Core Viewpoint - The Beijing Municipal Market Supervision Administration has drafted the "Beijing Offline No-Reason Return Commitment Guidelines (Trial) (Draft for Comments)" to establish a unified guideline for offline no-reason returns, aiming to enhance consumer rights protection and stimulate consumption potential in the capital [2][3]. Group 1: Guidelines and Implementation - The draft consists of 21 articles providing reference for offline retailers to implement no-reason return commitments [3]. - Retailers can decide the types of products eligible for no-reason returns, the applicable scope, return timelines, conditions, and processes based on their actual circumstances [3][4]. - Certain products, such as customized items, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal clothing, are not recommended for inclusion in the no-reason return policy [3][4]. Group 2: Conditions for Returns - Consumers can request a return within the retailer's promised timeframe, presenting a purchase invoice or other proof of purchase [4]. - The definition of "product integrity" includes maintaining original quality and completeness of the product, accessories, and branding [4]. - Opening packaging for inspection does not affect the product's integrity, but excessive use leading to depreciation is considered as affecting integrity [4][5]. Group 3: Return Process and Consumer Obligations - Consumers must return the product along with all accessories, gifts, warranty cards, and packaging; failure to return gifts may require payment of their value [5][6]. - If discounts or promotions were applied using points or coupons, the return must be processed accordingly, with adjustments made based on the original price before discounts [5][6]. Group 4: Consumer Conduct and Rights - The draft specifies that consumers must adhere to good faith principles and cannot exploit the no-reason return policy for personal gain [7]. - Retailers can refuse returns if they can prove malicious behavior by the consumer, such as "fake purchases" or "using before returning" [7]. Group 5: Regulatory Oversight - Local market supervision departments are tasked with guiding and supervising retailers in fulfilling their commitments [8]. - Retailers that withdraw from the no-reason return commitment cannot promote the activity, and those misrepresenting their participation will face legal consequences [8].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is the implementation of the national standard for "no-reason return" service in offline retail, effective from May 1, aimed at enhancing consumer rights and improving the shopping experience [1][2] - The initiative is part of a broader plan by the State Administration for Market Regulation, which aims to have over 1.5 million offline retailers offering no-reason return policies by 2027 [1] - In 2022, over 200,000 items were returned under the no-reason return policy in Wuhan, indicating a significant improvement in consumer experience [1] Group 2 - Consumers are entitled to a "cooling-off" period for returns, which empowers them against the inherent advantages that sellers have regarding product knowledge [2] - The lack of mandatory requirements for offline no-reason returns raises concerns among retailers about potential losses from returns and the impact on resale value [2] - Successful implementation of no-reason return policies requires trust and cooperation between consumers and retailers, fostering a win-win environment [2] Group 3 - The establishment of a robust credit system, clear complaint channels, and optimized return policies are essential for protecting the rights of both consumers and businesses [3] - Jiangsu province has pioneered the development of provincial standards for offline no-reason returns, focusing on reducing disputes by allowing retailers to define return conditions [3] - The use of cloud technology to facilitate returns, including options for local purchases with online returns, enhances consumer satisfaction and fairness in the shopping environment [3]

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of the national standard "After-Sales Service No-Reason Return Service Specification" starting from May 1 aims to provide guidelines on return conditions, processes, and service supervision for no-reason returns in both online and offline sales [1] Group 1: Online vs. Offline No-Reason Returns - Online no-reason returns are mandatory under consumer rights protection laws, allowing consumers to return goods within seven days without justification, while offline returns are based on the seller's voluntary commitment [2][3] - The Consumer Rights Protection Law specifies that consumers can return goods that do not meet quality standards, making offline returns conditional on quality issues rather than being unconditional [3] Group 2: Guidelines for Offline No-Reason Returns - The "Three-Year Action Plan for Optimizing the Consumption Environment (2025-2027)" encourages physical stores to commit to no-reason returns, balancing consumer rights and seller burdens [4] - Retailers must clearly define which products are eligible for no-reason returns and display this information prominently in their stores [4] - The effective period for no-reason returns is determined by the seller's commitment or mutual agreement with the consumer, starting from the date of product delivery [4] Group 3: Return Process and Requirements - Consumers wishing to return products must present proof of purchase and return the item along with all accessories and packaging [5] - Upon receiving a return request, sellers must verify if the return meets the no-reason criteria and inform the consumer of the return process and timeline [5] Group 4: Regulatory Differences - Online sellers are subject to strict penalties for failing to comply with no-reason return obligations, while offline sellers face civil liability for not honoring their commitments [6][7] - The new standard aims to enhance consumer confidence in offline purchases by ensuring that no-reason returns are not exclusive to online transactions [7]

Core Viewpoint - The recent action plan aims to enhance consumer experience and stimulate market vitality by encouraging physical stores to adopt a "no-reason return" policy, similar to online shopping practices [1][2]. Group 1: Action Plan Details - The action plan, titled "Three-Year Action Plan for Optimizing the Consumption Environment (2025-2027)," sets a target of developing over 1.5 million physical stores with a dynamic "no-reason return" commitment by 2027 [1]. - This initiative is expected to increase consumer confidence in shopping, compel merchants to improve product quality and service levels, and create a new "worry-free return" shopping environment [1]. Group 2: Implementation and Regulation - The "no-reason return" policy is clarified to not mean "unconditional and limitless returns," with a new service standard set to be implemented on May 1, which outlines specific return conditions, processes, and service evaluations [1]. - Relevant departments are encouraged to enhance the operational mechanisms for the "no-reason return" policy, ensuring compliance through dynamic management and supervision, including penalties for non-compliance [2]. Group 3: Consumer and Merchant Balance - The initiative is seen as a crucial step in promoting consumption upgrades and creating a harmonious shopping environment, with suggestions for diverse methods to provide a relaxed shopping atmosphere [2]. - To prevent abuse of the policy by consumers, measures such as establishing consumer credit records and merchant complaint channels are recommended to protect legitimate merchant interests and achieve a win-win situation for both consumers and merchants [2].