How to Return Your Online Clothing Order With Ease

Generally speaking, I am not a "brick and mortar" store clothes shopper. I enjoy catalog shopping as an alternative to going to the store spending hours looking for the desired item, a task that I do not find to be particularly pleasant. But I do not mind shopping for my grandchildren and will walk the aisles with no thought of time as I meticulously search for the item of choice to purchase for them. I cannot readily explain the two extremes in my shopping habits. But I do know that most of my clothes shopping is done through catalogs and I generally do not experience any problems in ordering the correct size. If I am dissatisfied with the item, I will return it. This is the point where some of my friends view catalog shopping as a last resort because they do not want to be concerned with the inconvenience and trouble of returning an item. I have listed some procedures that help make the return of an online clothing order easy and trouble free.

Save the mailing package in which the clothing is delivered. When I receive the delivery, I carefully slit open the top of the package and remove the item(s). Many of the packages are delivered in vinyl type packaging with a black or darkened interior. Once the item is removed, I turn the mail bag inside out so that the original mailing label is now inside. Now, I can affix a new mailing label to the package and return the item without purchasing another mail bag. This is a good way to recycle and reuse packaging material.

Do not remove any tags from the clothing article. When you remove your item of clothing, do not remove any tags and be sure to keep the original packaging that contains information such as size, color and other manufacturer's information. I recently received an order and the instructions stated that the item could be returned for a full refund as long as the item still had the original tags attached. So, a word to the wise, when you try on the garment, do not remove the tags until you are satisfied with the fit, quality, color etc.

Carefully read the return instructions. Most companies will include detailed instructions on how to return an item. The company will usually ask you to indicate on a prepinted sheet why the item is being returned. Also, do not return the item without checking to see whether or not an authorization code is needed along with the returned item. If you do not include the return authorization number or fail to contact the company to receive a return authorization code, at the company's discretion, the return may not be accepted.

If you decide to return the item, carefully place it back in the original bag. Be sure to include belts, buttons and other included accessories along with the item of clothing. Affix a new mailing label and then carefully tape the slit opening that you carefully made when first opening the package.

Decide whether or not you will pay the postage return fee or use the prepaid company postage paid return label. When you receive your order, most companies will include the option of returning the item and you pay the postage or a postage paid label will be included which will be deducted from your credit for the returned item or added to your credit card. Sometimes, it is less expensive to use their postage return label and drop it in a mailbox and avoid standing in line at the post office.

Following these steps will make it much easier to return clothing purchased online. So, do not be reluctant to order that lovely outfit you saw online solely because you do not want to endure the inconvenience of returning the item. Following these suggestions, you can make and return your online clothing purchase hassle free.