Since CVS Pharmacy sells so many different products their return policy can be REALLY confusing. From food to prescription & non-prescription drugs to a variety of household goods, it can be VERY overwhelming trying to figure out what can be returned and what you’re stuck with. It’s with this in mind that I wanted to do the research and figure out exactly how the CVS return policy works, I hope this article helps you out.

CVS Gives You 60 Days to Make a Return

CVS gives you exactly 60 days from date of purchase to do a refund or exchange with your receipt in hand.

For the most part you can return any non-prescription product for 60 days.

They will return the money back to your original form of payment.

PRO TIP: NO MORE CASH RETURNS AT CVS

I had a very friendly employee tell me that most CVS locations are no longer giving cash back on a return, even if you originally paid with cash or a debit card, because of theft. She said people will actually dig receipts out of the trash, grab the item off the shelf, then try to make a return insisting on cash. She said she’s been instructed to only refund back to the original credit or debit card, or offer a gift card if she feels it’s not a thief.

There Are No Exceptions to 60 Days

All non-prescription items at CVS (that are eligible for a return) must be returned within 60 days.

See Also: Walgreens Return Policy: Here’s Exactly How It Works

Returning Prescription Items Is a Grey Area

They don’t give a blanket YES or NO answer to this question.

Instead they ask you to call them at 1-888-607-4287 to discuss the matter when dealing with prescription meds.

Some Items CAN’T Be Returned

They include the following…

Gift cards – This one makes sense, only buy what you need.

Prepaid cards – Includes calling cards and Visa gift cards.

Phone cards – Do people still buy these? They must.

Some health care items – Not sure which items can’t be returned, ask when checking out to be sure.

Personal care products – Includes feminine hygiene, pregnancy tests, drug tests, ear care, foot care, and eye care products.

Prescriptions bought online – These cannot be returned to a physical CVS Pharmacy. You need to call CVS at 1-888-607-4287 to discuss your options.

Special-order items – This includes footwear, motorized scooters, and lift chairs. You cannot return them to a brick & mortar CVS location.

Instead, CVS asks you to all Customer Care at 1-888-607-4287 for help with these special-order returns.

PRO TIP: BEAUTY ITEMS COME WITH 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Doesn’t matter if they’re used or not, you can bring them back and get a FULL refund. Makes for a great way to “try out” new beauty items knowing you can bring them back if you don’t like them for ANY reason.

Still Have Options Without a Receipt

CVS asks you to hold on to your receipt as it will make your return quick and easy.

If you don’t have your receipt you STILL have options.

Specifically, you can return the unopened item for an exact exchange or for store credit.

Be prepared to show a valid photo I.D. as CVS tracks your “receipt-less” returns and will ban you from future returns if they think you’re taking advantage of their policy.

When you make a return without a receipt you’ll be given the lowest advertised price of the item during the past 60 days.

See Also: The 8 Best Return Policies in the Known Universe

Some Leniency If Items Are Opened or Used

It’s recommended that items be unopened and unused but it does NOT appear to be a deal-breaker.

CVS leaves the door open when it comes to returning these items as their website says “they may be denied a refund or exchange”.

Bottom-line? Give it a try, you have nothing to lose, especially it the product is faulty or broken through no fault of your own.

PRO TIP: ALWAYS OPT FOR CVS BRANDS WHEN POSSIBLE

CVS carries hundreds of their own branded over-the-counter medications and products that come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee that allows you to return them for free, opened or unopened, with NO time limit. No questions asked. Bring in your receipt for quicker service. You can also return these items via the mail by calling CVS at 1-888-607-4CVS and they’ll get you setup on how to do the mail-in return. All other non-prescription pharmacy items can be returned within 60 days and they MUST be unopened.

Returning Food? It’s Up To The Manager

There is no “official” policy on returning food or dairy products to CVS, either opened or unopened.

So I decided to call CVS Corporate and ask the question.

After being placed on hold because the lady didn’t know the answer, she came back on and said it’s up to the manager’s discretion as to whether they’d take back food items.

She did tell me that I would need my receipt, and the item could NOT be opened on tampered with.

So I’m guessing if the food item does not need refrigeration, and was bought a day or two before, you stand a pretty good chance of getting a refund.

What About Items Bought from CVS.com

You can indeed return stuff bought online to ANY brick & mortar CVS location OR via the mail.

To return something via the mail, CVS asks you to call them at 1-888-607-4CVS beforehand to make sure you’re credited properly.

You’ll Get Store Credit When Using PayPal

When returning an item you originally bought online with PayPal you’ll have to settle for store credit.

If you want the refund sent back to your PayPal account, CVS asks you to call them at 1-888-607-4287 to make it happen.

Ask the Reader: What’s your personal experience with the return policy at CVS? Let me know in the comments, thanks.

By Kyle James

I’ve written about the Amazon Return Policy in detail so I won’t reinvent the wheel with this post, but rather I want to talk about a clever Amazon return policy hack that I think you will find useful. It has to do with trying to return something after 30 days. If you’ve ever tried to do this on their website, you’ve noticed that items become “unreturnable” 30 days after the date of delivery. But alas, I have a clever workaround and here are the details to make it work for you…

How I Made It Happen

I just started a Live Chat session with Amazon and asked if I could make a return even if it was after 30 days.

Make sure to go through the automated chat first then ask to chat to an actual human.

Pretty simple, right?

I told them that I was a few days over 30 and asked if there was any way they could make an exception especially since I’ve been a loyal Prime customer for years.

The live chat operator verified if the return window had indeed closed, then immediately got back to me and APPROVED the “beyond 30-day” return.

PRO TIP: QUICK WAY TO GET AMAZON ON THE PHONE

If you’d rather talk to someone at Amazon and try this hack, here’s a quick and easy way to get an Amazon customer service rep on the phone. Call (866) 216-1072 and immediately say “NO” to the text message question. Next say “PERSON” whenever you’re prompted to say something. Keep repeating this every time you’re prompted for an answer. You’ll have to say “PERSON” 2 or 3 times but you’ll get someone quickly, guaranteed.

You Do NOT Need To Be a Prime Member

Prime membership is not a requirement of getting them to extend their return window for you.

I mean sure, it might help, especially if you’re a frequent Prime shopper, but you literally have nothing to lose so you might as well give it a try.

If for some reason they won’t let you return something after 30 days, selling the item on eBay is always a good fall-back option.

See Also: Buyer Beware: Avoid this Amazon Bait & Switch Price Trick

How Often Can I Do This?

I’m thinking this has something to do with how often you order from Amazon.

My family places a few Amazon orders every week and spends quite a bit of money in a calendar year.

It would make sense that Amazon is much more likely to take back a return after 30 days if you’re a frequent shopper as they want to keep you a “happy” customer.

Let me know in the comments if you have any evidence to backup or refute my claim.

BONUS: You Might Even Be Able To Keep the Item

Amazon calls it a “Returnless Refund” and it means they don’t want the item back for one reason or another.

I was surprised that Amazon not only let me return something after 30 days, but they told me to keep it as well.

I’d call that a win-win dealio for sure.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever asked for an Amazon return after your 30-day return window was closed? How did it work out?

By Kyle James

Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy back in February 2020, but it appears new owners are going to try to make a go-of-it. They just might try to live forever, or for at least the next 21 years. (Insert “dad joke” moans from my children) But in any case, it’s important to understand the Forever 21 return policy, especially as the store transitions to new owners and the inevitable policy change. With that said, here is currently how their return policy stands.

How Many Return Days Does Forever 21 Give Me?

30 days.

They give you 30 days from “shipped date” or 30 days from the date of your physical in-store purchase to make a return.

Also, in-store purchases can be returned to any Forever 21 store as long as they’re in the country in which they were originally purchased.

PRO TIP: TAKE PICTURES OF ITEMS BEFORE AN ONLINE RETURN

I’ve talked to more than one Forever 21 shopper who has had trouble with their online return. Whether it be the incorrect amount was refunded, or they claimed items items were worn when they were still in their original bag, you need to protect yourself. The best way is to take clear pictures of the items you’re returning as visual proof of what you sent back and their condition. Then when you have an issue, and need to call or chat with them, you have pictures as proof of your return and it will be easier to state your case.

Do I Need My Receipt to Make a Return?

Yes.

Make sure you hold on to your receipt as Forever 21 has made it a requirement for a return.

See Also: American Eagle Return Policy: Everything You NEED To Know

Is There Any Way For Me To Get My Receipt If I Lost It?

For online purchases you can access your order history and invoice via your online account with Forever 21.

Unfortunately as of this writing there is no way to lookup your order (or get your receipt) for in-store purchases.

Can Items Be Worn?

Items must ne unwashed, unworn, and show no damage.

This doesn’t mean you can’t try them on at-home, but be sure you don’t wear them for an extended period of time or you might have a hard time returning the item.

Do The Original Tags Have To Be Attached?

Yes, the original tag must be attached according to their policy.

But I have it on good authority that they’ll still take back an item if you cut off the tag but didn’t wear or wash it.

Are There Any Items That CANNOT Be Returned?

Yes, glad you asked. They include the following…

– Underwear: Stuck with them, make sure you grab the right size.

– Lingerie: Make sure it fits as you can’t return lingerie either.

– Earrings: Once you walk out with them in a bag (or on your ears) they are final sale.

– Body Piercings: This one kinda makes sense.

– Gift Cards/E-Gift Cards: These are final sale in order to prevent gift card fraud.

See Also: Amazon No Longer Offers 2-Day Prime Shipping (Here’s What To Do About It)

Can I Return Online Items In-Store?

Yes, anything you buy from the Forever 21 website can be returned to one of their brick and mortar locations.

Just bring back the items with your invoice or order confirmation and they’ll happily help you out.

To return website purchases online visit their Returns Portal and follow the prompts, they make it really easy.

What About Returning In-Store Purchases Online?

It appears this CANNOT be done as in-store purchases need to be taken back to a brick & mortar store for a return.

How Do I Make An Exchange?

Just take the item you want to exchange to any Forever 21 store within 30 days of purchase.

Item must be unworn and in new condition, with tags, for them to process the exchange.

It’s also important to note that exchanges can ONLY be done in-store, this includes exchanging items that were originally bought online.

See Also: Abercrombie Return Policy: We Make Sense of Their Policy

What If I Paid With Amazon Pay, PayPal, or AfterPay?

If you used one of these payment methods you’ll get a refund to the original form of payment which is nice.

You MUST have your packing slip or confirmation email for Forever 21 to process your return if you used one of these payment methods.

Ask the Reader: Do you have any experience with the Forever 21 return policy? Let me know the good, the bad, and the ugly.

By Kyle James

Photo Credit to Mike Mozart.