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Integrity is what you do when no one is watching...and then you never have to have regrets!

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!

Posted by Karel Rogers on 02/03/2009 09:36 PM

Comments (17)

staging coach, stager

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17 Comments on Integrity is what you do when no one is watching...and then you never have to have regrets!

FEB

Hi Karel, I agree that it is really bad business when stagers return items they have used to stage homes. It gives stagers a bad name with merchants we depend on for inventory. I was working with an occupied staging client a few months ago who was going to purchase some items to stage her home. She made no secret about the fact that she was going to use the items for the time that the store allowed her and was then planning on returning the items for a refund! I was shocked and speechless and would never suggest or condone this type of behavior.

That is one of my favorite sayings and I've said it often in blog posts. You are so right, we actually have people who do that here too and it's disgraceful. They leave the tags on and return it??? UGH. Wonder why some people are skeptical? I actually had an acquaintance years ago that did that with a New Years dress, it was shocking then and shocking now. PEOPLE. How do you live with yourself?

This is so irritating!! I went to a staged open house recently. The listing agent staged it and there were price tags everywhere...even on the pillows. It looked so tacky. I guess the items were going back once the home sold. UGH!

FEB

Karel, thank you for bringing this subject up again. We had quite a discussion about it here on SIF about a year ago. I don't believe there is any gray area here -- it's black and white. Professional stagers should never return items to a vendor after they were used in any job, even if for only a few days. Anyone who does this, knows in their heart and soul that it's just plain wrong.

I completely agree with the commenters above. I hear from vendors about it happening, but still think it's a breathtakingly bad practice. Not only is it unethical, but it's yet another factor contributing to so many home furnishings stores having financial troubles.

Karel,

This is wrong. Stagers are paid for their work and the stores should be too.

Cathy,

Weren't you tempted to say, "OH, look they missed a few price tags. Let's help them."

Then proceed to rip the suckers off.

I was very concerned about this practice when one of the Realtors that I worked with was recommending this to clients. I had to come out and say that I would not promote or encourage this practice, but I know it continues to go on and it is practiced by Realtors and stagers. I know that our economy is tight but I would rather put together an affordable rental package. We all need to work together to promote professional behavior.

Thank you for bringing this up--- it happens here as well. One store where I do a huge amount of buying (according to the manager )has suggested to one particular stager in my area find another outlet to buy her items as she has abused the system too many times!

In stores like Home Sense, and Home Outfitters if I am buying for a show home I sit down with the manager and explain what is happening---- set the parameters.

When you are choosing items for a show home , colours of bedding and toweling and/or art that in the store looked like they would work , but in the home does not--I return within 24 hours and in the proper packaging. In return they notify me of special sales or allow me to choose items and hold them until the sale date. It is a win/win situation.

Cheers, Marilynn Currie from the west coast of BC

Hear, hear Karel...it's good to have this discussion up again. I remember when it was discussed previously, as commented by Maureen, that several AR members admitted to doing this AND didn't seem to feel at all bad about the practice. Quite frankly I was appalled and discontinued by subscriptions to their blogs. It does put all of us in a negative light... stop it!

Karel - Unbelievable! I totally agree with you, either step up to the plate and be a stager with inventory or go work somewhere else.

I'm glad to see this written about again too. I agree with what everyone before me has said. Karel, you must have been so embarassed for our profession when the store clerk told you this, I know I would have been. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that with the economy the way it is, this is going to start to happen more and more. Like Maureen said, this is not a gray area.

I've heard of this before and it is just disgraceful! Like you, I have a good relationship with our local vendors and they know we provide them a lot of business and would not have a problem with us returning something when we need to, but isn't it a shame that the store has to implement this kind of policy due to the lack of ethics of some stagers!

FEB

What goes round comes round. The Stagers doing this will be cutting corners in more areas than this and time will pugre them from our industry.

Wow that really sucks! I would never ever think to do something like this. Thanks for letting me know about these new return policies. One thing I hate doing is returning stuff. I seem to wait a long time to get around to that chore and then I end up keeping it and grow to love it! :) BTW....How does the store know what customers do for a living anyway?

Hi Karel- I agree with you. Integrity about choices made when no one is watching. The word 'stager' is so loosely being used these days, I often wonder if the offender is an actual stager. Unfortunately, I am seeing many more realtors state that they are 'stagers'.

Truthfully, I would not be surprised if they assume stagers simply return the goods after a staging. What many people do not realize is that professional stagers BUY THE ACCESSORIES and own them. Some days I am low on items and yes, must go buy additional ones. These items are also used for future stagings...and bought with that intention.

Any person, stager or realtor or homeowner, who thinks this is fair practice needs to consider their integrity and that of their profession. Kharma has a way of catching up to us....good or bad....so be forewarned. Regards-Kathleen G

Well, it shows you that there are many levels of class... High Class, middle class, low class and then folks like your describing... No Class.

Karel, Well said! I have heard of this in the past and have even spoken to a stager who is quite proud of the fact that she receives a rental fee for accessories and then just returns them!! Very bad for the industry...

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