Mattress Tips 2: Returning policy

11. Dec, 2011 0 Comments

What You Need To Know

Our research shows that at least 15% of mattress owners return their mattress, and at least another 15% would like to return their mattress but do not, usually because of unfriendly return policies.

Given these facts, mattress shoppers would be wise to pay attention to retailer return policies and to do everything possible to ensure that their first mattress choice is the right one.

Return Policy Length

Most mattress retailers give the buyer at least one month to return a mattress for an exchange or possibly a refund.

Some mattress retailers try to differentiate themselves by having extended return periods, such as 90 days or longer. Our research suggests that the vast majority of new mattress owners know within one month whether they like their mattress. As a result, these longer return periods usually do not have much value to owners.

Some retailers require that you keep your mattress for a certain amount of time, such as one month, before you can return it. This is done to ensure that the buyer has given the mattress a fair chance. Owners who know right away that they are not satisfied with the mattress do not like having to wait until they can return it. Some owners report resorting to sleeping on their old bed or a couch until they can return the mattress, especially if it causes them pain.

Money-Back Policy Not Common

Few mattress retailers have a money-back return policy. (See the mattress retailer comparison for several mattress retailer return policies.) Those that do may charge return fees for various reasons, such as mattress damage, transportation and handling cost. Online retailers are somewhat more likely to offer money-back returns than are traditional retailers.

Furniture or department stores that sell mattresses sometimes offer store credit instead of money back.

Exchange Policy Common

Nearly all mattress retailers offer a one-time mattress exchange. (A few allow unlimited exchanges within the return policy time frame.) If you buy from a retailer that only allows exchanges and no refunds, then you would be wise to make sure before you buy that the store has another mattress model that you like in case you need to make an exchange. There are several reports of a mattress owner wanting to exchange his mattress only to find that the store he bought from does not have another mattress that he is interested in.

Exchanges are usually not free. Fees to exchange a mattress can range from$50-$500 depending on several factors. Also, if the mattress you are exchanging for is more expensive than the original, you will have to make up the difference. These costs cause some people to not return their mattress even though they are unhappy with it. These people, as a result, end up tolerating their mattress, or in some cases they sell it (craigslist and ebay are often used) and or may even go back to their old mattress.

Online Retailers vs Traditional Retailers

Online mattress retailers tend to offer more generous return policies than traditional retailers. It is not uncommon for online retailers to offer a money-back guarantee, and some may also pay return shipping fees. While online retailers may be more generous with their return policies, getting the mattress back to them can be more of a hassle than is the case with traditional retailers.

When you return a mattress to a traditional retailer, they often send out their own truck and simply take the mattress out of your home. But when you return a mattress to an online retailer, the shipping method is usually FedEx or UPS. This means that your mattress will need to be prepared for shipping by you. In some cases, especially with memory foam mattresses, you may need to locate and buy a mattress box and secure wrapping to place the mattress in for return shipping. Also, if the mattress is dirtied or damaged during return shipping, the online retailer may not give you a full refund. It is not uncommon for people who bought online to not return a mattress they are dissatisfied with because of the return shipping hassle involved.

Homework Pays Off

The best way to avoid the expense and or hassle of returning a mattress is to make the right mattress decision in the first place. Our research clearly shows that people who educate themselves about mattresses before buying are significantly more likely to be satisfied with their mattress and are less likely to want to return it than are people who buy without first educating themselves.

Source:sleeplikethedead.com