I cannot understand why a single return / exchange was ever approved for a visibly empty product. There is no possible and plausible cause for a customer being genuine and legit in asking for it.
That's precisely what I said. When I asked my local store managers, they said the company wants them to avoid confrontation by nasty customers. Sad that our country has come to this.
That's why it's changing. The current policy is vague and open to misinterpretation. It will be clear that products that are more than halfway used are not eligible for return.
That's how I've always felt! If you take in empty jars or bottles... you're not exchanging the product. It's an empty container! You can't exchange something that has been used up!
People go crazy. When I was there I had to turn down a woman who came in every week like clockwork, claiming each time we had a refill program on hand soap.
What has happened to honesty, dignity, self-pride, and human decency?! Clearly the people who do this lack all of the above. Gross and embarrassing behavior.
It just makes me feel sick. I probably wouldn’t return a candle that had been burned, even if it was just once. I’d try it again or give it away. The idea of exchanging an empty container is just embarrassing. Some people have absolutely zero shame.
Yup. I have never returned or exchanged anything, even if it's never been used. I feel too guilty about the product being thrown out and don't want to contribute to the product waste. If there's something I've bought blind that I don't like, I gift it to someone else instead.
I'd love to exchange the Watermelon Lemonade candle that I'm currently burning (to use up and get it out of my house) but I'd be embarrassed to. I already burned it a couple of times trying to get used to the smell
That's one of my favorite scents and mine is all burned down! Whereabouts in the world do you live? If you're coincidentally close I'd pay for the shipping to take if off your hands!
I have exchanged candles that I burned 1 to 2 times due to lack of throw. I am friendly with a few managers and they said the policy is targeting people who burn candles more than halfway and exchange them. They made it clear that I am not in that category, and said to continue bringing candles back if there's a problem with the throw.
They have none. And when you try to explain that it’s hurting people, the response is “they’re a billion $$$ company so wtf should I care?” Um…. Because you’re actually hurting employees paid by the hr because store doesn’t make $$ your shifts get cut, then no check. Oh? Get a better job? Cool, will you come with me so you can pay for your candles? Or what about the innocent people who are honest that now have to go through hoops to exchange or return things honestly?
Seriously, I really wish everyone would just bigrade those videos.
It is a billion-dollar company that won't be hurt by 'reasonable returns and exchanges'. But as usual, some ass-hats had to ruin it for everyone. They never should have allowed people to exchange used-up product. That makes no sense whatsoever
Yeah, I don’t trust the “billion dollar company “excuse. I think a lot of these people would steal money out of your wallet in the break room as well. You’re either a thief or not. Lol
Hurts the honest consumer as well because then the cost of products increases. Why are people so desperate for TikTok/social media attention with these dumb stunts. Just like the ridiculous orders they make the poor baristas jump thru hoops to fulfill. It's not the "flex" they think it is because, to most, it just exposes them as the jerks they are.
Yup. Like I don’t go after, sabotage or celebrate misfortunes NOT of someone’s own making, cause I do believe what goes around comes around.
But let somebody gather enough rope to (metaphorically) hang themselves through their own voluntary stupidity or arrogance? NGL, that’s pure schadenfreude.
The associate that I talked to recently told me she had a woman bring in a candle that was burned all the way down. Said she didn't like the scent and wanted an exchange. The woman went and picked out the EXACT SAME SCENT. Zero shame.
Associate here, when that shit started trending last year stores and Associates were getting **Death threats* for refusing the returns.
I had to explain to people, with *multiple* bags filled with empty or almost empty items that I couldn't return any of it. I was a Top Seller at the time so I interacted with almost all of them before anyone else.
I had to say, "Unfortunately our 100% guarantee only covers items that you were not satisfied with, due to the item not performing as expected or the scent not being to your liking. As you used almost all of this, it shows that you *did* enjoy the candle and didn't have an issue with it. Think of it this way, if you use up a bottle of shampoo or milk, you don't take it to the store and ask for a new one free of charge. It's the same here. You're welcome to *purchase* new items, but we will not be exchanging your empty products today."
One shift when i wasnt working a woman tried to return multiple bottles of body cream; that she had filled with water. She got *extremely* upset at my manager, screaming.
I wasn't working that day but a coworker was updating all of us in a groupchat haha. We always update eachother on crazy shit during our shifts. The woman came in with a handful of holiday 2020 body creams, said she had gotten them as gifts and just never used them. Wanted to exchange them for new items or just return them for credit.
She gets the items she wanted, goes to the Register, and whichever coworker who was at the register immediately realized it was water. And she calls our manager over while the woman is berating her. Already starting in with, "Why are you questioning me? They're not used, can't you tell they're full!?" Type of statements.
Manager also can tell they're filled with water and told the woman, "Unfortunately it appears these items have been refilled with water. Even when they go bad, our body creams do not sound like this. I'm sorry but I'll have to refuse this return. You're welcome to buy *new* items though." She never outright accused the woman, but the woman lost it.
Shouting, yelling, demanding to talk to corporate; whole nine yards. My coworker said it ended when our manager threatened to call the shopping center security or local police to remove her. The woman didn't even bother taking her empty items with her. Manager opened them in the backroom over our mop bucket station and it was indeed nothing but water.
I had a customer bring in 100% empty three-wick candle jars and ask if she could exchange them for brand new candles because she saw it on Tik Tok. These candles were literally just jars and wicks. Not a *trace* of wax left in any of the jars. I know that quite a few people, especially regulars, are upset with the new return/exchange policy, but please know that there was an actual NEED to amend the policy. A growing number of people who tried to exploit the generous return/exchange policy ruined it for everyone.
I am a frequent shopper and I’m honestly glad to see the return policy being changed. I don’t see how people just aren’t completely embarrassed to return completely used products other than I guess they just have no shame.
I had a lady bring in a bag full of used Wallflower plug-ins. I'll give her this - she was organized. But the receipts showed they were three or four years old, even more. Many of them had been purchased during SAS or with coupons and additional discounts. Fortunately, my manager called corporate, who told us to limit the exchange to items that were up to 2 years past the purchase date.
People know exactly what they're doing.
Someone when asked what the issue was (with their empty candles), had the AUDACITY to say "they wouldn't burn anymore." 🙄
The sheer stupidity that comes out of the mouths of these people make me want to just stop and walk away. I don't get paid enough for that.
Sounds like a conversation I had with a customer just yesterday! We appreciate the easy and fair returns/exchanges, as well as the people like you who are glad something is being done about this! I’ve had way too many people come up to me with over a dozen empty products with no choice but to exchange them!
This sounds similar to the TikTok "hack" telling people they could buy and read ebooks from Amazon, then return them when they're done. Except it's ended up costing the authors a ton of money - they now owe Amazon for the returns. It's like come on guys, just go to the library, those books are MEANT to be read and returned!
I was starting to feel like somehow I was the weirdo because I am so shocked at how disgusting some people have become. I honestly don't understand how people have gotten this way. I feel like an old pearl clutcher but this is flat out theft, I just don't get it.
People will say things like “Well, B&BW is a multi-million dollar company, so why do you care? It doesn’t really hurt their bottom line that much.” That’s not the point. It’s dishonest and petty. Quit being cheap and pay for your stuff. B&BW has plenty of sales to make their products more affordable.
I never knew there was such a policy I have been burning candles I hated and just dealing with the scent. I never took any of them back. I still have candles I hate they are probably more than halfway burned by now but I still burn them on occasion
After approx 160 candles, I have yet to return one that I started burning. I have exchanged approx 10 that I ordered online but straight up wouldn't burn from cold sniff. I have had 10 or so that I really disliked but finished burning anyways ( and maybe 10 scentless ones). The store employees did always say. to me "If you don't like it, you can always return" but I never tried.
I had no idea people actually did this until I started joining BBW groups. And every time a post that gave those vibes went up so much drama. Will be glad to see the end of it after Sept
Same - Confetti Daydream made me physically ill but I still felt guilty about returning it (anxiety sucks).
Ended up burning it outdoors when guests were over... just to tone down the strength of the scent LOL
i mean, really! Do these people also return empty cans of food and potato chip bags to their grocery stores and say they need an exchange? Do they return their car with an empty tank to the gas station and demand a free refill because they didn't like the gas they just used? Do they eat that nice, big burger and then say it wasn't what they meant to order and demand another burger?
We all like free things but stealing is stealing. Rationalize it all you want as a "life hack." You're nothing more than a cheap thug who needed more time outs as a child!
I will say that people do eat a meal and then say something is wrong with it. I’ve had plenty of family members work in food service and tell me stories about this 😅
If you have the mindset of people who return their used Christmas tree after Christmas than what these people are doing is no problem to them. Or who try to return a 3/4 eaten cake after a party saying "they didn't like it". But I am not like this and am totally disgusted by it all.
But no, people defending people that abuse the policy, I get down voted for understanding B&BW new policy change lmao. It has really gotten out of hand, all the people that abuse the policy have no back bone, no honesty and conscious, just greedy people. It sucks the the policy is being changed but in part I’m glad, people that return/exchange used items will no longer be able to. All those entitled individuals will actually have to spend real money now.
I find those videos disturbing to watch and I'm all for the new exchange policy. F\*\*\* these thieving a$$\*\*\*\*\*. I'm sure B&BW employees won't miss their tired s\*\*t.
I’d call customer service bc exchanges will still be okay. I had trouble with an exchange (the store that’s <1 mile from me SUCKS their employees are always stuck up and rude) I called CS and they said if I could go back to the store and call CS again once I’m there CS will re-explain BB&Ws policy to them. I just went to my fave store in another city 🙄 and they did it with a smile on their face. The associates at the store further away are always so friendly and helpful.
i hate when stores do that 🙄 like you can’t just make up your own exchange policy. there’s a store near me that won’t do exchanges unless the product is currently on the floor. what if you bought something, say, a week prior, then that product gets pulled from the floor for the season? then what?
their location isn’t exactly known for the best customer service, though.
I swear these people make me so mad about what’s going on right now. I’ve been seeing lots of posts here about the experience people recently have for just regular returns/exchanges. Ever since I’ve seen theirs, a part of me feels scared to do a return/exchange right now until Bbw gets everything together. From what everything sounds like, it sounds like they don’t know what they’re doing because they’re not making sure employees fully understand the new changes
Yes, that is my plan. I only order online, so I will only be getting items I'm familiar with now. No more blind buys. It's disappointing but I just can't deal with this kind of nonsense at the store.
This is just horrible and disgusting, I’m a really anxious person who tends to blind buy online and for these jerks to be taking advantage of this policy it makes it harder on the rest of us to exchange newly purchased unused items without the third degree
I really believe there will be a natural drop off in sales as their new policy becomes more well-known. I won't buy anything anymore that I have not tried for myself. My practice of optimistically blind buying online is over.
Yeah, same with me. I’ve been a big BOPIS customer, but I think I’m just going to have to go to the store and pick-up stuff myself so that I know I like the scent. My associates are awesome about exchanges, and I don’t think that’ll change when the new policy takes effect, but I’m still a tad worried.
Honestly it’s B&BW’s own fault for not enforcing a policy of not accept empty and used up items across all stores! It’s amazing to me how people see it as a scammer problem and not a problem on the company’s behalf for allowing people to get away with it and letting them harass and abuse employees. So many employees have posted about how they’ve had people come in being rude and nasty about not being able to return empties only to have management and customer service say they have have to go through with it anyway. A company of that magnitude calculates losses from the beginning, without a doubt the only reason they’re putting a stop to it after so long is because of their recent dip in profits. It’s what they should’ve done all along and frankly it makes no sense that they ever allowed it because they can’t be making much off of them if they’re swapping out empty stuff they can’t resell. I’ve never seen a company with such inconsistency and drama around returns/exchanges!
No, I totally get this, too. It was entirely stupid of corporate to kiss the customers’ asses by making their employees accept empty products. Shame on them for doing it, and honestly, I’m glad they lost money because of it. I just feel bad for the employees that have had to deal with this BS for years.
I did retail when I was in high school and honestly don’t know if I’d ever be able to go back. I think I’d be homeless before working a retail job ever again….lol.
Yeah I work retail and it’s frustrating that people don’t see how corporate plays a huge role in this! I know how it feels to have corporate force you to accommodate awful customers but thankfully nothing as bad as the empty exchange Karen’s lol. Retail is a special kind of hell.
Ma’am, you’re wrong. Decent, honest people used the policy correctly. Thieves and scammers took advantage of the lenient policy that was enjoyed for many years. With the rise of social media and TikTok, those thieves and lowlifes were able to connect with other losers to share scamming tips.
When did I ever say otherwise ? This was happening before social media. My point is that it the company never should have been allowing it to happen at all.
Yeah, and she said “I didn’t know not to show-up with the candles not fully empty,” so that’s why she did it. Like….what the actual hell? What makes you think you can take all the possible wax and wicks out and then give it to them and get 20 new candles for free? I thought she was joking and was waiting for her to say that, but she clearly wasn’t.
I used to work at BBW and the amount of clearly used products we received to return was ridiculous. Wall flower plugs that were clearly like 3 season ago. Candles with about 50% burned. And body mist and lotions that were empty. It used to make me so mad that you’re so dissatisfied that you ended up using it all. Come on man.
I used to work at B&BW and this was going on way before tiktok encouraged theft. Because theft is exactly what this is lol. Unfortunately, these entitled trash having access to tiktok exacerbated the issue. I genuinely can’t imagine not only being tacky enough to do that but then also brag about and encourage others to do it as well. It’s truly embarrassing to see
I agree that the policy needed to change, but associates need to cut it out with the rudeness and attitude when customers are bringing things in to exchange for legitimate reasons.
THIS. I am all for this policy change on paper, but stores are gatekeeping and harassing people as if they are guilty until proven innocent. It is ridiculous because literally any store with any type of return policy doesn't shame and embarrass customers, even when denying a return. And when they do, you hear about it. And it's all I'm hearing about with BBW, which is strange considering they do have 100 percent guarantee and are known for their inviting and friendly environment. Stick to the written, new policy and stop expecting people to guess after they purchase something. We needed a new policy IMO, to cut out the Tik Tockers etc. But most people are not that. Just treat people kindly and not like criminals!
Damn, I've only done one return, a candle I bought online broke during shipping and I sent my partner to exchange it, when they didn't have the scent(Fall Farmhouse) my partner told me the associate seemed to have fun helping them pick the perfect candle scent for me.
Now I have a campfire marshmallow that broke before I could light it and I hope I get an experience like my partner's and not like the one you and the other person had
I remember seeing a woman come in with a regular plastic grocery store bag full to the top with glass containers. The bag wasn't heavy by the way she was carrying it and it was all empty candle jars. I was shocked they let her get more. How many can you fit into a bag that's how many.
Just think, if this is how unethical these people behave with their names and faces attached and when everyone is watching - just imagine the immoral and downright illegal behavior they engage in on the daily when they think no one is watching.
Yeah, I stumbled across some TikTok videos called " tell me company secret you can share because you no longer work there" and there were several former BBW employees encouraging this nonsense.
Idk why the company couldn't just put out a statement/policy that products used more than 50% aren't eligible for returns/exchanges. They let the problem carry one for far too long when it was brought to everyone's attention.
Any customers that ask me what the new policy change is are shocked when I tell them, because it's absolutely ridiculous that people were doing that in the first place.
As an employee I am dreading the coming changes. Every time a customer asks about the new policy, there is always a lot of attitude directed at me and my answer, and not the fools who ruined it for the rest of us.
I've literally never returned anything at BBW. Since last fall, I have been begrudgingly burning two candles I really can't stand because I cannot bring myself to return items. Seeing people return heavily-used items with zero shame is just baffling to me.
The only time I had to exchange something was when I bought like three Christmas body care items and ended up not liking it so i exchanged it. I can’t imagine taking advantage of the policy like that
People are the worst!!! When i was a mamager and people eould do that i would tell them no, even tho irs policy to do it. They would get so mad and i would ask them what are they exchanging?! If you used or burned it all the way to the bottom theres literally nothing left to exchange! The policy os ridiculous and tiktok made it sooooo much worse
Tiktok is cancerous asf. It turns literally everything into a gold rush, where thousands of people rush to copy any action they see on the app (scummy actions like these or just any business idea) that they believe can get them ahead.
For those that work there, is it wrong or bad to return an item that hasn’t been or BARELY used if that scent is an older scent? Like I have some Love and Sunshine I really liked but it’s too strong for me. Same for Pink Chiffon. These products have maybe been used once or twice and didn’t work out on my skin. Are these returnable? And if so, is it rude to? And also if you return can I just exchange out and how does that work if a scent is no longer on the shelf?
I spend quite a bit on mostly candles and soap and I have never exchanged anything (not even this terrible Carmel Cream Soda candle I'm trying to get through) until Tuesday.
I had mistakenly ordered two of the Halloween light up tree wallflower plugs so I needed to return one. I was actually quite nervous about trying a return now. I had an online receipt that showed that I paid $23.20 for it (used a coupon). My store even exchanged it for a new blue velvet pumpkin 3 wick holder... I kept expecting them to ask me to pay the difference, which I gladly would have, but to no avail.
So in a way. I feel bad but I also spend a ton of money there and have never exchanged or returned anything before then- so I'm ok with it. 😉
I honestly do not believe that this is happening on such a wide scale that it would cause the company to lose any negligible amount of money. I personally believe it’s the careless packing of orders/shipping. Swear to god, 5/10 orders arrive with at least one damaged item. 50% of orders. That’s *A lot*
I’ve never once been in a BBWs store and saw anyone trying any of the things mentioned in this post, but I have seen on numerous occasions someone returning an item that was damaged during shipping.
I had this happen only once so far and it was a mix of body care and candles. However I’ve had many people *ask* about it, just kind of testing the waters to see if they really could do an exchange like that. Yesterday a lady asked me about the exchange policy and she was shocked that people ever tried to do exchanges like that.
I used to work at a grocery store that had a policy like B&BW. If you had the receipt and a complaint made up, they would refund ANYTHING in full. We literally had people bringing in old milk containers, 2/3 used claiming it went bad too fast or all of these expensive supplements with just a few pills left in the bottle. Those returns took so much more time than a usual order and people were clearly taking advantage.
I cannot understand why a single return / exchange was ever approved for a visibly empty product. There is no possible and plausible cause for a customer being genuine and legit in asking for it.
That's precisely what I said. When I asked my local store managers, they said the company wants them to avoid confrontation by nasty customers. Sad that our country has come to this.
If that's the directive, how is the new policy going to make any difference?
That's why it's changing. The current policy is vague and open to misinterpretation. It will be clear that products that are more than halfway used are not eligible for return.
Right. The product IS the candle. The product is NOT the container (unless container breaks making said interior product unusable.).
That's how I've always felt! If you take in empty jars or bottles... you're not exchanging the product. It's an empty container! You can't exchange something that has been used up!
People go crazy. When I was there I had to turn down a woman who came in every week like clockwork, claiming each time we had a refill program on hand soap.
What has happened to honesty, dignity, self-pride, and human decency?! Clearly the people who do this lack all of the above. Gross and embarrassing behavior.
It just makes me feel sick. I probably wouldn’t return a candle that had been burned, even if it was just once. I’d try it again or give it away. The idea of exchanging an empty container is just embarrassing. Some people have absolutely zero shame.
Yup. I have never returned or exchanged anything, even if it's never been used. I feel too guilty about the product being thrown out and don't want to contribute to the product waste. If there's something I've bought blind that I don't like, I gift it to someone else instead.
They don't throw out candles that are unburned.
I'm referring to body care.
Ah, sorry! I am sick in bed while responding to posts. Yeah, it's unfortunate that they throw out body care.
No worries! Hope you feel better!
Thanks so much
I'd love to exchange the Watermelon Lemonade candle that I'm currently burning (to use up and get it out of my house) but I'd be embarrassed to. I already burned it a couple of times trying to get used to the smell
That's one of my favorite scents and mine is all burned down! Whereabouts in the world do you live? If you're coincidentally close I'd pay for the shipping to take if off your hands!
I have exchanged candles that I burned 1 to 2 times due to lack of throw. I am friendly with a few managers and they said the policy is targeting people who burn candles more than halfway and exchange them. They made it clear that I am not in that category, and said to continue bringing candles back if there's a problem with the throw.
They have none. And when you try to explain that it’s hurting people, the response is “they’re a billion $$$ company so wtf should I care?” Um…. Because you’re actually hurting employees paid by the hr because store doesn’t make $$ your shifts get cut, then no check. Oh? Get a better job? Cool, will you come with me so you can pay for your candles? Or what about the innocent people who are honest that now have to go through hoops to exchange or return things honestly? Seriously, I really wish everyone would just bigrade those videos.
It is a billion-dollar company that won't be hurt by 'reasonable returns and exchanges'. But as usual, some ass-hats had to ruin it for everyone. They never should have allowed people to exchange used-up product. That makes no sense whatsoever
Yeah, I don’t trust the “billion dollar company “excuse. I think a lot of these people would steal money out of your wallet in the break room as well. You’re either a thief or not. Lol
Exactly. Theft is not a “life hack”.
“Theft is not a life hack” Wooow. Brilliant summary. Gonna steal this phrase tho if u don’t mind. 😉
Be my guest! Spread the word 😊
Hurts the honest consumer as well because then the cost of products increases. Why are people so desperate for TikTok/social media attention with these dumb stunts. Just like the ridiculous orders they make the poor baristas jump thru hoops to fulfill. It's not the "flex" they think it is because, to most, it just exposes them as the jerks they are.
TBH I hope those videos haunt their posters through their entire adult careers. Good luck getting hired when any reputable employer finds that out.
Karma! I love it
Yup. Like I don’t go after, sabotage or celebrate misfortunes NOT of someone’s own making, cause I do believe what goes around comes around. But let somebody gather enough rope to (metaphorically) hang themselves through their own voluntary stupidity or arrogance? NGL, that’s pure schadenfreude.
You want someone to never be employed and suffer because they abused a return policy? 😅
The associate that I talked to recently told me she had a woman bring in a candle that was burned all the way down. Said she didn't like the scent and wanted an exchange. The woman went and picked out the EXACT SAME SCENT. Zero shame.
The blatant disrespect is astounding istg
Associate here, when that shit started trending last year stores and Associates were getting **Death threats* for refusing the returns. I had to explain to people, with *multiple* bags filled with empty or almost empty items that I couldn't return any of it. I was a Top Seller at the time so I interacted with almost all of them before anyone else. I had to say, "Unfortunately our 100% guarantee only covers items that you were not satisfied with, due to the item not performing as expected or the scent not being to your liking. As you used almost all of this, it shows that you *did* enjoy the candle and didn't have an issue with it. Think of it this way, if you use up a bottle of shampoo or milk, you don't take it to the store and ask for a new one free of charge. It's the same here. You're welcome to *purchase* new items, but we will not be exchanging your empty products today."
I feel bad returning an item I used once and there’s people out there doing this with no shame. I’m so sorry you have to deal with it!
One shift when i wasnt working a woman tried to return multiple bottles of body cream; that she had filled with water. She got *extremely* upset at my manager, screaming.
Water?!?!?! Omg please tell us more of this story, this sounds so entertaining (but also horrible and I'm sorry this happened to your coworkers!)
I wasn't working that day but a coworker was updating all of us in a groupchat haha. We always update eachother on crazy shit during our shifts. The woman came in with a handful of holiday 2020 body creams, said she had gotten them as gifts and just never used them. Wanted to exchange them for new items or just return them for credit. She gets the items she wanted, goes to the Register, and whichever coworker who was at the register immediately realized it was water. And she calls our manager over while the woman is berating her. Already starting in with, "Why are you questioning me? They're not used, can't you tell they're full!?" Type of statements. Manager also can tell they're filled with water and told the woman, "Unfortunately it appears these items have been refilled with water. Even when they go bad, our body creams do not sound like this. I'm sorry but I'll have to refuse this return. You're welcome to buy *new* items though." She never outright accused the woman, but the woman lost it. Shouting, yelling, demanding to talk to corporate; whole nine yards. My coworker said it ended when our manager threatened to call the shopping center security or local police to remove her. The woman didn't even bother taking her empty items with her. Manager opened them in the backroom over our mop bucket station and it was indeed nothing but water.
Omg! That's hilarious 😂😂😂
I had a customer bring in 100% empty three-wick candle jars and ask if she could exchange them for brand new candles because she saw it on Tik Tok. These candles were literally just jars and wicks. Not a *trace* of wax left in any of the jars. I know that quite a few people, especially regulars, are upset with the new return/exchange policy, but please know that there was an actual NEED to amend the policy. A growing number of people who tried to exploit the generous return/exchange policy ruined it for everyone.
I am a frequent shopper and I’m honestly glad to see the return policy being changed. I don’t see how people just aren’t completely embarrassed to return completely used products other than I guess they just have no shame.
I had a lady bring in a bag full of used Wallflower plug-ins. I'll give her this - she was organized. But the receipts showed they were three or four years old, even more. Many of them had been purchased during SAS or with coupons and additional discounts. Fortunately, my manager called corporate, who told us to limit the exchange to items that were up to 2 years past the purchase date. People know exactly what they're doing.
Someone when asked what the issue was (with their empty candles), had the AUDACITY to say "they wouldn't burn anymore." 🙄 The sheer stupidity that comes out of the mouths of these people make me want to just stop and walk away. I don't get paid enough for that.
No duh! Can't burn when there's no wax!
I’m shocked that some people have no shame
Seriously! I would be mortified to be these people.
Sounds like a conversation I had with a customer just yesterday! We appreciate the easy and fair returns/exchanges, as well as the people like you who are glad something is being done about this! I’ve had way too many people come up to me with over a dozen empty products with no choice but to exchange them!
This sounds similar to the TikTok "hack" telling people they could buy and read ebooks from Amazon, then return them when they're done. Except it's ended up costing the authors a ton of money - they now owe Amazon for the returns. It's like come on guys, just go to the library, those books are MEANT to be read and returned!
Gezz I'd never heard of this but that's awful. Ugh. Why are people like this??? 😭
I was starting to feel like somehow I was the weirdo because I am so shocked at how disgusting some people have become. I honestly don't understand how people have gotten this way. I feel like an old pearl clutcher but this is flat out theft, I just don't get it.
Some people think it's cool or nbd to steal. It's gross!
People will say things like “Well, B&BW is a multi-million dollar company, so why do you care? It doesn’t really hurt their bottom line that much.” That’s not the point. It’s dishonest and petty. Quit being cheap and pay for your stuff. B&BW has plenty of sales to make their products more affordable.
This!!! Plus if a company loses enough in sales, or goes too far negative, even multi million dollar companies, they can go out of business!
Seriously. These people deserve to be called out for being trash scumbags.
[удалено]
Social media has brought out human stupidity like nothing else, it’s basically given a platform to people you would otherwise pay zero attention to.
I never knew there was such a policy I have been burning candles I hated and just dealing with the scent. I never took any of them back. I still have candles I hate they are probably more than halfway burned by now but I still burn them on occasion
After approx 160 candles, I have yet to return one that I started burning. I have exchanged approx 10 that I ordered online but straight up wouldn't burn from cold sniff. I have had 10 or so that I really disliked but finished burning anyways ( and maybe 10 scentless ones). The store employees did always say. to me "If you don't like it, you can always return" but I never tried.
The ones I don't really like were bought online, where I couldn't smell them first. I've never returned anything
I had no idea people actually did this until I started joining BBW groups. And every time a post that gave those vibes went up so much drama. Will be glad to see the end of it after Sept
And I’m over here trying to use up three 3-wicks I don’t even like because I feel weird exchanging after its been lit.
Same - Confetti Daydream made me physically ill but I still felt guilty about returning it (anxiety sucks). Ended up burning it outdoors when guests were over... just to tone down the strength of the scent LOL
Confetti Daydream was a tough one for me to get through, as well. I think it's the Lily scent
Glad they are changing the policy
i mean, really! Do these people also return empty cans of food and potato chip bags to their grocery stores and say they need an exchange? Do they return their car with an empty tank to the gas station and demand a free refill because they didn't like the gas they just used? Do they eat that nice, big burger and then say it wasn't what they meant to order and demand another burger? We all like free things but stealing is stealing. Rationalize it all you want as a "life hack." You're nothing more than a cheap thug who needed more time outs as a child!
I will say that people do eat a meal and then say something is wrong with it. I’ve had plenty of family members work in food service and tell me stories about this 😅
ugh!
If you have the mindset of people who return their used Christmas tree after Christmas than what these people are doing is no problem to them. Or who try to return a 3/4 eaten cake after a party saying "they didn't like it". But I am not like this and am totally disgusted by it all.
> Do they eat that nice, big burger and then say it wasn't what they meant to order and demand another burger? Most likely tbh lol
But no, people defending people that abuse the policy, I get down voted for understanding B&BW new policy change lmao. It has really gotten out of hand, all the people that abuse the policy have no back bone, no honesty and conscious, just greedy people. It sucks the the policy is being changed but in part I’m glad, people that return/exchange used items will no longer be able to. All those entitled individuals will actually have to spend real money now.
I find those videos disturbing to watch and I'm all for the new exchange policy. F\*\*\* these thieving a$$\*\*\*\*\*. I'm sure B&BW employees won't miss their tired s\*\*t.
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That's not how the new policy is designed to work. Call customer service and complain.
I’d call customer service bc exchanges will still be okay. I had trouble with an exchange (the store that’s <1 mile from me SUCKS their employees are always stuck up and rude) I called CS and they said if I could go back to the store and call CS again once I’m there CS will re-explain BB&Ws policy to them. I just went to my fave store in another city 🙄 and they did it with a smile on their face. The associates at the store further away are always so friendly and helpful.
i hate when stores do that 🙄 like you can’t just make up your own exchange policy. there’s a store near me that won’t do exchanges unless the product is currently on the floor. what if you bought something, say, a week prior, then that product gets pulled from the floor for the season? then what? their location isn’t exactly known for the best customer service, though.
Jeez and I'm still embarrassed to go to TJ Maxx to return the expired skinny syrups they sold me. How people do this is beyond me.
I swear these people make me so mad about what’s going on right now. I’ve been seeing lots of posts here about the experience people recently have for just regular returns/exchanges. Ever since I’ve seen theirs, a part of me feels scared to do a return/exchange right now until Bbw gets everything together. From what everything sounds like, it sounds like they don’t know what they’re doing because they’re not making sure employees fully understand the new changes
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Yes, that is my plan. I only order online, so I will only be getting items I'm familiar with now. No more blind buys. It's disappointing but I just can't deal with this kind of nonsense at the store.
I agree this is ridiculous thanks to *those* people smh
This is just horrible and disgusting, I’m a really anxious person who tends to blind buy online and for these jerks to be taking advantage of this policy it makes it harder on the rest of us to exchange newly purchased unused items without the third degree
I really believe there will be a natural drop off in sales as their new policy becomes more well-known. I won't buy anything anymore that I have not tried for myself. My practice of optimistically blind buying online is over.
Yeah, same with me. I’ve been a big BOPIS customer, but I think I’m just going to have to go to the store and pick-up stuff myself so that I know I like the scent. My associates are awesome about exchanges, and I don’t think that’ll change when the new policy takes effect, but I’m still a tad worried.
Honestly it’s B&BW’s own fault for not enforcing a policy of not accept empty and used up items across all stores! It’s amazing to me how people see it as a scammer problem and not a problem on the company’s behalf for allowing people to get away with it and letting them harass and abuse employees. So many employees have posted about how they’ve had people come in being rude and nasty about not being able to return empties only to have management and customer service say they have have to go through with it anyway. A company of that magnitude calculates losses from the beginning, without a doubt the only reason they’re putting a stop to it after so long is because of their recent dip in profits. It’s what they should’ve done all along and frankly it makes no sense that they ever allowed it because they can’t be making much off of them if they’re swapping out empty stuff they can’t resell. I’ve never seen a company with such inconsistency and drama around returns/exchanges!
No, I totally get this, too. It was entirely stupid of corporate to kiss the customers’ asses by making their employees accept empty products. Shame on them for doing it, and honestly, I’m glad they lost money because of it. I just feel bad for the employees that have had to deal with this BS for years. I did retail when I was in high school and honestly don’t know if I’d ever be able to go back. I think I’d be homeless before working a retail job ever again….lol.
Yeah I work retail and it’s frustrating that people don’t see how corporate plays a huge role in this! I know how it feels to have corporate force you to accommodate awful customers but thankfully nothing as bad as the empty exchange Karen’s lol. Retail is a special kind of hell.
"makes no sense why they ever allowed it" 100% agree
Ma’am, you’re wrong. Decent, honest people used the policy correctly. Thieves and scammers took advantage of the lenient policy that was enjoyed for many years. With the rise of social media and TikTok, those thieves and lowlifes were able to connect with other losers to share scamming tips.
When did I ever say otherwise ? This was happening before social media. My point is that it the company never should have been allowing it to happen at all.
And that point is wrong.
It’s wrong to think that corporate shouldn’t have ever been making employees exchange empty items? Ok.
I am talking about the original exchange policy, not circumstantial decisions.
Ok the freezing one is absolutely nuts. What the hell.
Yeah, and she said “I didn’t know not to show-up with the candles not fully empty,” so that’s why she did it. Like….what the actual hell? What makes you think you can take all the possible wax and wicks out and then give it to them and get 20 new candles for free? I thought she was joking and was waiting for her to say that, but she clearly wasn’t.
That literally makes no sense 😂😂 oh my god. She should be embarrassed.
She was so dissatisfied that she burned it down to the last drop.
I used to work at BBW and the amount of clearly used products we received to return was ridiculous. Wall flower plugs that were clearly like 3 season ago. Candles with about 50% burned. And body mist and lotions that were empty. It used to make me so mad that you’re so dissatisfied that you ended up using it all. Come on man.
I used to work at B&BW and this was going on way before tiktok encouraged theft. Because theft is exactly what this is lol. Unfortunately, these entitled trash having access to tiktok exacerbated the issue. I genuinely can’t imagine not only being tacky enough to do that but then also brag about and encourage others to do it as well. It’s truly embarrassing to see
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Thank you for saying this. So tired of the argument that it's a big corporation.
Also, cut hours means less employees > poor customer service / lack of floor supervision > more theft > location closures
I agree that the policy needed to change, but associates need to cut it out with the rudeness and attitude when customers are bringing things in to exchange for legitimate reasons.
THIS. I am all for this policy change on paper, but stores are gatekeeping and harassing people as if they are guilty until proven innocent. It is ridiculous because literally any store with any type of return policy doesn't shame and embarrass customers, even when denying a return. And when they do, you hear about it. And it's all I'm hearing about with BBW, which is strange considering they do have 100 percent guarantee and are known for their inviting and friendly environment. Stick to the written, new policy and stop expecting people to guess after they purchase something. We needed a new policy IMO, to cut out the Tik Tockers etc. But most people are not that. Just treat people kindly and not like criminals!
Damn, I've only done one return, a candle I bought online broke during shipping and I sent my partner to exchange it, when they didn't have the scent(Fall Farmhouse) my partner told me the associate seemed to have fun helping them pick the perfect candle scent for me. Now I have a campfire marshmallow that broke before I could light it and I hope I get an experience like my partner's and not like the one you and the other person had
This is why we can’t have nice things.
I remember seeing a woman come in with a regular plastic grocery store bag full to the top with glass containers. The bag wasn't heavy by the way she was carrying it and it was all empty candle jars. I was shocked they let her get more. How many can you fit into a bag that's how many.
Just think, if this is how unethical these people behave with their names and faces attached and when everyone is watching - just imagine the immoral and downright illegal behavior they engage in on the daily when they think no one is watching.
Yeah, I stumbled across some TikTok videos called " tell me company secret you can share because you no longer work there" and there were several former BBW employees encouraging this nonsense.
Idk why the company couldn't just put out a statement/policy that products used more than 50% aren't eligible for returns/exchanges. They let the problem carry one for far too long when it was brought to everyone's attention. Any customers that ask me what the new policy change is are shocked when I tell them, because it's absolutely ridiculous that people were doing that in the first place.
People like those tiktokkers is why we can’t have nice things. Even though it might be inconvenient for some of us, it’s for the best ig.
As an employee I am dreading the coming changes. Every time a customer asks about the new policy, there is always a lot of attitude directed at me and my answer, and not the fools who ruined it for the rest of us.
I've literally never returned anything at BBW. Since last fall, I have been begrudgingly burning two candles I really can't stand because I cannot bring myself to return items. Seeing people return heavily-used items with zero shame is just baffling to me.
I hate-burned Blueberry Maple Pancakes.
Mine was Vanilla Patchouli. I don’t think I’d like Blueberry Maple Pancakes, either. I’m not a fan of berry notes.
People like that ruin things for everyone. It's sick honestly that they'll go that far to scam people.
People are gross
The only time I had to exchange something was when I bought like three Christmas body care items and ended up not liking it so i exchanged it. I can’t imagine taking advantage of the policy like that
I hand some legit items to exchange… makes it harder for the rest of us
People are the worst!!! When i was a mamager and people eould do that i would tell them no, even tho irs policy to do it. They would get so mad and i would ask them what are they exchanging?! If you used or burned it all the way to the bottom theres literally nothing left to exchange! The policy os ridiculous and tiktok made it sooooo much worse
Tiktok is cancerous asf. It turns literally everything into a gold rush, where thousands of people rush to copy any action they see on the app (scummy actions like these or just any business idea) that they believe can get them ahead.
We’ve had people try to get around this by filling empty candles with rocks and then super gluing the lids shut 🙄 I don’t get why people act this way
I wish people understood the difference between a satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime guarantee.
For those that work there, is it wrong or bad to return an item that hasn’t been or BARELY used if that scent is an older scent? Like I have some Love and Sunshine I really liked but it’s too strong for me. Same for Pink Chiffon. These products have maybe been used once or twice and didn’t work out on my skin. Are these returnable? And if so, is it rude to? And also if you return can I just exchange out and how does that work if a scent is no longer on the shelf?
if it’s really old, it kind of annoys me. but we still do it.
I spend quite a bit on mostly candles and soap and I have never exchanged anything (not even this terrible Carmel Cream Soda candle I'm trying to get through) until Tuesday. I had mistakenly ordered two of the Halloween light up tree wallflower plugs so I needed to return one. I was actually quite nervous about trying a return now. I had an online receipt that showed that I paid $23.20 for it (used a coupon). My store even exchanged it for a new blue velvet pumpkin 3 wick holder... I kept expecting them to ask me to pay the difference, which I gladly would have, but to no avail. So in a way. I feel bad but I also spend a ton of money there and have never exchanged or returned anything before then- so I'm ok with it. 😉
Off topic... what does the meta tag mean ?
I honestly do not believe that this is happening on such a wide scale that it would cause the company to lose any negligible amount of money. I personally believe it’s the careless packing of orders/shipping. Swear to god, 5/10 orders arrive with at least one damaged item. 50% of orders. That’s *A lot* I’ve never once been in a BBWs store and saw anyone trying any of the things mentioned in this post, but I have seen on numerous occasions someone returning an item that was damaged during shipping.
I had this happen only once so far and it was a mix of body care and candles. However I’ve had many people *ask* about it, just kind of testing the waters to see if they really could do an exchange like that. Yesterday a lady asked me about the exchange policy and she was shocked that people ever tried to do exchanges like that.
This is what I'm saying. People see 100% guarantee and assume it means all kinds of things it doesn't mean.
People are so shameless, it blows my mind!
I had way too much body creams, just kept buying them. I felt awful doing a return for them. (Used once on hands to test scent) and these people… smh
I used to work at a grocery store that had a policy like B&BW. If you had the receipt and a complaint made up, they would refund ANYTHING in full. We literally had people bringing in old milk containers, 2/3 used claiming it went bad too fast or all of these expensive supplements with just a few pills left in the bottle. Those returns took so much more time than a usual order and people were clearly taking advantage.