Seriously, can the Gap do this?? I need an attorney to weigh in here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, I got stuck with something earlir this year from the GAP. I had the receipt but since it was from the Early Winter season and I was trying to return it during the later winter season and they had seriously discounted the item, they would only give me $1.99 for something that was brand new with tags and had sold for $16. Like you, I have been a customer for years, have a LUXE card, etc etc - I just did not get around to returning it and just sucked it up. (Kept the item and will make it a gift for someone next year)

The receipt that I had did have a return policy printed on it of 45 days - and I was outside the window. There was no one I could speak to who would do anything for me.

I understand the reason why they have the 45 day policy - if it is something that is out of season / they are not selling any more what are they going to do with it when they receive it? Now if they are still selling the items I would think that you might be able to make a case as to why they should accept the return.

Many stores are tightening return policies. The worse I encountered recently was a return I made to Nieman Marcus. It was a gift that I had received for my DD and was the wrong size. I took it back to the NM store in Friendship Heights. All I wanted to do was exchange sizes - but since the original purchase was online, they could not do that. They took the item, and 2 weeks later sent me a gift card - less $9 for a return service charge! I took the return to a store and was charged a $9 service charge. I could not believe it.

Why would you expect them to do something for you?

[Anonymous]

I'm going to stand up for Gap/Old Navy here. I think their return policy is pretty generous. You can order on line as much clothes as you want, they mail it to you, and even provide a convenient return package for you. All you have to do is return within 45 days (pretty generous, actually, given that many stores have a 30 day return policy), and you print the return label right off their website. Then they credit you back in full minus $7 for shipping and handling. I've now purchased three or four rounds of maternity clothes over the internet from Gap/Old Navy, and I've returned most of it. In my view, this is a pretty great, easy to understand return policy.

[Anonymous]

The stores have return policies to protect themselves. Why would they want to take back items, that are 45 days old and probably on sale? They would be losing money. Regardless of what a wonderful customer you are the "rules" are in effect for a reason, so people don't take advantage of the store. This may not have been what happened in your case (taking advantage) but not only did you wait 45 days (unknowingly) but you also bought maternity clothes. Put them on ebay or take them to a consignment store and be forewarned that you only have 45 days to return stuff in the future.

It sucks, and I am not saying you do not have a right to be annoyed or pissed, but it is what it is.

[Anonymous]

The policy probably changed because of the recession. The Gap must be hurting like other stores. OP, just let it go. Is spending hours and hours arguing about $300 really worth it? Their return policy was generous -- 45 days.

[Anonymous]

OP, I take it from your post that you have the option of mailing the clothes back to the Gap for a $6 service charge? Why would you not do that?

[Anonymous]

I read and reread your explanation. I still do not understand why you think the return policy does not apply to you.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Forgot to mention: IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE.

[Anonymous]

Here I am in court...I have a med malpractice case that's taken two years just to get on the docket...or perhaps I'm a SAHM and I have a notice to do jury duty that I can't get out of and I had to pay $100 for a sitter...and what's the next case to go before the judge? OP's lawsuit against the GAP for not letting her return her maternity clothes!

[Anonymous]

OP here. A) I did not mean to imply that I was going to sue the Gap (yes, I know I put 'legal recourse.' I was pissed, my husband was pissed at me, and my choice of language was inappropriate.) I am simply looking for advice on whether or not I have a leg to stand on or if this is worth the fight. B) I wasn't questioning Gap's new 45 day return policy. I too think it is ample time to get items back in the mail. My POINT was that if in fact I missed the new return policy on their website, shouldn't their return label clearly state what their current return policy is?

[Anonymous]

Was it maternity clothes? Most stores seem to be much more strict about returns when it comes to maternity clothes. Which honestly makes sense. Those the the clothes most likely to be worn for a month and then returned. Have you bought stuff at maternity only stores. They will actually make you sign something saying you understand the return policy.

Since you are a loyal customer there, I think you could probably write or call and get your things returned. But as far as legal recourse. They are only standing by their policy. 45 days seems pretty fair. Although, it does suck if they changed it and didn't make it clear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. A) I did not mean to imply that I was going to sue the Gap (yes, I know I put 'legal recourse.' I was pissed, my husband was pissed at me, and my choice of language was inappropriate.) I am simply looking for advice on whether or not I have a leg to stand on or if this is worth the fight. B) I wasn't questioning Gap's new 45 day return policy. I too think it is ample time to get items back in the mail. My POINT was that if in fact I missed the new return policy on their website, shouldn't their return label clearly state what their current return policy is?

Call (not write) and ask to speak to the manager. Explain that you didn't realize it changed. Asked that they allow you to return the clothes this one time. Point out that you are a loyal customer (I dont even know what a silver card is, but it must mean something). It doesn't hurt to ask. Also, ask nicely. You can be firm. You can explain you are upset. But if you just go off, they will not want to work with you.

[Anonymous]

http://www.loobalee.com/blog/gap-inc-quietly-changes-return-policy-no-more-free-returns/

[Anonymous]

I can't believe that post. I really can't believe this post. What is next? I am so entitled to be more important than you that the rules don't apply to me. Give me a break.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. A) I did not mean to imply that I was going to sue the Gap (yes, I know I put 'legal recourse.' I was pissed, my husband was pissed at me, and my choice of language was inappropriate.) I am simply looking for advice on whether or not I have a leg to stand on or if this is worth the fight. B) I wasn't questioning Gap's new 45 day return policy. I too think it is ample time to get items back in the mail. My POINT was that if in fact I missed the new return policy on their website, shouldn't their return label clearly state what their current return policy is?

OP, are you talking about the return label or the packing slip. I just checked an actual packing slip I have from the Gap that is rather old and the PACKING SLIP has the return policy clearly pointed out on it. If you are talking about the return label that you slap on the return why on earth would the return label have any info on it other than a return mailing address.

Suck it up and deal.

[Anonymous]

Bummer, OP. If all else fails, how about reselling on Craig's List or DCUM? FYI Ann Taylor used to allow 90 days for returns but beginning July 1st you only have 60 days.