Why Trader Joe's Return Policy Is One Of The Best Out There For Saving Money

Trader Joe's features a generous return policy that operates as the closest thing possible to a "try before you buy" system. You'll obviously need to purchase something in the store to take home, but after checking out you have virtually unlimited leniency when it comes to returning things. Trader Joe's does business with customer satisfaction at the forefront of its operations, and returning items without a receipt, half-eaten, or similarly used isn't a problem. The only stipulation for most returns (aside from restrictive items like alcohol) is that you didn't like the product.

In some cases, Trader Joe's will offer a refund on goods that you didn't like even without a receipt for the item in question. Although, to take advantage of this leeway, you'll want to lean on it sparingly. This wiggle room to return things that you haven't enjoyed is great for those who want to try new things — but it's also an amazing opportunity to save money. Utilizing the Trader Joe's return policy to expand your horizons, and try new things without the financial consequences of disliking it, can be a great way to ensure you still balance your budget despite any product disappointments.

Many people shy away from adventurous spending when it comes to their grocery list. Building a list, after all, is a key financial resource that can help protect you from the enticing efforts that grocery stores use to get you to spend more money. A list is a must-have defensive solution when shopping for even the shortest of grocery necessities. However, this tool also tends to close shoppers off to novel items and off-the cuff-additions that can make for exciting cooking fusions and new flavor experiences.

A fear of investing in a new product, ingredient, or even different cut of meat that might not provide the value you're looking for, can prevent shoppers from venturing away from their comfort zone. Wasting money on things you won't use — or end up not liking (whether that's in the kitchen or elsewhere in your shopping needs) — can feel like a kick in the teeth. But with Trader Joe's return policy in your back pocket, you can flip the script on this problem. Instead of fearing change on your shopping list, buying new items to try can instead become a fun, and consequence free, part of the shopping experience.

Financial advice personalities often suggest buying in bulk. This is one of Mark Cuban's key tips for managing your money with greater efficiency, for instance. Bulk buys cost more upfront, but they tend to lower the price per unit by a notable, or even extreme, margin. The result is a great bargain on things you know you'll need in the future, particularly non-perishable goods like paper towels, canned goods, or even things like socks. However, while buying in bulk is a great way to reduce your long term costs, it requires two sacrifices that not everyone is equipped to make. First, you'll need space to store your excess goods. Second, there's the risk of buying a large order of new goods only to find that it doesn't suit your needs. 

Leveraging Trader Joe's return policy can help mitigate this issue significantly. Testing out a new product allows you to get a sense for how it works within your home's demanding requirements. If the brand or item is a great addition to your shopping list, you might follow up a bulk purchase either at Trader Joe's or somewhere else that offers the best price for the item. On the flip side, if your initial purchase doesn't meet your expectations, returning it for a refund ensures no harm comes to your budget, and no unwanted bulky items end up taking space in your home.