Stores Temporarily Loosening Their Return Policies
Due to the added strain imposed by COVID-19, many retailers are cutting slack for consumers in their return policies. But, as Chargebacks911 COO Monica Eaton explains in a new interview for ABC News, retailers could still see trouble from buyers if they don’t understand the rules.
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Some retailers see a less-restrictive return policy as a way to avoid chargebacks. This is especially notable in comparison to early on in the outbreak, when many sellers refused returns because of concerns regarding sanitation. But, while being more lenient with returns is an effective solution for some disputes, sellers can still see trouble as disputes rise across the board.
"We've seen a massive increase [in dispute filings],” says Monica. “So just since COVID-19 in the past few months, chargebacks have increased by over 25 percent industry-wide.”
Customers need to contact merchants before pursuing the dispute process. Otherwise, there could be lasting consequences for everyone.
"As a result, merchants are changing policies. Customers are giving up freedoms. They're paying for a lower-quality product and they're paying higher prices for it.”
