Deadline for Holiday Returns at Target, Amazon, Apple and More
Whether it’s an ill-fitting sweater or a toy that already has an owner, even thoughtful gifts miss the mark sometimes. So after the holiday rush, thousands of shoppers find themselves making returns and trade-ins.
The good news is that many retailers extend their return policies beyond the standard 30-day window, giving you enough time to get a refund or exchange your unwanted gifts.
To help you keep track of all those deadlines, here are this year’s holiday return policies for every major retailer.
Amazon
Most items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 are eligible for refunds until Jan. 31 as long as they are in original condition or unused. Once Amazon receives and processes your return (which can take up to 30 days or more), your original payment method determines how long you’ll have to wait for your refund.
Cashback in the form of an Amazon gift card takes just a few hours, while debit cards can take up to 10 days.
Note that Apple brand products have a short return window: Items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 can be returned on Jan. 15. Other exceptions include Kindle books, digital textbooks and songs. These can only be returned within seven days of purchase.
See Amazon’s return policy for more details.
Walmart
During the holiday season, Walmart customers have until Jan. 31 to return most items purchased in-store or online since Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.
You can return gifts in store or by mail, although you need to repackage and label the box with a prepaid return label before arranging a pickup or leaving the package at the post office.
If you buy from a third-party retailer on Walmart.com, ask the retailer if they will offer you an extended return policy. If a standard return policy applies, items purchased from a marketplace seller have a 30-day return window, except for major appliances, electronics and luxury collections, all of which have reduced return times.
See Walmart’s return policy for more information.
Best Buy
Items purchased between Oct. 31 and Dec. 31 can be returned until Jan. 15. You can return in-store or online purchases to any Best Buy store or ship them for free with a prepaid shipping label.
Note that items with third-party contracts such as cell phones, tablets, portable hotspots and AppleCare+ plans have a shorter return window. You can return these up to 14 days from the date of purchase. Artificial trees, lights and other holiday decorations can be returned up to 15 days from the date of purchase.
Best Buy charges a $45 restocking fee for products that require restocking (think: phones, tablets and smart watches) and 15% of item price on drones, digital cameras, projector screens and similar items. That is, unless the item is open, you bought it in Alabama, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma or South Carolina, or it meets a few other requirements.
See Best Buy’s return policy for more details.
The target
Target’s extended holiday return policy applies to items purchased Nov. 1 through Dec. 24. Starting Dec. 26, customers can return electronics, entertainment items and Target Plus products (excluding seasonal decor) through Jan. 24. Apple and Beats product returns have a very short window. These are due on Jan. 8.
For other items, Target’s standard return policy applies — you have 90 days to return gifts as long as they’re unopened and in new condition.
See Target’s return policy for more details.
an apple
For the holidays, Apple’s return deadline is Jan. 8. This termination applies exclusively to products purchased from the Apple Store Online and received between Nov. 12 and Dec. 25.
However, this extension does not apply to iPhones supported by a wireless carrier such as T-Mobile or Verizon. This is subject to Apple’s standard 14-day policy. Note that some Apple products cannot be returned, including preinstalled software and Apple gift cards.
See Apple’s return policy for more details.
Macy’s
Macy’s extended holiday window gives you until Jan. 31 to return items purchased on Oct. 6 to Dec. 31. Items in their original condition and with tags can be returned in-store for free, but online returns have a $9.99 shipping fee unless you are a member of the Macy’s Star Rewards program.
See Macy’s return policy for more details.
Sephora
Sephora’s holiday return policy applies to items purchased between Oct. 31 and Dec. 30. Any new or gently used item purchased in-store, online or through Sephora’s social media channels can be returned on Jan. 30 or before.
Unlike other stores, Sephora’s extended return policy only allows for exchanges or store credit. For a full refund on the original payment method, you must return the item with the receipt within Sephora’s 30-day return window.
See Sephora’s return policy for more details.
Costco
Costco doesn’t have an extended holiday return policy, but its standard return window still gives you plenty of time to return any unwanted gifts. Many products, including clothing, food, household goods, small appliances and online shoppingcan be returned at any time for a full refund.
Other exceptions apply. For example, alcohol and tobacco refunds depend on state laws, too major appliances and electronics, including TVs, smartphones, computers and smart watches, are subject to a strict 90-day window.
See Costco’s full return policy for more information.
The Home Depot
Home Depot’s standard return policy also applies to holiday purchases. Depending on the type of purchase, the return window varies.
Most new, unopened items are eligible for returns within 90 days of purchase. Furniture, TVs, computers and gas appliances have a 30-day return window as long as the item is unused and sealed in its original packaging. Large appliances such as fridges, washers and dryers can only be returned within 48 hours.
A 365-day return window is reserved for purchases made using a Home Depot credit card, Pro Xtra credit card or merchant account.
See Home Depot’s return policy for more information.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s extended return window is one of the smallest on this list. Seller allows returns until Jan. 31, but only for purchases made between Oct. 5 and Oct. 31 (some retailers extend this window until Christmas Eve). Any gifts purchased after Oct. 31 have a standard 90 day return policy.
Exceptions apply to certain items. Sephora products purchased at Kohl’s since Oct. 31 to Dec. 30 will be returned until Jan. 31, as is the case with premium electronics and watches purchased between Oct. 5 and Dec. 30.
See Kohl’s return policy for more details.
TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods (TJX Companies)
Marshalls and TJ Maxx offer shoppers auntil Feb. 4 to return items purchased in-store and online between Oct. 5 and Dec. 24. To be eligible for a return, items must be unworn and unused. Swimwear and underwear must have original tags attached. To receive a return by mail, There is also a $11.99 shipping and handling fee.
Home Goods allows returns until Jan. 24 if the item was purchased between Oct. 5 and Dec. 24.
Note that, although TJ Maxx, Home Goods and Marshalls are sister brands under the TJX Companies, they do not accept returns for purchases made at another store. A TJ Maxx item must be returned to a TJ Maxx store, and so on.
See each store’s return policy for more details: Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Home Goods.
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