How Do You Handle Customer Returns?

[chezshelly]

I was curious how other Consultants handle returns. I know the company will pay to have the item shipped back to them if it is in the first 30 days. What I am asking about is when there is a damaged item (stoneware, bakeware, cookware) do you ship it back for them? I never have because it can get so costly, but I had a Consultant with another company at a party inform me that that was part of my "job". She couldn't believe that I wasn't going to send back a 9X13 metal baking pan for a customer. I told her that I would call and get the reference number and the customer would have to send it back because if I did that for every return it would cost me a small fortune in shipping charges. Any thoughts on this???

 

[ShelbyMichalek]

What in the world makes that your "job"? If you do it, it's out of courtesy to your customer. Not doing it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

My, that was rude. Let her check out her own company's policy where they charge shipping for each item.

I don't send back for them unless a) they're family b) they're a close friend and I'm feeling generous or c) I have other returns to send.

When sending multiple returns, I package each item separately and write the reference number on EACH ITEM and enclose a letter. This method has never failed me.

I won't even get a reference number for an item I didn't sell. Too many questions.

 

[pkd09]

Pampered Chef has a toll free number customers can call until 11 pm at night for returns/adjustments, etc. I give the customer the number. At the start of my businesss I use to handle it all for the customer but found I was playing "phone tag" most of the time. I also point out the toll free number on the back of their sales receipt at check out. We have awesome customer service staff at home office; I say utilize them! I sell PC part time while working a FT job so my phone time is limited. Do what is best for your business because it might not be the same for someone else.

 

[3RingChef]

Hi there! Thank you for bringing up this topic. As a fellow Pampered Chef consultant, I can understand your concerns about handling returns. While the company does offer a 30-day return policy, it can be costly for us as consultants to cover the shipping costs for damaged items. In my experience, I have found that it is more efficient to have the customer contact the company directly to process the return and have them handle the shipping. This way, we can avoid any additional expenses and ensure that the customer receives a replacement product as soon as possible. Of course, every consultant may have their own approach to handling returns, but this is what has worked best for me. I hope this helps and happy cooking!