Nordstrom's Generous Return Policy: Ex-Worker Reveals How It Affected Their Paycheck

Nordstrom is well-known for its flexible return policy, but not all its employees like it.

A former employee of Nordstrom responded to a Reddit thread in which a customer inquired about the store's return policy.

Nordstrom's Return Policy Cuts Commissions

Nordstrom is known for its easy return policy, but this can cause problems for its sales staff. The U.S. Sun reported that a Reddit user questioned whether employees still received the full sales amount if a customer returned a total item.

Staff who work on the sales floor earn a commission for each item they sell. However, if a customer returns an item, the commission for that sale is deducted from the employee's base salary.

A former employee, who also used Reddit, shared that this policy led them to quit. They had worked in the home goods section during the summer. Despite earning the smallest commission, returns significantly reduced their paycheck.

They explained, "There were weeks when my hourly pay dropped from $13 to $10 because of returns. It wasn't sustainable, so I left. It's an absolutely insane policy," they commented.

The Cheapism website highlighted that Nordstrom is known for having one of the most forgiving return policies in the retail industry.

The company's website states, "We address returns on a case-by-case basis with the main goal of keeping our customers happy. We stand by our products and services and want our customers to be pleased with them. We will always try our best to satisfy our customers - our approach is to treat them fairly and reasonably."

This policy does not include a deadline for returns and allows customers to return items even without a receipt. However, Nordstrom's vague wording allows the store some flexibility to deny returns occasionally-keep reading to learn about some exceptions.

Also Read: Target's New Age Check Policy Sparks Outrage Among Mall Shoppers

Tips for Easy Returns at Nordstrom

At Nordstrom, you don't always need a receipt to return items, but staff advises bringing one.

Former Nordstrom employee and TikToker Jesh (@jeshurunchen) shared that keeping a receipt or the original tags can guarantee a full refund.

"If you hold onto the receipt or keep the tag on the item, like a shirt or shoe box, it really simplifies the return process and ensures the employee won't reject your return," he explained in a TikTok video.

He also noted that while returns are often refunded as store credit, this isn't always the case. He mentioned the impact of frequent returns on his earnings, stating, "There were weeks where my base salary dropped from $13 per hour to $10 per hour because of the number of returns."

Despite Nordstrom's forgiving return policy, Jesh encouraged customers not to take advantage of it. His aim in sharing his experiences is to help customers feel confident about their purchases at Nordstrom.

Returning items at Nordstrom is free, offering customers several convenient options. Shoppers can return products directly at any Nordstrom store via curbside drop-off kiosks.

For online purchases, options include mailing the package back using a prepaid shipping label or using a QR code at participating USPS or FedEx locations, where a label will be printed for them.

Additionally, items purchased from Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com can be returned at Nordstrom Rack locations, although designer items and fine jewelry are excluded.

The store also notes that items purchased in Canada cannot be returned in the U.S., and items from specialty boutiques must be returned to the original purchase location.

Related Article: Costco's Legendary Return Policy Strikes Again: 2017 Purchase Refunded in Full