Williams-Sonoma Returns PSA

stwoll

Did you know that Williams-Sonoma does not accpet any  returns or exchanges, even for store credit, without a gift or original receipt? Well, they don't. Just be aware if you are considering a WS registry or anyone gives you something from WS.

Jennifer2008

We did not have this experience at all -- they took back everything we brought back to return (for store credit, not cash, obviously). We had no receipts or anything. They were super easy going and very helpful. They also gave us the 10% discount after the wedding on things from our registry, as well as other items we liked but had not put on our original registry. 

stwoll

Interesting - I called our local store today and they said no returns or exchanges without a gift or original receipt. I looked around online and I guess their policy changed on 2/1/10. Just be warned!

samurai21

Typically most stores allow you to return items that were bough off of your registry even if you don't have a receipt. Did you ask about their registry reutrn policy or just their regular return policy? They can be different.

Jennifer2008

Also, the people in the store who are chatting away with you are going to be more flexible than the person on the phone reading their policy -- or at least, that is always my experience. And yes, the registry (the item being listed there) counts as a receipt -- but we had non-registry items that they happily took back, too. 

noodle_oo

I think a lot of stores are changing their policies to be more strict about returns.  I would definitely call or ask at your local store if you are registered there now (as it might have changed since Jennifer2008 got married in 2008).

stwoll

I did not register at WS, so it wasn't an item off my registry. I will try in person and see what happens, and give everyone an update.

Jennifer2008

I did get married in 2008, but should have mentioned two of my sisters have since gotten married and one is getting married this summer (which is why I'm back on here) and all of us registered at Williams-Sonoma without problems (Pottery Barn, too, was really great for everyone, and Bloomingdales for me. Crate and Barrel gave one a headache about non-registry gifts without receipts though, but it seemed to depend which person they got). 

But, totally agree, talk to the manager at your local store about your concerns and see what they say -- that is always good advice.

Happy registering!

stwoll

Yeah - went into the local store and spoke with the manager on duty - no luck. They weren't willing to budge on the policy at all. Unbelievable for a high-end retailer.

RemyAlexandra

If you are registered there, they can look up your registry information to show that the item you want to return was actually purchased at williams-sonoma.  I think you have like 6 months after your wedding to return items.