[noitpmeder]

To be honest I don't think they do "no question asked refunds" for the consumer's benefit -- probably more so that they don't have to devote customer support resources to handling all the return requests they get.

I'm sure you'd soon find it's not quite a guaranteed "no questions asked" process if you repeatedly return large expensive items.

[potato3732842]

>probably more so that they don't have to devote customer support resources to handling all the return

Sounds like a win-win then.

This isn't zero sum. Just because it's better for the company doesn't mean it's worse for the consumer.

[noitpmeder]

Sure, but just because it's also pleasant for the consumer as a byproduct doesn't mean you can attribute their actions to that cause, e.g. this doesn't make them altruistic.

[Calvin02]

Have you ever tried to return something bought at a clothing store? I made that mistake once in France.

You’re creating an absurd standard “repeatedly return large expensive items” but even every day things are way easier in the US.

[vladms]

I think it's more about the type of store. I was with acquaintances returning clothes at high end stores (meaning: expensive) and service was great. I would not try that at a low end store (meaning: cheap).

From my point of view processing a return costs the store money. If they don't make a high margin they will (try to) discourage it. If in US everywhere they are fine with it for me it means they make higher margins everywhere.

[mrtksn]

Exactly. Europe’s regulations are about the absolute bottom, not intended to be taken as the average experience.

On average US companies are much better with customer experience. Of course until they corner you, then they may choose not to and then you have it worse than Europeans.