Skip to Content
Todd Earwood

Connecting the dots of life and business

Search for specific content:
Browse content by category:

Zappos’ Amazing Return Policy

I recently ordered a couple clothing items from Zappos that didn’t quite fit. No biggie. I called their customer service line and immediately talked to a human being who changed my order to other items, emailed me the new receipt and a printable return label (i.e. – free shipping on my return).

In my haste to leave town I stuffed the two items to be returned into the Zappos box and somehow threw in a client’s copy of Adobe Creative Suite software. When I got back from Austin, I was puzzled to find a Zappos box on my front porch (the previous items were already picked up). After sorting through my mail, I opened the Zappos box to find the software and all its cd’s returned.

Although they’re due for an upgrade, I was shocked that a massive operation like Zappos not only found my software, but tracked down my name and address to ship back (also for free). While Zappos isn’t always cheapest, I only see a MAJOR upside as their customer service stories continue to spread. I’ve gotten to know a few Zappos employees (their distribution center is 15 miles from me) and they say the tales of their dedication to customer service and culture are true.

I don’t order much clothing or shoes online, but it’s worth the few extra dollars a Zappos item may cost just to know you they’ll get it right, even if YOU screw up.

What’s your best Zappos story?

 — 
  • http://www.cuteonthecheap.com Ally

    That's terrific. I'm a HUGE fan of Zappos!

  • http://www.dormbuys.com Deryl

    It's easy to fall in love with a company like Zappos. When I bring them up in conversations, I typically refer to them as a company that “gets it”. I've been out to their customer service/home office facility in Vegas and the culture is on full display there. It's cool to see a company who is great to their customers, employees & vendors!

  • Dallas J. Moore

    That's a good story. I could see me doing something funny like that. Customer service can talk miles for a company. Good stuff, thanks for sharing.

  • http://www.toddearwood.com earwood

    Deryl – I agree. It's really hard NOT to like Zappos. I'm just impressed that they don't have to play the cheapest, “always on sale” game.

  • http://www.petmedpros.com/ Dan A. Root

    This is just one of many great stories about Zappos customer support. It's great to see people like you posting about your experience, because it's exactly what they hope could happen. So, in the end, their great support strategy paid off – because afterall – you did post about it and if you had to put a price tag on the value of this blog post… it would be much more than both the shipping expenses they covered for you combined.

    As a pet medication e-commerce store owner, I make it my goal to mimic the truly revolutionary customer support model that Zappos has “re-invented”. Hopefully one day my company will be mentioned with the likes of Zappos as a great company to both work for and buy from.

    Oh, and if you are ever in need of any pet medications – please consider us first, because we will take great care of you and your pet as Zappos did with your clothing items.

    Sincerely,
    Dan A. Root
    PetMedPros.com

  • http://www.petmedpros.com/ Dan A. Root

    This is just one of many great stories about Zappos customer support. It's great to see people like you posting about your experience, because it's exactly what they hope could happen. So, in the end, their great support strategy paid off – because afterall – you did post about it and if you had to put a price tag on the value of this blog post… it would be much more than both the shipping expenses they covered for you combined.

    As a pet medication e-commerce store owner, I make it my goal to mimic the truly revolutionary customer support model that Zappos has “re-invented”. Hopefully one day my company will be mentioned with the likes of Zappos as a great company to both work for and buy from.

    Oh, and if you are ever in need of any pet medications – please consider us first, because we will take great care of you and your pet as Zappos did with your clothing items.

    Sincerely,
    Dan A. Root
    PetMedPros.com

  • http://www.petmedpros.com/ Dan A. Root

    This is just one of many great stories about Zappos customer support. It's great to see people like you posting about your experience, because it's exactly what they hope could happen. So, in the end, their great support strategy paid off – because afterall – you did post about it and if you had to put a price tag on the value of this blog post… it would be much more than both the shipping expenses they covered for you combined.

    As a pet medication e-commerce store owner, I make it my goal to mimic the truly revolutionary customer support model that Zappos has “re-invented”. Hopefully one day my company will be mentioned with the likes of Zappos as a great company to both work for and buy from.

    Oh, and if you are ever in need of any pet medications – please consider us first, because we will take great care of you and your pet as Zappos did with your clothing items.

    Sincerely,

    Dan A. Root

    PetMedPros.com