Ikea Return Policy is NO RETURNS! Covina California

The problem with IKEA's return policy in Caliornia is that it is misleading.

Signs all over the Costa Mesa store promote a "Love it or Leave it" return policy.  The fine print on the signs make a few disclaimers like no returns on bedding or pillows.  It says you can't return "used" merchandise - but does not define what "Used" means.  The in-store ads clearly does NOT say you cannot return merchandise if the box is opened.   

I bought a table at IKEA and assembled it and decided it was too flimsy for my needs. We carefully disassembled it, repacked it and returned it to the store, expecting a no hassle return. 

Well, we got hassled... the merchandise was used, according to the "expert" behind the counter. We settled for 70 cents on the dollar.

Too bad for IKEA.  All I can recommend is that you follow my advice: Voice your opinion on Rip-off Report and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Ikea's return policy is described in VERY large letters everywhere around the checkout area and all over the store. It's pretty simple. You only get a refund for UNUSED merchandise -- meaning that you have not opened the package. If you opened the package and took the item out, it is now USED merchandise, and they should not have taken it back at all. The Ikea employee who assembled the item for you probably thought it was defective. I am definitely glad you won't be shopping at Ikea anymore -- people like you who abuse return policies simply drive up the prices for everyone else.

Unfortunately, since the box was opened there was no way to know for sure if it had been assembled or not. The company just sees the product is opened, for all they know it could have been assembled and then disassembled and put back in to box.

I believe the OP indicated that the box the chair came in was open -but it never was assembled before returning it.

It was Ikea personnel that assembled the chair when the OP attempted to return it.

First of all, nearly all retail establishments have strict rules against using personal cameras on the premises. Try taking pictures inside Walmart and see how fast you are removed from the store and the police called. It is NOT your "right" to cause a scene, take photos, etc. inside the store, which technically is private property, the rules of which you must follow should you wish to continue to remain on the premises.

Secondly, the furniture was indeed removed from the box and assembled. Therefore they can no longer sell it if they were to issue you a refund for it. You should have noted the return policy before making your purchase and choosing to open the box and assemble the item. Better yet, you could have made sure that you liked the item by looking at the one on display and trying it out before buying it.

And finally, IKEA's refund policy is clearly stated on signage throughout the store, as well as the checkout area, on your receipt, and on their website. The policy is NOT simply "no returns" as you incorrectly claim. May I suggest you review the facts before making up off-the-wall embellished tales.

First of all, nearly all retail establishments have strict rules against using personal cameras on the premises. Try taking pictures inside Walmart and see how fast you are removed from the store and the police called. It is NOT your "right" to cause a scene, take photos, etc. inside the store, which technically is private property, the rules of which you must follow should you wish to continue to remain on the premises.

Secondly, the furniture was indeed removed from the box and assembled. Therefore they can no longer sell it if they were to issue you a refund for it. You should have noted the return policy before making your purchase and choosing to open the box and assemble the item. Better yet, you could have made sure that you liked the item by looking at the one on display and trying it out before buying it.

And finally, IKEA's refund policy is clearly stated on signage throughout the store, as well as the checkout area, on your receipt, and on their website. The policy is NOT simply "no returns" as you incorrectly claim. May I suggest you review the facts before making up off-the-wall embellished tales.

First of all, nearly all retail establishments have strict rules against using personal cameras on the premises. Try taking pictures inside Walmart and see how fast you are removed from the store and the police called. It is NOT your "right" to cause a scene, take photos, etc. inside the store, which technically is private property, the rules of which you must follow should you wish to continue to remain on the premises.

Secondly, the furniture was indeed removed from the box and assembled. Therefore they can no longer sell it if they were to issue you a refund for it. You should have noted the return policy before making your purchase and choosing to open the box and assemble the item. Better yet, you could have made sure that you liked the item by looking at the one on display and trying it out before buying it.

And finally, IKEA's refund policy is clearly stated on signage throughout the store, as well as the checkout area, on your receipt, and on their website. The policy is NOT simply "no returns" as you incorrectly claim. May I suggest you review the facts before making up off-the-wall embellished tales.