Return Policy Cheat Sheet: 40+ Retailers Explained

Return policies change frequently - always verify current policy on the retailer’s website before making a purchase decision.

Return policies are confusing by design.

Every retailer has different rules. Different windows. Different exceptions. Different requirements. What’s 30 days at one store is 90 days at another, 14 days at a third, and “it depends” at a fourth.

This guide cuts through the noise. Here are the return policies for 40+ major retailers, organized by category.

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Quick Reference: The Essentials

Before diving into specifics, remember these universal rules:

1. Window starts vary - Some count from purchase date, some from delivery date
2. Online vs. in-store often differ - Read carefully
3. Sale items may have restrictions - Final sale means final
4. Keep receipts/emails - Digital works, but save them
5. Original packaging helps - Especially for electronics

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Major Online Retailers

Amazon

• Window: 30 days from delivery (most items); 14 days for electronics
• Exceptions: Electronics (computers, cameras, etc.) are now 14 days; hazmat/groceries not returnable
• Method: Prepaid label, drop at UPS/Whole Foods/Kohl’s/Amazon locker
• Tip: Extended holiday return window applies (usually items bought Oct-Dec returnable until Jan 31)

Target

• Window: 90 days (most items), 120 days with Target Circle Card
• Exceptions: Electronics often 30 days (even for cardholders); open music/movies/games not returnable
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Target-owned brands (Cat & Jack, All in Motion) have 1-year returns

Walmart

• Window: 90 days (most items)
• Exceptions: Electronics often 14-30 days; some items (air mattresses, bikes) need original packaging
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Walmart+ members get free return shipping; Marketplace items vary

Costco

• Window: Unlimited (most items), 90 days (electronics/appliances)
• Exceptions: Cigarettes, alcohol, custom items (no returns)
• Method: In-store, or call for large items
• Tip: Costco’s policy is legendarily generous, but the 90-day limit on electronics is strict

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Fashion Retailers

Nordstrom

• Window: No official limit (case-by-case evaluation)
• Exceptions: Some special occasion items have restrictions
• Method: In-store, curbside, or by mail (free)
• Tip: Nordstrom’s flexibility is legendary, but be reasonable

Zara

• Window: 30 days from shipping date
• Exceptions: Swimwear, underwear (hygienic seal must be intact)
• Method: In-store (free) or by mail ($4.95 deducted from refund)
• Tip: In-store returns are free; mail returns cost you

H&M

• Window: 30 days
• Exceptions: Swimwear, pierced jewelry (no returns if opened)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: H&M Members get 45 days instead of 30

ASOS

• Window: 28 days from delivery
• Exceptions: Swimwear/underwear with broken hygiene seal
• Method: By mail
• Tip: Premier members get extended returns during holidays

Uniqlo

• Window: 30 days from purchase
• Exceptions: Altered items, underwear (no returns)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Uniqlo is strict about tags being attached

Nike

• Window: 60 days (unworn), 60 days even if worn (Nike Members)
• Exceptions: Customized items may have restrictions
• Method: In-store or by mail (free for members)
• Tip: Nike Members can return worn items if not satisfied - generous policy

Gap / Old Navy / Banana Republic

• Window: 30 days (45 days for some cardholders)
• Exceptions: No cross-brand returns (Gap items must go to Gap, etc.)
• Method: In-store (same brand only) or by mail
• Tip: Policy has tightened - do not attempt to return Old Navy items to Banana Republic

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Electronics

Apple

• Window: 14 days from delivery
• Exceptions: Software, gift cards, subscriptions (no returns)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: 14 days is strict - do not assume Apple is flexible here

Best Buy

• Window: 15 days (standard), 60 days (My Best Buy Total members)
• Exceptions: Activatable devices (phones) have $45 restocking fee; some items 15% restocking fee
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Membership significantly extends the window; check for holiday extensions

B&H Photo

• Window: 30 days from delivery
• Exceptions: Opened computers are Non-Returnable (Final Sale)
• Method: In-store (NYC) or by mail
• Tip: Do not open the box unless you are sure; B&H is closed for Shabbat

Samsung

• Window: 15 days (28 days for Samsung Members in some regions)
• Exceptions: Restocking fee (5%) often applies if box opened but not defective
• Method: By mail or authorized service center
• Tip: Original packaging strictly required

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Beauty

Sephora

• Window: 30 days for refund; 31-60 days for Store Credit
• Exception: Used items accepted (unlike most retailers)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: You only get cash back in the first 30 days; after that it’s store credit

Ulta

• Window: 60 days for full refund
• Exception: Prestige items may have shorter windows
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Receipts required for refund; no receipt = store credit at lowest price

Glossier

• Window: 30 days
• Exception: Will accept returns even on used products if you’re unsatisfied
• Method: By mail
• Tip: Known for generous customer service - reach out even outside window

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Home & Furniture

IKEA

• Window: 365 days (unused, unopened), 180 days (opened, with receipt)
• Exceptions: Custom countertops, cut fabric, plants, food (no returns)
• Method: In-store only
• Tip: One of the most generous furniture return policies

Wayfair

• Window: 30 days from delivery
• Exceptions: Clearance, personalized items (final sale); mattresses (100 nights)
• Method: By mail (Wayfair arranges pickup for large items)
• Tip: Large item returns can be complicated - document condition on arrival

West Elm

• Window: 30 days for most items (7 days for Quick Ship upholstery)
• Exceptions: Made-to-order, final sale items (no returns)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Quick Ship furniture has much shorter window than regular items

CB2 / Crate & Barrel

• Window: Furniture: 30 days; Non-furniture: 90 days
• Exceptions: Made-to-order, mattresses (vary)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Know which category your item falls into (rugs are often 30 days)

Target (Home)

• Window: 90 days for most home items
• Exceptions: Air mattresses (90 days with receipt only)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Owned brands (Threshold, Room Essentials) have 1-year return policy

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Outdoor & Sporting Goods

REI

• Window: 365 days for members, 90 days for non-members
• Exceptions: Outdoor electronics (90 days), final sale items (no returns)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: REI membership ($30 lifetime) pays for itself with extended returns + dividends

Patagonia

• Window: Unlimited (“Ironclad Guarantee”)
• Reality: Reasonable use expected; they’ll repair rather than replace when possible
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Patagonia’s repair program extends product life significantly

Dick’s Sporting Goods

• Window: 90 days (standard); 30 days for some Outlet locations
• Exceptions: Electronics (30 days), bikes (60 days)
• Method: In-store or by mail
• Tip: Golf clubs can be returned within 90 days even if used

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Luxury

Net-a-Porter

• Window: 28 days
• Exceptions: Swimwear, lingerie, cosmetics (hygienic seal must be intact)
• Method: By mail (free)
• Tip: Items must be in original condition with all tags

Farfetch

• Window: 14 days from delivery
• Method: By mail (free)
• Tip: Shorter window than most - act fast

Ssense

• Window: 30 days
• Exceptions: Final sale items (no returns)
• Method: By mail
• Tip: Check if item is final sale before purchasing

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Important Return Tips (Universal)

1. Know When the Clock Starts

Some retailers count from:

• Purchase date (Target, Walmart)
• Shipping date (Zara)
• Delivery date (Amazon, most online)

This can be a 7-14 day difference. Know which one applies.

2. Keep Packaging (At Least Temporarily)

Many retailers require original packaging for returns, especially electronics. Keep boxes for 2 weeks minimum after delivery.

3. Take Photos on Arrival

If something arrives damaged or defective, document it immediately. Photos with timestamps help if you need to dispute condition later.

4. Don’t Remove Tags Until You’re Sure

Many clothing retailers require tags attached for returns. Try on items carefully without removing tags until you’ve decided.

5. Understand Refund vs. Store Credit

Some retailers only offer store credit for:

• Returns without receipt
• Returns after certain number of days
• Sale/clearance items

Know what you’re getting back before you return.

6. Watch for Restocking Fees

Common on:

• Electronics (15-25%)
• Opened software
• Large appliances
• Some furniture

Factor this into your decision to buy.

7. Use Credit Card Purchase Protection

Many credit cards extend return windows or offer return protection when retailers won’t accept returns. Check your card benefits.

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Use This Information

Return policies are complicated - but knowing them puts money back in your pocket.

Before you buy, especially online:

1. Check the return window
2. Note any exceptions (final sale, etc.)
3. Understand the refund method (original payment vs. store credit)
4. Mark your calendar with the deadline

Don’t let a $100 item become a $100 donation to your closet because you didn’t know you had 14 days instead of 30. (And once you’ve bought something, learn how to never miss a return deadline again.)

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Return policies change frequently — always verify current policy on the retailer’s website before making a purchase decision.