Under what circumstances should diamond returns be permitted?

[pearaffair]

Sometimes I am shocked when a vendor does not allow a return. Sometimes I am shocked when a buyer expects a full refund despite a situation that seems like a refund is a real stretch of what’s fair.

I would love to hear your thoughts of what you think is reasonable! Let’s not bring specific people examples into it and keep it as theoretical as we can.

 

[Serendipity Diamonds]

Sometimes I am shocked when a vendor does not allow a return. Sometimes I am shocked when a buyer expects a full refund despite a situation that seems like a refund is a real stretch of what’s fair.

I would love to hear your thoughts of what you think is reasonable! Let’s not bring specific people examples into it and keep it as theoretical as we can.

This is a really tricky one. When a buyer asks for a full refund outside acceptable terms and conditions it comes down to the company itself, goodwill and their willingness to bend in favor of the client. This varies hugely in my experience, and in these instances, it very often comes down to the individual circumstances.

 

[Missy]

Sometimes I am shocked when a vendor does not allow a return. Sometimes I am shocked when a buyer expects a full refund despite a situation that seems like a refund is a real stretch of what’s fair.

I would love to hear your thoughts of what you think is reasonable! Let’s not bring specific people examples into it and keep it as theoretical as we can.

What are the terms of the purchase?

If the vendor has a 2 week return purchase for example then the buyer has 2 weeks to evaluate the diamond and decide if they want to keep it. A 3 day return policy? Then they have 3 days. If you don't like the terms then negotiate before you purchase the diamond.

If the vendor has a trade in/trade up policy then those terms should apply if you wish to upgrade. It should all depend on the policy at the time of purchase.

It also depends on the state you live in as to the terms of the return. But generally the return policy should be spelled out for you and written on the receipt and you should know the policy before you purchase the diamond. That way you don't have any unpleasant surprises. Ignorance is not bliss.

 

[CJ2008]

Whether I can return anything - including a diamond - should never come as a shock...I should know the return policy before I buy.

If the policy was not clearly stated before the purchase, and a policy cannot be found anywhere, then it's up to the vendor if they want to accept it back.

But again, as a buyer, I'd never buy something without knowing if I can return, and the specifics (time, restocking fee, etc.)

Now what is reasonable for a diamond in general...

I'm not sure because I don't buy diamonds often at all. But I think it depends on what usually happens when someone is considering a diamond for purchase. If it's usual and customary to take them to someone to examine them for an opinion, that can take a little coordination so something like 2 weeks would make sense.

But I'm not sure. Of course as a customer I really appreciate generous return windows. But I also understand the vendor has to weigh in not having those stones in stock to show to someone else, etc.

But absent a clear, stated policy - up to the vendor to define what's reasonable if the customer wants to return.

 

[Austina]

If something has been grossly misrepresented or faulty, then that’s definitely grounds for an immediate full refund.

If you change your mind, hmm, I would hope the seller would agree to a refund minus any reasonable costs, but I think the buyer should check out refund policies before making a major purchase and make sure they understand them.