Returning a reimbursed item

Hey guys,

I looked throughout the forum and I couldn't find this specific discussion (Maybe I'm a bad Searcher). I've been assigned some shops that offer a very good reimbursement for expenses and very little actual pay. I've read the guidelines back and forth and nowhere does it say that you can't return the item. The store has a policy to reimburse in cash the item.

I'm currently cash strapped and, although the items are really awesome and things that I need, I need the money more than anything.

If it's not mentioned in the guidelines or the training, can I assume that returning the item is allowed? I would definitely not do it if anywhere it tells me that is prohibited, but it doesn't say a single thing about it. Can they notice easily if you return the item several days later? What would you guys do?

Edit: MSC already approved my reports and payment, if any of that matters... but I'm still within the window of reimbursement from the store.

Thanks for any advice

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/10/2018 01:54AM by aldoman.

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

More About Reimbursements

I'd contact the msc and ask.

It is frowned upon in this forum. I feel the item is yours to do as you wish. The guidelines will have a statement about returns if it were an issue.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

Oh yikes..it's better to ask the msc as mentioned before returning..on one hand you can go ahead and cross your fingers you don't get caught but what happens if this isn't allowed..you get caught and get barred from that msc...much better to ask..you never know..they might say yes...

Shopping Idaho and Oregon/Idaho border region.

I eBay stuff that I don't need all the time. Actually, I often make my store selection based on the ability to flip it quick on eBay.

You’ll want check with the MSC. If they says it’s okay, make sure you have it in writing. Depending on the store and if they require receipts for returns, your purchase may already be ineligible. Or the client may infor the MSC that the refunded your purchase and the MSC may not reimburse you.

If the MSC says no - you can also put it on Facebook Marketplace, or even Craigslist.

@jsall09 wrote:

If the MSC says no - you can also put it on Facebook Marketplace, or even Craigslist.

Or eBay if you're a seller there.

Y'know, if you return it after the client has your report, there is the risk that it is a mystery shop; your returning it would likely then out you as a shopper. That is not good for future mystery shopping. Word gets around, especially at malls. I've had my photo taken while doing the revealed part of a shop in a mall, and it was shared around the mall.

You can donate it and write it off of your taxes.

I would also ask just to be safe, and I think posting it somewhere else to sell would be a good option.

@2stepps wrote:

You can donate it and write it off of your taxes.

Well, first, to write off donations, you must qualify (I believe by itemizing your taxes); it's definitely not deductible on the Schedule C as a business expense.

Secondly, to donate it, you can't have a cost basis of ZERO, which it would have if your purchase were fully reimbursed.

The best tax advice to take off a public (or private) forum is: Talk to a tax professional.

Goodwill doesn't ask those questions. They just give you a receipt.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

LetGo and OfferUp apps are also good options. If it's something you think would sell fast.

@HonnyBrown wrote:

Goodwill doesn't ask those questions. They just give you a receipt.

No, but just because you can do something doesn't mean it's legal to do it. Servers can underclaim their tips; does not make it right.

"Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn. Do you disagree? Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you - and why?” ~Walter Williams

Goodwill does not file your income tax and / or attest to its accuracy. The IRS limits the deduction to the amount you paid for it. You paid nothing. Suppose someone gives you a present and you take it to Goodwill. Technically, that donation is not worth anything to you as a deduction since you did not pay for it. You get to decide what you are willing to attest to on your income tax return, but if you happen to get audited, be sure to have receipts.

@HonnyBrown wrote:

Goodwill doesn't ask those questions. They just give you a receipt.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login

Returning a reimbursed item

Create an Account or Log In

Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies

Mystery Shopper Magazine