Finding the right item online is exciting, but the thrill can quickly fade if it doesn’t meet expectations. To top it off, dealing with a complicated return process dampens the shopping experience. Knowing which stores have stringent return policies will save you time, frustration, and, of course, money.
This guide will walk you through stores with awful return policies. From painfully short return windows to hefty restocking fees and limited refund options, these stores have rules you should know before handing over your money.
Forever21
Forever21’s return policy can be pretty frustrating for shoppers. They do not accept returns on items such as piercings, undergarments, or cosmetics, making it risky to purchase these products. You have 30 days to return items in mint condition with tags intact, but you are only eligible for an exchange or refund with the original receipt. Additionally, sale and clearance items do not qualify for a return. This inflexibility makes shopping at Forever21 challenging if you are uncertain about your purchase.
Apple
Apple’s return policy may seem restrictive compared to many competitors. The 14-day window to decide on a purchase might be too short for some, and the requirement for original packaging can add unnecessary stress to the return process. Additionally, while Apple products are generally high quality, issues can arise, and navigating customer service outside the return window can sometimes take significant time and effort.
Best Buy
Best Buy’s return policy can be quite challenging for customers. The 15-day return period is limited and does not accommodate late arrivals or time needed to test products. Additionally, activatable items like digital cameras, lenses, and projectors incur a restocking fee of $45 or up to 15% of the cost, significantly reducing your refund. It potentially causes more trouble than it’s worth returning products. Furthermore, Best Buy’s warranty options often need clarification, leaving customers frustrated and unsupported if issues arise after the return window closes.
Wish
Wish’s return policy allows returns within 30 days of delivery, but the item must be in its original condition. Refunds are remitted to the original payment method, with processing taking up to 10 business days. Non-returnable items include perishable goods, customized orders, and unsealed health and hygiene products. Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective. Frequent complaints on portals like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) highlight delayed refunds, poor customer service, and difficulty navigating the return process.
AliExpress
The return policy on AliExpress can be frustrating. Although it does provide some buyer protection, it can be stressful to return anything. This doesn’t apply to customized items, so be careful before personalizing anything. This is because you can return your item within 15 days of delivery. Moreover, disputes are often resolved very slowly, as seen from complaints from users on online forums.
Kmart and Sears
The return policies of Kmart and Sears can be pretty infuriating. They offer a standard 30-day return window for most items, which seems generous. However, a 15% restocking fee is charged on returns of items like mattresses, foundations, and home appliances. In addition, the conditions usually put upon returned goods are stringent, and goods are seldom taken back if they show the slightest wear. On top of this, you are not allowed to return customized items. If you are not a fan of the customization, you have no choice but to accept it.
6pm
Returning something to 6pm is a real chore. A 30-day return window may seem reasonable. However, requiring items to be unworn, unwashed, and in original packaging can get strict, especially regarding footwear. After all, they can show significant wear after just one try-on. You will also be responsible for the return shipping cost, which might cut into your refund, mostly with larger items.
ThredUp
ThredUp’s return policy is not very exciting as well. You can only return a purchased item within 14 days. Moreover, they added a return shipping fee of $5.99. You are not allowed to return final sale items. This generally makes the effort to return something to ThredUp both time-consuming and expensive for customers.
GameStop
GameStop’s return policy is not very rewarding. While this 15-day return window is available for most new products, it becomes restrictive for several other items. For example, you can return pre-owned games and consoles only within 7 days. The same goes for special or Collector’s edition games. This leaves little time to check whether the product is in working condition.
Moreover, GameStop charges up to 5% restocking fees on returns of TVs and other hardware, considerably cutting into your refund. These are what make returning a purchase a headache.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot’s return policy can be frustrating. While it does give the standard 90-day return window on most items, which sounds generous, there are significant exceptions. Refrigerators and other appliances must be returned within 48 hours. Special orders and custom-cut materials cannot be returned. Moreover, you may need to pay a restocking fee, usually 15% of the purchase price, for return or even cancellation.
Barnes & Noble
The return policy at Barnes & Noble can be somewhat of a letdown. While its 30-day return window on most items sounds reasonable, this policy is not flexible when discussing specific products. For example, software downloads are final and cannot be refunded if you make a mistake or change your mind. Another problem is that, although most items can be returned to any Barnes & Noble store, you might have a problem if you don’t have your original receipt because you may be limited to only a store credit when you prefer a complete refund.
Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer puts themselves in a great spot for returns with their 60 days of return. However, some of the fine requirements in this situation, like having the product unworn or just not washed, might present an obstacle. This could be challenging for an outdoor clothing test in different conditions. They take a long time to process refunds. This period can extend up to 14 days. However, for US customers, Eddie Bauer will have a return shipping fee of $7. This is one of the reasons why this company has made it to this list.
