Your Money: Live Well for Less
PRODUCT RETURNS MADE EASIER
Minimize the costs and hassles of sending back your purchases
Shopping online is easy; returning can be another story. And some e-tailers are making it more painful by adding fees and shrinking return windows.
Nearly 1 in 6 online purchases get returned, according to the National Retail Federation. So companies are exploring ways to reduce returns and trying new return policies, says Christian Piller, cofounder of Pollen Returns, a provider of product return services.
Below is a list of buyer-friendly return perks, plus a sampling of retailers that offer them.
Some general tips: Always check return deadlines, which are often extended for holiday purchases. Watch out for products marked “final sale” and those sold by third parties on Amazon, Walmart and other marketplace sites; their policies may differ. Don’t assume you can’t return an item you’ve opened; even gently used makeup may be returnable.
→ CURBSIDE RETURN
How it works: After you initiate the return online and drive to the store, a clerk meets you at your car to accept unwanted items. It’s a great option if you have accessibility issues.
Who offers it: Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
→ CONVENIENT IN-STORE DROP-OFF
How it works: Go online and get a QR code, then use it to drop off your stuff at a designated location—no labels or packaging needed.
Who offers it: Amazon lets you return purchases to UPS Stores, Staples, Kohl’s, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. Kohl’s stores have self-return stations. Other retailers are expanding brick-and-mortar, label- and package-free drop-offs. Lands’ End and Levi’s, for example, use Happy Returns, which has free return bars in 9,000 locations.
→ ENDLESS RETURN
How it works: Return anything anytime! Well, almost. Read the fine print for exceptions and fees.
Who offers it: Costco, Nordstrom, Patagonia and Five Below. Stores that offer return windows of one year on most items, with some conditions, include Chewy, Sam’s Club, Ikea, Eddie Bauer, Zappos and L.L.Bean. Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart give you 365 days to return trees, shrubs and perennials.
→ FREE RETURN SHIPPING
How it works: You get a free shipping label with your order or via email to print out. Stick it on the box and drop it off. Warning: Receiving a preprinted return label with your order doesn’t always mean shipping is free.
Who offers it: Amazon (look for Free Returns next to the price; items over 50 pounds are excluded), Apple (within 14 days), Best Buy (restocking fees apply to selected items), Target, Nordstrom, Walmart and Zappos.
Finally, using a branded credit card or joining a loyalty program may earn you return perks from stores including Target, Walmart, Macy’s, Lowe’s, Home Depot and REI. Macy’s Star Rewards members, for example, get free return shipping; Walmart+ subscribers get free at-home return pickups.
Lisa Lee Freeman, a journalist specializing in shopping and saving strategies, was founder and editor in chief of ShopSmart magazine from Consumer Reports.