Autozone return denied due to TRE

[cookand]

Weird question and not sure where this belongs, so please move if needed mods.

Long story short, I went to AZ to return several filters and was denied due to something called, “The Retail Equation”. I’m pretty sure it’s because I’ve returned several things and they always scan your DL before initiating the return.

My question is, anyone know if I can have my wife take the items back and use her DL or are the items associated with my DL?

 

[dogememe]

First contact the company and see what info they have

https://www.theretailequation.com/

 

[SC Maintenance]

Did you have a receipt? Was it within their return window?

 

[dishdude]

A lot of retailers do this, returns cost money and they're fine firing a customer that costs them. I think CC info can be tied as well, so someone else returning might have it denied as well.

 

[cookand]

First contact the company and see what info they have

https://www.theretailequation.com/

Yeah, I called them and having a report emailed.

 

[cookand]

Did you have a receipt? Was it within their return window?

I have receipts but they’re all from online orders. Never been an issue in the past as I’ve just said I’ll take store credit instead and they don’t require a receipt for that

 

[cookand]

A lot of retailers do this, returns cost money and they're fine firing a customer that costs them. I think CC info can be tied as well, so someone else returning might have it denied as well.

Yeah, makes sense. Thanks

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I've heard of TRE before, but I'm surprised Autozone would use them because auto parts stores have a lot of core returns, for example.

I hope core returns don't count towards the limit!

Autozone doesn't even require a receipt for return or warranty purposes, just your phone number

UPDATE: I sent an email to TRE asking if they count core returns towards the threshold to deny a return.

 

[dishdude]

Some credit cards offer "return protection". Check to see if the card you purchased this with has it.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

I used to be flagged at Home Depot for returns. I worked for a contractor and we did a huge amount of business with them but that also meant frequent returns. The manager always was able to override it without an issue.

 

[CKN]

Yeah, I called them and having a report emailed.

Are you always in the habit of buying excess or things you don't use?

 

[cookand]

Are you always in the habit of buying excess or things you don't use?

Not until I joined BITOG!

 

[Pablo]

Stores need to stand up sometimes, but that line will always be fuzzy and pee someone off

 

[SC Maintenance]

I have receipts but they’re all from online orders. Never been an issue in the past as I’ve just said I’ll take store credit instead and they don’t require a receipt for that

They are obligated to follow their written return policy - by law. Of course they wouldn't be the first one to break the rules. I would read it - possibly filters are non returnable or something?

If its a completely legit return you should contact the store manager or corporate. Someone should be able to over-ride the flag.

Ultimately people that abuse the return system end up costing everyone else, so I have sympathy for this on both sides.

 

[cookand]

Stores need to stand up sometimes, but that line will always be fuzzy and pee someone off

I get it and I’m not upset in the least. Just figured since I was returning for store credit no harm/ no foul

 

[BigCahuna]

I could see them giving you a hard time if you didn't buy those items in that store. I know by me they always want your personal info when making a purchase. I don't find the need to hand it out to everyone that asks for it. But in your case if you did buy it there, and used a card or cash, and had a receipt for that purchase, I can't see a problem.If your dealing with a manager that likes to make up his own store policy, you may have to go over his head and complain to a higher source.,,

 

[Leo99]

They are obligated to follow their written return policy - by law. Of course they wouldn't be the first one to break the rules. I would read it - possibly filters are non returnable or something?

If its a completely legit return you should contact the store manager or corporate. Someone should be able to over-ride the flag.

Ultimately people that abuse the return system end up costing everyone else, so I have sympathy for this on both sides.

Store Return Policy

How to return a product purchased at an AutoZone Store:

To return a product to an AutoZone store, bring back an item in its original condition and packaging, with receipt, within 90 days of the purchase date to request a refund. Return a defective item within the warranty period. Requests for refunds may be denied if the item has been used or installed.

AutoZone reserves the right to require a valid government-issued photo ID for all returns that will be recorded at the time of the return. Information from your ID will be retained in a company-wide database of customer return activity. AutoZone accepts the following IDs for returns: U.S. or Canadian Driver's License, U.S. State ID, Canadian Province ID, U.S. Military ID, Mexican Voter Registration Card, Passport, and U.S. Laser Visa.

If you are returning an item(s) and you no longer have the receipt(s), contact AutoZone Customer Support at 800.288.6966 to request the transaction information for your order. The customer service representative will also explain the process for returning your item(s) to the nearest AutoZone store.

AUTOZONE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO LIMIT RETURNS AND EXCHANGES REGARDLESS OF RECEIPT. (bold all caps is their doing)

 

[Owen Lucas]

I used to be flagged at Home Depot for returns. I worked for a contractor and we did a huge amount of business with them but that also meant frequent returns. The manager always was able to override it without an issue.

Dang, I have a ton of returns to Home Depot and Lowe’s from my plumbing project, I’ll prioritize the most expensive items first.

Maybe I shouldn’t have bought every black pipe nipple size?

 

[BHopkins]

Wow! I have never heard about an Autozone refusing a return. Perhaps their policy has changed, but when my son worked at an Autozone, the employees were trained to accept even the most ridiculous of returns. You must really push the limit on returns.

 

[Carmudgeon]

TRE first hit the news in 2018, so it has been around a while.

Its client list includes Best Buy, Harbor Freight, Home Depot, ****'s Sporting Goods, CVS, JCPenney, Burlington, and for the ladies, Victoria's Secret and Sephora (no judgement if you shop there as well). (**** = sometimes AKA Richard, but apparently, the filter here has no nuance)

At AZ, it supposedly applies to no-receipt returns, tracked by DL and phone number, and triggered by return rate.

If a retailer asks for some form of ID to process a return, they're collecting that data for their purposes, including this. Membership clubs like Costco already have full transaction records and is also known to deny abusers.

Return abuse is a real problem for retailers, and it has come to this because of consumer behavior.

In most places, return policies exist due to competition, not regulation. In some places, return policies aren't customary; if you bought it, you own it.

What return protections that credit cards offer are borne by them, as with their extended warranties. It's no surprise those perks have mostly disappeared on cards with no annual fees.