be honest with the companies you are buying your merchandise from. Explain to them that you are a middle-man, find out in advance if they will accept returns if you can't sell your product, and then proceed from there. Only purchase items from those companies who are willing to deal on your terms. That way there is a mutual understanding. You will be helping the companies to liquidate their dead-stock, while turning a profit for yourself. It will all be out in the open, and you won't have anything to feel guilty about. Just my opinion on the matter. Hope it helps!
posted on September 4, 2001 08:52:17 PM new
I do have many good results. In fact, at one major kids store (I don't even need to say the name!) I probably have sold at least 1000 dollars of clothing, sometimes I see it as I am doing them a favor. I have probably returned 10 percent or less.
Now though, the computer thing. I am really screwed. I am kind of a push-over type, so I really can't fathom walking back in there on Saturday. I have 12 more days. But it doesn't seem like my items are going to sell. Either because I am new at this, or something, but it is going to be so embarassing going back. I am sorry, I can't say "oh I tried to sell them on ebay" they have a no hassle return policy but I am going to look shady. If it were one computer, i'd suck up the loss and try to sell it at even a cut to myself. But I can't afford to do it with three, and I am keeping one that I bought. What should i do/tell them. This is going to be sooooooo embarassing. I am dreading it.
posted on September 4, 2001 08:57:38 PM new
How about this:
A manager at a local toy store picks out the best stuff out of the week's shipment before it hits the floor and takes it to the toy show on the weekend.
Whatever doesn't sell, he returns on Monday.
--------------
Don't take life so serious, it ain't nohow permanent.
posted on September 4, 2001 09:11:11 PM new
So ... why not try to sell it just at your cost? Make that your opening bid ....
Also, many items sell in the last few seconds. You might be worrying for nothing
Are you sure these computers work? You could try selling them in the local trader's guide ... the ads there are FREE ... that way you could save face on the whole deal.
Here's a thought ... get together with your siblings and give your parents (or in-laws) a computer for Christmas. We did that for my father's birthday ... and he loves it!
You just gotta be creative ... that is, if it doesn't sell
posted on September 4, 2001 09:15:20 PM new
What you are doing is taking advantage of the terms the store offers to it's retail customers to obtain goods that are basically on consignment without the store agreeing to that arrangement. It does cause harm to the store if they had opportunity to sell the stock and could not because you had it tied up.
Although it may be legal don't be surprised if they refuse to sell to you after you pull this a time or two.
posted on September 4, 2001 09:29:39 PM new
thank you. I am feeling guilty then for the right reasons, or should I say the guilt is justifiable. But people ALL over ebay are doing this!
I see this on all the gymboree items.
Anyway, I started my computer out 5 dollars over what I paid
posted on September 4, 2001 09:38:59 PM new
You learn something everyday, I had no idea people did such things. Perhaps you should research a little better before you buy? I could not do what you do in good conscience, but that is me...
posted on September 4, 2001 09:46:54 PM new
you can either cancel the auctions and return them and tell them you have no use for them
do it right,find the wholesaler and not the retailer.
if more and more people do this,they will remove such courtesy and hurt the real consumers.
posted on September 4, 2001 10:06:08 PM new
come on, it is easy to see this, haven't you guys investigated your competitors auctions. I do, and I run across lots and lots of people who have big "fill in the best kid store here" lots going. And over and over, and when you check out their "other auctions" you find more of the same. This is especially true in the babylulu kids clothes.
Yes, it is conceivable that people will sell an outfit that didn't fit little Johnny (or today we are talking little Cole, Zachery and all the other weird names) with price tags on, but surfing around and seeing huge lots, I am sorry, but people don't just have 30 extra pieces from Gymboree lying around. I am not saying this to exonerate myself--but its done, just look at resswago's thread on returned products. the things people return, this is just one big dishonest society.
I was at the grocery store 2 days ago. I returned two items. The clerk said "when you get in line, I'll give you your credit stub" when a totally different cashier rung me up, and then proceeded to use the credit stub that had been left there, I noticed it was for triple the amount. I immediately told her. I am not dishonest. I just thought I could make a buck and now I just don't know what to do.
I have a feeling the store may get mad and not even let me return them. They are a chain, but you never know.
posted on September 4, 2001 10:22:18 PM new
Well, I just happen to have several dozen designer name kids clothing items around .. just hit a bag sale at the local thrift shop.
My feel on the matter is that sellers get their stock from second hand sources (garage sales, thrift stores, advertising to buy other's people's stuff).
Or they perhaps take advantage of outlet malls/discounted/out of season stuff .. stuff that in my experience is usually not returnable, hence you do your homework on the product, and make sure you are truly are buying at a price where you have a good shot to turn it around for a better price .. be it now, or holding it perhaps till the right time/season comes around again.
Or, they find a wholesaler to obtain items from.
I imagine that there is the occasional time that many sellers just happen to see a nice sale .. bargin, at their local retailer, and they take their chances and buy some/a few to resell ... but, with the knowledge that they will work at that selling .. be able to afford to have the money invested in that stock for weeks or months ... ie not take it home, list it .. worry after a few days it isn't working, and return it again.
Just going into a mall outlet, buying up stock of whatever, and hoping to sell it more than it sells in retail stores ... pretty darn risky sounding to me. And, as one poster pointed out .. taking advantage of a retail outlet's return policies when you are actually buying the items to resell, I too feel that puts at risk the benefits that are there for the consumer.
Key to a lot of this selling is research, research, research, and, yes, more research. And even then you often should be testing the waters gingerly, not putting all your eggs in one basket so to say.
posted on September 4, 2001 10:35:19 PM new
Do you really think they're going to quiz you in detail about your reasons for returning these? Most likely you'll run into a like, totally bored and world-weary Gen-D clerk who couldn't care less....
If you're asked, just say you couldn't use them.
Sure this company doesn't have a restocking fee for returning non-defective mdse? This should ease your guilt--or you could volunteer the restock fee to get the same relief.
posted on September 4, 2001 10:50:30 PM new
Can you e-mail your auction links? (sun818 at techgems.net) I sell computer hardware... I may have some suggestions.
posted on September 5, 2001 06:45:10 AM new
saweemosman...While I think there are many good ideas here, especially eauctionmgnt's The best advice I would give you to avoid any guilt, is to be honest with the companies you are buying your merchandise from. Explain to them that you are a middle-man, find out in advance if they will accept returns if you can't sell your product, and then proceed from there & I'm NOT an advocate of being dishonest, it appears that you are learning a lesson here & most probably will not continue to buy/return unless you reach an agreement with the original seller.
That said, I "think" you are looking for here is a good excuse to use when returning the computers. How about "I thought these were such a good deal I picked up one for myself and a couple for friends who were looking for new computers. Unfortunately, none of them wanted these, so I have to return them"....OR....."I had a job setting up a small office with computers, I didn't realize that THEY were going to purchase the computers, and these unfortunately, now have to be returned."
But DO let this be a lesson....If it don't feel good, DON'T DO IT!
posted on September 5, 2001 06:54:41 AM new
some ebay sellers could be retailer or wholesaler who deal in such products or have family or relative who have access to such sources wholesale and dont mind them taking a few peices and sell on ebay
posted on September 5, 2001 07:12:22 AM new
I am lucky to a point- I own a portion of a brick and mortar childrens boutique with my sister so I get most of my inventory from there. I unload most of our clearence stuff on Ebay because I dont want people coming into the store and doing the same thing you do, buy try to resale it and return it.
To offer a variety of clothes I too go to the outlets and retail stores to pick things up for Ebay and our store.
My general rule to make an Ebay profit is it has to be at least 65% off of retail to even hassle with it. 50% will not cut it. If you are trying to sale summer items you must buy now and hold until January to list. Winter items must be held to the following July. New clothing is tricky. You can make great money if you have the capital to buy and hold, otherwise forget it and maybe try listing used name brand clothing, which can easily be obtained by running a local add that you buy childrens name brand clothing in perfect shape.
As far as computers go, not really versed there I would assume they would go better maybe around Christmas when people are buying the kids computers and college kids computers. Not sure though.
I have never returned anything to a store , once I buy it I either take a hit or wait until it is in season.
Jen
posted on September 5, 2001 07:18:17 AM new
it may not be up to her??
usually a store manager will be asked to approve the case,if so,she will be remembered if she does it again.
so she has abused the store courtesy and used up her privilege from that store.
next time she walks in ,she will be noticed and if she tries it again,they may just ask her not to return.
it happens at stores like home depot,they will escort the customer out the store or just keep asking if she needs help ,not to leave her alone .
ebay is so flooded with similar items,it takes more than 7-10 days to sell.
posted on September 5, 2001 07:22:47 AM new
I must be just a little different from a lot of sellers then. I buy my Pokemon Plushes and my trading cards retail (or via Ebay, in the case of the trading cards), keep the ones I want for my own collection and resell the rest. I have never tried to return something that didn't sell - I know the risk of buying is that it won't sell or will sell lower than I like.
I start my items at slightly above cost so I turn a profit if it sells - and sometimes they go much higher than cost and I get a very nice profit... I even got my sister into the act so we were buying up plushes in two states, and selling them on Ebay for a profit. We found a retail store selling them for about $2 less than MSR price - so we started the auctions at MSR. Did very well too (and my sis got 1/2 of the gross profits on the ones she bought for me, so she was quite happy).
Of course I'm only buying things that I feel confident will sell... and the Pokemon plushes are an excellent example of people willing to pay above retail because they either weren't available in their stores or something similar (had lots of overseas buyers for those sales).
posted on September 5, 2001 08:37:56 AM new
Chains invariably have clearly posted (usually at the service desk) return policy. If you fit into that policy, at least you can relieve yourself of the "am I doing anything illegal" guilt.
Second, at a chain, I'd be shocked to see anyone hassle you on a return, again, as long as you meet their requirements (unopened, within 14 days, etc).
If you want to be less noticable, return one at a time over a period of a week. If asked, a simple, truthful answer is available: I changed my mind. It happens all the time. And the chance of you being "banned for life" for returning two $300 computers is not worth worrying about.
Overall, to be honest, if this bothers you, just don't do it again.
posted on September 5, 2001 09:31:08 AM new
Is it a chain store like Best Buy or CompUSA or something? If so, just return the stuff to a store in that chain in a different town. That way, you won't run into anyone you know if that makes you nervous.
posted on September 5, 2001 09:57:45 AM new
Bad idea... Okay, lets say you go to another town to return them. You'll have to talk with people who don't know about the computer purchase. You wait while the clerk gets the service manager. Then s/he has to contact the manager of the store you bought them from, verifying you made the purchase. Then get asked by the manager why you're not returning it to the original store. Its one thing to return a Barbie doll to a different location, but a computer? No way!
If possible, go back to the same clerk or salesperson that helped with the purchase. They'll remember who you are and the return process will go more smoothly without suspicion.
posted on September 5, 2001 10:22:28 AM new
My experiences with returning items to chain stores seem to be much different than many people here.
I bring the item to the service desk, where I deal with a clerk I've never seen before in my life...as opposed to the sales clerk who originally sold it to me, whom I never saw before eitehr..and who checked out a thousand people that day and wouldn't remember me if they tried.
I hand them the item, the receipt, and the credit card, and 2 minutes later I leave.
No manager. No hassle. No questions.
I've returned items to different states in the same chain. No problems. These are all low-paid employees whose goal is to get you out of their life as quickly as possible, and they also know that the return policy is clearly stated, and they aren't going to hassle you if you follow it.
I've bought materials to renovate a farmhouse, and that had a lot of returns, plus I do all the returns for our family of 10, so I've had plenty of experience. And this is in a rural area where if there is any chance of being noticed, they'd notice me.
posted on September 5, 2001 10:40:05 AM new
I think to return them is sleezy at best
It cost us all for you to return the item in labor costs invotory ect ect
from your earlier post you are obviosly not computer literate enough to be reseling computers
You should keep them sell, them for what ever you can evan if you have to take a loss and stick to items you are knowledgble about
posted on September 5, 2001 10:56:06 AM new
You should use those computers as doorstops. That way, you will trip over them everyday and remind yourself not to do it again.
It is amazing to me what people will do for the all mighty dollar. Surprise you do not go into fast food restaurants and take the free sugar and salt and try to resell those.
I think everyone here is being too nice. Maybe I am a bit harsh, but what you are doing is stealing. You are costing the store money in both labor and restocking. The store may already order replacement units for the ones you bought. You might not view it as stealing since in your mind you have not taken anything. But ask any storeowner and see what they say.
posted on September 5, 2001 11:05:04 AM new
"You might not view it as stealing since in your mind you have not taken anything. But ask any storeowner and see what they say"
Actually, the *opinions* of storeowners are quite irrelevant here. If the store allows unlimited returns for any reason, end of story. No theft. No laws broken. Heck, not even a violation of store policy.
Of course, it is obviously "taking advantage of the system"..and it does cost the rest of us some money in terms of the store recovering the costs of returns. But this is, at best, an ethical violation. (depending on your own ethics, of course).
Interesting question to ponder:
Do people who only shop the sale items, and never buy any of the higher-margin normally priced items, also "take advantage of the system"? (and thus are also "sleazy"? ). After all, by only buying the loss leaders, they, too, in some sense cost us all money that has to be made up.
