Counter Confidential: Buyer's Remorse

Published Feb 10, 2012

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Counter Confidential

"Buyer's Remorse" by Undercover Beauty Agent

We’ve all experienced the dreaded day after splurging ― the day where our wallets are crying and reality kicks in. It’s normal to feel a bit of regret after purchasing pointless clutter, and there’s no harm in returning products. Even at my makeup counter, I’m accustomed to unused cosmetics being returned on a daily basis.

I don’t mind returning products for customers who are experiencing a bit of guilt, but I don’t like when customers come up with wild excuses about why they’re returning a product. Though some of the reasons for returning a product are entertaining, it’s never good to deceive a makeup artist.

A client wanted to return a pretty expensive face serum. She had everything for the return― receipt, credit card, box, and bottle. The only problem was that half of the serum was gone. Trying to return a half empty bottle does not go over well with managers who have to refund the full amount. Managers require a valid reason when a person tries to return an item that was thoroughly used.

The woman looked upset that we had to call a manager to approve the return. When my manager asked why she wanted to return it, the customer said, “I have asthma.”

We all took a minute to stare at the woman.

“You know, the thing with the lungs. I have bad lungs,” she stuttered.

We were confused as to how she had an asthma attack from a serum until she said, “Wait, no. I meant I have allergies. It broke me out.”

It registered with me that my customer was lying, but I was trying so hard not to laugh at her obvious flub. I saw my manager turn red, though I’m not sure if it was because she was mad or because she was trying to hold in her laughter as well. My manager didn’t want to approve the return, but the woman was already throwing a hissy fit. After my customer became very loud and started drawing attention, the return was approved.

We later found out that she returned several hundred dollars worth of mostly used cosmetics to other counters. This was a classic case of having buyer’s remorse right when the credit card bill was due.

It’s okay to feel this way, but don’t disrespect makeup artists by blatantly lying about it. Tell us the truth, and we will work with you to find products you actually want and like.

Though it’s hard to escape impulsively shopping, there are a few techniques for avoiding buyer’s remorse.

How To Avoid Buyer’s Remorse:

Account for one impulsive buy
It’s okay to indulge every once in a while, but keep a budget in mind. Set aside a few dollars before you decide to go shopping for an item that may catch your eye.
Go with a friend
Having a friend with you will help you stay on track (and keep you distracted). Good friends will usually tell you when something just isn’t worth it.
Don’t ask for help
If an artist approaches you, it’s okay to say you’re just looking. You should never feel pressured into buying something that you’ll most likely regret later.
Ask for samples
Samples are always a great way to test drive new products. If you really like a product and think you may want to purchase it, try a sample first.

Undercover Beauty Agent is just an average makeup artist at your local beauty counter who's reporting true stories exclusively for Beautylish: "I love what I do because I get to make people feel beautiful on a daily basis. I'm a beauty advisor in New York City by day and a secret beauty agent by night, totally ready to share all my insider secrets and gossip."

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Comments

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Jul 19, 2012

Donna T.

I'm so bummed out that the manager allowed the return simply because the customer was causing a scene. I wish that manager would have told that lady to suck it up and deal with it. I absolutely hate it when some people can get what they want over other people simply because they're being a jerk. If you won't return a product for someone who politely asks and accepts it without fight when you say no, then don't return it for one that starts screaming and crying in the middle of the shop. If she starts making a scene, quietly inform her you're going to have her escorted out if she doesn't stop. As a consumer, if I saw a lady causing a ruckus because she was trying to return a half-full bottle of makeup and the company didn't go for it, I would be MORE inclined to buy things from that company since I know they're such bamfs. I also wouldn't blame the company at all and would realize she's crazy.

Jun 28, 2012

Rachel K.

i'm not an impuslive buyer but i do find that i'm not satisfied with products i buy sometimes. because sephora allows returns even if the product has been used a little, i'm sure you could get away with returning a heavily used one. it doesn't really specify the conditions; it's just a love it or leave it type of policy. however, i would just feel morally wrong for doing something like that. despite this, any of my friends and family know that i return things quite frequently even after using them. my boyfriend jokes that i must be a nightmare to sephora, but i'm going to be happy with my purchases if there is a return polic, and i never buy anything with the mentality 'oh i'll just return it if i don't like it'.

Jun 28, 2012

Rachel K.

i will admit i fall into the traps of picking up beauty products i don't need when they're on the lower end and more easily affordable. =)

Mar 13, 2012

Giuseppe D.

If they don't want you to return things they wouldn't have a return policy. I'm all for sticking to a budget; I find it easier to make a list and as I shop I cross out things I already researched or wanted to test out in the store.

Feb 14, 2012

Brenda R.

i'm not a very big impulsive shopper, when i do go to the store i pretty much have in mind what it is i'm getting and only take the amount i'm spending ,lol i seriously just go right for the products i want

Feb 13, 2012

Jennifer D.

I'm an MUA at a costmetic store, and for the most part the customers are amazing, but there are those few who think they can slide one over on you or think if they pitch a big enough fit they will get their way. The owner eventually had to say absolutely NO returns. It sucks for those few people who really had an issue such as an allergic reaction.

Feb 12, 2012

Porsha C.

I HATE HATE HATE having to return things but if the item was expensive and it doesn't work it out for me, it go back!

Feb 12, 2012

Tania P.

i never return what i purchase, even if i feel a little guilt. i do my best to stay within budget, and i guess that's why i don't return much. i generally stick to what little money i put aside for the makeup :)

Feb 11, 2012

Suzanne W.

I have only returned an eye cream, due to a real allergic reaction. My eyes complelty broke out and were red and flaky. Now my jar of eye cream looked as if it have never been used. The sales associate was more than nice and apologetic, because she could clearly see the rash.

Feb 11, 2012

Nichole H.

I've never returned anything due to buyers remorse. I don't buy what I can't afford. I only return defective/broken items. I need to start returning items that don't work for my skin tone (typically items I buy online without swatching). I normally suck it up and find a way to make it work.

The 'asthma...no wait, allergy' lady should've gone home with the same half empty jar of serum she walked in with.