Today when I was returning items with my receipt to TJ Max Department Store that I had purchased for a design project a couple of weeks ago I was told by the clerk because I was a "stager" I would only be allowed to return items within 30 days of my purchase. Now I think this is reasonable for a store to ask this of their clients because they do not want "old" products but their other customers are allowed up to 60 days for returns.
I asked to speak with a manager to whom I know very well to find out more about this "new" policy. Because of the large volume we do with this store the manager was very apologetic and told me that because of several stagers in our area that were DISHONEST they had to implement this policy. That was a strong word... I asked for more information and she told me that several home stagers use the products and then return them for a full refund many up to 6 months.
DISHONEST...I couldn't have agreed more!!! I was appalled that our staging profession is being brought down and questioned by our vendors through this wrongful practice! When you buy something you own it, you are not borrowing it to use it...you own it! If you buy a blouse and wear it you don't return it...you own it and the same goes when using products in any staging projects.
This was the second time in 3 months that a store the other one was ROSS that had spoke to me about this dishonest practice by home stagers. I was angry that my profession has been discussed in such a negative way...DISHONEST! My advice to home stagers that are involved in this wrongful and dishonest activity -If you cannot afford to be in the business go do something else and quit disgracing our industry.
My mother taught me as a child your integrity is worth your weight in gold. Integrity is what you do when no one is watching...the right thing and then you never have to have regrets!
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