Best Buy Return Policy: Simplified
Best Buy Return Policy Explained! Discover everything you need to know about return periods, restocking fees, and refunds in this simple guide
Shopping at Best Buy is exciting, but sometimes you may need to return or exchange a product. Best Buy has a return policy that varies based on what you buy and your membership status. In this article, we will explain everything in simple terms how their return policy works.
Overview of Best Buy Return Policy
Return and Exchange Periods
- The return period starts the day you receive the product.
- It applies to new, clearance, open-box, refurbished, and pre-owned items.
- If you bought directly from a vendor inside Best Buy, their return policy applies instead.
- Membership status affects how long you have to return items.
| Category | Standard Customers | My Best Buy Plus & Total Members |
|---|---|---|
| Most Products | 15 days | 60 days |
| Activatable Devices (phones, tablets, wearables) | 14 days | 14 days |
| Verizon Activatable Devices | 30 days | 30 days |
| Major Appliances | 15 days | 60 days |
| Litter Boxes | 90 days | 90 days |
| Pet Training Devices | 60 days | 60 days |
| Hearing Aids | 60 days | 60 days |
| Microsoft Office | 30 days | 30 days |
| Holiday Decorations | 15 days | 15 days |
Restocking Fees
Some items have a restocking fee when returned. Here’s a breakdown:
| Product Type | Restocking Fee |
| Activatable devices (excluding prepaid phones) | $45 |
| Drones, Cameras, Lenses, Camcorders | 15% of purchase price |
| Electric Bikes, Scooters, Wheelchairs | 15% of purchase price |
| Golf Launch Monitors, Premium Saunas, Cold Tubs | 15% of purchase price |
| Special Order Products | 15% of purchase price |
- No restocking fee if:
- The item is unopened.
- You purchased in certain states (AL, CO, HI, IA, MS, OH, OK, SC).
- The law prohibits it in your area.
Items That Cannot Be Returned
Some items are not returnable after purchase:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Items marked as “Final Sale”
- Digital content (games, music, movies, codes, prepaid cards)
- Trading cards (Pokémon, sports cards, etc.)
- Vehicle replacement key fobs
- Golf carts, utility terrain vehicles
- Plumbing items
Items that cannot be returned after opening:
- Products that interact with bodily fluids
- SIM kits, LEGO products
- Completed services, installed home generators
- Consumables (batteries, ink, printer filament, health supplements)
Hazardous Materials
- For safety reasons, hazardous materials (flammable liquids, gases, lithium batteries, products with 300 or greater watt-hour capacity) cannot be mailed back.
- Items with a rechargeable battery must include the original battery to qualify for a return.
Heavy Items
- Some heavy items must be returned directly to the manufacturer (e.g., Burrow, Lovesac, Plunge, Sun Home). For more details on heavy items returns, you can visit Best Buy’s website.
Like-New Condition
- Items must be returned in like-new condition.
- Items that are damaged, unsanitary, dented, scratched, or missing major parts may be denied a return.
- Apparel must not be worn or laundered, and original tags must be attached.
How to Return an Item
1. Return to a Best Buy Store
- Bring the product, receipt, and original payment method to any Best Buy store.
- If possible, bring the original packaging.
- Best Buy may deny the return if the item is damaged or missing accessories.
2. Return by Mail
- Start return and look for your order to return.
- Use a prepaid return label from your Best Buy account.
- Pack the item properly and take it to a UPS drop-off location.
- Some large items like TVs over 50 inches, kegerators, and SodaStream makers cannot be returned by mail.
3. Returning Major Appliances
- Inspect the appliance when delivered. Refuse delivery if it is damaged.
- If you find damage after delivery, call 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289).
Refund Method and Processing Time
- Refunds are issued the same way you paid.
- Returns by mail take 7-10 business days to process.
- It may take up to 10 more days for the refund to show in your account.
- If you paid more than $800 in cash or $250 by check, a refund check will be mailed within 10 business days.
- Refunds for gift purchases are given as store credit.
Special Considerations
Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items
- Return during the return period for a replacement.
- If returning by mail, call 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289) for instructions.
No Receipt?
- Returns without proof of purchase may be denied or limited.
- Sales tax and fees will not be reimbursed without a receipt.
Bundle Discounts and Free Items
- If you bought an item as part of a bundle, you must return all items.
- Otherwise, the discount will be removed from your refund.
Connected and Wi-Fi Devices
- Remove all personal data before returning.
- Unlink the device from any cloud accounts.
Mobile Phones with Carrier Plans
- You must cancel the service with your carrier.
- Return to a Best Buy store or call 1-877-702-2211 for mail returns.
Gifts
- If you return a gift, you will receive store credit.
- If returned by mail, the original gift buyer will receive the refund.
Extended Returns
- Some products like litter boxes (90 days) and hearing aids (60 days) have longer return periods.
- Microsoft Office can be returned within 30 days.
Special Important Information
- Purchases from Best Buy Marketplace vendors follow their own return policies.
- Purchases from manufacturer websites fulfilled by Best Buy follow the manufacturer’s return policy.
- Best Buy does not accept international return shipments.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Understanding Best Buy return policy helps you shop with confidence. Whether returning a phone, laptop, or TV, always check your return period, keep your receipt, and ensure the item is in like-new condition. If you follow these steps, your return will be easy and hassle-free!
For more details, visit Best Buy’s official return policy.
