Bath and body works used candle return policy

Bath and Body Works store

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Is it true that you can receive free candles at Bath and Body Works?
Dive Brief:
Dive Insight:
Can you return candles at Bath and Body Works?
Can you return used items to Bath and Body Works?
What do you do with empty Bath and Body Works candle jars?

Even if you're not a dedicated coupon clipper (or whatever the 2021 version of that action is), it's likely that you still pay attention to interesting ways that you could save money at your favorite stores. One of the most dedicated groups of retail fans is likely those who shop the crowded displays at Bath and Body Works stores across the country. Over the years, several publications, blogs, and employees have spilled money-saving secrets about shopping at Bath and Body Works. Aside from making sure that you hit up the store's two semi-annual sales throughout each year, Good Housekeeping recommends taking advantage of the store's generous return policy, which allows customers to return any product at any time for any reason — as long as you have a receipt. Even if you don't have a receipt, it's likely that you will at least be able to receive store credit.

Aside from taking advantage of the store's lenient return policy, customers can also save money at Bath and Body Works by doing the rather obvious penny-pinching things, like subscribing to the store's newsletter, taking receipt surveys, and using current (and even expired) coupons, according to The Penny Hoarder.

Is it true that you can receive free candles at Bath and Body Works?

Bath and Body Works shopping bag

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Last week, thousands of people shared a Facebook post by user Kristen Peden, who shared a juicy secret: Customers at Bath and Body Works can return their empty candle jars in exchange for a free, three-wick candle. "Public service announcement!! Ladies how many of you shop for candles at [Bath and Body Works]?? At Christmas mainly and birthdays I splurge and go and get about $200-$300 worth of candles for my family, friends, and myself. They are expensive candles. BUT they last forever and smell AMAZING!! Little did I know....YOU CAN TAKE THE EMPTY CANDLE JAR BACK TO BATH AND BODY AND GET A BRAND. NEW. FREE...YES FREE CANDLE ... I called the store today and [asked]. Its legit ... also now I'm mad at myself because I can't tell you how many old jars I've [thrown] away," Peden posted on Facebook.

While it might be that Peden simply took advantage of the store's flexible return policy, WKDQ, after speaking with a current Bath and Body Works employee, discovered that this claim actually isn't true at all. According to the current employee, Bath and Body Works will not even accept your old, burnt-out candles and allow you to exchange them for a free candle. While it is an eco-friendly option, it isn't the most lucrative one for Bath and Body Works.

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Dive Brief:

Bath & Body Works is enacting some changes with its return policy, all of which will go into effect Sept. 14, according to a company announcement.
At select U.S. stores, customers will be limited to $250 in non-receipted returns or exchanges within a 90-day period. The company will use an electronic system to record, monitor, analyze and limit returns and exchanges. Customers will need to show a government-issued ID to track those returns and exchanges.
“Bath & Body Works is committed to our longstanding 100% satisfaction guarantee and wants customers to love what they buy. Changes to the policy come after listening to feedback from Bath & Body Works associates and customers,” a company spokesperson said in a statement to Retail Dive.

Dive Insight:

Bath & Body Works is still offering customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on products. But, the retailer is getting ready to set parameters on some returns.

The company states that customers can return “anything, anytime for any reason,” at its namesake or White Barn store banners and receive a full refund, but products are subject to the terms of its returns policy.

A widely known aspect of the company’s past return policy has been the ability for customers to return products that were mostly or completely used. However, in its updated policy the company will not allow the return or exchange of products that show excessive wear and tear. Whether a product shows excessive wear or tear or is returned new or gently used “will be determined by Bath & Body Works and White Barn in their sole discretion,” according to the company.

Additionally, a one-time price adjustment will be issued for in-store purchases when an original receipt is shown within 14 days after the purchase. Price adjustments will not be given to select promotions that last 48 hours or less, including the company’s flash sales or its popular “Candle Day” event.

Retailers have seen an increase in returns over the years, with the National Retail Federation stating that an estimated $761 billion in merchandise sold in 2021 was returned by consumers, which accounted for an average of 16.6% of retail sales.

That has led to a number of companies rethinking or updating their policies. Zara recently announced that U.K. customers would be charged a fee to return online purchases to third-party drop-off points. Other retailers are reportedly considering allowing customers to keep returns versus dealing with costly reverse logistics during a time of excess inventory and increased supply chain costs.

The enduring fan base that boosts Bath & Body Works By Kaarin Vembar • Sept. 21, 2020

Can you return candles at Bath and Body Works?

The great news is you can still return candles, even gently used ones for another scent. One new addition to the Bath & Body Works return policy is that your exchanges must be for the same item at the same price point, perfect for those looking to swap for a new scent.

Can you return used items to Bath and Body Works?

Return anything, anytime for any reason. 100% Guaranteed. If at any time you're not completely satisfied with the quality of our products, you may return them to any of our Bath & Body Works or White Barn Stores in the US for a full refund, subject to the terms of our Return Policy.