Return policies used to be pretty standard for most stores and industries, but over the last several years, many businesses have been chipping away at the typical 90-day return. Nowadays, a lot of stores have return policies of just 30 days – or even less!
Before you shop at a store, check out the return policy first. Knowing what you can and cannot take back – and your deadline for returns – can save you from wasting money on products that don’t work out for you. Flexible return policies are also a sign of customer-centric businesses. If a store really wants its customers to be happy with their experience, it will go to great lengths to make that happen – including working with you to make sure you’re ultimately satisfied with your purchase.
Below are eight stores that are bucking the trend with exemplary policies that are truly consumer friendly:
L.L. Bean
- No time limit to return purchases.
- No receipt necessary (unless you purchased at an L.L. Bean outlet).
- For mail returns, even shipping is free if you have an L.L. Bean Visa.
Nordstrom
- No time limit to return purchases.
- If you don’t have a receipt, they’ll print one out for you at the store.
- If you paid shipping costs, those costs will not be refunded.
Costco
- No time limit to return purchases (except for electronics, which must be returned within 90 days).
- No receipt necessary as long as you’re using the same Costco membership.
- Full refunds for any shipping and handling costs.
REI
- No time limit to return purchases.
- You must provide a valid receipt.
Kohl’s
- No time limit to return purchases.
- Must present the original receipt.
- Without an original receipt, or with a gift receipt, customers will receive an even exchange.
Barnes and Noble
- No time limit to return purchases.
- Must present original receipt for a cash refund, or a gift receipt for a gift card.
Zappos
- Items may be returned within 365 days for a full refund as long as the item is in its “original condition.”
- Zappos will pay for the shipping cost to return the item.
Macy’s
- Items may be exchanged or returned within 180 days for a full refund.
- Must present a receipt.
- Items purchased online may be returned to the store to avoid shipping costs, but if you do ship, they won’t reimburse you for the cost.
Which of your favorite stores would you add to this list?
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