I’m not gonna lie, the Meijer return policy is pretty darn lenient, especially when it comes to returning consumable goods. But with any policy, there are many in’s and out’s that loyal shoppers need to be aware of before they head to Meijer to make a return. Here’s everything you need to know about their policy, including the items that can’t be returned and the ones that have “exceptions” attached to them. I hope this article helps make your next in-store return a breeze.

How Many Return Days Does Meijer Allow?

Grocery Items: Unlimited days.

General Merchandise: 90 days.

Do I Need My Receipt?

No, not necessarily.

If you made your purchase with a credit card, EBT card, debit card, or personal check they can look up your purchase for 21 days.

Also, if you’re a mPerks account holder Meijer can look up your purchase for a whooping 90 days which is VERY convenient.

This cool feature alone makes it worth it to join the free mPerks club.

PRO TIP: YOU CAN RETURN STUFF TO ANY MEIJER STORE

If you bought something from Meijer while out of town, and need to return it after you get home, you CAN return it to a different Meijer store. They can also look up your purchase at any Meijer location if you lost your receipt.

What If I Lost my Receipt?

If you lost your receipt, and Meijer can’t locate your purchase in their system, you’re still NOT out of luck.

You’ll need to show a valid ID so they can track your returns but in most cases you can still make the return.

You’ll have to settle for store credit for the lowest selling price of the item in the past 30 days.

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

Does Stuff Need To Be Unopened?

No, Meijer allows you to return products that you have opened, and even tested out.

Just make sure you put the item back in the original packaging (as best you can) and include all manuals, parts, and accessories.

Can I Return Food to Meijer?

Yes, absolutely.

Meijer has a “quality guarantee” that states all consumable food items can be returned WITH or WITHOUT a receipt.

See Also: Kohl’s Return Policy: Here’s the Real Deal on How It Works

Are There ANY Return Policy Exceptions?

Yes, there are a few items that you CANNOT return and here they are:

– Alcoholic Beverages: “Bottoms up” on anything with alcohol in it because you can’t take it back once purchased.

– Oberweis glass bottle returns: These are currently not returnable but this should change as we work our way through the COVID-19 pandemic.

– Swimsuits, dresses, lingerie, underwear: These must have the original tags on them unless they are defective.

– Tobacco Products: This includes chewing tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes.

– Nicotine Products: If it has nicotine as a listed ingredient you’re stuck with it.

– eCigarettes: Similar to regular cigarettes, you can’t bring these back for a refund or exchange.

– Prescription Drugs: You can only return these if you have authorization from the pharmacist.

– Ammunition: I had no idea Meijer even sold ammunition.

– Prepaid Wireless Phones: Do your research ahead of time to figure out the best phone for your needs, because once you buy it you can’t return it.

– Gift Cards: You can always sell them on Raise.com or eBay if you don’t want them.

– Opened Collector Cards: Includes baseball, basketball, football, and Pokemon cards.

– Blood Glucose Monitors: This includes blood glucose test strips as well.

And there are some items with RETURN RESTRICTIONS that you should be aware of as well:

– Tents and Airbeds: Can only be returned UNOPENED. If opened, you can only do an exchange if the product is defective.

– Video Games, DVDs, and CDs: If you open it you can’t return it unless it is defective.

– Items that use a Flammable Liquid: You’ll be hit with a restocking fee up to $25.

– Electronics with Data Storage: Once you open it, you can only return the item if it has something wrong with it. This includes things like MP3 players, computers, tablets, memory cards and game systems.

– Books, Photos, and Magazines: You get 30 return days and then a 30 day manufacturer warranty on top of that.

Update on Books: From commenter Leslie, she was unable to return a book within 30 days…has anybody else had a similar problem?

Can I Have My Return Rejected?

If Meijer feels you are taking advantage of their return policy and making too many “no-receipt returns” they reserve the right to refuse your return.

Like any good return policy it will go away, or be updated with more strict guidelines, if too many shoppers take advantage of it.

Can I Get Cash Back on My Return?

Yes and no.

If you made the original purchase with cash you can get cash back as long as you have the receipt and you’re within the return window.

Otherwise you’ll have to settle for store credit.

What Happens If I Pay With a Personal Check?

Your refund will be processed like a debit card transaction and the refunded amount will show up in your bank account within 3-5 business days.

Can I Return Groceries Delivered to My Home?

Yes.

If you use Meijer’s home grocery delivery service and you want to return something, you can.

But you’ll have to take it back to the store to make it happen, Meijer will not send someone to your home to process the return.

See Also: The 13 Major Stores That Offer Free Curbside Grocery Pickup

What About Returning Stuff I Bought with a Coupon?

Not a problem.

Meijer will simply refund you the amount you paid out-of-pocket for the item.

In other words, you won’t get a credit (or cashback) when returning items bought with a coupon.

Can I Return Items Bought with WIC or EBT?

When returning state approved WIC items you can only get an even exchange for an identical item.

You CANNOT get cash back on WIC or EBT purchases, this includes baby formula and fresh fruit and produce.

What About Returning Meijer Branded Items?

If you are not happy with it, they actually encourage you to return it, with or without your receipt.

The only Meijer branded items that can’t be returned are state-approved WIC items.

Can Meijer Provide a Duplicate Receipt If I Need It?

Yes.

Just visit the Meijer Service Desk at the store where you made the purchase and they can provide you a duplicate receipt within 21 days of the original purchase date.

The only instance where they can’t get you a copy of your receipt is if you made the purchase with cash.

Ask the Reader: What’s your opinion of the Meijer return policy? Did I miss any important information about their policy?

Photo credit to Meijer.

Return policies can be a tricky thing. They often look very unassuming from the outside, but when you dig a little deeper you often find “money sucking” traps and pitfalls that can really hurt your wallet. That certainly is the case with the Wayfair return policy, and is the reason I wanted to set the record straight for shoppers so they can avoid these traps when shopping on the Wayfair website. Let’s break it all down with answers to these crucial return policy questions…

1. How Many Return Days Does Wayfair Allow?

30 days.

If you’re unsatisfied for any reason with your Wayfair purchase, you get 30 days from the date of delivery to make a return.

While 30 days is a decent amount of time, it’s not as good as some stores which allow 60, 90, or even 120 return days.

This means get the item out of the box shortly after you get it and make sure it’s what you want and meets your standards in terms of quality and value.

See Also: IKEA Return Policy: You’ll Never Buy Furniture the Same Way Again

PRO TIP: HACK TO GET ITEM SOONER

Let’s say you picked the wrong color and want to do an even exchange. By far the fastest way to get the new item is to place a new order, then initiate a return at a later date on the item you don’t want. Otherwise you’ll have to wait a long time to get your money. Wayfair actually told me it could take up to 10 business days for them to process your return and give you your refund.

2. Do Items Have to be Unopened?

No.

Stuff bought from Wayfair can be opened when you return it, BUT items should be put back in the original packaging (as well as possible) and still be in “new” condition that can be resold.

Also make sure to include any manuals, instructions, or accessories that may have come with your purchase.

3. Does Wayfair Offer Free Returns?

Maybe.

If the reason for the return is an error by Wayfair, or a damaged or defective product, then they’ll pay the return shipping charges.

Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a return shipping fee on all other orders and the rate depends “on the item and your location”.

I obviously REALLY dislike this part of their policy as the return shipping fees they charge depends on the size of the order and where you live.

This alone would make me not want to shop at Wayfair as you have NO IDEA what you might have to pay in return shipping fees before placing your order.

So…I hit up Wayfair Live Chat to try and get some answers.

I used the example of a dining room table and asked “Before ordering a table, how can I determine what I will have to pay in return shipping fees if I don’t like it?”

The response I got was, “I am sorry we do not have a calculator, I would suggest going to the FedEx website and using weight and zip code. It’s generally pretty close to that fee.”

Wow, what a terrible policy, why would you ever order something large from Wayfair? If you want to try the FedEx calculator, you can find it here.

PRO TIP: BEST WAY TO DETERMINE RETURN SHIPPING FEE

Other than trying to figure out how to use the FedEx shipping calculator, your best bet is to look in your Wayfair Account right after you place your order.

Specifically, once your order is placed, you can view your specific return shipping fee in My Account, under the order details.

If you feel the return shipping fee is outrageous, and you think there’s a decent chance you might return the item, then quickly cancel your order.

It’s crazy that Wayfair makes you do this, but it’s the only way to protect yourself from outrageous return shipping fees.

4. Are There Any Exceptions to the 30 Days?

Yes, glad you asked.

The following products have a different number of return days allowed.

– Mattresses – The Wayfair mattress return policy gives you 100 nights to test out your new mattress before deciding if it’s for you.

If you don’t like the mattress, you can arrange for a free return or exchange. BUT, you can only do this ONE TIME per order.

– Wedding Registry Gifts – You have until 90 days after the wedding to make an exchange for store credit.

To start a return you need to contact a Wayfair Registry Specialist and have your registry order number handy.

– Large Appliances – You get the same 30 days but only if the appliance has NOT been installed.

Because of this, Wayfair strongly recommends checking the box for damage, make sure the box contains the correct product, and carefully open the packaging to inspect the appliance.

If there is damage, or you got the wrong appliance, DO NOT accept the delivery.

Make the delivery person return it to Wayfair and call them ASAP at 1-(866) 263-8325 to let them know about the issue.

Bottom line: Once the appliance is installed it CANNOT be returned.

PRO TIP: TRIPLE CHECK BIG ITEMS

There are many horror stories online of people receiving large items from Wayfair that arrived damaged but they didn’t refuse the delivery. Consequently, they had to pay HUGE return shipping charges in order to send it back. Charges that darn near equaled the value of the item.

Also, be sure to document the damage and take pictures. If you don’t document the damage, and simply refuse delivery, Wayfair will calculate the return shipping charges on their own and charge you.

Moral of story: Make sure you are home to receive the delivery and thoroughly check it ALL out before you sign-off on the delivery.

See Also: 21 Highly Clever Ways to Save Money at Wayfair

5. Are There Any Items That CAN’T Be Returned?

Yes, quite a few actually.

– Gift Cards – If you don’t want the gift card you can try selling it on Raise.com.

– Clearance Items – For this reason, make sure you double check your measurements before making a clearance purchase.

– Personalized Items – Double check your spelling on any engraved or personalized items because you can’t return them unless Wayfair makes an error.

– Bundled Items – Things sold at a discount like “2 for $20″ or “5 for $50″ cannot be returned. The only way you can return them is if you return the ENTIRE bundle.

– Items marked “Non-Returnable” – According to Wayfair, these are found on the Sale Page and are clearly marked as non-returnable. 

– Assembled Items – Make sure that piece of furniture or bookshelf is exactly what you want before you put it together.

PRO TIP: ASSEMBLED FURNITURE

While you can’t return furniture that you already assembled, you absolutely can carefully take it a part, box it back up, and return it for a refund. Yes, it’s a TOTAL pain in the butt, but unfortunately it’s the only way to make the return happen.

6. How Do I Initiate an Online Return?

They ask that you initiate a return via your My Orders page.

You’ll then select Return Item, then choose your return and refund method.

Then just follow the prompts and you’ll get an email conformation once completed.

Wayfair will refund to your original payment method once they receive the item(s) and do their inspection.

7. Can I Return Stuff Bought Online to an Actual Store?

Yes you can, but the only problem is Wayfair only has 1 actual brick & mortar store and it’s located in The Natick Mall in Natick, MA.

So obviously your best bet is going to be making an online return.

See Also: Urban Outfitters Return Policy: How it Actually Works + an Insider Hack

PRO TIP: OPEN BOX SPECIALS

When shopping for Open Box Specials on the Wayfair website, be aware that they are NOT returnable. The product pages for these items does not stipulate this, but I called and asked and was told they indeed are not returnable. Shop with caution.

8. Can I Cancel My Return After I Initiate It?

Yes.

To cancel your return AFTER you filled out the return form, just visit your My Orders page and follow the prompts.

But keep in mind that you cannot cancel the return once you place the item in the mail.

Important Note: It should also be noted that you can only change your refund method before you have returned your stuff. You can do this on your My Orders page as well.

9. What If I Want an Exchange Instead of a Refund?

Not a problem as Wayfair makes exchanges really easy.

You can either place a new order before the return, then return the item you don’t want and get a refund to your original form of payment or opt for store credit.

Or you can place a new order after the return and use your store credit or credit card to complete the purchase.

10. Does Wayfair Have an Extended Holiday Return Period?

Yes, and it’s actually fairly liberal compared to other retailer’s policies.

For all stuff bought between November 1 – December 31, Wayfair gives shoppers up until January 31st to make returns.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the return policy at Wayfair? Good, bad or indifferent? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Wayfair.

The idea of getting your groceries delivered to your home is becoming very popular with many shoppers these days. But I think the perceived costs associated with grocery delivery has many hesitant to try it. But I’m here to tell ya it doesn’t have to be expensive and is a GREAT option for many, especially those in large cities and urban areas. Here are a handful of grocery delivery promotions currently available, all of which get your food delivered for free.

Walmart is Offering $10 Off Grocery Delivery

This is a good time to try the Walmart grocery delivery service to see if it’s right for you.

To encourage you to give it a try, Walmart has released a promotion that nets you $10 savings on your first grocery delivery order totaling at least $50.

To make it happen, you simply type in the promo code SAVETIME when you’re checking out. Expires: 1/31/21.

Walmart’s delivery fee is typically around $9-10, but you can score a 15-day free trial to Walmart Delivery Unlimited which gets you free delivery.

When your trial expires you can cancel or pay a reasonable $12.95/mo or $98/year for unlimited deliveries.

Bonus Tip: You can now also use the shopping app Ibotta in-conjunction with Walmart Grocery and get home delivery PLUS save money with all the Ibotta grocery rebates available.

Safeway is Offering $20 OFF + Free Delivery

Safeway is also offering a nice promotion to entice you to try their grocery delivery service for the first time.

You have to order at least $75 worth of groceries, BUT when you do you’ll get free delivery and $20 off.

So basically you get $20 of free stuff AND you never have to leave home. Not a bad deal.

To make it happen use coupon code SAVE20 when checking out.

If you want to continue using Safeway for home deliveries you’ll be charged a $9.95 fee which gets reduced on orders over $150.

Bonus Tip: The same SAVE20 coupon code also works for Albertsons home grocery delivery as well as Vons Home Delivery as they’re all owned by the same parent company.

See Also: The Safeway Return Policy: Can You Return Opened Food?

Target Is Offering 4 Free Weeks of Grocery Delivery

Target uses a grocery delivery service called Shipt to fulfill ALL of their grocery deliveries.

Shipt and Target recently teamed up to offer you a 4-week free trial. No coupon code required.

Once your trial ends, you’ll have the option to cancel your membership, pay $99 per year for unlimited orders over $35, or pay a fee for each grocery delivery you receive.

Extra Savings HACK: If you have a Target RedCard be sure to use it injunction with Shipt deliveries as you’ll score an extra 5% off your total purchase.

See Also: Does Trader Joe’s Offer Delivery? Here’s How it All Works

ALDI is Offering 3 Free Deliveries

ALDI uses the popular service Instacart to fulfill their online grocery deliveries.

You simply shop their website, select your delivery time and date, and let Instacart do the rest.

For a limited time ALDI is giving you 3 free home deliveries when you order at least $35 worth of groceries. The tip for the driver/shopper is not included.

To make it happen, use the promo code SHOPALDI20 when checking out on their website. Expires on 7/31/20.

Once you use your 3 freebies, the service will cost you a reasonable $3.99 per delivery along with a preset 5% tip.

Use a Prime Trial for 30 Days of Free Grocery Delivery

Did you know that Amazon Prime comes with free grocery delivery?

Go Here and enter your zip code to see if grocery delivery is available in your neck of the woods.

If available, and you already have Prime, it might a great time to try grocery delivery.

If you don’t have Prime, a 30 day free trial serves as a great opportunity to try Amazon’s grocery delivery service for free.

See Also: 9 Amazon Prime Benefits You’re Probably Not Fully Using

First Delivery is Free With Giant Eagle

To encourage shoppers to try their Curbside Express Home Delivery the folks at Giant Eagle are giving you your first home delivery completely free.

After your first delivery you’ll pay between $9.95-$12.95 for delivery.

You can place your order by midnight for next day delivery, and you can still use their eCcoupons like you normally would.

Food Town Offers $10 Off EVERY Grocery Delivery

Through 5/31/20, Food Town so offering a promo code for $10 off your grocery delivery order of at least $125.

This coupon can be used as many times as needed.

When checking out from their website, you’ll want to enter code FREETIME2020 to collect your savings.

I’m hoping Food Town will update this coupon at the end of the month and not let it expire. I will be sure to update this page accordingly.

Ask the Reader: Have you become a fan of grocery home delivery recently? What stores offer the best service in your opinion?

By Kyle James