Once lenient, return policy changes dramatically in Australia and varies between shops. Personally I prefer the Australian way and ready to pay a slight premium for the return of peace of mind. Myers, Dj, Kmart and Big W are the few I like. Other retail has stricter policy. (Edit: omitted Ikea)
How would Return Policy influence your shopping?
Thanks Pauly for your comment.
It seems like Ikea's return policy has been modified. http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_AA/customer_service/return_policy/….
Once its return policy was like once the goods is opened, you owe it.
Now they offer credit note with receipt.
It was like 30 days and now 90 days.
The only time I ever care about a return policy is when I buy clothing online as it's impossible to try on beforehand so I need to know I can swap the size out if it doesn't fit.
Otherwise I couldn't care less, as most products come with a warranty anyway if it breaks, and I rarely ever change my mind on something once I'm set on buying it.
Doesn't affect me at all, except with clothing
It depends on what you buy I guess. For clothing, then I assume some would shop with stores that have relaxed return policies since they can't try before they buy online.
For electronics/electricals, personally I would just search for the best bargain and get it from whoever sells them the cheapest.
Just out of curiosity, why is Ikea's return policy strict? I was at IKEA WA yesterday, and happen to see their 'return policy' ads plastered everywhere in the loo. It seems pretty flexible? They would apparently give you a full refund if you change your mind provided you have not assembled the stuff you bought. Otherwise they'll happily give you a store credit?