I’ve been breaking down retailer’s return policies for a few years now and I gotta admit that I’ve yet to find one as complicated as the Newegg return policy. Things that complicate the Newegg policy considerably include 3rd party sellers with different rules, products that are “replacement only”, and the dreaded restocking fee that accompany some products. Not helping the problem is Newegg’s website, which includes 3 pages dedicated to their return policy, making for a TOTAL mess when trying to find specific information. So I went ahead and broke it ALL down for you on a single page, hope this helps.

How Many Return Days Does Newegg Allow?

30 days.

For items sold and shipped by Newegg, you get exactly 30 days from date of delivery to request a refund or return.

For items sold by a 3rd party seller, you need to check with the individual seller to determine the return window or if the item is non-returnable.

Who Pays the Return Shipping?

On items that are sold and shipped by Newegg they will pay for the return label on stuff that weighs less than 50 pounds.

You simply request the label during the return creation process.

Does Newegg Ever Charge a Restocking Fee?

Yes.

For products that Newegg sells and ships directly (not stuff from 3rd party sellers), they will ONLY give you a full refund if there is something wrong or defective with the item.

If the reason for your return is what they deem a “Personal Reason”, and you OPENED the product, expect to pay a restocking fee of 15%.

This is a terrible policy and seems to actually encourage shoppers to damage items so they can avoid the restocking fee.

Also, they “reserve the right” to charge you a 15% restocking fee if you refuse delivery on any item.

How Do I Avoid the 15% Restocking Fee?

Look for items on Newegg that are stamped with the “30-Day Hassle-Free Returns” badge.

Those are the only products that comes with NO restocking fee and a free return label, even on products that you OPENED.

Above is a screenshot of what the badge looks like so you know what to look for.

Can Products Be Used or Opened?

Depends on the item and the seller.

Be sure to check the bottom of the product page to see the specific return policy for that item.

See screenshot above to see what it looks like.

Many big ticket items like TVs are non-refundable when sold by a 3rd party seller.

You have MUCH more leeway when buying items sold and shipped by Newegg and in most cases you can return used products, especially if they have a defect.

See Also: Amazon Return Policy: We Break Thru the Confusion and Make Sense Of It

What If I Threw Away the Original Packaging?

You just might be out of luck when requesting a return if you tossed the original packaging.

This holds true for both 3rd party sellers on Newegg and products they ship and fulfill themselves.

Always hold on to boxes and packaging for the first 30 days in case you need them.

What About Returning “Marketplace Seller” Items?

To see what a seller’s specific return policy is you need to visit their profile page directly.

Make sure you’re comfortable with their individual policy before you make a significant purchase or you might be stuck with the product OR on the hook for return shipping charges.

How Do I Start a Return With Newegg?

When you’re ready to start a return, simply follow these 6 steps to make it happen:

1. Sign-In to your account.

2. Go to your Order History and find the item you want to return.

3. Select Refund or Replace located directly to the Right of the item.

4. Pick your Return Reason and compete the Return Information.

5. Select your Shipping Method and click on Submit Return.

6. Next, follow the steps to prepare your package and print your shipping label (if provided).

Are There Any Exceptions to the 30 Days?

No, but there are some product specific exceptions that you should be aware of.

– Bundles: If you buy multiple items bundled together, often sold at a discount, you must return the ENTIRE bundle and not a single product from the bundle.

– Kit Purchases: You CAN return individual items bought as a kit for a replacement only.

– TV & Video Purchases: TVs larger than 37″ require an adult signature upon delivery. Be sure you inspect the TV quickly for damage as you only have 48 hours to report any damage to Newegg.

– Zero Dead Pixel Policy: If your new TV or monitor has as few as ONE bad pixel, Newegg will let you return it within 30 days.

– Special Orders: You CANNOT return special orders under any circumstance.

– Quantity Purchases: If you get a discount when buying 10 or more of the same item, the purchase immediately becomes non-refundable.

– Promotional Products: You gotta return all items that came with your promotional product if you want to request a return or refund at Newegg.

– Prepaid Gift Cards: You can’t return them under any circumstance.

What’s the Newegg “45/1 Return Policy” All About?

If you see a product on the Newegg website that is marked with “This item is covered by Newegg’s 45/1 Return Policy” you have 45 days to make a return AND your eligible for a replacement within 1 year of delivery date.

I was told by a Newegg representative that the 45/1 return policy is typically applied during the holiday season.

As of this writing it’s unavailable but keep an eye out for it in November and December.

See Also: Best Buy Return Policy: 8 Things You Gotta Know to Make Sense Of It

What is the Return Policy on Laptops?

Laptops can typically be replaced or refunded within 30 days from the delivery date.

Be sure to check the return policy information under Warranty & Returns on the item page.

What About a “Replacement Only” Return?

Some products have a replacement only return policy.

I was told by Newegg that some VGAs, GPUs. and laptops have this kind of a policy.

Be sure to check the item page for specifics before you buy.

See Also: Apple Return Policy: 5 Reasons Why It Sucks Out Loud

How is a Marketplace Return Different?

Like I mentioned earlier, marketplace sellers can have a different return policy compared to Newegg’s policy.

Check out this page to see exactly how to do a marketplace return, it also includes screenshots which is very convenient and makes the process much easier to follow.

From my research the vast majority of marketplace returns can be done via the Newegg Return Portal.

Does Newegg Have Something Called a “Manufacturer-Only” Return Policy?

Yes.

Some products CANNOT be returned to Newegg and require you to contact the actual manufacturer for a refund, exchange, or return.

Again, you’ll want to closely examine the product page to see if what you’re considering buying has a return policy like this.

BONUS Tip: Open and Inspect for Damage Before Returning

This tip comes from a popular gamer who returned an unneeded motherboard to Newegg WITHOUT opening the box and inspecting first.

Newegg refused the return claiming the product was damaged when he never actually opened the dang box.

Moral of the story: Always inspect the item even if you don’t need it, and take pictures of any damage and call Newegg before you make the return to let them know about the issue.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever had to use the Newegg return policy? Was it an easy process or a total pain in the butt?

By Kyle James

Getting an eye exam and a new pair of eyeglasses doesn’t have to be expensive if you play your cards right. Enter the Walmart Vision Center where you can get an eye exam (from a board certified optometrist) and a new pair of prescription glasses for under $100. Even less if you’re not super picky about frame style and brand. So I went out and did the research to figure out exactly how the eye center at Walmart works and here are all the things you GOTTA know before you show up.

What Type of Frames Does Walmart Offer?

Walmart offers many name-brand frames like Ray-Ban, Guess, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nike, Lacoste, and Armani Exchange.

But where Walmart separates themselves is in the great deals on generic frames and frames for kids.

They have a terrific selection of both with prices starting below $10.

If your family is on a tight budget, I’d definitely shop for frames at Walmart and AVOID buying them at an eye doctor’s office or specialty retailers like Lens Crafters or Vision Works.

The cool part is that Walmart claims they can have your eyeglasses ready to be picked up (or delivered) in 7-10 days.

What Does an Eye Exam Cost? 

If your local Walmart has a vision center with a doctor of optometry within, you can expect to pay around $75 for an eye exam.

The last time I checked this was a little more expensive than Costco which charges $65 for an exam.

Talking to folks that have had an eye exam at Walmart they’ve been happy with the service overall but did say to expect less face time with the doctor compared to a regular optometrist office.

See Also: Costco Optical: 10 Things To Know Before You Buy Your Next Pair of Eyeglasses

Do I Need an Appointment for a Vision Exam?

Yes, and you CAN’T make the appointment online.

You need to call your local Walmart eye center and schedule your vision exam.

Do They Accept All Types of Insurance?

Most.

I dug around on their website and discovered that Walmart Vision Center takes most major insurance providers.

Apparently only the following providers are considered “Out-of-Network” which means they’ll cover less.

• Cole Managed Vision
• Davis Vision
• EyeMed
• Spectera
• VSP

I’d contact your local Walmart eye center if you have any specific questions related to your insurance.

Does Walmart Hire Only Experienced Optometrists? 

Yes, they’re highly trained, but keep in mind that Walmart DOES NOT actually hire most them.

The vast majority are considered self-employed eye doctors who simply lease space in the store right next to the vision center.

Not all vision centers have an optometrist within, so check with your local Walmart first.

Keep in mind that you can visit any Walmart in your area, so if you don’t like the Vision Center staff at a particular Walmart, try a different one.

Once you find a center that you really like, just make that your “home” eye center.

Are Walmart Eyewear Prices Competitive?

Yes.

The online Walmart Vision Center currently has 137 different frames priced under $50 and 20 priced under $20 and many are brand names like Vera Wang, Fendi, and Nike.

Obviously the brand and materials used is going to influence the price of the frame, but overall the prices are very competitive.

Lens prices also vary with “single-vision” lenses available for FREE and “progressive no-line lenses” coming in at $50.

You also have the following cool options available:

– Basic Tint: $41

– Clear Lenses: Free

– Polarized Tint: $65

– Transition Lenses: $65

See Also: Walmart Pharmacy: Your 7 Burning Questions Finally Answered

Does Walmart Also Sell Contact Lenses?

Yes.

They sell popular contact brands like Acuvue, Air Optix, Bausch+Lomb, and Dailies.

They range in price from $40 a box up to about $80.

They’ll even mail them for FREE and let you set up a “Auto Lens Subscription” where Walmart will automatically mail you new contacts when you need them.

Can I Bring in my Eyewear Prescription from Another Doctor?

Yes.

If you don’t need an eye exam, and already have a prescription in-hand, you can walk-in whiteout an appointment.

A Walmart vision center associate will help you find the best frame and lenses for your needs.

Bonus: What Type of Return Policy Comes with my Glasses?

This is where the Walmart vision center gets an A+ in my book.

Not only do you get a 60 day return policy (no questions asked), but you also get a 1 year warranty for the frame and the lenses.

So if you get a deep scratch in a lens within the first 365 days, you can bring them back for a full replacement lens.

Likewise if you sit on, step on, or break the frame any other way, you can bring them back for a free replacement as well.

Walmart will even pay the return shipping charges which is kinda epic.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever bought eyeglasses or contacts from the Walmart vision center? Would you recommend it? Let me know.

By Kyle James

Photo by Mike Mozart.

Moment of truth…I had never heard of Shein until a few weeks ago when I saw my teenage daughter shopping for clothes on their website. Turns out she’s a huge fan of their affordable, trendy styles. She especially loves their dresses, swimwear, and tops. But with all online clothes shopping, there comes a time when you need to make a return because something doesn’t fit right or just isn’t what you thought it would be. So when this happened to my daughter I walked her through the Shein return policy and the idea for this article was born. Here’s exactly how their return policy currently works.

1. How Many Return Days Does Shein Allow?

30 days.

Shein gives you exactly 30 days (down from 35 days) from your “delivery date” to initiate a return.

2. How Do I Initiate the Return Online?

You’ll want to login to your SHEIN account and go to “My Orders”.

Next, simply click on the “Return Item” button and select the items you want to return.

Then you’ll select your “Return Method” (UPS or USPS) and following the instructions.

See Also: Zara Return Policy: Here’s How to Make Returns Easy

PRO TIP: FREE SHEIN RETURNS NOW ACCEPTED AT FOREVER 21

When initiating your return on the Shein website, you’ll want to select Forever 21 Stores as your Return Method. You’ll then be given a QR Code which you’ll take with you to Forever 21. Make sure all of items you’re returning are in their Shein polybags, no box or shipping bag required. Take everything to a Forever 21 location and they’ll take care of the rest. BONUS: Forever 21 will give you a 30% off coupon for anything in their store when you drop off your return.

3. How Do I Access My Return Shipping Label?

Next you’ll want to print the return label provided and tape that bad-boy to the outside of your box.

After you initiate your return, the best way to find your return label is as follows:

1 – In your account, first go to My Orders.

2- Then click on Order Details.

3- Next, click on Return & Refund Record and select method of return.

4- Lastly, click View to download and print your return label.

Then just drop it off at a UPS access point, your local post office, or arrange a USPS pickup from your house.

4. Do I Get a Free Return on Each Order or Only My First Return?

This was a question I was getting a lot as their policy is confusing.

To clarify, you get one free return per order, and it can even be for MULTIPLE items in the same order.

It all just needs to be returned at once, in the same package or box.

Thanks to commenter Julianna for clearing this one up.

See Also: Is Shein a Legit Company? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

5. Who Pays The Return Shipping Charge?

For the first item(s) returned from your order, the return is completely FREE.

Once you’ve initially returned items from an order, you’ll have to pay $7.99 to return any additional items.

SHEIN will also let you use your own shipping method at your own cost if you’d rather make your return that way.

6. Is There Anything I Can’t Return?

Yes, there are several clothing items that CANNOT be returned.

– Bodysuits

– Lingerie/Underwear

– Jewelry

– Beauty Items

– Party Supplies

– DIY Supplies

– Pet Products

– Cosmetics – You can’t return cosmetics if you break the hygiene seal.

– Stuff Marked Non-Returnable or Final Sale

See Also: American Eagle Return Policy: Time to Fully Understand It

PRO TIP: BE CAREFUL WITH CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTS

Surprisingly, Shien has a large section on their site dedicated to customized products. Clothing, jewelry, home decor, and even backpacks and duffel bags that can customized with your name or custom text. Be careful ordering these and double check your spelling as these items are ALL final sale and no return will be accepted. It’s also save to assume that if the mistake is on Shein’s end, it will be hard to get them to fix or exchange the customized items. 

7. Do I Need My Receipt to Make a Return?

Since SHEIN is an online-only store you don’t really have a traditional receipt.

You simply login to your account and start your return…NO receipt required.

8. What If I Removed the Tag?

Their official stance is the tag needs to be attached.

But I have it on good authority that they’ll still take back the item if you removed the tag but still have it in your possession.

Just throw it in the bag with your item(s) and you should be fine.

9. How Easy Is It To Make an Exchange?

Not super easy.

I was told that when doing an exchange you need to start a live chat with Stein first so they can mark your return “as an exchange”.

They’ll then process the exchange once they receive the return package.

Your first exchange from an order is completely free, after that you’re on the hook for the return shipping charges.

10. Can I Wear Items and Still Return Them?

No.

You can obviously try them on, but if you wear them out to dinner or work (or something like that) they say they won’t take them back.

11. What Happens If I Wash an Item, Then Decide I Don’t Like It?

It depends.

If the reason you don’t like the item is because of damage from the wash, you need to contact SHEIN directly as you stand a good chance of getting a refund.

See Also: Abercrombie & Fitch Return Policy: Here’s the Real Deal on How It Works

12. Can I Return Clearance or Sale Items to Shein?

Yes.

Unless the “On Sale” or “Clearance” item is marked online as “non-returnable” you can return it without a problem.

13. How Long Will It Take to Get My Refund?

10-15 days.

Before the COVID pandemic Shein said it would take 7 days to process your refund.

They now say it will take an additional 3-5 days making for a long 10-15 day wait.

The refund will come to you in whatever way you request.

Your 2 refund options are currently as follows:

– Original Payment Method

– Your SHEIN Wallet

14. Will Shein Let You Keep Items Instead of Returning Them?

Possibly, yes.

I have it on good authority that if your order reaches a minimum threshold, SHEIN will often tell you to keep the item and still refund you.

I have two friends that shop with them regularly and they’ve had this happen to them when their order total was just over $100.

This is worth knowing as Shein has joined the ranks of several other major retailers that are telling shoppers to keep certain items they try to return.

15. Is It Possible to Cancel a Return?

Yes.

If you need to cancel a return, and haven’t mailed it back yet, you can simply contact SHEIN customer service and they can help you out.

16. Do I Have to Pay a Fee for a New Size If I Want an Exchange?

No.

Your exchange is FREE as long as it’s your FIRST exchange/return on one corresponding order number.

Bonus Question #1: Will I Be Refunded on the Sales Tax?

According to Julia in the comments, tax is NOT refunded, only the full amount you pay for the item.

This seems really strange and not ethical, does anyone else have any experience with not getting refunded the sales tax?

Bonus Question #2: Will Shein Let Me Keep Some Items I Try to Return?

Yes.

According to several folks in the comments, when trying to make a return, have received an email from Shein stating “you can keep the product not withstanding any statutory rights to withdrawal.”

Followed by “consider it a gift from us.”

This is a very strange way of saying you can KEEP the item and still get your money back.

A commenter by the name of “Shan” had the best explanation for this, saying that some stuff just isn’t worth their time when trying to arrange a return, especially when the value of the item exceeds the return shipping costs.

Ask the Reader: Shein is fairly new to the eCommerce space so many are not very familiar with their return policy yet. With that said, what’s been your experience with their policy? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James