Most companies are required to ask for the customer to pay the return shipping to save themselves the money. Usually though, if you ask, they'll pay it for you if it's a situation like this or you want to exchange it. I've ordered from many decent online stores numerous times, and when I've asked to return something they usually tell me I need to pay for the label at first. They've always then happily payed for it themselves after I've told them the situation( like this one, exchanges, or just unused refund returns).
You probably could have easily talked them into paying the return shipping for you.
Also, be nice to them the whole time and they'll be a lot more likely to just offer a free return label without even asking you to pay initially. :thumbsup:
My personal favorite online store is dogfunk.com/backcountry.com. Those guys are awesome!
I don't know whether or not you did with the pants, but for future purchases,
do not order from privately owned online stores. They usually (but not always) have the worst return policies and can be a real pain in the ass to get stuff sent back.
The worst I've had to deal with was Christy Sports. I think it's a privately-owned company, but anyway... It was a helmet return because they had the color pictured and labeled as the one I wanted, but when I got the actual helmet it was a completely different color. I hadn't used it, and I had to deal with some kid who works there who refused to allow me to return it because "it was
my fault", which was bullshit in its purest form. (Keep in mind I was being nice, respectful, and patient with them the whole time. Until this kid started to reveal his bad attitude)
Eventually (2 long hours later) I got a hold of his manager, got it taken care of, reported that bastard, got the refund, and concluded that those assholes at Christy Sports really are, indeed, idiots who don't give a shit about their customers. At least they were when I was there.
Oh, and another quick tip:
order through UPS. I've ordered products through Fed Ex from the
same locations and they usually take over a week to ship, whereas UPS only takes a few days. It's also harder to track and return a Fed Ex order.
Good look with your pants. I hope everything works out for you!
