ATLANTA-- December 26th is the busiest day of the year for returns. Some of those returns will go more smoothly than others. Finance website GOBankingRates investigated the return policies for the most popular retailers across the country and ranked the twelve stores with the best return policies.
Costco
Costco members can return with ease. More items have no time limit to return and allow you the choice of refund with cash or check. Receipts aren't needed as long as you have the membership card the purchase was made with on hand.
The one exception to the general return policy: there's a 90-day return policy for televisions, projectors, MP3 players, and cell phones.
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Kohl's
You can take a full year from the purchase date to return an item for a cash refund. If you wait longer or don't have a receipt, you can get store credit or a check in the mail. One important note, gift receipts only qualify for a merchandise credit.
L.L. Bean
The store states, "If your purchase isn't completely satisfactory, we're happy to accept your exchange or return at any time." There's no time limit on when you can return, even if it's been washed and worn. If you don't have a receipt, you can't hey cash back. Instead, you'll get a gift card with the item's current selling price.
Lowe's
There's a 90-day window on returns at Lowe's. That drops to 30 days on major appliances. If your receipt is lost, Lowe's compensates refunds better than most stores since your receipt can be retrieved using your credit card number, checking account, phone number, or MyLowe's card.
Macy's
There's no time limit to return gifts, but they do have a more stringent receipt policy. If you have a gift card, you'll get a Macy's gift card worth the full purchase. Without any receipt, you'll get a gift card with the item's lowest selling point within 180 days. As a plus, online orders can be returned in store.
Nordstrom
GoBankingRates ranks Nordstrom as one of the best return policies of any store, saying it "comes closest to having zero restrictions and no time limit to bring in a gift for a refund". As long as the item doesn't show excessive signs of wear and tear, you'll get a full refund. An ID is required.
REI
REI carries a 100% return guarantee even if gear has been used. The deadline is one year and 30 days after the date of purchase. To get a full refund, you'll need proof of purchase.
Target
Any unopened item in original condition can be returned within 90 days. Certain items like electronics must be returned within 30 days. They extend that policy around Christmas. For gifts purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, the 30-day period doesn't start until Dec. 26.
Online purchases come with a prepaid shipping label, so you don't have to pay for returns. If you need to return anything without a receipt, you'll need to show a valid ID and given a gift card.
Home Depot
You have 90 days to return gifts with a receipt. No receipt will get you the item's lowest selling price. Any special order items come with a 15% restocking fee and must be taken back to the same store where they were purchased.
Toys "R" Us
Items must be returned in new or like-new condition with all original packaging within 90 days of purchase.
Walmart
You can bring any item back within 90 days, except for electronics, which must be returned is 15 or 30 days. During the holidays, that 30 day time period starts on Dec. 26th.
If you're missing the receipt, you can get a cash refund for purchases worth less than $25 and a gift card for purchases over $25. They do have a limit on no-receipt returns: only three no-receipt returns are allowed within 45 days.
Zappos
Zappos has build a reputation for its amazing return policy. Shipping is free and fast. Zappos will refund the full price for up to one year as long as they don't show signs of wear. It will also cover the return shipping costs.
