A review by
manytrees written on Mar 13, 2009
Full review
Beware overstock.com's return policy, as it is a well-hidden, smoke & mirrors, revenue-generating scam.
A recently purchased item (matching decorative pillow covers) was undeniably incorrectly described/photographed on their website. This necessitated a return/request for refund of merchandise and shipping. According to their return policy, a full merchandise credit, plus all shipping is refunded, since the return was due to an overstock.com error.
This return uncovered a mega-scam "policy."
We experienced a lengthy, painful, and costly effort to receive a refund on both merchandise and shipping. We ultimately received a partial-merchandise-only credit, as re-stocking fees were applied to EACH of the 3 pillow covers we returned. No shipping credits were applied.
Do NOT purchase from overstock.com if there's any possibility of a return. Please note, the below is merely a slice of the assortment of hoops a customer-return requires:
a) There is no return paperwork included with the original shipping; therefore, a limited online form or a phone call to a CSR initiates the return process. The customer in either scenario is left with absolutely no documentation of the details relayed regarding the return.
b) A return requires significant customer effort and follow-through; clearly intended to discourage returns.
b) overstock.com's published policy regarding return of an incorrect item is not honored.
d) Do not use the return label provided by overstock.com, as your credit card will be charged for the return AND there is no tracking available to ensure the item was ever returned and/or returned within the 30-day period. Ship at your own expense, with tracking capability. Ultimately, you'll be out-of-pocket on the return shipping, but you can track and prove delivery/date.
These are mere highlights of the time consuming, non-customer-oriented scam of merchandise return. When the return is finally resolved, you'll be out product, money, and time. Beware and avoid this disrespectful return "policy."