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.

Quick Reference: The Essentials

Before diving into specifics, remember these universal rules:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Use This Information

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

Before you buy, especially online:

Check the return window
Note any exceptions (final sale, etc.)
Understand the refund method (original payment vs. store credit)
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.)

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