Some stores make it a total pain in the butt to return stuff. Some make it so easy you want to only shop with them in the future. You’d think more stores would take notice of just how important a customer-friendly return policy is, especially in terms of repeat customers and more importantly, satisfied customers. I did some research and came up with the eight best return policies in the known universe.

1. Amazon

I would be kidding myself if I didn’t add Amazon’s return policy to this listicle.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Amazon gives you 30 days from your delivery date to make a return.
• In most cases, they’ll pay the return shipping charges especially if you say the reason for the return has to do with an error in the product description.
• Also, if you’re only past the 30 days by a few days, Amazon will still accept your return. Just start a live chat and apologize that you’re a little late on the return and they’ll typically let you make the return.
• You can also take your return to your local Whole Foods or Kohl’s and they’ll process your return for you, no box needed in most cases.

This return policy applies to all online shoppers, not just those that pay for a Prime membership.

AMAZON NIGHTMARE TURNED POSITIVE

A few months ago, I ordered a stand mixer from Amazon during a flash sale, thinking I had snagged a great deal. When it arrived, it was the wrong color and model from what I ordered. To make matters worse, the box was heavily damaged and the instruction manual was even missing. I was sure this was going to be a nightmare to return this clearly used item.

After contacting Amazon customer service, they quickly acknowledged the error and emailed me a prepaid return label. The tricky part came when I realized I didn’t have a box sturdy enough to ship back the heavy mixer. After explaining my dilemma, Amazon surprised me by arranging a free UPS pickup, and they even provided a replacement box. UPS came by the next day and picked it up, and the refund processed soon after.

2. Costco Wholesale

For a long time Costco had the single greatest return policy to ever exist.

But like any really good thing, it got abused by some shoppers so they had to dial it back. But it’s still REALLY good.

Here is the skinny:

• 90 day return policy on electronics. No questions asked. This use to be unlimited days but people would bring back their HDTV a year after buying it, say it was broken, and upgrade it to the newest model.
• All other consumer goods: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. This means if you buy a Keurig coffee maker and it breaks down 14 months after you bought it (and it will), you can bring it back into Costco for a full refund. I know because I did this exact thing.
• Do you need the original receipt? No, because all purchases are tracked on your account membership.

Membership refund tip: Also, if you’re unsatisfied with your annual membership for any reason you can get a full refund at any time.

COSTCO SUCCESS STORY

This Costco success story comes from my friend Eric and proves just how great their return policy is.

“Last year, I bought a treadmill from Costco during one of their seasonal sales. It worked beautifully for the first six months but then started making a horrible grinding noise. I delayed returning it because I thought I might have voided the warranty by assembling it myself. After a few more months, it became unusable. I dreaded dealing with such a large and heavy item.

Finally, I decided to test Costco’s legendary return policy. When I walked into the store, I gotta admit I was nervous—I thought they’d have every reason to deny the return. To my surprise, the customer service associate calmly looked up my purchase using my membership card. They didn’t even ask for the original box or require me to explain the issue in detail. Costco not only refunded me in full but had an employee help me unload the broken treadmill from the back of my truck. It was a relief and a testament to their exceptional policy.”

See Also: These 9 Stores Will Often Refund You and Let You Keep Your Return

3. Kohl’s

The Kohl’s return policy still deserves to be mentioned, even if it’s not as good as it used to be.

But it’s still pretty dang awesome:

• You get 90 days to make a return. Not as good as it used (180 days) to be but I guess that’ll work.
• Don’t have the receipt? You can still make an even exchange, take a merchandise credit or get a corporate refund.
• The only negative with their policy is they now require you to pay return shipping charges when making a return via the mail.

How about a gift receipt only? You’ll score merchandise credit good for anything in the store.

See Also: All 37 VERY Popular Retailers That Offer Extended Holiday Returns

4. L.L. Bean

Have you ever heard of a clothing store saying that they’ll take back any item, at any time, if you’re not completely satisfied with the quality of the item? Well, thanks to the L.L.Bean Guaranteed to Last program, you have now.

• Update: In recent years, they have changed their lifetime policy to 1 year return from date of purchase. Apparently too many shoppers were abusing their “lifetime” policy.
• After 1 year, L.L.Bean will still consider letting you return the item if the reason for the return has to with poor craftsmanship or defective materials.
• Their 1-year policy even extends to user error and abuse. If you are extremely hard on a pair of chinos and they rip, call them up and they’ll replace them saying, “Our chinos don’t rip, a new pair is in the mail.”

Pretty amazing policy that was first instituted back in the 1960’s.

5. Macy’s

The Macy’s return policy is also excellent and has a nice wrinkle for online purchases.

Here is how it works:

• Have the original receipt? They’ll take it back within 30 days and give you a full refund in the original form of payment. Doesn’t matter how long ago you made the purchase.
• Lost the receipt? Not a problem, they’ll bend over backwards to try and find your purchase info by accessing your account, gift registry, or by using a customer return label. If they can find it, you’ll get a full refund.
• If they can’t find proof of purchase, you’ll still get store credit for the item’s lowest selling price within the last 180 days. Not to shabby.

When shopping at Macys.com, if your product arrives and has been damaged during delivery, you can take it to any Macy’s location and they’ll not only refund the purchase price but any shipping costs that you incurred.

6. Nordstrom

Nordstrom prides themselves in their excellent customer service and you often pay for it through higher prices.

But nonetheless, their return policy is hard to beat:

• Free returns, with no time-frame, either via mail or in-store. Pretty cool that they let you return your items via the mail for no extra charge. Really makes it risk-free when shopping from the Nordstrom website.
• Be aware that Nordstrom now tracks all returns and will ban you if you take advantage of their policy.

Even makes sense to buy a couple different sizes knowing that you can return the ones that don’t fit for free.

See Also: 45+ Stores That  Offering FREE Shipping on Christmas Shopping (NO Minimum)

7. REI

REI has the famous “100% Satisfaction Guaranteed” policy which essentially let’s you “try out” their products risk free.

Here is how it works:

• REI Co-op members get exactly 1-year from date of purchase to return any product for any reason for a full refund or exchange, no questions asked.
• Non-members still get a liberal 90 day return policy.
• The only exception to this policy is outdoor electronics which must be returned within 90 days of purchase.
• You can return or exchange any product to one of their retail locations, regardless of whether you bought it online or by phone through their product catalog.

REI-Outlet items are handled a little bit differently as you only have 30 days to request a full refund or product exchange.

REI CRACKING DOWN ON RETURN ABUSE

I did an interview with 9News in Denver talking about REI banning some members from making returns in the future, citing policy abuse.

To give you an idea of customers who get their account flagged, the gal in question had bought over $10,000 worth of REI gear and had returned about 30% off it in the past ten years.

In the interview, I made the point that REI has the right to do this but I was disappointed that they didn’t give her any warning, she just got an email out of the blue saying she could no longer make returns.

Personally, I would have liked REI to have sent a warning email and maybe put her REI membership on probation for a 6 month period. In any case, let this serve as a “heads up” if you tend to make a lot of returns to REI.

8. Target

The return policy at Target is pretty bodacious as well.

Here is what you need to know:

• Target offers a fairly liberal 90-day return window. The following items have a shorter 30-day return policy: netbooks, laptops, eReaders, tablets, cameras, camcorders, digital audio players, GPS systems, video game hardware, personal DVD players, and no-contract cell phones.
• Almost all online purchases can be returned to a Target store.
• All Target.com purchases can be returned online for free by using their online return center.
• Interesting note on Christmas gift purchases. For items purchased between 11/1 – 12/25, the refund period does not begin until 12/26.
• Also, Target’s in-house kid’s clothing brand, Cat & Jack, has an even better return policy that allow for returns up to 365 days after purchase.

If you are returning an item without a receipt they have the ability to look up your purchase in their computer system and issue you store credit.

9. Zappos

Zappos revolutionized the online return policy years ago and it has since become their trademark.

Here’s how it works:

• Not only will they ship your order for free, but they’ll allow you to mail it back for free if you are not satisfied for ANY reason.
• You have exactly 365 days to return your item. Product must be in the same condition you received it and in the original packaging.
• They also give you the option of doing a free exchange if you need a different size.

Order some shoes and apparel, try them on at home, and ship back what you don’t want for NO extra cost.

ZAPPOS’ 365-DAY RETURN POLICY

This anecdote comes from loyal blog reader Marge, “Last year, I ordered a pair of running shoes from Zappos that had rave reviews. I was excited to finally have a good pair of jogging shoes. When they arrived, they fit perfectly, and I was thrilled—until I started running. Within a week, I noticed that my heels were rubbing uncomfortably, and the arch support wasn’t as great as I’d hoped. I debated whether to return them, since I had already worn them outdoors.

I remembered that Zappos had a generous return policy that allowed returns for up to 365 days. Still, I wasn’t sure how accommodating they’d be since I had worn the shoes. I contacted customer service, explained my situation, and mentioned that I didn’t have the original box. The representative was incredibly understanding. She reassured me that Zappos values customer satisfaction and that they would accept the return as long as the shoes weren’t excessively damaged.

Here’s where it got even better: Zappos emailed me a prepaid shipping label and even offered to expedite shipping on a replacement pair so I could keep up with my jogging routine. I browsed their site and found a different pair of shoes with better reviews for arch support. After sending back the original pair, the new shoes arrived within two days.

But the story doesn’t end there. About two months later, I received a handwritten thank-you card from the customer service team, expressing their gratitude for choosing Zappos and hoping I enjoyed my new shoes. The whole experience left me amazed at their commitment to making customers feel valued.”

Ask the Reader: Have you ever used any of these return policies to your advantage? Tell me all about it. Also, am I missing any good store return policies? Let me know and I’ll be sure to add it to this list.

Happy savings.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Jori Samonen.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)