How to Return Skincare Products that Don't Work
One of the most frustrating consumer experiences is the purchase of a highly recommended, advertised or otherwise touted product only to take it home and find that it does not perform as promised. Even worse, with skincare products the frustration is exacerbated by the fact that the simple connotation of “doesn’t work” is frequently expressed with a painful rash, partial hair loss, skin discoloration, or any other symptom that might point toward an allergic reaction. Here are some surefire tips on how to return skincare products that don’t work and receive a refund. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Skincare products
- Original packaging
- Cash register receipt
- Internet access
Instructions
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How to Return Skincare Products That Don't Work
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Determine that the skincare products don’t work. In other words, make sure that you have followed the recommendations of the manufacturer to the letter.
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Read the fine print on the box. This is the first location where return information is displayed. If you find nothing on the box, check for an insert. Should this not be forthcoming, look on the actual container of the defective skincare products to see if instructions are printed on it that explain the guarantee associated with the product.
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Return to the store where you purchased the item. Bring it along in its original container and also bring along the store receipt. Depending on the store’s policy, there is a 90 day window during which to make returns. Some stores may specify a 30 day time frame. Knowing what the return policy of the store is can greatly increase the ease with which you can return skincare products that don’t work.
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Access the manufacturer’s website. If the store refuses to take back the item because you are missing the original packaging, cash register receipt, or went beyond the 90 day return period, try something else.
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Email the customer service department of the manufacturer and explain your situation. Explain the reason for your return and enumerating the various shortfalls of the product. You may be surprised to learn that you have used it incorrectly.
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Keep a copy of your correspondence and follow up in a timely manner if you do not hear back from a customer service representative. Usually, the manufacturer will be happy to help you immediately.
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Contact the corporate headquarters of the store where you purchased the skincare products if you didn't get any satisfaction from the manufacturer or the store where you made the purchase. The corporation that owns the store might be willing to step up to the plate for the sake of good customer relations.
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Plead your case with the Better Business Bureau. If all else fails, have the BBB act on your behalf. Even though they cannot truly make a retailer or manufacturer accept your returns, they can compel the company to think twice before having their record marred by your complaint.
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Return skincare products that don’t work via a shipper that requires a signature so that there is proof that you actually sent out the defective items. File this with the correspondence you have already put together on this case. If the refund takes too long to come through, contest the charge with your credit card company and let them take on the merchant.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not throw away the item and hope that the retailer or manufacturer will offer a refund or store credit. The unused portion of the skincare products that don’t work serve as proof that you actually owned, and attempted to use, the items to begin with.
Resources
- Photo Credit Morguefile.com/LaRae
