We all know that return policies vary widely from retailer to retailer (or e-tailer to e-tailer, right?).
Here’s a rundown of some of the most flexible return policies out there so when purchasing items for you (or gifts for family and friends), you don’t get stuck with something that cannot be returned.
1. Kohl’s
Home of the “Hassle-Free Return.” No receipt does not mean you’re out of luck, especially if you used your Kohl’s card. Check out this link for a wide variety of scenarios that should cover you nicely.
One product that proves an exception at Kohl’s is premium electronics, which must be returned in the original packaging and with a valid receipt or account look-up within 30 days of purchasing.
2. REI
The outdoor gear store has a simple and clear “100 Percent Satisfaction Guaranteed” policy. If you’re unhappy with your purchase, you’ve got a year to return it for a replacement or refund (except for outdoor electronics, which must be returned within 90 days of purchase).
REI’s policy doesn’t cover “ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by improper use or accidents.”
3. Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods guarantees everything it sells. Bring it back opened OR unopened for a full refund. You’ve got to have the original receipt, but other than that, you’re in the clear.
Note: This seems to be the case at most grocery stores we researched. In some cases they’ll provide a store credit in the form of a gift card, and in all cases you do need the original receipt.
4. Anthropologie
You need a receipt, but other than furniture, anything can be returned at any time.
5. Trader Joe’s
Even if you ate the whole thing, as long as you have the original packaging and receipt, your money gets returned—not that we’re recommending you exploit TJ’s generosity.
6. Bath & Body Works
Bring anything back at any time for a refund—with or without the receipt. If you don’t have the receipt, they will refund you the lowest selling price of the item in question.
7. L.L. Bean
UPDATE: As of February 2018, L.L. Bean has ended its unlimited, no-questions-asked return policy. The policy, which had been in place for more than a century, was ruined by a few bad players, according to an open letter to customers.
L.L. Bean will accept any return, any time, for almost any reason. A receipt or ID is usually asked for at the time of return.
*UPDATE* As of February 2018, L.L.Bean updated its lifetime guarantee to a one-year policy. Here’s what their website now states:
“If you are not 100% satisfied with one of our products, you may return it within one year of purchase for a refund. After one year, we will consider any items for return that are defective due to materials or craftsmanship.”
8. Costco
Bring it back any time in the original packaging for a refund. That policy excludes electronics and diamonds, which must be returned within 90 days.
9. The Body Shop
They’ll take anything back at any time, but a receipt is needed. If you don’t have your receipt, you can still get store credit based on the lowest selling price in the last 30 days.
10. CVS
You can get full refunds on beauty products here—whether or not they’ve been opened.
11. Eddie Bauer
This one is pretty solid: it’s basically an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Bring back any item at any time for a full refund. If you don’t have a receipt, you can get a store credit or make an exchange.
12. Nordstrom
Nordstrom doesn’t even have a return policy! Here’s what they have to say on the matter on the website: “We’ll do our best to take care of you, but from time to time we cannot accommodate a return.” That sounds quite flexible. They also use those stickers on the price tags as return labels, so you don’t have to keep track of your receipt, which is so nice.
Note: Nordstrom Rack, the brand’s discount arm, has a 90-day return policy.
13. Lands’ End
With a receipt, you can bring purchases back any time for a full refund. If you’re missing the receipt, you’ll get a store credit.
14. Zappos
You’ve got a full year to return items in the original packaging and in the original condition.
15. Apple Store
Electronics can be kind of tricky, but not with this tech giant. If you buy something at the Apple Store, you’ve got 14 days to return it—even if it’s opened and you’ve been using it. That means you’ve got two weeks to decide whether that new iPad or laptop is the one for you.
Note: This doesn’t apply to opened software, which makes sense.
[h/t: PureWow and Lifehacker]