When the rug arrived, what I could see through the packaging appeared more printed and artificial looking than I expected, so I decided not to open it and instead return it.
I understand that retailers need to cover shipping and return costs, and I appreciate that. Fortunately, I had a nearby outlet location and was able to return the rug there without paying return shipping. Had I needed to ship it back, the return cost was significant and a hard pill to swallow for seeing if I liked a rug and deciding it wasn't for me.
What gives me pause is the broader online shopping experience. Sometimes it's difficult to know exactly what you're getting from photos alone, and the only way to determine whether something is right for you is to order it and see it in person. As more retailers charge return fees, trying products out can become an added expense. Experiences like this are starting to push me back toward shopping in physical stores where I can see items firsthand before making a purchase.