Maybe the universe is giving me fodder for posts. Twice this week, I’ve returned items to the store that were spoiled or poor quality. (Do you wonder what the folks at the Customer Service desk think when they see you coming? “Oh no, not her again!”)
We consider ourselves to be smart shoppers, right? So how do these things happen? Well, luck of the draw, but most likely we are in a rush when we are shopping. We have to slow down and inspect things and that’ll save us time and money.
Returns this week:
~While preparing stuffed pork roast with spinach and mozzarella, I returned a box of either old or tainted (or both) frozen spinach. (P.S. the “sell-by” date on the package said something like 2002…it was tough to read and I was shopping in a rush.) I was in line with another woman returning something else. I am proud to admit that both of us were kind and sane to the appreciative Customer Service desk associate. (I’m pretty sure I was irritated when I returned moldy cheese a week before to the same store.)
~The day after purchasing a sweatshirt/coat for my son from Kohl’s, the lining ripped on a seam. When at the store, I didn’t inspect the lining’s quality. Though it’s documented in the excellent book (which incidentally should be mandatory reading for every high school student), Stop Acting Rich: And Start Acting Like a Real Millionaire, by Thomas J. Stanley, that millionaires routinely buy clothing at Kohl’s (surprise, surprise!), it has to be said that it’s hit or miss with brands at the store. As documented in my book, Dress for Less, I bought some brands at Kohl’s that have lasted years. Sometimes, I’m not so lucky. Kohl’s is usually gracious about returns (millionaires like gracious associates).
Bottom line? We can slow down, inspect the quality, hope for the best, and always keep the receipt (even grocery receipts) so you can return poor quality products.
~Marilyn, TFF
Two Frugal Fairfielders 