How to make a return to Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other popular retailers

Amazon

Most items you buy through Amazon must be returned within 30 days. Anything purchased between October 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31.

Depending on the size of the item, you might have the option of returning it to an Amazon Hub return center, in person. Otherwise, you’ll have to print out a shipping label and mail it back. 

How to return an Amazon purchase to a return center

First, go to your orders page on Amazon’s site to find the item you want to return — you can also do this through the Amazon mobile app. After answering some questions about why you’re returning it, you’ll get a list of locations where you can drop off the item, if it’s not too large. These might be free of charge and may not require a box or label. Some locations, like an Amazon locker, might cost money, which may be deducted from the amout Amazon returns to you.

Once you choose your location, you’ll receive a QR code. Take your item to the drop-off location and scan the QR code — either printed out or on your phone — to complete the return.

Amazon uses various locations to serve as return drop-offs, including Whole Foods and Kohl’s, as well as select pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

How to return an Amazon purchase by mail

Because Amazon return centers can only accept smaller items, you may have to mail your item back. That means you’ll have to print out a label and have a box to ship it back in. As with an in-person return, start by going to your orders page and selecting the item you’re returning. You’ll answer questions about your reasons for returning it, and then you’ll print out the label and return authorization. Once you take it to the shipping center, it could take up to a month for Amazon to receive the item and process your refund. UPS can also pick up your box, but this will cost more than dropping it off yourself.

How to return a gift to Amazon

The process is a little different if someone else purchased something from Amazon as a gift for you. The first step is to go to Amazon’s return center page. You’ll need the 17-digit order number (or “Order ID”), which you can find on the packing slip or on the gift receipt emailed with a digital purchase. If you don’t have either, you can contact customer service to have them track down the order.

As with other returns, you’ll either drop off the item at a return center or mail it back. Amazon says it can take about three weeks to get a gift card or credit applied to your account.

For step-by-step instructions on returning a gift to Amazon, check out our guide.

Things to keep in mind when returning an Amazon product

There are some caveats when you’re returning certain Amazon purchases. Some expensive items, like watches over $35, require a trackable shipping method. Collectibles, artwork, and similar items worth over $500 also need to be insured. If you’re returning multiple purchases, you’ll have to ship them separately.

Amazon will deduct a return shipping fee for returned clothing bought from The Drop Collections. If you bought a customized or engraved item, you need to notify the seller within 14 days if you need to return it.

For third-party sellers on Amazon, you’ll have to submit a return request, which the seller will have to review and approve before you can return it.

Not all items can be returned to Amazon

Groceries, pet food, live plants, unboxed mattresses, and insects cannot be returned but may be eligible for a refund or replacement. The same is true for Amazon Photos. Digital purchases — including some games, software, music, and videos — are not returnable, either. However, Kindle ebook purchases can be returned, as long as you do so within seven days.

Hazardous materials also cannot be returned, so you’ll have to contact the manufacturer, instead.

Items you can return after 30 days

Certain items have longer return windows. Baby items can be returned or exchanged within 90 days. You can return items on your baby registry for a full year. The window for wedding registry items is 180 days.

If you bought a refurbished product, you have 90 days to return a defective item.

Apple

Products you purchased directly from Apple must be returned within of you receiving them. You’ll be refunded the same way you paid, whether credit or debit card or gift card.

How to return a purchase to an Apple store

To make a return in person, bring the item — along with any accessories — and your receipt or email confirmation. You can find an Apple store near you with this . Some locations may allow for curbside returns.

How to ship back an Apple product

If you want to mail a product back to Apple, go to your and select what you’ll be sending back. There will be a “start a return” link to click, followed by a “get started” button. On the next page, click the “initiate your return” button. After you push the “print return label” button, you’ll get your prepaid label, as well as any necessary hazmat labels. Put them on the shipping box, then schedule a pickup with the carrier or drop it off at the shipping company’s location.

How to return a gift to Apple

To return an Apple product someone gave you as a gift, you’ll need its serial number. If you have the order number, you’ll also need the UPC number on the product’s package. Go to the page and choose “return a gift.” Type in your contact information and hit continue. On the next page, there will be a button for a prepaid return label. Print this, as well as hazmat labels, if necessary. You can either schedule a pick-up or drop off the package. The customer service number for returns is 1‑800‑MY‑APPLE.

Apple will email you an electronic gift card when it receives your returned item.

Things to keep in mind when returning an item to Apple

Simply turning in your new iPhone may not cancel your account with your wireless phone service provider. You may have to contact the carrier and take additional steps to do so.

Products being returned should be in their original condition.

Opened software, gift cards, and some other items cannot be refunded. Also, there are a people in Puerto Rico have to take when returning an item that costs more than $2,500.

Best Buy

Best Buy accepts returns on most items for 15 days after purchase. Phones, tablets, and wearables have a 14-day return window. Certain items you buy between now and January 2, 2021, can be returned through January 16, 2021. This doesn’t include cell phones and tablets from third-party sellers, holiday decorations, or appliances.

Shoppers can return items in the store, at the curb, or through the mail.

How to make an in-store return at Best Buy

To make an in-person return at Best Buy, you’ll need to bring the item, the packing slip or receipt, the credit card you used to buy the item, and a photo ID. If you’re going inside, you’ll hand it all over at the customer service desk.

How to mail returned items to Best Buy

To return a purchase to Best Buy through the mail, first, log into your Best Buy account. Find your order, and you’ll be able to print a prepaid shipping label. Pack up the item, affix the label on the box, and then take it to UPS; it’s the only shipping option for mailing back a purchase.

Not everything can go back through the mail. Major appliances, TVs over 50 inches, SodaStream carbonated water makers, and some items with lithium batteries are prohibited. 

How to return a gift to Best Buy

If you return a gift to Best Buy in person, you’ll receive store credit for the amount of the purchase. If you return it by mail, the person who bought it will receive the refund and get an email from Best Buy. Some locations may allow you to return at the curb instead of going inside.

Things to keep in mind when returning something to Best Buy

Some items, like cell phones, tablets, and wearables, have a $45 restocking fee. Drones and some cameras have a restocking fee equal to 15% of their price. Not everything is returnable: Custom and personalized orders, some digital content, bidets, batteries, ink, and more are all final sales.

Those with Best Buy memberships have longer return windows: 30 days for My Best Buy Elite members and 45 days for people with My Best Buy Elite Plus membership.

To return a major appliance after you’ve accepted delivery, you have to call 1-800-304-1259.

The Home Depot

Due to the pandemic, The Home Depot has extended its return policy from 90 days to . If you used a Home Depot credit card to make your purchase, you have 365 days to return your new, unused items. You’ll receive your refund via your original payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal.

How to return items to a Home Depot location

When you return an item to a Home Depot store, you’ll need your receipt or email confirmation, credit or debit card (if that’s how you paid for it), and a photo ID. If you don’t have a receipt, Home Depot may be able to find your order with your credit card information. The retailer may also issue store credit for items returned without proof of purchase.

How to return an item to Home Depot through the mail

In order to ship back a Home Depot purchase, start by going to the section of the website. Find your item, then click the “return items” button. (This option will only appear if your product is eligible for shipping.) You’ll receive a shipping label to put on the box, and you can then drop it off at a UPS location.

If you need to schedule a pick-up, you can call customer service at 1-800-430-3376. Not all items can be shipped back — this includes lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other products that use hazardous materials.

Things to keep in mind when returning items to Home Depot

Furniture, area rugs, TVs, interior and exterior paint, and some other items must be returned within 30 days. Certain plants, like shrubs and trees, have a full year for returns.

If you’ve accepted delivery for a major appliance but need to return it, you have to call 1-800-455-3869 within 48 hours of when it was delivered.

Nordstrom

As long as an item is still in good condition, Nordstrom doesn’t have a time limit for returns. However, some designer items and special-occasion dresses must still have the tags attached. The retailer will credit you with the same payment type you used to buy the item.

How to return an item to a Nordstrom store

You can return purchases made in person or online to a Nordstrom location, including the new but smaller Nordstrom Local stores; returns are not accepted at Nordstrom Rack (see more below). Bring your items and receipt, and a salesperson can help with the return. For returns without a receipt, Nordstrom requires a photo ID and will offer store credit.

How to ship purchases back to Nordstrom

For shipped returns, start at Nordstrom’s returns page. You’ll be asked whether you bought the item online or in a store and if you have an order number or receipt. Then, fill in information about what you’re returning, including the brand and size. Add contact and shipping information for the shipping label, and Nordstrom will email you a prepaid shipping label and packing slip. If you bought the item in a store and don’t have a receipt, Nordstrom will refund you via a gift card.

Due to the pandemic, Nordstrom says returns via mail are slower than the two-week window it usually takes to issue a refund. 

How to return a gift to Nordstrom

If your present included a gift receipt, you can bring this to a store or include it with a shipped return. You can also indicate that an item was a gift when shipping back an item. Either way, Nordstrom will send a gift card.

Nordstrom Rack has a different policy

Nordstrom Rack, which is Nordstrom’s discount chain, has a different return policy. Customers can return merchandise within 45 days of purchase, subject to conditions listed here. However, items purchased between now and December 24, 2020, can be returned by February 7, 2021. Nordstrom Rack also offers returns by mail, subject to a fee. Gift recipients can make returns in exchange for a gift card.

Note that products from Nordstrom Rack can be returned to a regular Nordstrom location, but they’re subject to the Nordstrom Rack return policy. However, items purchased at Nordstrom are not accepted for returns at Nordstrom Rack.

Target

For unopened or “like new” items with a receipt, Target offers 90 days to return them. Phones and Apple devices have 14- and 15-day return windows, while some electronics and entertainment items need to be returned within 30 days. However, these items’ return windows don’t begin until December 26, if you purchased them between now and December 25.

How to return an item to Target in person

To return an item to a Target store, bring it — along with the receipt, packing slip, or shipping confirmation email — to the customer service desk. You can also get a barcode from the orders page or Target app if you ordered the item online. If you don’t have the receipt, you may still be able to return an item for a merchandise return card, which must be used in a Target store.

Large furniture or electronics might be eligible for pick up, and you can call customer service at 1-800-591-3869 for details.

You’ll be refunded in the same manner you paid for the item, so on the credit or debit card or in cash. If you paid by check, you’ll either receive a merchandise return card (for use in-store only) or cash.

How to mail an item back to Target

To ship a return, go to the orders page on Target.com or in the app. Find the item, select return, then choose “return by mail.” Give a reason for returning the item, then select your shipping address. You’ll then receive a prepaid mailing label, which you’ll put on the box. You’ll need to include the item in its original packaging. When you’re ready to ship, simply drop it off at a UPS pickup location.

Hazardous materials need to be returned in-store and can’t be shipped. You’ll find this information in the shipping and returns section of the product’s page.

How to return a gift to Target

If you have a gift receipt or packing slip, you can return a present to a Target store in exchange for a Target gift card. For gifts that arrived without either a receipt or packing slip, you may still be able to receive a merchandise return card, which cannot be used online. To mail back a gift that was bought on Target.com, you can call 1-800-591-3869.

Gift registry items can be returned for a full year after purchase. On your registry page, select the item you want to return, then choose a store. You’ll receive a barcode, which is only valid at the store you selected. On the Target registry app, select “make a return” in the menu to get a barcode. Bring a photo ID with you to make the return. Target will issue a gift card in return.

Walmart

Walmart has a for the return of most items. Some items have 14- or 30-day windows, including cell phones, drones, cameras, and . For things you buy between now and December 25, 2020, you’ll have until January 8 or January 24 of 2021 to return them.

How to return items to Walmart in person

Anything you buy in a Walmart store has to be returned in person. You can return most items you bought online in a store as well. You can either bring your items, packaging, and receipt to the customer service counter or start the process online. Go to your account history on the site or in the app, select what you’re returning and the reason, and then choose “return to store.” You’ll get an email confirmation, which you should bring to the store. You can also for a similar process if you don’t have a Walmart account.

Walmart will refund you on the credit or debit card you used for the purchase, so bring that with you. The retailer asks that you provide a receipt but will process returns without one. If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll need to . However, you’ll only receive store credit for items over $25.

How to mail returned items back to Walmart

Items you bought online from Walmart can usually be returned for free. If you have an account, go to your order history, select the items you want to return or replace, then click “return by mail.” (This option won’t show up for items that can’t be mailed.) You’ll then need to print the return label and affix it to a box packaged with the item and its original packaging. You can take the box to USPS or FedEx. Larger items can be scheduled for pickup.

If you don’t have a Walmart account, you can use the . You’ll need your email address and order number to start the return. It will take between 7 and 10 days to receive a refund once the return is received and processed.

How to return a gift to Walmart

To return a gift, you’ll need to go to a Walmart store. Bring the receipt, order number, or packing slip (if available); package; and the item. You can also bring the gift giver’s email address to help find the order. You’ll receive cash or a Walmart gift card in exchange.

If you do not have a receipt, you can still make a return if it falls within Walmart’s . You’ll need to bring a photo ID to the store as well.

Items bought from a baby registry can be returned in a store or through the mail. To start the return, go to the registry page, click the item, and click “return to store” or “return by mail.”

Things to keep in mind when returning an item to Walmart

There’s a for items bought through Walmart’s Marketplace.

There are some restrictions to Walmart’s return policy in Illinois.

Allbirds

Generally, Allbirds’ shoes have a 30-day return window, even if you’ve worn them. Socks and underwear also need to be returned in 30 days, but the packages must be unopened. The company is currently offering an extended window for returns.

How to return items to Allbirds in person

Allbirds has several store locations where you can bring back your items. You’ll need your order number or other proof of purchase.

How to return your Allbrids purchase in the mail

Whether you bought your item in a store or online, you can mail it back to Allbirds. The site’s returns and exchanges page will prompt you to enter your order number and zip code. You’ll then provide your details and receive a prepaid return label.

If you bought your items in the store, email help@allbirds.com with your order number (it starts with “64”), your address, and whether you want a refund or an exchange (and the size, color, and style you’d like instead). Allbirds will email a prepaid return label for FedEx or USPS.

How to return an Allbirds gift

On Allbirds’ returns and exchanges page, click the option to indicate you’re returning a gift. You can enter the order number if you have it. If not, click the “Don’t have your order information?” link. You’ll need the name of the person who gave you the gift (and their email, if you have it), a description of what you’re sending back, and your contact information. Allbirds will email a prepaid shipping label, and you’ll get store credit for the return.

Brooklinen

Brooklinen gives you a full year to return sheets and other bedding you bought. The retailer will refund you through the same payment method you used for the purchase, or it will offer store credit.

How to return items to Brooklinen’s Brooklyn store

Brooklinen currently has a single in-person location, in New York City. Bring your purchase there, along with the order number and email address you used for the order. 

How to return Brooklinen purchases through the mail

To ship back your Brooklinen items, start at the site’s returns page. You’ll need your order number to print the prepaid shipping label. Brooklinen told Business Insider the shipping provider is typically UPS, but sometimes customers will receive a USPS shipping label instead, depending on the size of the items being returned.

How to return a gift to Brooklinen

If you don’t have an order number because you received some Brooklinen items as gifts, you can still make a return. You’ll need to provide the purchaser’s name (and email, if you have it) and what you’re sending back. On the returns page, click the link that says “Returning or exchanging a gift.” You’ll input your own address and contact information. Brooklinen will contact you with any updates about the return, as well as email the gift code for store credit. Brooklinen will provide you with a prepaid shipping label.

Things to keep in mind when making a Brooklinen return

Items marked as “final sale” cannot be returned, nor can anything that’s part of Spaces by Brooklinen. If you bought your Brooklinen products through Amazon or Zola, you have to return them through those retailers in 30 or 90 days, respectively.

Everlane

All purchases shipped from Everlane within the US must be returned within 30 days of shipping. International orders have a 45-day return window. Refunds will be made to the original payment form or with a gift card.

How to return items to Everlane stores

Everlane does have a few stores where you can make a return in person. Bring the items, packaging (such as shoe boxes), and proof of purchase.

For those who don’t live near an Everlane store, Happy Returns may have a location where you can bring your purchase for return.

How to mail back an Everlane purchase

To receive a prepaid shipping label for a return, go to Everlane’s orders and returns page. Choose the items you’re returning and your reason for doing so. Print the label, put it on the package, and send it back within 30 days. International returns may require a fee.

It may take longer than three weeks for you to receive your refund.

Things to keep in mind when returning to Everlane

Any item you return must be unwashed and unworn, with tags attached. Bodysuits need to have the hygienic liner attached. The first pair of underwear you return doesn’t need the liner but subsequent pairs must still have it attached.

REI

REI gives you a full year to return most of your purchases, with proof of purchase. You may want to take back your item to a store because REI charges a minimum of $8.95 for shipped returns.

REI refunds the purchased amount to the payment type originally used to buy the item.

How to return items to REI in person

Take your items, with their original packaging and tags, to an REI location. You’ll want to check and see if your nearest location is open and accepting returns, using REI’s locator tool. Be sure to bring a receipt or email confirmation to the store as well.

If you don’t have proof of purchase, REI may be able to find your purchase through your member number. If not, the retailer may still be able to verify the purchase through other information you provide.

How to ship back an item to REI

There are a couple of ways to start processing a mail return to REI. You can go to your purchase history page or click the link in your confirmation email. From there, you’ll get the UPS shipping label, which for most standard packages will cost $8.95, which REI will deduct from your refund.

If you know your order number, you can enter it, along with your zip code, on REI’s return page to get the shipping label.

Some items, including hazardous and oversized purchases, cannot be mailed back to REI. You can either return them in person or work with a carrier to send them back.

How to return a gift to REI

If you have a gift receipt, you can take it to an REI location. If you want to mail back the item, on REI’s return page you’ll provide the order number and zip code of the gift giver. To ensure that you get the refund amount, provide your own contact details and mark that you’re requesting a gift recipient refund on the packing slip. Include the gift receipt when you return the item. REI will mail you a check.

Things to keep in mind when returning items to REI

Some purchases, including “outdoor electronics,” like GPS devices, have a shorter, 90-day return window. Lift tickets, gift cards, and certain other items are final sales.

Etsy

Etsy isn’t a store, rather, it’s a platform for independent sellers. Whether or not a particular Etsy shop accepts returns varies based on the seller. You can find this information on the listing page under “returns & exchanges,” often by scrolling to the bottom of the shop’s homepage.

For sellers who accept returns, click on the “your account” icon on Etsy or in the Etsy app. Select “purchases and reviews,” then click “help with order.” Tap “message seller” and explain why you want to return or exchange your purchase. The seller will respond with information on where to send the item, a timeframe for the return, and how to handle the cost of shipping the return.

If a seller is unwilling to accept a return, Etsy may let you open a case to pursue a refund through the site.