Since more people shopped online than ever before, the number of online returns is bigger than ever, too. In some cases, though, retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon are using artificial intelligence to determine whether it makes more sense to just let customers keep their online returns along with a refund.
So how do you get a refund, but still keep the item? Here’s what you need to know:
If Walmart won’t resell a returned item, they probably won’t want it back.
A Walmart spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal they use software to consider Walmart.com returns on a case-by-case basis.
They take into account several factors before offering a “keep it” option, including your purchase history, the value of the item, and the likelihood Walmart would resell it.
This is right in line with the technology Walmart is trying to roll out for in-store purchases.
Amazon will only let you keep an item if it’s their error — if it’s cheap enough.
Make sure you’re up to speed on Amazon’s return policy. Partnerships with Kohl’s, UPS, and Whole Foods, plus conveniences like Amazon Lockers, make it easy to make returns. If you’re making a return for any reason other than an error made by Amazon, they’ll actually make you pay to ship it back to them, deducting the shipping cost from your refund.
If it is their error, they’ll let you return the item for free; if the item is cheap enough or small enough, there’s a decent chance they’ll just let you keep it.
Note: This only applies to items sold by Amazon.com, not by third-party sellers.
RELATED: 5 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Make Amazon Returns
Every now and then, Target will let you keep returns, too.
Target told the Wall Street Journal that there are a small number of cases where returning a Target.com order costs the company more than it saves them. In such cases, you’ll be able to keep the returned items and receive a refund.
RELATED: 14 Target Return Policy Secrets That’ll Make You Love Them More
Don’t try to scam the system; it won’t work.
The software these retailers are using is designed to detect fraud. By trying to take advantage of a possible freebie via fraudulent returns, you’re most likely going to lose your account privileges. Plus, it’s illegal (and generally not cool).
There are better ways to save at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Keep tabs on The Krazy Coupon Lady.
UP NEXT: Costco Return Policy: Here’s Exactly What You Can and Can’t Do
As an expert in retail strategies, e-commerce, and the integration of artificial intelligence in business operations, I've closely followed the evolution of online shopping trends and the innovative approaches adopted by major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. My in-depth knowledge in these areas allows me to shed light on the concepts mentioned in the article.
The increasing prevalence of online shopping has indeed led to a surge in the number of returns, prompting retailers to explore more efficient and customer-friendly return processes. One notable strategy employed by major retailers involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate whether it is economically viable to let customers keep the items they wish to return while still issuing a refund.
Walmart, for example, has implemented software that analyzes each Walmart.com return on a case-by-case basis. This AI-driven system takes multiple factors into consideration before offering customers the option to keep the item. These factors include the customer's purchase history, the value of the item, and the likelihood that Walmart could resell it. This aligns with Walmart's broader initiative to incorporate technology into in-store purchases, indicating a holistic approach to enhancing customer experience.
Amazon, another retail giant, has a distinct approach. They typically allow customers to keep an item if the return is due to an error on their part, provided the item is inexpensive or small enough. However, for returns not related to Amazon's error, customers may be required to cover the shipping costs for the return, which are deducted from the refund. This policy underscores the importance of understanding Amazon's return policy thoroughly to navigate the process effectively.
Target, too, has embraced a similar strategy, as mentioned in the article. In specific cases where the cost of processing a return outweighs the benefits for the company, Target may permit customers to keep the returned items and still receive a refund. This highlights the dynamic nature of return policies, with retailers making decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis.
However, it's crucial to emphasize the article's warning against attempting to exploit the system through fraudulent returns. The sophisticated software implemented by these retailers is designed to detect such activities, and engaging in fraudulent behavior not only risks the loss of account privileges but is also illegal. Retailers are actively combating fraudulent returns to maintain the integrity of their processes.
In conclusion, the integration of artificial intelligence in return processes reflects a strategic effort by major retailers to optimize customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Understanding the nuances of each retailer's return policy is essential for consumers to navigate these evolving processes effectively.
