How to Return Merchandise to QVC or HSN

Retailers like HSN and QVC have expanded their product selection and made their purchasing and return processes so easy that shopping with them is a snap. Even better yet, their money-back guarantees protect you against bad buys. If you do have to return an item, the process is simple.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Repackage the item in the original packing. If you can't, use your own packaging. For example, most clothing items come in a clear plastic material that protects the fabric. If you don't have the original plastic, then use something of your own that is comparable such as tissue paper, brown or white paper or another plastic bag.

2. Put the returning item in an envelope or box. Be sure that whatever method of packaging you use, that the item will be protected from damage that might occur during normal mailing. Add additional packing materials, like bubble wrap or peanuts, to provide the item with extra protection.

3. Locate the item's packing slip that you received with the merchandise. Remove the return slip, which is the bottom portion of the packing slip.

4. On the return slip, mark the reason for your return by either checking the appropriate box (for QVC) or inserting the appropriate code number (for HSN). mark the method you would like used to record your return. These would include, but are not be limited to:
   
   Replaced with the same item;
   Exchanged for the same item in a new size or color;
   Refunded by the original method of payment; or
   Refunded by merchandise credit.
   
   With QVC, simply check the appropriate box. With HSN, simply write the reason in the box provided. QVC also has a box that you may check if you want written confirmation after your return has been processed. HSN does not provide that service.

5. Put the return slip in the envelope or box with your return merchandise. Attach it directly to the return item so that it cannot be easily misplaced or lost.

6. Seal the envelope or box with packing tape. Make certain that all of the crevices are properly sealed so that it would be difficult for anyone to remove the merchandise without opening the envelope or box.

7. Locate your merchandise return label, which is located on the packing slip that you received with your merchandise. QVC's return label is located on the back of the packing slip. HSN's return label is attached to the packing slip.

8. Determine which shipping system you wish to use to return your merchandise. It's best to use the United States Post Office or UPS. Both of these carriers have established systems with both HSN and QVC.

9. HSN provides both a standard and an "easy return" label. If you choose to use the standard label, peel it off and attach it to the envelope or package that you are returning. Then take the item to your shipping carrier of choice and pay the return fees. Keep in mind that you are required to insure the merchandise for its retail value.

10. If you decide to use the "easy return" label, peel it off and attach it to the envelope or package you are returning. Then take it to UPS to drop it off. You will not be required to pay return shipping fees. Those will be paid by HSN and then deducted from your merchandise refund when the return is processed.

11. QVC provides both a standard return label and an "easy return" label on some of their more expensive merchandise. If you choose to use the standard label, peel it off and attach it to the envelope or package that you are returning. Then take the item to your shipping carrier of choice and pay the return fees. Keep in mind that you are required to insure the merchandise for its retail value.

12. If you decide to use the "easy return" label, peel it off and attach it to the envelope or package you are returning. Then take it to UPS to drop it off. You will not be required to pay return shipping fees. Those will be paid by QVC and then deducted from your merchandise refund when the return is processed.
    
    QVC is moving more items to the "easy return" plan. If you do not receive an "easy return" label but want one, contact QVC by phone or online through QVC.com to determine if it is available. The QVC representative will walk you through that return process.

13. Whatever shipping carrier you use, they will issue you a return slip with information on how to track the progression of your merchandise. Attach that with the packing slip from the merchandise so that you have everything on the return merchandise together.

14. After several days have passed, track your return merchandise using the tracking system of your shipping carrier. Allow at least two full working weeks before contacting the carrier or the retailer about the package if it doesn't show up in the tracking process.

15. If, after two full work weeks have passed, your package cannot be tracked to determine where it is, contact your shipping carrier. Request that they find the status of the package. Be sure to note the name or identification number of the person you speak with.

16. Continue checking with the shipping carrier until you determine that the merchandise has been received by the retailer.

17. Allow two weeks after the retailer has received the merchandise, for it to show up as "returned" under your retailer' s order status. If it shows up appropriate, then your return process is complete. If, however, it does not show, contact the retailer with the tracking information of your return package and ask them to track where the return is within their internal process.

18. After you have determined that the retailer has processed your refund, check with your bank or credit card company to make certain that the appropriate credit has been made to your account. If so, then your return process is complete. If not, then have your bank or credit card company track where the refund is within their internal process.

Tips & Warnings

• Use quality packing materials so that you know your return merchandise will arrive on the other end safely. Whenever possible, use the packing materials that the merchandise was originally sent in.
• Use appropriate packing materials for the return. Pad breakable items carefully so that they reach the other end safely.
• If you don't receive a packing slip, contact the retailer. They have online methods to provide that to you.
• Insure the merchandise for its full retail value. If your carrier provides $100 of free insurance, but your return is valued at $200, then pay the fee for the additional $100 of insurance.
• Don't return merchandise in damaged packaging just because it was received that way. If the retailer can't determine that the damage was caused in shipment to you rather than from you, they will not refund your money.
• Don't trust the shipping carrier to replace your item if lost. You must insure your return in the event it gets lost.

[bizewriter]

on 2/12/2008 I'm keeping this article. Though I normally shop online, I'm increasingly tempted of late and I try to stick with places with a good return policy.