buying on-line: "restocking fees"

Today I was informed by BikeMania.biz that there would be a 15% restocking fee to return a new item that did not fit. I had never heard of this and I have purchased a lot of biking / fishing/ kayaking, you name it, gear on-line. Is this unique to BikeMania.biz, or is this an emerging trend? I would like to know if others have encountered this at some of the other on-line bike outlets.

Thanks,

Pete

Buy elsewhere, if everyone does this they will soon get the message not to try rip offs.

Unfortunately this is beginning to show up everywhere, not just on-line. If you order something and it does not fit through no fault of the retailer, you will almost always get hit with a restocking charge. This is to pay for the handling, testing, and repackaging of the item. Some retailers also use it to discourage returns. Normally if the retailer ships the wrong item to you, or a size other than that which you ordered, they will not charge a restocking fee. This policy is so widespread now that I fear that it is here to stay.

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One life, one chance. Don't waste it!

As long as they spell out the return policy clearly on their website, I see nothing wrong with it at all. After all, repackaging, restocking, handling, etc all cost the business, even if the item is returned without being worn. If we search out the absolute lowest price for a product, it shouldn't be surprising that it comes with the least customer service. Buying clothing and shoes at the LBS has it's advantages.

That's BS. Never had that problem with places like Nashbar. +1 to the "shop elsewhere" comment.

Ok, so I went home last night and looked at return policy of a new bike catalog that just came in the mail. And there it was "restocking fee". So I guess the message of this thread is that those of us that buy on-line may want to be a bit more diligent about the return policies of the sites we intend to purchase from. Personally I will NEVER buy again from a site that has this policy. With the 2-way shipping fee hit, and the gas to the post office for a return, its probably more visits to the local shops for me and on-line shopping at sites like LLB, Cabalas, Bike Nasbar. It was only a $24 item but a rude awakening!

Pete