Trader Joe’s shopper tests ‘secret policy’ and says it ‘definitely works’ – but fans worry people will start abusing it

A TRADER Joe’s shopper tested a little-known policy that fans fear some might start abusing.

They tried to take advantage of the retailer’s rule during a recent visit to their local store.

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After purchasing a Trader Joe’s food item they didn’t like, customer and budget influencer Finance Unfolded (@financeunfolded) decided to return.

The influencer purchased a different item that he thought he would like better and took it to the counter, where a cashier returned the money for the item he was not satisfied with to use on the new one.

“Trader Joe’s will allow you to return any item in the store,” Finance Unfolded stated in a clip On Instagram.

“If you eat something from Trader Joe’s and don’t want it anymore – you can literally pick any item in the store, take it to the register and they will give you your money back to use on a new item.”

They dubbed it Trader Joe’s “secret policy.”

Some customers who watched the influencer’s video were incredulous.

One buyer asked if they would need a return receipt and a refund to validate everything, but Finance Unfolded said no proof was needed.

“No! No receipt needed,” they wrote.

Others were thrilled to learn of the alleged hack.

“I love Trader Joe’s!” one fan exclaimed.

Another shopper wasn’t so sure about the policy, arguing that many Trader Joe’s customers would simply “start abusing it” and constantly return items.

CUSTOMERS FIRST

Trader Joe’s return policy is very lenient, so Business Insider.

Most merchandise, including opened and even half-eaten food products and other non-edible items, can be returned for a full refund with no questions asked, according to what a former employee told the publication.

The retailer wants to ensure customer satisfaction and even allows select items to be returned without a receipt on a case-by-case basis.

Trader Joe’s Return Policy

Trader Joe’s return policy is set with customer satisfaction in mind.

Almost all items can be returned for a full refund if customers are not satisfied with what they purchased, according to details from a former employee.

Half-eaten and opened food products are accepted, sometimes without the need for proof of purchase.

The money customers receive can be used as credit for any other product they want in the store.

Trader Joe’s return policy was created to give customers the freedom to buy what they want without fear of losing money if they don’t like it.

THE SAME IDEA

Competitors like Costco also have a return policy with similar basics.

Costco guarantees “100% satisfaction” to associates and accepts many returns without stipulation, depending on its website.

Some members took full advantage of the policy and returned several surprising items.

A warehouse customer spotted someone successfully returning two 10-year-old mattresses with pee stains.

Another witnessed a member return a wilted bouquet of Valentine’s Day flowers a week after the holiday ended.