Friday, June 6, 2008

Frugal Friday - Getting Your Money Back

I haven't posted a Frugal Friday tip for some time - but when I rec'd an email this morning, I thought I'd go ahead and post this tip.

If you are unhappy with a product - let the company know. You can write them or email them or telephone them. Sometimes you can return the product if it is unsatisfactory - but it's not always convenient. When a product has been opened and partially used - a refund may be even more difficult.

Case in point. We were out at Target when my son, clad in his "foamy shoes" (as we call them), announced he had some popped blisters that were paining him. He had on bare feet in his shoes. So I pulled out a couple of bandaids and fixed him up in a jiffy. About 5 min later the bandaids were falling.

But fear not - we were at Target and so I headed to the pharmacy area and found some bandaids that were waterproof and advertised as stronger than regular bandaids with some duct tape like qualities that make them stick better. Sounded like just what I needed. Bought the bandaids, got to the car, put on the bandaids and within a few minutes they were unstuck!!

I was not going to drive back to Target to see if they'd refund my money - too much of a hassle. But when I got home, I found the website for the bandaids and sent an email, detailing my troubles. The super stick bandaids - were not so sticky.

I got an email this morning from the company, apologizing and saying that a reimbursement (which I had not requested) was on it's way.

So - if you are unhappy with a product - write a letter. Send an email. Be pleasant and courteous and outline exactly what the problem is. I have done this a few times on various items and usually have received my money back (usually in the form of coupon - like "good for up to $5.00 on any of our other products).

For more Frugal Friday tips - head on over to Biblical Womanhood.

The reverse of this has also worked - if you find a new product that you are crazy about - let the company know and free samples or coupons could be on their way.

3 comments:

Dianna said...

This has worked for me, too. Once I wrote a company telling them that their use of interestified oil in their products concerned me. They sent me . . . more coupons for the same thing. And some other nice ones. :)

April said...

I bought some frosting one time and it tasted awful(we had bought the same brand/flavor before and it was fine) I sent and email to the company letting them know(didn't mention wanting a refund) They sent me out several coupons for free cake mix and frosting.

asnipofgoodness said...

Wow, never thought of that!! I hate to bring things back, and never think about letting the manufacturer know. I love the idea of letting companies know when you love their products, if not for the coupons, then for the mier testimony and encouragement it might bring!!!