Return Fees & Restocking Fees in 2026: Every Store That Charges (And How to Avoid Them)
Returning a product should be simple: you bring it back, you get your money. But in 2026, that transaction comes with a growing number of hidden costs. According to the National Retail Federation, roughly 75% of major retailers now charge some form of return fee — whether it is a flat restocking fee, a deduction for return shipping, or both. That is a dramatic shift from just a few years ago, when free returns were the industry standard.
The problem is not just that fees exist. It is that they are buried in fine print, they vary wildly by product category, and they change without warning. A restocking fee at Best Buy looks nothing like a restocking fee at Macy's. Return shipping costs at Zara work completely differently from return shipping costs at Amazon. And some stores that marketed themselves as "free returns" for years have quietly started deducting fees from your refund.
We tracked every restocking fee and return shipping charge across 50+ major US retailers so you do not have to guess. This guide covers exactly what each store charges, which product categories trigger fees, and — most importantly — the specific, proven tactics to avoid paying anything at all.
What Is a Restocking Fee?
A restocking fee is a percentage or flat-dollar amount deducted from your refund when you return a product. Retailers justify it as the cost of inspecting, repackaging, and reselling the returned item. Restocking fees typically range from 10% to 25% of the item price, though some stores charge flat fees (Best Buy's $45 on phones, for example).
Restocking fees are most common on:
- Electronics — phones, laptops, TVs, cameras
- Furniture and mattresses — especially custom or special orders
- Large appliances — refrigerators, washers, dryers
- Special order items — anything configured or built to your specifications
- Opened software, drones, and GPS devices
A return shipping fee, by contrast, is a separate charge for the cost of mailing an item back to the retailer. Many stores now deduct this from your refund automatically when you choose to return by mail instead of dropping the item off in a store.
Complete Restocking Fee Guide by Store
Here is every major retailer that charges a restocking fee in 2026, what they charge, and what triggers the fee.
| Store | Restocking Fee | Applies To | Return Shipping Fee | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | $45 flat | Activatable devices (phones, cellular tablets, smartwatches) | Free for Total members only | Return within 14 days in original condition; Total members exempt on non-activatable items |
| Macy's | 15% | Furniture, mattresses, rugs, lighting fixtures | $9.99 deducted from refund | Return in-store to avoid shipping fee; negotiate fee waiver with manager on defective items |
| Home Depot | 15% | Special orders, custom blinds/shades, certain large items | Varies (pickup fee for large items) | Verify item is not a special order before buying; return in-store within 90 days |
| Lowe's | 20% | Special order configured products (custom cabinets, countertops) | Varies by item size | Confirm item is not special order; standard items have no restocking fee |
| Walmart Marketplace | Up to 20% | Third-party Marketplace seller items | Seller-dependent | Buy from Walmart directly (never charges restocking fees); check seller policy before purchase |
| Amazon (3rd party) | Up to 20% | Third-party seller items, especially electronics and opened items | $1 UPS fee if closer free option exists | Buy items sold/shipped by Amazon; use Whole Foods or Kohl's for free drop-off |
| Apple | None | N/A | Free (prepaid label) | N/A |
| Dell | 15% | Opened computers, monitors, electronics | Free (prepaid label) | Return unopened within 30 days for full refund; business accounts may negotiate waiver |
| Samsung | 15% | Opened phones, tablets, wearables ordered from Samsung.com | Free (prepaid label) | Return unopened; purchase through carrier instead (different policy) |
| Micro Center | 15% | Opened computers, laptops, tablets, drones, 3D printers | In-store only (no mail returns) | Return unopened within 30 days; CPUs and components have no restocking fee |
| B&H Photo | Up to 15% | Opened cameras, lenses, computers, drones | Customer pays return shipping | Return sealed/unopened; Payboo cardholders get more flexibility |
| Wayfair | None (but see shipping) | N/A | $4.99 to $9.99 deducted from refund on most returns | Request free return if item arrived damaged; large items may incur pickup fee |
| IKEA | None | N/A (assembled furniture gets reduced refund) | Customer arranges return of large items | Return unassembled in original packaging; in-store returns are always free |
| Crate & Barrel | None | N/A | $12.95 for mail returns; furniture pickup fee varies | Return in-store; furniture bought in-store can be returned to store free |
| Pottery Barn | None | N/A | Flat $7.95 mail returns; furniture delivery surcharge up to $39 | Return to any Pottery Barn store; made-to-order items are final sale |
| GameStop | None | N/A | Customer pays return shipping for online orders | Return in-store for free; keep original packaging |
| Newegg | 15% | Opened electronics, monitors, laptops, desktops | Customer pays return shipping | Return unopened within 30 days; defective items exempt from restocking fee |
| Target | None | N/A | Free (prepaid label) | N/A — Target never charges restocking fees |
| Costco | None | N/A | Free | N/A — Costco never charges restocking fees |
| Nordstrom | None | N/A | Free (prepaid label) | N/A — Nordstrom never charges restocking fees |
| REI | None | N/A | Free for members | N/A — REI never charges restocking fees |
| Kohl's | None | N/A | Free (prepaid label) | N/A |
| Nike | None | N/A | Free (prepaid label) | N/A |
🚨 Third-party sellers are the wild card
At both Amazon and Walmart, items sold directly by the retailer almost never carry restocking fees. But third-party Marketplace sellers can set their own fees — up to 20% in most cases. Always check who is actually selling the item before you buy. Look for "Sold and shipped by Amazon" or "Sold and shipped by Walmart" to ensure you get the retailer's own fee-free return policy.
Stores with NO Restocking Fees
These major retailers never charge restocking fees on any product category. If avoiding restocking fees is a priority, these are the safest places to shop.
It is worth noting that "no restocking fee" does not mean "free return." Several of the stores listed above — including Sephora and Adidas — may still charge return shipping fees on mail returns. The restocking fee and the return shipping fee are two separate costs, and you need to watch for both.
✅ Costco and Sam's Club are the gold standard
These warehouse clubs charge zero restocking fees, offer unlimited return windows on most items, and cover return shipping on online purchases. The annual membership ($65 for Costco, $50 for Sam's Club) is worth it for the return policy alone if you buy electronics or large items regularly.
Return Shipping Fees: Who Charges and How Much
Even stores with no restocking fees often charge for return shipping when you mail items back instead of returning in-store. This is the fee that catches most people off guard — it is quietly deducted from your refund.
| Store | Mail Return Fee | How It Works | Free Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macy's | $9.99 | Deducted from refund automatically | Return in any Macy's store |
| Zara | $4.95 | Deducted from refund automatically | Return in any Zara store (always free) |
| H&M | $5.99 | Deducted from refund | Return in any H&M store |
| J.Crew | $7.50 | Deducted from refund | Return in any J.Crew or J.Crew Factory store |
| Abercrombie & Fitch | $7.00 | Deducted from refund | Return in-store |
| SHEIN | First return free, then $7.99 | Deducted from refund after first free return | Limited: some SHEIN pop-up locations |
| Anthropologie | $5.95 | Deducted from refund | Return in any Anthropologie store |
| Urban Outfitters | $5.00 | Deducted from refund | Return in any Urban Outfitters store |
| Wayfair | $4.99 - $9.99 | Deducted from refund based on item size | None (online-only retailer); damaged items shipped free |
| Pottery Barn | $7.95 (small items); up to $39 (furniture) | Deducted from refund | Return to any Pottery Barn store |
| Crate & Barrel | $12.95 | Deducted from refund | Return to any Crate & Barrel or CB2 store |
| Amazon | $1 (UPS only, if closer free option exists) | Shown at checkout during return process | Whole Foods, Kohl's, Amazon Fresh, Staples, UPS Store (most free) |
| Target | Free | Prepaid label included | In-store, Drive Up, or mail |
| Nordstrom | Free | Prepaid label included | In-store or mail |
| Nike | Free | Prepaid label included | In-store or mail |
| Apple | Free | Prepaid label included | In-store or mail |
| Costco | Free | Prepaid label included | Warehouse or mail |
⚠️ These fees add up fast
If you regularly shop at Zara, H&M, or J.Crew and return by mail, you could easily spend $50-$100 per year on return shipping fees alone. A single furniture return from Pottery Barn by mail could cost you $39. Always check if there is a store nearby before choosing the mail option.
Most Expensive Return Fees
When you combine restocking fees and return shipping costs, some returns can cost a significant percentage of the item price. Here are the most expensive return fee scenarios at major retailers.
Highest Potential Return Cost (as % of Item Price or Flat Fee)
To put this in real dollars: returning a $2,000 custom countertop to Lowe's could cost you $400 in restocking fees. Returning a $1,500 opened laptop to Newegg could cost $225 plus shipping. Returning a Macy's $3,000 sofa means a $450 restocking fee plus $9.99 shipping if you mail the return request.
How to Avoid Restocking Fees: 8 Proven Tactics
Restocking fees are not always unavoidable. Here are the specific strategies that work at most retailers.
1. Return in-store instead of by mail
This is the single most effective way to avoid return costs. Nearly every store that charges a mail return shipping fee waives it for in-store returns. Macy's $9.99 fee, Zara's $4.95 fee, H&M's $5.99 fee, J.Crew's $7.50 fee — all disappear when you walk the item into a store. Even if the nearest location is a 20-minute drive, it is almost always cheaper than the mail fee, especially on multiple items.
2. Join the free loyalty program before returning
Many retailers offer better return terms to loyalty members, and most loyalty programs are free to join. Target Circle members get 90 days plus a receipt lookup that makes no-receipt returns easy. Nike Members get 60 days instead of 30. Best Buy's free tier is tight at 15 days, but the $49.99/year Plus membership extends it to 60 days with no restocking fees on most items. Check if there is a free tier that improves your return experience before you start the return.
3. Keep items sealed and unopened
The vast majority of restocking fees only apply to opened items. Dell charges 15% on opened computers — but 0% on sealed ones. Samsung charges 15% on opened phones — but nothing if the box is intact. B&H Photo, Newegg, and Micro Center all follow the same pattern. If you are on the fence about a product, do not open it until you are sure.
✅ The box test
If you are considering an expensive electronic purchase and want to keep your return options open, leave the item sealed for the first 24-48 hours. If you decide to return it, you avoid the restocking fee entirely. Once you break that factory seal, you have committed to the restocking fee at most electronics retailers.
4. Report defective items instead of requesting a standard return
At nearly every retailer, restocking fees are waived on defective or damaged items. If your product has any defect — even a minor cosmetic one — file the return as a defective item rather than "changed my mind" or "no longer needed." Newegg explicitly states defective items are exempt from their 15% restocking fee. Best Buy does not charge the $45 fee on phones that malfunction. Home Depot waives the 15% on special orders that arrive damaged.
5. Buy directly from the retailer, not third-party sellers
On Amazon and Walmart, items "Sold and shipped by Amazon" or "Sold and shipped by Walmart" follow the retailer's own generous policy — which means no restocking fees. Third-party Marketplace sellers, however, can charge up to 20%. Before adding an item to your cart, always check the seller. On Amazon, look for "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" below the buy button. On Walmart, look for "Sold and shipped by Walmart.com."
6. Use a credit card with return protection
Several credit cards offer return protection that reimburses you when a store won't accept a return — and this coverage can also offset restocking fees and return shipping costs in some situations. As of 2026, the most notable cards with return protection include select American Express cards and the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Coverage typically caps at $300 per item and $1,000 per year. Check your card's benefit guide or call the number on the back of the card.
7. Negotiate with the store manager
This works more often than people think, especially at brick-and-mortar stores. If you are a regular customer, if the item is close to unused, or if you have a reasonable story, many store managers have the authority to waive restocking fees on the spot. This is particularly effective at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy, where manager discretion is a known part of the return process. Be polite, explain the situation, and ask directly: "Is there any way to waive the restocking fee?"
8. Time your purchase around return-friendly periods
Holiday purchases almost always come with extended return windows, and some retailers loosen their fee policies during these periods. Items purchased between November 1 and December 31 typically have return windows extending through late January. Additionally, major sale events (Prime Day, Black Friday) sometimes trigger temporary fee waivers. Check the store's holiday return policy before buying.
Pros
- ✓In-store returns eliminate shipping fees at almost every retailer
- ✓Keeping items sealed avoids restocking fees at electronics stores
- ✓Free loyalty programs often extend return windows and improve terms
- ✓Defective item returns are almost always exempt from restocking fees
- ✓Buying direct from retailer (not 3rd party) avoids Marketplace fees
- ✓Credit card return protection can reimburse fees up to $300/item
- ✓Store managers have discretion to waive fees — just ask politely
- ✓Holiday purchases often get extended windows and relaxed fee policies
Cons
- ✗Restocking fees on opened electronics are very difficult to avoid
- ✗Special order/custom items usually have non-negotiable restocking fees
- ✗Online-only retailers (Wayfair, SHEIN) offer no in-store alternative
- ✗Credit card return protection is being reduced or eliminated by many issuers
New 2026 Return Fee Trends
The return fee landscape is shifting rapidly. Here are the most significant changes we have tracked in 2025 and early 2026.
Amazon's $1 UPS surcharge
In late 2024, Amazon began charging a $1 fee for UPS drop-off returns when a closer free return option (Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, Kohl's, or Staples) was available. The fee is small, but the signal is clear: Amazon is steering customers toward specific return locations and is willing to charge for the less efficient option. In practice, the vast majority of Amazon returns are still free if you use one of the 8,000+ free drop-off points.
Zara's mail return fee goes permanent
Zara introduced a $4.95 mail return fee in 2023 as a "test" and made it permanent in 2024. Every mail return now costs $4.95, deducted automatically from your refund. In-store returns remain completely free. Zara was one of the first major fashion retailers to charge for mail returns, and the move has since been copied by H&M, J.Crew, Abercrombie, and others.
H&M starts charging for mail returns
Following Zara's lead, H&M introduced a $5.99 return shipping fee on all mail returns in 2024. H&M Members (free to join) were initially exempt but are now charged the same fee. In-store returns remain free. H&M has said the fee is meant to offset the environmental cost of return shipping, but the reality is it is a cost-cutting measure as return rates for online fashion purchases remain above 30%.
The rise of "keep it" refunds
One countertrend: more retailers are issuing returnless refunds — telling you to keep or donate the item while still getting your money back. Amazon, Walmart, and Target all do this for low-value items where the cost of processing the return exceeds the item's value. This is increasingly common for items under $15-$20. You cannot trigger this deliberately, but it is becoming more frequent in 2026.
Retailers using third-party return tracking
Stores including Nordstrom, Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, and Best Buy now use third-party return analytics firms (like The Retail Equation) to track your return history. If you return too frequently — even within stated policy — you may be flagged, warned, or banned from making returns. This is not a fee, but it is an increasingly important hidden cost of returning items.
💡 The industry direction is clear
Free returns are becoming the exception, not the rule. The NRF reports that return fraud cost retailers an estimated $101 billion in 2023, and the industry response has been to shift return costs back to consumers. Expect more stores to add mail return fees in the next 12-18 months. Our advice: always return in-store when possible, and factor potential return costs into your purchase decisions.
Electronics Restocking Fees: A Closer Look
Electronics are by far the most common category for restocking fees. Here is a detailed breakdown for the major electronics retailers.
| Store | Unopened Return | Opened Return | Defective Return | Return Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | No fee | No fee (non-activatable); $45 (phones/cellular) | No fee + exchange | 15 days (60 for paid members) |
| Apple | No fee | No fee | No fee + AppleCare | 14 days |
| Amazon (sold by Amazon) | No fee | No fee (most items) | No fee | 30 days |
| Dell | No fee | 15% restocking fee | No fee | 30 days |
| Samsung | No fee | 15% restocking fee | No fee | 15 days (phones); 30 days (others) |
| Newegg | No fee | 15% restocking fee | No fee | 30 days |
| B&H Photo | No fee | Up to 15% restocking fee | No fee | 30 days |
| Micro Center | No fee | 15% restocking fee | No fee | 30 days (15 for PCs) |
| Costco | No fee | No fee | No fee | 90 days (electronics) |
| Target | No fee | No fee | No fee | 30 days (electronics) |
| Walmart | No fee | No fee | No fee | 30 days (electronics) |
The pattern is clear: Apple, Costco, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy (on non-phone items) do not charge restocking fees on opened electronics. Dell, Samsung, Newegg, B&H Photo, and Micro Center all charge 15% on opened items. If you are buying an expensive laptop or camera and think there is any chance you will return it, buying from a fee-free retailer can save you hundreds of dollars.
Furniture and Mattress Return Fees
Furniture is the other major category where restocking fees are common — and the stakes are higher because the items are expensive.
| Store | Restocking Fee | Return Shipping/Pickup | Total Potential Cost on $2,000 Item | Return Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macy's | 15% | $9.99 (small); pickup fee (large) | $300+ | 30 days |
| Home Depot (special order) | 15% | Pickup fee varies | $300+ | 90 days |
| Lowe's (special order) | 20% | Pickup fee varies | $400+ | 30 days |
| Wayfair | None | $4.99-$9.99 (small); varies (large) | $10-$100+ | 30 days |
| IKEA | None | Customer arranges large items | $0 (in-store) to $100+ (mail) | 365 days |
| Pottery Barn | None | $7.95 (small); up to $39 (furniture) | $39 | 30 days |
| Crate & Barrel | None | $12.95 (small); varies (furniture) | $12.95-$100+ | 30 days |
| Costco | None | Free (scheduled pickup) | $0 | Unlimited |
| Amazon | None (sold by Amazon) | Free (scheduled pickup for heavy items) | $0 | 30 days |
✅ The mattress exception
Many mattress brands sold online (Casper, Purple, Tuft & Needle, Saatva) offer free trial periods of 100+ nights with completely free returns and no restocking fees. If you are mattress shopping, buying directly from a mattress company is often better than buying through a department store like Macy's, which charges a 15% restocking fee on mattresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a restocking fee legal?
Yes. Restocking fees are legal in all 50 US states as long as the fee is disclosed to the customer at or before the time of purchase. Most retailers include restocking fee disclosures in their posted return policy. However, some states (including California and New York) require that return policies — including any fees — be clearly posted at the point of sale. If a store charges a restocking fee that was not disclosed, you may have grounds to dispute it.
Can I dispute a restocking fee with my credit card company?
You can try, but success is not guaranteed. Credit card chargebacks are designed for unauthorized charges, not disagreements over return policies. If the retailer's restocking fee was disclosed in their policy, your chargeback is unlikely to succeed. However, if the fee was not disclosed, or if the item was defective, a chargeback may be appropriate. Always try to resolve the issue with the retailer first.
Do restocking fees apply to exchanges?
In most cases, no. Exchanges — swapping an item for a different size, color, or model — typically do not trigger restocking fees at any major retailer. Best Buy's $45 phone fee, for example, only applies to returns, not exchanges. If you are returning a phone and buying a different one in the same transaction, ask the associate to process it as an exchange.
Are restocking fees applied to defective items?
Almost never. Every retailer we surveyed waives restocking fees on items that are defective, damaged, or not as described. If you receive a product with any defect, make sure the return is filed as a defective/damaged item return rather than a buyer's remorse return.
How do I know if an item is "special order" at Home Depot or Lowe's?
Special order items are typically marked on the product page or at the point of sale. At Home Depot, look for "Special Order" or "Custom" labels. If the item requires configuration (choosing dimensions, materials, or finishes), it is likely a special order and subject to the 15-20% restocking fee. Standard stocked items do not carry restocking fees at either retailer.
Does Amazon charge restocking fees?
Amazon itself does not charge restocking fees on items it sells and ships directly. However, third-party sellers on Amazon Marketplace can charge restocking fees of up to 20% on certain categories. Additionally, Amazon began charging a $1 fee in 2024 for UPS returns when a closer free return option is available. To avoid all fees, buy "Sold and shipped by Amazon" items and return to Whole Foods or Kohl's.
Can I avoid Macy's $9.99 return shipping fee?
Yes — return in any Macy's store instead. The $9.99 fee only applies to mail returns. In-store returns at Macy's are always free. If there is no Macy's near you, Star Rewards members at the Platinum or Gold level may occasionally have the fee waived, but this is not guaranteed.
The Bottom Line
Return fees are rising across the retail industry, and the days of universally free returns are fading. But with the right strategy, you can still avoid most fees most of the time.
The key takeaways:
- Always return in-store when possible. This eliminates return shipping fees at every retailer that has physical stores.
- Keep items sealed if you are unsure. The 15% restocking fee at most electronics retailers only applies to opened items.
- Buy from the retailer directly, not third-party Marketplace sellers who can charge up to 20%.
- File defective returns correctly. Defective items are exempt from restocking fees everywhere.
- Shop at fee-free retailers for high-risk purchases. Costco, Target, Nordstrom, Apple, and REI never charge restocking fees.
For the complete return policy of any store — including every restocking fee, return shipping cost, and exception — check our full return policy database. We track 100+ stores with the most detailed policy breakdowns available online.
Last updated: March 20, 2026. Return fees and policies change frequently. Always verify the current policy with the retailer before making purchasing decisions based on return costs.