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.
And, during the holidays, things get even trickier. You want to jump on early holiday sales, like Target’s Deal Days but don’t want to lock yourself into paying more if those gifts you bought drop in price later.
Wherever you shop, 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 are 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.
Top Stores With the Best Return Policies
Walmart: 90 Days to Return, Flexible Options
Walmart Holiday 2022 return policy: For the 2022 holiday shopping season, Walmart is offering even more flexibility. Eligible purchases made on or after Oct. 1 can be returned all the way through Jan. 31, 2023.
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 some exceptions to Walmart’s 90-day return window, and those are:
- 14 days: Most cellphones.
- 30 days: Most electronics.
- 60 days: Prescription glasses and contacts.
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 offer 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+. Starting this holiday season (2022), 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.
Amazon: Easy To Shop, Easy To Return
Amazon Holiday 2022 Return Policy: Most items purchased between Oct. 11 and Dec. 25 can be returned until Jan. 31, 2023. Learn more.
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.com — including those from most sellers on Amazon.com — within 30 days of receipt of shipment. Here’s how to make an Amazon return.
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 in to the store, and Kohl’s will pack it up for you (and possibly give you a coupon to use at Kohl’s). Here’s how it works.
American Eagle: Free Returns Anytime
The much-loved retailer offers free 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: 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: 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 on used items within 90 days or less from the original purchase date if you’re not satisfied with the quality, with a receipt. If you don’t have the original receipt or packing invoice, you’ll be able to exchange or get a merchandise credit based on the lowest selling price of the item.
The brand says that gifts can be returned at any time for any reason. Gift returns for online purchases 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.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Easy-Peasy Returns With or Without Receipt
If you have a receipt when making a return at Bed Bath & Beyond, you’ll get a full refund (with a few exceptions) as long as it’s within 90 days of the original purchase. If you have a gift receipt, you’ll get a merchandise credit for the amount paid. There are some exceptions–items like smart home tech and seasonal items cap at 30 days, and electronics and air mattresses cap at 60 days.
No receipt? If your item was purchased within the last 365 days, Bed Bath & Beyond will try to find a record of the transaction. If the store can’t, you’ll still get an exchange or merchandise credit—just for 20% less than the current selling price. Conveniently, returns can be made in stores and online.
Best Buy: Be Happy With Your Tech & Electronics
Best Buy Holiday Return Policy 2022: Most gifts purchased between Oct. 24 and Dec. 31 can be returned through Jan. 14. There are some exceptions, including major appliances and phones.
Returns can be made at Best Buy stores or online within 15 days of purchase. If you have a receipt, you will receive a full refund. Missing a receipt or packing slip? You can exchange your item. However, you have only 14 days to return cellphones or other devices that require activation so be sure to double check your receipt for the full details. There are exceptions such as final sale merchandise or personalized orders.
Bloomingdale’s: Oh-So Accommodating
For most items at Bloomingdale’s, you have 365 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 mattresses only within 365 days of delivery for a credit toward a one-time reselection, minus applicable fees. 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 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’s 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.
The Home Depot: Free, Fast and Easy Returns
The home improvement company 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: 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: Easy, Simple and Sweet
There have been some recent changes to JCPenney’s return policy. As of October 2021, purchases made at JCPenney stores or online can be returned with a receipt within 90 days of the original purchase date. If it’s after 90 days and you 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. If you purchased an item at Sephora inside JCPenney stores, you can return to JCPenney with a receipt, but if you got your Sephora items at a Sephora store or at Sephora inside Kohls, you can’t make your returns to JCPenney.
Kohl’s: 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 that Kohl’s can look up your purchase on Kohl’s Charge or major credit card purchase for up to 180 days, 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’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: 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. If your refund request takes place 90 days after the date of purchase or without a receipt, you may be given a Lands’ End Merchandise Credit. That even goes for items that have been monogrammed or hemmed. But, they will not allow returns on face masks and contact customer service for information about returning scrubs.
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: 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: 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. Items like TVs, electronics, major appliances and outdoor power equipment must be returned within 30 days of purchase and in “like new” condition.
Macy’s: 90 Days to Make a Return
Macy’s Holiday 2022 Return Policy: For the 2022 holiday shopping season, you can return most items purchased from Oct. 3 to Nov. 3 through Jan 31, 2023. Purchases made on or after Nov. 4 will follow the usual 90-day return policy.
You have 90 days to make most returns at Macy’s — your items must be in original, saleable condition with original tags. There are some exceptions: You must return designer merchandise and Apple smartphones, for instance, within 14 days, and Last Act items within 30. You can even return new or gently used cosmetics and fragrances.
And if you don’t have a receipt, Macy’s still lets you make a return in most categories—you’ll just get a store credit for the item’s lowest-selling price in the previous 180 days.
Nordstrom: 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. 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 at curbside for contactless 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 45 days to return unworn merchandise as long as you have the receipt and original tags.
Orvis: 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. 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: An Ironclad Guarantee
The outdoor outfitter 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: 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 Without a Receipt
Target Holiday Return Policy 2022: Most items purchased between Oct. 6 and Dec. 25 can be returned through Jan. 24. Apple products purchased that same period can be returned through Jan. 9. Learn more.
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, including electronics and Apple products. But Target is so confident in the quality of its Target Owned Brand items that an extended one-year return policy applies to these.
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
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.
Trader Joe’s: Full Refund on Used Items
These stores aren’t the only ones impressing customers with their return policies. Trader Joe’s sets the benchmark among grocery stores with its own generous return policy.
The store offers refunds on all the items it sells, no matter why you want to return them, whether they’re open (or even eaten!) or not. That means you don’t need to hesitate to try dill pickle–flavored potato chips or salmon jerky. Simply buy them, taste them, and if you don’t like them, you can get your money back. There are even reports that Trader Joe’s has accepted returns on moldy cheese left forgotten in the fridge.
Zappos: 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 5-10 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 pick-up, so you don’t have to wait 5-10 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 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.
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