Shopping can be a thrill, but dealing with returns can become a nightmare. While some stores prioritize customer satisfaction, others make the process as inconvenient as possible. Let’s dive into the world of retail and expose the stores with the most dreaded return policies.
Apple
Apple’s notoriously strict return policy makes it a prime candidate for our worst return policies list. With a tight 14-day window and demanding return conditions, customers face hurdles when seeking refunds.
Restrictions on eligible items, such as software downloads and gift cards, further limit options. To add insult to injury, returns are only accepted for items purchased directly from Apple, leaving customers in the lurch if bought elsewhere.
Forever 21
Forever 21 has a long history of frustrating customers with its restrictive return policy. While the store has thankfully abandoned its infamous in-store credit policy, its current return/exchange terms still fall short. With a strict 30-day window and demands for pristine, unworn merchandise, returning items can be a hassle. Moreover, Forever 21’s refusal to accept returns on essential items like swimwear, underwear, and earrings adds to the customer’s burden.
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree earns a spot on our “worst return policies” list due to its near-nonexistent policy for in-store purchases. Forget refunds—even exchanges require the original receipt. Forget returning anything you’ve opened. Online orders are final, too, unless they’re incomplete or damaged.
Best Buy
Best Buy’s return policy is a maze of confusing rules and exceptions. Navigating the process can be a headache with different return windows for different products, restocking fees, and a long list of non-returnable items. You must carefully review the policy before purchasing to avoid unexpected surprises.
Payless
Payless.com changed its return policy on June 6, 2023. Unfortunately, you can no longer return or exchange online purchases. While they previously offered a 30-day window with return shipping costs on your end, that’s no longer the case. Be aware that what you buy online at Payless is final.
GameStop
GameStop customers have a short 30-day window for returns, which must be accompanied by a receipt. Pre-owned items have even tighter restrictions, with a seven-day return period for refunds. All returned items must be in original, “sellable” condition, and GameStop reserves the right to refuse returns of opened products.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble has a relatively straightforward return policy for most items: 30 days for returns or exchanges on new, unopened products. However, returning online orders can be a hassle as you’ll need to cover return shipping costs. Things get even more complicated when it comes to returning NOOK devices, which require a return authorization number and must be done within 14 days of purchase.
Lululemon
Lululemon’s return policy is quite restrictive. You only have 30 days to return items, which must be unworn, unwashed, and have original tags. Even shoes must be returned in the box. To make a return, you’ll need your receipt and be prepared for an inspection. While they offer a “performance return” for quality issues, it’s standard practice elsewhere.
Kmart
Kmart’s return policy is notoriously strict and confusing. In addition to requiring a receipt for most returns, the store imposes varying return windows based on product type. For instance, furniture and electronics often have shorter return periods, while some items like beds and specific holiday merchandise are final sale. Additionally, Kmart charges restocking fees for mail-in returns, adding to the inconvenience.
Office Depot
Office Depot’s return policy can be deceptively complex. While office supplies generally enjoy a generous 90-day return window, this drastically shortens for more specialized items. Electronics, furniture, and software have strict return policies, often requiring original packaging, receipts, and even specific conditions like unassembled furniture. You must carefully review Office Depot’s return guidelines for your purchase before making a decision.
Wish
Wish offers a standard 30-day return window, but this is subject to numerous exclusions, including software, media, and perishable goods. Additionally, individual merchants on Wish may have their own, more restrictive return policies. Wish’s refusal to reimburse customers for return shipping costs is a significant drawback, placing an added financial burden on buyers.
Fashion Nova
At Fashion Nova, the customers can only receive store credit for most returns and are responsible for return shipping costs. A limited selection of items, including bodysuits, swimwear, and sale items, are final sale. While they offer a standard 30-day return window, holiday purchases have an extended return period.
6pm
While 6pm offers deals on shoes, their return policy is less forgiving than that of its parent company, Zappos. Be aware that you’ll shoulder the return shipping cost, and the 30-day return window starts from your purchase date, not delivery. Additionally, items must be returned in original packaging with security tags intact for a full refund.
Overstock
Overstock’s return policy has a buyer-beware element. You only have 30 days for full returns on items in pristine condition, and you’ll be responsible for return shipping costs. If your return is due to Overstock’s error or a defective product, they’ll cover the shipping. Be mindful that Overstock item returns can incur a hefty deduction ($100 to $700, depending on the size and weight) for return shipping if not in original condition.
Eddie Bauer
While Eddie Bauer provides a prepaid shipping label for returns, the process is far from seamless. With limited physical store locations, customers are forced to rely on mailing returns, which can be time-consuming and unreliable. The manual return form and lack of tracking information further exacerbate the issue. Eddie Bauer’s system feels outdated and customer-unfriendly in an age where many retailers offer convenient online return portals and real-time updates.