Are We Supposed to Handle Returns Again?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the handling of product returns by Pampered Chef consultants, with participants sharing their personal experiences and practices regarding customer returns and exchanges.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions that when they started, consultants handled returns but later were told to refer customers to the company.
  • Another participant shares their experience of handling returns only within the first 30 days, after which they refer customers to the company.
  • Several users note that the company now asks more questions before processing returns, which can be challenging for consultants to answer.
  • One participant describes their approach of handling returns for damaged items but prefers to direct customers to the company for other returns to avoid complications.
  • Another participant recounts a situation where a customer preferred to deliver a broken item to them rather than contacting the company directly.
  • Some participants express frustration about customers bringing broken items to shows, with one noting the challenge of addressing these issues during a demonstration.
  • One participant reflects on a past experience with a customer wanting to return a discontinued item, highlighting the difficulties in managing expectations.
  • Another participant mentions they only handle returns for their own customers, citing past difficulties with the return process and the need for customers to deal with the company directly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the handling of returns, with no clear consensus on a preferred approach. Some handle returns while others refer customers to the company.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of experiences based on their time as consultants and the evolving practices regarding returns, reflecting a range of personal policies and customer interactions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating customer return inquiries may find the shared experiences relevant to their own practices and challenges.

Hunter Mom
Messages
178
I have been on-again off-again for 10 years with PC. When I started, most of us would take a customer's damaged items and deal with PC for them. At one point, HO said that we were not supposed to do this any more, that we're supposed to refer customers to them. However, reading the posts on here, it seems like a lot of consultants do take returns now. Did they change this again while I wasn't a consultant??
 
There's no official policy either way. Some consultants only handle returns within the first 30 days (I'm one of them). After that, they refer them to HO. Others handle returns for customers no matter when. It's all on what you want to do.
 
To add to what Keith said, the HO is now asking more questions before processing returns/exchanges after the first 30 days. Chances are good that you won't know the answers to the questions they ask.
 
I was one who handled all returns and then called the customer with the info from PC to get it processed - in other words I did everything but mail the item back and in some cases I did that too.

Now with the threat that they may not accept the return once they see it (especially with cookware) I give the customer the phone number. I tell them that it's best they talk directly with HO because they'll be able to answer all the questions while I'd be guessing. I have had no problem with people accepting this method of CS. If they are refused the return they don't blame me which is a plus with this way of processing the issue.

If the return is something obviously covered such as arriving damaged I will handle it completely but again in most cases the customer has the item so I still need to give them the reference number and instrust on how the return will happen.
 
I have handled a few for customers - including the one who refused to do it herself but would rather drive 20 minutes to my house to leave the product on my door step! But for 99% of them I refer them back to their receipt and the number on the back. Someone last night stopped in with a broken mini serving spatula. Told him the same thing - we as consultant's are not allowed to handle returns.
 
wadesgirl said:
I have handled a few for customers - including the one who refused to do it herself but would rather drive 20 minutes to my house to leave the product on my door step! But for 99% of them I refer them back to their receipt and the number on the back. Someone last night stopped in with a broken mini serving spatula. Told him the same thing - we as consultant's are not allowed to handle returns.

Isn't it amazing that people expect a $4 item to last forever?!
 
BethCooks4U said:
Isn't it amazing that people expect a $4 item to last forever?!

The most dreaded part of my show is when you are in the middle of it and someone reaches for their purse and pulls out xyz product that broke on them and wants to talk about it in the middle of the show! I had a lady pull out a medium bar pan once!
 
wadesgirl said:
The most dreaded part of my show is when you are in the middle of it and someone reaches for their purse and pulls out xyz product that broke on them and wants to talk about it in the middle of the show! I had a lady pull out a medium bar pan once!

Yep. That's happened to me plenty of times too. I'm sure you handle it well. ;) In my case, I say "Thanks for bringing that up! It reminds me to tell you all that our products are all guaranteed, some for one year, others for lifetime." I then talk about the use and care card and that it shows the length of that product's guarantee and what it covers. I also tell the person that we can talk about her issue after the demo. (I make her take the product back home with her to either wait for the processing info or make the call to HO herself.)
 
I had a guest on Friday bring her receipt for a broken stone (left the stone at home). There was no date on the receipt but she was pretty sure that it was within the last three years. She just couldn't find the phone # on the back. I showed her where it was and she was happy.

It turns out that the consultant she bought it from is in my cluster. I remember when she joined. I have been doing this for two years, so I am confident that she is within her warranty period.
 
wadesgirl said:
The most dreaded part of my show is when you are in the middle of it and someone reaches for their purse and pulls out xyz product that broke on them and wants to talk about it in the middle of the show! I had a lady pull out a medium bar pan once!

Yeah, at my last show, I had someone pull out the OLD baker's roller, the wooden one from, like years ago!! I couldn't believe it. I told her I would be happy to give her a 10% discount on a new one or help her earn one free by booking a show, but that I was pretty confident that it was no longer under warranty.
 
I was laughing hearing of others who have guests whip out a broken piece of PC during a party. My last one was a $4 mini serving spatula!
 
this one nearly takes the cake-

this month Sept 2010

a customer brings me her Large Simple Additions Square Platter- and proceeds to tell me - just the other day I opened it and it is damaged....and asks me to return it.

HELLO....that was discontinued years ago.....
WTH....am I suppose to do for you?????

Told her cannot do anything...lesson learned when you GET your product open it up and check it out!!!

DUH......
 
I wonder if she bought it from the outlet, where there's no guarantee?I remember hearing from somebody that you should do returns to build customer good will ... but I don't do that anymore. Not since I waited HOURS on the phone one fall to process a return ... and meanwhile, there was SERIOUS drama going on in my house!I'll handle returns for MY CUSTOMERS ONLY right now since it's easier for me to get a reference number than it is for them to deal with H.O. But other customers, no. Exchanges (as in, "I don't like my bar pan, I'd rather have a round stone with handles) no. I can't answer the questions H.O. has. If anybody is going to sit on hold with H.O. it will be them, not me.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are we supposed to handle returns again?

Yes, as a consultant, you are responsible for handling returns according to the Pampered Chef return policy. This includes assisting customers with their return requests and ensuring they follow the proper procedures.

What is the Pampered Chef return policy?

The Pampered Chef return policy allows customers to return products within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange, provided the items are in their original condition. As a consultant, you should familiarize yourself with these guidelines to assist your customers effectively.

How do I process a return for a customer?

To process a return, you should first confirm the purchase date and ensure the item is eligible for return. Then, guide the customer to fill out the return form and provide them with the necessary return shipping information. Once the item is received, you can issue a refund or exchange as per the policy.

What if the product is damaged or defective?

If a product is damaged or defective, customers should report the issue within 30 days of receiving the item. In such cases, you can assist them in processing a return for a replacement or refund, depending on their preference and the specific circumstances.

Can I refuse a return if the customer changed their mind?

While you cannot refuse a return based on a customer's change of mind, it is important to communicate the return policy clearly. Customers are entitled to return items within the specified timeframe, so ensure they understand the process and any conditions that may apply.

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