You’ve probably come across those attractive jewelry sales that offer huge discounts. Sometimes, you can get a piece that’s been marked down not just by 10% or 20%, but by 50% and more. But are these deals really good?
When it comes to buying jewelry, it is very important to have some sort of return policy.
As with many good things in life, sometimes there’s a catch. With jewelry sales, there is something you should look out for.
A Sale Label You Should Be Wary Of
Often, when stores discount some of their jewelry, the pieces are accompanied by labels stating that the sale is final.
The most often used phrase is “All sales are final” or something to that effect. But what does this mean?
When a seller states that the sale is final, this implies that you cannot return the piece once you’ve paid for it. Even if you later find out that there is some problem with the jewelry you bought, you may not be able to get your money back.
Jewelry Return Policy: Why It Is Important to Have One
When it comes to jewelry, it is very important to have some sort of return policy.
Of course, that is an option that is good to have for any kind of product. But with something that you will wear, such as a ring or bracelet, you don’t really know how comfortable you will be with it until you have worn it for some time.
After you wear your newly bought jewelry for several days, you may notice that your new ring doesn’t fit well, or that the new bracelet causes your skin to become irritated.
The point is you never know what unexpected problem with the piece you may discover.
So, if you’re not 100% certain that the jewelry you are buying is the best choice for you, it’s good to have a return policy.
You Don’t Like What You Bought: What’s Next?
What happens if it really turns out that you don’t like your new jewelry and have some issues with it?
First, it is unlikely that you will be able to return the piece if the sale was labeled as final. If there is a problem that needs repairing, you can have it fixed, but this will cost you additional money.
You can try to resell the jewelry, but don’t count on being able to recoup a significant portion of its price. You may not manage to get even 50% of what you paid for the piece, although whatever money you sell it for could offer some consolation.
There Is a Reason for the Huge Discounts
Stores often discount jewelry to get rid of it quickly, and the reason for that is not necessarily a problem with the pieces. The jewelers may just want to make space for jewelry that sells better and is more profitable.
However, sometimes, jewelry is discounted because it is not in the best shape. A piece sold at a huge discount may have a loose mounting, a broken clasp or prong, or a chipped gemstone.
Be especially careful with pieces sold “as is,” which is a term meaning that the seller doesn’t guarantee that the product doesn’t have any defects unless there is an explicit warranty that covers those.
If you buy such jewelry and it turns out to have any faults, you most likely won’t be able to return it because you bought it “as is.”
How to Buy Discounted Jewelry
Next time you come across a jewelry sale, take the time to check whether all sales are final before you buy anything.
If that turns out to be the case, you should make any purchase decision with the knowledge that you won’t be able to return the piece if you don’t like it.
Don’t forget to ask whether the jewelry is sold “as is.” This disclaimer can mean that there is something wrong with the piece, although not necessarily. But before you buy an “as-is” piece, you should inspect it thoroughly for any defects.
Finally, it never hurts to ask why the jewelry is reduced in price, especially if the discount is really big. There may be a legitimate, disclosed reason for the markdown.
