1. Why is this delivered every month?
Stop right there because this is where it gets tricky. Everyday items are often automatically set up to be purchased as a subscription. Diapers are a great example.
We’ve all been conditioned to think the gold button means an item goes into our cart or that it’s one-click buying. We’ve all made the mistake of not realizing we were actually setting up a subscription to get the product every month because Subscribe & Save is auto-selected.
2. Returns can be tricky
Let’s say you buy a sweater and it doesn’t fit, so you decide to return it right away. That’s easy — just click the Return or replace items button and follow the prompts.
If you return the product within the return window, shipping is sometimes free and you get a full refund or replacement. Or you can drop it off at a nearby Kohl’s. But life often gets in the way and you forget to return that sweater. A month or two goes by before you remember, but this time there are no buttons directing you on how to return or replace the product. The return window has closed.
3. It may not always be worth it
If the return window has been closed for a long time you may not be refunded the full amount of the item. This is especially true if you purchased the product from a third-party vendor. So what are your options? Your first step is to contact the seller to see if you can return the item with free shipping and a full refund or replacement. At this point, you may be thinking this all sounds like a lot of work, especially if the item wasn’t very expensive. Why not consider gifting the sweater? At least you’ll save money on a birthday or Christmas present.
4. Approach with care
5. Deals to become a Primer
6. Let your teen shop
Your kids eventually get to that age where you no longer have any idea what kind of clothes, books or music they like. So just let them have their own accounts. Kind of. Under your account, your teen can set up his or her own sub-account so they can pick whatever they want. Don’t worry, you have the final say before an order is placed. Simply confirm your teen’s orders via text.
7. Find bargains on tech
8. Avoid porch pirates
9. Ask and maybe you’ll receive
You love the product, it’s everything you expected — but it took a long time to be delivered. You might be able to shave a few dollars off the price for the inconvenience. Just contact customer support via phone, email or chat. Describe the problem and ask if you can get a few dollars back because it arrived so late. Hey, it never hurts to ask — especially if you ask politely.
10. No hurry at all
Bonus tip:
A lot more. Starting your own podcast is easy with the right tools. Kim has selected what you need to get started the right way. (And no, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.)
