Gift with purchase - return or keep?
- Thread starter ima_ailurophile
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Depends on the store and how they ring up the purchase. I've returned items to Nordstorm and they told me to keep the gwp (I had it with me to return). I've returned stuff to Macy's and they took the product and the gwp. Macy's lists the gwp on the receipt. Nordstorm doesn't always ring the gwp. 
LOL oh ima_ailurophile, your making this complicated!
heehee, sil, just playing devil's advocate.
I do think there's a distinction between a brand specific/specially designated gift with purchase (such as Clinique bonus days or a special miniature with a Chanel perfume purchase) and samples (buy any products, pick some samples). I've never returned an item that included a gift with purchase because typically it's not a "try out" situation - I get something I know I want so I can get the gift.
No.
Most GWPs, regardless of brand, are specifically manufactured, packaged and distributed as GWPs, with most even saying something about not for individual sale or words to that effect, right on the package to prevent people from selling them individually, although of course we have all seen it done on eBay, and if you are like me, you may have even bought some.**
Obviously, if you have opened and used the GWP even once, it is not like the store would benefit from you returning it. They can't resell it, and if any of the employees want one for themselves, they can just get one that hasn't been opened.
Now if the GWP did something like make you break out, or had a dead mouse or something in it, then yes, you should return it so that the company, if they are interested, can look into it and see if it is something going on that has the potential to cost them money.
**(I have only done that from sellers who are up front about it being a GWP, and only because before I upgraded to Milani Runway Looks Purple, Lancome Drama was my everyday eyeshadow, and buying the GWPs on eBay, even with shipping, was way cheaper because I would get the person to let me get like 6 of them for a dollar something each and combine shipping)
Most GWPs, regardless of brand, are specifically manufactured, packaged and distributed as GWPs, with most even saying something about not for individual sale or words to that effect, right on the package to prevent people from selling them individually, although of course we have all seen it done on eBay, and if you are like me, you may have even bought some.**
Obviously, if you have opened and used the GWP even once, it is not like the store would benefit from you returning it. They can't resell it, and if any of the employees want one for themselves, they can just get one that hasn't been opened.
Now if the GWP did something like make you break out, or had a dead mouse or something in it, then yes, you should return it so that the company, if they are interested, can look into it and see if it is something going on that has the potential to cost them money.
**(I have only done that from sellers who are up front about it being a GWP, and only because before I upgraded to Milani Runway Looks Purple, Lancome Drama was my everyday eyeshadow, and buying the GWPs on eBay, even with shipping, was way cheaper because I would get the person to let me get like 6 of them for a dollar something each and combine shipping)
I'd say yes, mainly to keep people from making multiple purchases to get freebies to sell on ebay (or just hand out to their friends or keep them for themselves, for that matter) and then returning the items bought. This would never be an issue to me, though, as I'd never even consider returning cosmetics.
nobody ever returned a GWP when i was working, and i never expected them to
those gwp's got passed out like candy bars to everyone , and the purpose of them is to get you like the sample and come back and purchase a full size product
so dont feel bad
those gwp's got passed out like candy bars to everyone , and the purpose of them is to get you like the sample and come back and purchase a full size product
so dont feel bad
Interestingly, I found this in Macy*s general TOS:
BONUS GIFTS
If returning an item that qualified you for a bonus gift, please include the bonus gift with your return. If you choose to keep the bonus gift, your account will be charged for its value.
BONUS GIFTS
If returning an item that qualified you for a bonus gift, please include the bonus gift with your return. If you choose to keep the bonus gift, your account will be charged for its value.
^^^ Well that must just be Macy's own thing, and frankly, it makes me wonder just what they are doing with those returned "bonus gifts."
A good rule of thumb is if the GWP was scanned and shows up on your receipt as GWP $0.00. Then at least bring it with you during your return. Yes, it is true most counters will waive it off and let you keep it. But if it is scanned in, there is indeed an inventory control on it. Otherwise we wouldn't bother scanning it in.
(This doesn't effect the customer but the counter manager may have to answer to the district supervisor as to where the the inventory of GWP has gone. This does happen! Trust.
)
Cosmetic counters have a history of being very generous with gwps and samples so they are unlikely going to hassle you to give things back.
All counters may have a different spin on how laid back or strict they are on returns of product and gwp.
But from a retail pov, I would at least make the effort to bring it back and not assume its yours just because "I opened it and used it already".
I know this is a cosmetics thread but if the gwp was any other kind of retail (eg: clothing) there would be no question that if you return your original purchase then your gwp would need to be returned as well. Just sayin'.
(This doesn't effect the customer but the counter manager may have to answer to the district supervisor as to where the the inventory of GWP has gone. This does happen! Trust.
)Cosmetic counters have a history of being very generous with gwps and samples so they are unlikely going to hassle you to give things back.
All counters may have a different spin on how laid back or strict they are on returns of product and gwp.
But from a retail pov, I would at least make the effort to bring it back and not assume its yours just because "I opened it and used it already".
I know this is a cosmetics thread but if the gwp was any other kind of retail (eg: clothing) there would be no question that if you return your original purchase then your gwp would need to be returned as well. Just sayin'.
Yes I noticed this clause too, but when I went to Macy's to return my purchase, I also brought along the GWP to return it, but the SA said to me "nah you can keep that".
Samples I would keep. A GWP I would return if I hadn't used it. What happens if the customer uses/tries the items in the GWP? Would they make you return it just to throw it out or would they charge you for it?