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Published on:

14th Dec 2023

Made to last

That's the sound of me lying on the floor of my dining room.

I'm fighting with a giant metal cabinet that the girlfriend now uses to store her baking tools.

We have two of them, but we only paid for one of them.

The first one was defective.

We asked for a replacement part.

Instead, they sent us a whole new cabinet.

And the company said, keep the old one.

According to Reuters, this is happening more.

Americans are expected to return more than $170 billion of goods this year, and nearly 60% of retailers have return lists or keep it policies for products whose returns cost more than their value.

And according to one of my favorite substacks, Demography Unplugged, returns have increased due to online shopping.

Demography Unplugged

New Retail Policy: Keep Your Returns

This holiday season, many retailers have adopted a “keep it” return policy. Instead of giving back unwanted merchandise, customers can keep the items free of charge. —Reuters…

Read more

4 days ago · 3 likes · Demography Unplugged

Customers often change their minds when they see their items in person.

And honestly, who hasn't done that?

I've done that.

The average return costs retailers about $30.

Many stores believe that time and the cost of processing these returns aren't worth the effort.

Nor are most of the things we buy.

It feels like there was some sort of secret meeting convened where the powers that be decided that most of the furniture and electronics that we buy will be more cumbersome and harder to put together.

That they'd stop working sooner.

That these items won't be worth our time.

I hope this cabinet proves me wrong.

The Holiday eCommerce Returns Surge: Unwrapping Strategies for Retailers in 2023

https://www.gotrg.com/post/the-holiday-ecommerce-returns-surge-unwrapping-strategies-for-retailers-in-2023

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About the Podcast

The Daily Note with James A. Brown
Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. 5 days a week, 90 seconds a day, on-air and online from sea to shining sea.
The Daily Note is a daily commentary podcast that finds deeper meaning in everyday moments. Host James A. Brown explores how our world really works through thoughtful observation and authentic storytelling.

Each short-form episode starts with something specific James noticed while walking downtown, a conversation overheard in a coffee shop, or a small detail that revealed something larger about modern life. These aren't political hot takes or partisan commentary. The Daily Note offers genuine reflection and systems thinking for busy professionals.
This daily podcast serves listeners who want intelligent analysis without the noise. Perfect for commuters, coffee breaks, and anyone seeking thoughtful perspective on current events, workplace dynamics, and American culture.

The Daily Note delivers smart commentary, personal storytelling, and practical insights in bite-sized episodes that respect your time and intelligence. New episodes Monday through Friday.

Commentary for people who want to understand their world better, not feel better about what they already believe.

To support my work and tell me what you think join me at JamesABrown.net.
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