Survey shows return deadlines, policies changing at major retailers

BOSTON — While many are focused on finishing up their holiday shopping, it’s important to be aware of a store’s return policy.

The 2019 return policy survey conducted by ConsumerWorld.org found that major retailers have been implementing even shorter return periods year after year.

Stores that once had unlimited return policies have cut them down to 90 days in some cases.

Some stores may offer extended holiday return deadlines allowing items purchased in November to be returned after the Christmas holiday.

Return deadlines aren’t the only thing changing. Return policies are getting more complicated for the consumer to understand.

Here are the following noteworthy policy changes that took place in 2019:

· Kohl’s eliminated its no return deadline policy in favor of requiring most returns in 180 days.

· Bed, Bath & Beyond reduced its return period to 180 days.

· The Macy’s returns deadline has been reduced to 90 days.

· Walmart cut the return window for TVs from 90 days to just 30 days and increased the return period for other electronics from 15 days to 30 days.

· Best Buy now excludes major appliances from its extended holiday return period.

Here are the return policies for several return deadlines:

AMAZON: January 31 for most items shipped 11/01 through 12/31. Late returns: 20% restocking fee.

BED, BATH & BEYOND: New 180-day return window for most items. 90 days for electrics. If there is no receipt and it is not findable, a 20% fee is deducted from the refund.

BEST BUY: January 14 for most purchases Nov. 1 - Dec. 31. Elite members may get more time.

COSTCO: No deadline, but 90 days for TVs, computers, cameras, smartwatches, MP3 players, cellphones, monitors, and major appliances.

KOHL’S: New 180-day deadline, but premium electronics bought Nov. 1 - Dec. 25 returnable until January 31.

MACY’S: New 90-day deadline for most returns. Some two dozen exceptions with shorter deadlines. Holiday return deadline of January 31 for a few item categories, Jan. 8 for tech items.

MARSHALLS: January 25 for purchases Oct. 13 - Dec. 24.

SEARS: January 31 for select purchases Nov. 1 - Dec. 24. Major appliances, others excluded. 15% restocking fee on certain categories like furniture, opened electronics, etc.

STAPLES: No deadline for office supplies. January 11 for electronics & furniture bought since Nov. 17.

TJ MAXX: January 25 for purchases Oct. 13 - Dec. 24.

TARGET: 90 days for most items, 30 days for electronics and entertainment items, and 15 days for most Apple items.

WALMART: 90 days for most items purchased from October 24 onward, 30 days for electronics, and 14 days for cellphones.

Laws regulating return policies vary by state and are often required to be disclosed to the buyer prior to the purchase. If you’re unsure of a store’s return policy or deadline, ask a store attendant or cashier before completing your purchase.

You can read the full survey by Consumer World here.

© 2019 Cox Media Group