Complete Guide to Return Policies Hub
Everything you need to know about using our site, understanding return policies, and making smart shopping decisions with 100+ retailers from around the world.
Getting Started
Search for Retailers
Use the search bar on the homepage to quickly find any retailer's return policy by name.
- 1.Enter the retailer name in the search box (e.g., 'Amazon', 'IKEA', 'Zara')
- 2.View matching results as you type
- 3.Click on a retailer to view their detailed return policy
- 4.Use filters to narrow by region or country
Browse by Country & Region
Explore retailers organized by their country of origin: USA, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, and more.
- 1.Visit the Retailers page to see all available retailers
- 2.Use the country/region filter to find specific markets
- 3.Each retailer card shows key info like return window
- 4.Click any card to view full policy details
Check Shipping Companies
View available shipping carriers for each retailer by clicking the 'Available Shipping Companies' button.
- 1.Navigate to any retailer's page
- 2.Click the 'Available Shipping Companies' button
- 3.View all shipping options with their regions
- 4.Check if package tracking is available
- 5.Plan your returns based on carrier availability
Compare Policies Side-by-Side
Use the comparison tool to see return policies from multiple retailers at once.
- 1.Go to the Comparison page from the menu
- 2.Filter by region or sort by return window length
- 3.Compare key details across retailers
- 4.Click any retailer for more details
- 5.Make informed shopping decisions
Understanding Return Policies
Return Windows Explained
The return window is the time period during which you can return an item after purchase.
- Unlimited: Costco offers returns anytime (90 days for electronics)
- 365 days: IKEA allows a full year for unopened items
- 100 days: Zalando and ABOUT YOU lead fashion retail
- 60-90 days: Common for general retailers (Walmart, Target)
- 30 days: Standard for most retailers (Amazon, H&M)
- 14-15 days: Common for electronics (Apple, Best Buy)
- 7-8 days: Typical for Japanese retailers and Asian marketplaces
Item Condition Requirements
Most retailers have specific requirements for the condition of returned items.
- Tags attached: Fashion items usually require original tags
- Original packaging: Electronics often need complete packaging
- Unused condition: Items should not show signs of wear
- All accessories: Include all parts, manuals, cables
- Hygiene seal: Underwear/swimwear must have seal intact
- Try-on friendly: Many fashion retailers allow indoor try-on
Refund Methods
How and when you'll receive your money back varies by retailer.
- Original payment: Most common, 3-10 business days
- Store credit: Faster, sometimes offered as alternative
- Gift card: Often available for no-receipt returns
- Exchange: Trade for different size/color/item
- Instant refund: In-store returns often immediate
- Wallet credit: E-commerce sites may use platform wallets
Common Exceptions
Items that typically cannot be returned regardless of retailer.
- Final sale items: Marked as non-returnable
- Personalized/custom items: Made to your specifications
- Digital downloads: Software, games, music, movies
- Perishables: Food, flowers, plants (some exceptions)
- Hazardous materials: Chemicals, flammables
- Intimate apparel: Underwear, swimwear (hygiene)
- Opened media: CDs, DVDs, software with broken seal
Regional Shopping Guides
Return policies vary significantly by region. Here's what to expect when shopping from retailers in different parts of the world.
United States
- Generally customer-friendly return policies
- Costco and Nordstrom known for generous returns
- 90 days common for general retailers
- eBay and Etsy are seller-dependent marketplaces
- Receipt often not required with account lookup
Canada
- Similar policies to US retailers
- Canadian Tire, Hudson's Bay are major domestic chains
- 90 days standard for most retailers
- Triangle Rewards and PC Optimum track purchases
- French-language service available
Japan
- Shorter return windows (7-30 days typical)
- High emphasis on item condition
- Convenience store drop-offs common
- Rakuten is seller-dependent marketplace
- Keep all packaging carefully
Sweden & Nordics
- IKEA's 365-day policy is industry-leading
- Elgiganten offers 60-day open purchase
- Strong consumer protection laws
- H&M originated here with 30-day policy
- Free returns common
Netherlands
- bol.com is the dominant marketplace
- Coolblue known for excellent service
- 30-day returns standard
- EU consumer rights apply
- Free first return on most orders
Portugal
- 15-day minimum by EU law
- Worten and FNAC are electronics leaders
- El Corte Inglés operates department stores
- CTT postal service handles most returns
- Store card holders often get extended windows
Asia (Southeast & India)
- Lazada and Shopee dominate Southeast Asia
- Flipkart is India's largest platform
- 7-15 day windows typical
- Unboxing video recommended for claims
- In-app return process standard
China
- Taobao and JD.com are major platforms
- 7-day no-reason return common
- Return freight insurance available cheaply
- Alibaba is B2B with supplier-set policies
- Alipay handles most refunds
Europe (General)
- EU law guarantees 14-day withdrawal right
- Zalando offers 100-day returns
- Zara has consistent global policy
- Free returns common for fashion
- ASOS popular for cross-border shopping
Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns
Always Check Before You Buy
Review the return policy before purchasing, especially for high-value items or international orders.
Keep Your Receipt & Confirmation
Save receipts, order confirmations, and shipping emails. Many retailers can look up purchases with your account or payment card.
Don't Remove Tags Prematurely
Leave tags on clothing and accessories until you're certain you'll keep the item. Many retailers require tags for returns.
Keep Original Packaging
Especially for electronics and appliances. Original packaging is often required and makes shipping safer.
Document Everything
Take photos when receiving items, especially from marketplaces. Unboxing videos can support damage claims.
Use Tracking for Mail Returns
Always ship returns with tracking. This protects you if the package is lost and provides proof of return.
Know Your Consumer Rights
EU residents have 14-day withdrawal rights. Many countries have consumer protection laws beyond retailer policies.
Consider Membership Benefits
Programs like Amazon Prime, Target RedCard, and Costco membership often include extended return windows.
Return In-Store When Possible
In-store returns are usually faster, free, and you get immediate confirmation. Great for items without boxes.
Act Within the Window
Don't wait until the last day. Shipping delays could push your return past the deadline. Start early.
About Shipping Companies
Each retailer partners with different shipping companies to deliver and accept returns. When you click the "Available Shipping Companies" button on any retailer's page, you'll see:
The shipping carrier used (UPS, FedEx, DHL, local carriers, etc.)
Geographic area where the carrier operates and accepts packages
Whether you can track your return shipment in real-time online