Americans return $816 billion worth of merchandise annually, but many lose money due to restocking fees, missed deadlines, or return shipping costs. This guide helps you navigate return policies and get full refunds every time.
Key Return Statistics
- 30% of online purchases are returned (vs 9% in-store)
- Average restocking fee: 15-25% of item price
- $400+ lost annually due to missed return windows
- 67% of shoppers check return policy before buying
Major Retailer Return Policies (2025)
| Store | Return Window | Free Returns? | Restocking Fee | Receipt Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 30 days | Most items | Some electronics | No (tracked) |
| Walmart | 90 days | In-store free | None | Helpful |
| Target | 90 days | RedCard: 120 days | None | Look up via card |
| Best Buy | 15-60 days | In-store free | 15% some items | Yes |
| Costco | No limit* | Yes | None | Tracked by membership |
| Nordstrom | No time limit | Yes | None | Helpful |
| Home Depot | 90 days | In-store | None | Look up possible |
Amazon Return Policy Deep Dive
30 Days Standard
Amazon Returns
Standard items: 30 days from delivery for most items
Holiday extension: Items bought Nov-Dec often returnable until Jan 31
Free return methods:
- Amazon Hub Locker (no box/label needed)
- Whole Foods drop-off
- Kohl's drop-off
- UPS Store drop-off
- Scheduled pickup (Prime members)
Amazon Return Exceptions
- Electronics: 30 days, may have restocking fees if opened
- Laptops/Tablets: 14-day return window
- Mattresses: 100-night trial (varies by seller)
- Third-party sellers: Policies vary, check before buying
- Hazmat items: Often non-returnable (batteries, chemicals)
Best Return Policies by Category
Electronics
| Store | Standard | With Membership | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 90 days | 90 days | TVs, computers, phones |
| Best Buy | 15 days | 60 days (Elite Plus) | 15% restocking on some |
| Amazon | 30 days | 30 days | Free returns most items |
| Apple | 14 days | 14 days | Full refund, opened OK |
Clothing & Fashion
Best Clothing Return Policies
- Nordstrom: No time limit, no receipt needed
- L.L. Bean: 1 year satisfaction guarantee
- REI: 1 year on most items
- Zappos: 365 days, free shipping both ways
- ASOS: 45 days, free returns
Mattresses
- Casper: 100-night trial, free returns
- Purple: 100-night trial
- Saatva: 365-night trial (longest in industry)
- Amazon: Varies by seller, often 100 nights
How to Avoid Return Shipping Costs
Free Return Strategies
- Return in-store: Always free for online orders at retailer's physical locations
- Use Amazon lockers: No box or label needed, instant refund
- Drop at partner locations: Kohl's for Amazon, Happy Returns network
- Check credit card benefits: Many cards reimburse return shipping
- Request prepaid label: Especially for defective items
Credit Cards with Return Protection
| Card | Protection Type | Coverage | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Purchase Protection | $500/item | 120 days |
| Amex Platinum | Return Protection | $300/item | 90 days |
| Citi Double Cash | Return Protection | $300/item | 90 days |
| Capital One Venture | Purchase Security | $500/item | 90 days |
Return Tips and Tricks
Before You Buy
- Screenshot the return policy (policies change)
- Check if item is final sale
- Note the return window starts from delivery, not order date
- Use a credit card with purchase protection
During the Return Window
- Keep all original packaging until you're sure you'll keep the item
- Don't remove tags until you've tried the item
- Take photos of the item before returning (proof of condition)
- Save shipping tracking numbers
If You Miss the Window
- Contact customer service: Many retailers grant exceptions for loyal customers
- Use credit card protection: Some cover up to 90 days beyond store policy
- Check for price adjustments: Some stores honor price drops within 14 days
- Resell the item: Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark for clothing
Items That Can't Be Returned
Common Non-Returnable Items
- Underwear/swimwear: For hygiene reasons
- Pierced jewelry: Hygiene concerns
- Opened software/games: Piracy prevention
- Personalized items: Custom engravings, monograms
- Hazardous materials: Batteries, chemicals, aerosols
- Gift cards: Typically non-refundable
- Perishable goods: Food, flowers, plants
Getting Refunds for Defective Products
For defective items, you have more rights than the standard return policy:
- Document the defect: Photos, videos, written description
- Contact seller first: Request prepaid return shipping
- Escalate if needed: Credit card chargeback for unresponsive sellers
- Manufacturer warranty: Often longer than store return policy
- Consumer protection laws: Many states require defective goods to be replaced or refunded
Return Fraud Prevention
Warning: Return Bans Are Real
Retailers track returns and may ban excessive returners. To avoid issues:
- Don't return more than 10-15% of your purchases
- Never return used items as new
- Keep receipts and documentation
- Don't abuse policies (wardrobing, etc.)