Walmart Registry return

I would definitely message the friend explaining why it got returned. So they here from you first

View Quoted Comment I would have, if I would have known they'd be notified. It was my understanding that a refund would be issued to me, in the form of an e gift card, and I could buy the item again myself. All of the etiquette articles I've read say to keep the gifter out of returns and replacements unless it's absolutely necessary, so as not to cause hurt feelings.

I completely agree with you. That’s a major issue with the store that they need to resolve. In most cases, the person who purchases the item is never informed of an exchange. Because this is an unprecedented situation, send a note to the gift giver to explain what happened. The etiquette books have not been updated to include how to deal with modern technology and stores with poor customer service tactics, since many people would rather that etiquette fade into the distance and never be dealt with again, so so you have to follow your gut as to what is the least offensive resolution.

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The gift giver messaged me with a screenshot asking if I was returning the gift. That's how I found out that they were notified. I said that I had hoped to exchange it because the one I received was broken, but the store only offered a refund. So far, that's been the whole conversation.

I also tried to bring it up to Walmart customer service, but their only interest was that one of us would receive a refund. If it happens again, I'll know to let the gift giver know before I do anything.

That's awful on Walmart's part. They've been doing registries for years, and plenty of stuff people register for is fragile and likely to break in transit. If your friend asks about it any more, I'd just say that you were so excited to receive the gift, but it broke in transit so you were trying to get a replacement and they only offered refunds. If you are planning to get a replacement of the gift you can let your friend know once you do and thank her for the gift as your normally would, tell her that you're so excited to use it, etc.

View Quoted Comment Good advice! Right now, we're both waiting to see how the refund is handled. If I get the e gift card, I'm going to repurchase the item. If they refund the money back to my friend, I'll let them decide what to do, but I do plan on telling them that they certainly don't have to send another gift. The thought is what counts, and they've already been inconvenienced. Walmart is saying 3 weeks for the refund.