| Amazon | American Eagle | Athleta | Bath & Body Works | Bloomingdale’s | Costco | Home Depot | IKEA | JCPenney | Kohl’s | Lands’ End | L.L. Bean | Lowe’s | Nordstrom | Orvis | Patagonia | REI | Target | Walmart | Zappos |
As a shopper (especially an online shopper), you likely appreciate the ability to make easy returns. However, if you’ve ever dealt with a difficult company, you know it’s not always easy to exercise this basic shopping right. No one wants to get stuck with unwanted goods or be put through the wringer for a shopping mistake — especially when we’re shopping online more often and can’t try out products before purchasing.
It’s much easier to make a return if you hold on to your receipt, online order confirmation and other proof of purchase. If you’re buying a gift, always ask for a gift receipt to make returns a snap or have one included if you’re ordering online and shipping directly to your friend or family member.
Below, you’ll find the terms for stores’ standard return policies. Note that some major retailers extend their holiday return windows for holiday gifts, so be sure to check those policies specifically if you’re planning to return something right after gifting season.
Trend alert: We’ve noticed a couple merchants shorten their return windows in recent years. In fact, we removed some from our list that drastically reduced their window (Macy’s, for example, took its return window down from 90 to 30 days, which isn’t bad, but isn’t exceptional). If you see any of the retailers below with 30-day return policies, it’s because they offer something extra special that justifies their inclusion — like free returns, or box-free drop-off locations.
Walmart Return Policy
90 Days to Return, Flexible Options
As the store that sells practically everything at competitive pricing, Walmart has an equally broad return policy. Most items can be returned or exchanged within 90 days of purchase. To get a full refund back to the original form of payment, you’ll need to provide the receipt or the Walmart.com order number.
No receipt (because you lost it or received the item as a gift)? Walmart will perform a refund verification process. In general, that means the customer service associate who helps you will look up the purchase details of the item to verify the price. You’ll likely receive a refund via a gift card.
There are exceptions to Walmart’s 90-day return window:
- 14 days: Most cell phones.
- 30 days: Most electronics.
- 60 days: Prescription glasses, contacts and hearing aids.
Note that some items, including air mattresses are exchange-only.
Walmart Return Options:
Walmart is expanding its return options for busy shoppers:
- Ship it back: Items purchased online can be returned in-store or sent back with a printed shipping label. Just start your return in the Walmart app or by logging in to your account on Walmart.com to get your return shipping label or your in-store-return barcode.
- In-store returns: If you’re returning at a store, you can also simply show up with all the item’s packaging and your receipt — but things will go faster if you start the process online and arrive with a return barcode.
- Curbside returns: Walmart is one of the few major retailers that offers curbside returns. Similar to curbside pickup, curbside returns allow you to return items from the comfort of your own vehicle.
- Return pickup from your home (Walmart+ members only): This option is available only to members of Walmart+. Walmart+ members in certain areas can have unwanted Walmart purchases picked up right from their doorsteps. You’ll use the Walmart app to schedule a pickup and hand your items off to a Walmart delivery driver. Walmart has more info on how this works.
- Walmart Holiday Return Policy: During the holiday shopping season, Walmart offers even more flexibility. Eligible purchases made Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 can be returned through Jan. 31, 2024.
Amazon Return Policy
Easy To Shop, Easy To Return
It’s no surprise that the world’s largest online retailer would want to make sure their legions of customers are satisfied by all their purchases. That’s why they make it simple to return most things purchased on Amazon — including those from most sellers on Amazon.com — within 30 days of receipt of shipment. While that window isn’t the longest on our list, Amazon excels by offering convenient return drop-off options, so you don’t have to deal with the post office.
Amazon Returns at Kohl’s
Amazon shoppers have another convenient tool in their arsenal. You can return your Amazon order at Kohl’s. Kohl’s Amazon returns are easy: Start your return online, bring the item into the store, and Kohl’s will pack it up for you (and possibly give you a coupon to use at Kohl’s).
Plus, did you know you can “return” some electronics YEARS after purchase AND get an Amazon gift card, thanks to Amazon’s trade-in program?
Amazon Hub Counter and Locker Returns
Amazon lockers are everywhere these days (in grocery stores, in apartment complexes, outside convenience stores), and plenty are available after-hours, too. If your item fits in a locker, start your return process online, select “locker,” and Amazon will send you a locker drop-off code. Take your item to the locker, enter the code and place the item in the locker. You do need to box up your item and label it — so this option isn’t quite as effortless as Kohl’s returns.
Amazon Hub Counters, meanwhile, are located inside certain retailers, including Whole Foods. As with Kohl’s returns, there’s no need to package your item. Just request a Hub Counter return in your Amazon account, and head in with your item and your return QR code. An associate will ship the item back with all the other stuff others dropped off.
Amazon Holiday Return Policy
In 2023, most items purchased Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023 can be returned until Jan. 31, 2024 (Jan. 15 for Apple products).
American Eagle Return Policy
Free Returns Anytime
The much-loved retailer offers returns with no time limit as long as you have proof of purchase (such as your receipt, invoice, order confirmation email, order details page or order confirmation page). That even includes items that no longer have tags (with the exception of bathing suits and intimates that have the hygienic liner removed). Lost your receipt? American Eagle will let you exchange the item or give you store credit for the current price.
You can return in stores or online. If your order is eligible for free returns, then it’s free. Otherwise, a $5 fee will be deducted from your refund to cover shipping costs.
Athleta Return Policy
Give-It-a-Workout Guarantee
A division of Gap Inc., Athleta specializes in athletic apparel for women. Although Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic accept returns only if you haven’t worn the clothes, Athleta has a Give-It-a-Workout-Guarantee, so you can try out an item, and if it doesn’t perform as you want, you can return it within 60 days.
If you receive a gift from Athleta and don’t love it, you can return the item. If you have a gift receipt or invoice, you will receive a gift card in the amount of the purchase price. Gifts returned without gift receipt or invoice will receive a merchandise certificate by mail in the amount of the current selling price.
Bath & Body Works Return Policy
Anything, Anytime For Any Reason
Bath & Body Works really just wants you to love their products (and oh, we do!). That’s why they allow full refunds with no stated deadline.
If you don’t have the original receipt or packing invoice, you’ll need to head to a store to make your return for a merchandise credit, and you’re limited to $250 in non-receipted returns/exchanges within a 90-day period. You can return your online purchases by mail, but you’ll have to pay the cost of shipping.
Gifts purchased online must be returned in a store. If you have a gift receipt, an exchange or merchandise credit will be issued for the purchase price on the gift receipt. Bath & Body Works also offers one-time price adjustments from the original selling price to the current selling price for in-store purchases so long as you present the original receipt within 14 days after the date of the original purchase.
Bloomingdale’s Return Policy
Oh-So Accommodating
For most items at Bloomingdale’s, you have 90 days to make a return for a refund or store credit as long as the item is still in saleable condition. If you don’t have a receipt, there are a few options: The store can credit your Bloomingdale’s account or issue a merchandise credit (provided you don’t have a Bloomingdale’s account). Either way, the no-receipt policy states that you’ll receive the lowest-selling price in the last 180 days.
Do note that some categories have restrictions. For instance, you can’t return certain dresses once the tag is removed, and you can return furniture only within three days of delivery, minus a 15% restocking fee if you’re returning for “preference” reasons. If the item is defective of damaged, you’ll need to schedule a service appointment. You can return gifts. If you have the order invoice or gift receipt, you will receive a full refund in the form of a Bloomingdale’s Gift Card. No invoice or gift receipt? No problem. You’ll get a gift card for the item’s lowest selling price within the last 180 days.
Costco Return Policy
Return at Any Time
Costco’s return policies are hard to beat: There’s no time limit for returning most products purchased from the discount retailer. Simply bring them into your nearest Costco store for a cash or check refund.
Electronics are one of the few exceptions, but the 90-day return policy on TVs, computers, cameras, tablets, smartphones and other consumer gadgets should be adequate for most shoppers. There are also limitations on items like tires, cigarettes, alcohol and diamonds.
If you’re returning products years down the track, it’s understandable that you might not still have your receipt. That’s no problem at selected Costco stores that can look up purchases using your membership number. If you receive a gift from Costco but are not a member yourself, you can return your item to the store so long as you have a gift receipt or your gift-giver’s membership number.
Home Depot Return Policy
Free, Fast and Easy Returns
Home Depot wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. They offer an easy 90-day instant return policy for most items as long as you have a receipt — with a few exceptions like rugs and furniture that must be returned within 30 days.
But here’s the best part: For those with a not-so-green thumb, you’ll be able to get a full return or exchange within a year on any plant, perennial, tree or shrub (but not cut flowers) that ends up dying — no questions asked. Just make sure to keep your receipt!
IKEA Return Policy
No-Nonsense Returns
Not completely happy with your purchase? Don’t sweat it. IKEA allows customers up to 365 days to return new and unopened merchandise for a full refund. You can also return open products within 180 days with your proof of purchase for a full refund. You just need a receipt and a valid government-issued I.D. to make returns or exchanges.
JCPenney Return Policy
Easy, Simple and Sweet
There have been some recent changes to JCPenney’s return policy. It used to have a 90-day return policy, but it sense shortened it to 60 days (which is still generous). As of 2023, purchases made at JCPenney stores or online can be returned with a receipt within 60 days of the original purchase date. If you don’t have a receipt, you are still eligible for an exchange or JCPenney Merchandise Return Voucher at the item’s lowest selling price within the last 45 days.
Mailing back an online return? You will need to pay a $8 return shipping fee.
JCPenney Holiday Return Policy: Most purchases made after Oct. 15, 2023, can be returned through Jan. 15, 2024 with original or gift receipt.
Kohl’s Return Policy
No Receipt Necessary
Kohl’s is already adored by deal seekers thanks to its constant rotation of sales. But the store’s return policy rocks, too. The Kohl’s receipt lookup policy means they can look up your purchase on Kohl’s Charge or major credit card purchases for up to 180 days (super generous), and give you a refund. If you wait longer or don’t have a receipt, you can still get store credit or a corporate-issued refund.
If you’re returning at the store, bring the item along with the receipt, if you have it. If you’re returning by mail, fill out this return form, pack up the merchandise and ship everything back.
Some exclusions apply — for example, you have 30 days to return premium electronics and watches along with the original packaging and a receipt or account lookup, and beauty buys must be new or gently used and returned within 60 days of purchase.
Lands’ End Return Policy
Hassle-Free Returns Within 90 Days
Not satisfied with your purchase? Lands’ End says as long as your return request hits within 90 days of your purchase, they will refund you in the original form of payment. Lands’ End also recently launched a partnership with Happy Returns, meaning you can drop your return off at one of 9,000 locations nationwide, no box or tape required! Or, process your return online, generate a shipping label and mail it back yourself.
When mailing back returns, a fee of $6.95 will be deducted. Returning merchandise in stores is always free.
Can You Return Lands’ End Orders to Kohl’s?
No. Some shoppers might be confused because Kohl’s does sell Lands’ End merchandise. However, as explicitly stated on the Lands’ End website, you cannot return your LandsEnd.com or Lands’ End store purchase to Kohl’s. You must go through the Lands’ End return process.
For online purchases you’re shipping back, you may be responsible for a $6.95 fee for an Easy Return Label.
L.L.Bean Return Policy
One Full Year to Return
L.L.Bean’s legendary lifetime guarantee on products ended in 2018 — but they still offer a generous one-year return, even if you’ve worn them. Proof of purchase is required.
L.L.Bean Mastercard members can also receive free shipping on returns using prepaid labels available online. If you don’t have this loyalty card, you can print one of these labels for $6.50 or just return to a L.L.Bean store for free. Easy peasy!
Lowe’s Return Policy
90-Day Return Window
Lowe’s is committed to making your home improvement dreams come true, and that means offering a 90-day return policy on most new, unused merchandise should you not be completely satisfied. Outdoor power equipment, major appliances and liquid paint are a few exceptions that must be returned within 30 days and look “like new.”
Don’t have your receipt? No problem. In most cases, Lowe’s can track down your purchase via your credit card, checking account number, MyLowe’s card or phone number. If they still can’t find it, Lowe’s may issue in-store credit for the item’s current selling price.
There are some exceptions, like TVs, electronics, major appliances and outdoor power equipment that must be returned within 30 days of purchase and in “like new” condition.
Nordstrom Return Policy
No Questions Asked — Seriously
Nordstrom is famous for its incredibly liberal return policy. In fact, legend has it that a customer in the ’70s successfully returned car tires to Nordstrom — the funny thing being that Nordstrom doesn’t sell tires.
The main takeaway from Nordstrom is that there’s no return policy, so to speak. This means there’s no return time limit, no receipt required and no paperwork. According to its site, Nordstrom processes returns on a “case by case” basis. Purchased an item online? The store provides free return shipping, or you can take the item back to a physical store. They now offer drop-off curbside returns. Refunds are expected in five to seven business days. You’ll be refunded the same way as your items were purchased. If you don’t have a receipt or record of sale, your item will be eligible for a refund at the current price on a Nordstrom gift card so long as you can provide personal identification.
Nordstrom does take a stricter approach to its special occasion dresses. If you return a dress, it must still have its tag on it and original packaging. Also, Nordstrom Rack has a different return policy. There, you have 40 days to return merchandise ordered online and 30 days to return in-store purchases.
Orvis Return Policy
Offering Exceptional Customer Service Since 1856
Outdoor retailer Orvis has been outfitting and gearing up people who love being in nature for 165 years, and since then, they’ve also offered 100% customer satisfaction. Not happy? They’ll make it right by repairing the item or offering a return, no deadline. You’ll be charged $6.95 to send back a return by mail, but that fee is waived for replacements (and credited back to your card once your return is received).
The only exceptions to returns are items such as fly rods and wheels (they will repair your item, though), chewed dog bed (again, repair yes, return no), and bathing suits after the removable hygienic liner is removed. If you received a gift from Orvis and wish to return it, fill out the Orvis Return and Exchange Form. By checking the “I am returning a gift” box at the top of the form the person who bought your gift won’t be notified you’ve returned their present. (Nice!) Gift returns will be credited in the form of an Orvis Gift Card.
Patagonia Return Policy
An Ironclad Guarantee
Patagonia is so confident you’ll love their products, that if for any reason you’re not satisfied, send it back for repair, replacement or a refund. There’s no return time limit, they just ask that items be kept in new condition with the tags attached. However, items received more than a year after the purchase date will be refunded with a Patagonia merchandise credit.
It’s important to note that due to high volume and new safety protocols, it may take 12 weeks or longer to process your return or repair. If you receive a gift and want to return it, you may do so for merchandise credit. You can return it in stores or do it online (the $5 return label cost will be deducted from your merchandise credit).
REI Return Policy
Satisfaction Guaranteed
REI offers their customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. So, you can return or exchange anything from the store within one year. The only exceptions are outdoor electronics (which must be brought back within 90 days). Return to a store, or by mail, where $5.99 will be deducted from your refund to cover shipping costs. Return gifts with the original packaging, tags (if available) and proof of purchase or gift receipt for an exchange or return.
Note: REI won’t accept returns on items for normal wear and tear or damage caused by accidents or improper use. But, the store will help you take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty.
Also, hold on to your receipts or make purchases through an REI member number. If the store can’t locate proof of your purchase, you might not be able to make the return.
Target Return Policy
Return Without a Receipt
We’ve mentioned Target’s exceptional return policy before, but it’s worth repeating. Target will offer refunds or exchanges on most unopened items in new condition within 90 days of purchase with some exceptions (add on an extra 30 days for items you bought with your Target RedCard). But Target is so confident in the quality of its Target Owned Brand items that an extended one-year return policy applies to these.
If you have the Target Circle app, returns are incredibly easy. Select the item from your Purchase History and then select “Start a Return.”
Target will even accept returns if you’ve misplaced your receipt; store staff can simply use your credit card, gift card, or check to look up your purchase. If no record can be found, it might issue you a merchandise credit.
You can also return items you bought online to any regular Target store. Just take the item, your packaging slip and the card you used for payment to the guest service desk of your nearest store.
There are some exceptions, including a shorter return window for phone and other electronics, and you can only exchange, but not return, opened music, movies, video games, software and Airbeds.
Note that Target RedCard members who made their purchase with the RedCard have extra time to make returns — 30 days beyond the basic policy.
Target Holiday Return Policy: In 2023, most items purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 24, the return clock doesn’t start ticking until Dec. 26. That means you’ll have 90 days from that point for most items, 30 days from that point to return electronics and 15 days from that point to return Apple products. Learn more.
Zappos Return Policy
Free Return Shipping and Full Refund Within a Year
Many shoppers will accept an item that’s not quite right to avoid paying to ship it back to the online store. But with fashion e-tailer Zappos, you don’t need to. The online shoe and clothing store will happily waive the shipping fee for United States customers, so you don’t have to squeeze into those too-tight peep-toes.
Zappos will also accept returns for a full refund within 365 days, so long as the product’s still in its original condition and packaging, so you’ve got plenty of time to decide if the goods really work for you. If you’ve still got questions about how things work, you can talk to a Zappos representative at any time of the day or night via the site’s 24/7 live-chat feature. They will process your return within five to 10 business days.
But, select Zappos VIP members have the option to get refunds faster. If you choose to receive a “Rapid Refund” when requesting your return, they’ll issue your refund in approximately 24 hours from the first scan by UPS at drop-off or pickup, so you don’t have to wait five to 10 business days.
If you received a Zappos gift and wish to return it, call the Zappos Customer Loyalty Team at 1-800-927-7671 for assistance returning the item.
You can shop with confidence with these retailers, whose return policies are some of the best around.
Tips on Making Holiday Returns
During the holidays, some retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, JCPenney and Target, offer extended holiday returns periods. Often, that means gifts purchases as early as October can be returned through January. Retailers have been pushing the holiday hype earlier and earlier — and these extended holiday returns policies give shoppers the confidence to buy early, knowing that they or their recipients can return the item in the new year.
The post 20 Stores With the Best Return Policies of Them All appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.