B&H Return Policy: A Comprehensive Guide [2024]

Welcome to our easy-to-understand guide about B&H return policy.

B&H is known for its awesome cameras, computers, and other cool tech stuff. But sometimes, things don’t work out perfectly, and you might need to return something.

Don’t worry, B&H has a clear and fair return policy. Let’s take a closer look!

Understanding the B&H Return Policy: 30 Days to Decide

B&H offers a generous return policy that allows customers to return most items within 30 days of receipt. This policy applies to a wide range of products, including cameras, lenses, audio gear, and more. To be eligible for a return, items must be in new condition, with all original packaging and materials intact.

How to Return Your Item: Step-by-step

Step 1: Initiate Return or Exchange (3 ways)

Returning something to B&H is easy. Here are the three ways you can do it.

A) Online: This is probably the fastest and most convenient way. Here are the steps:

Log in to your account: Go to the B&H website and log in to your account using your credentials.

Find your order: Navigate to the “My Account/My Orders” section, as shown in the image below. Filter the orders by “Eligible for Return” and locate the specific order you want to return.

Start a return: Click on the “Start a Return” button next to the eligible order.
Fill out the RMA request: Complete the online Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) request form. This will help B&H process your return smoothly.
Pack, pay, label, & ship: Follow the instructions provided in the RMA confirmation email. You can chose to use B&H’s prepaid return label. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a shipping label from a carrier of your choice and address it to B&H’s Return Department.

B) Phone or Live Chat: You can also call B&H’s customer service team or chat with them online. They will help you start the return process and answer any questions you might have.

C) In Person (if you live near B&H’s New York Superstore): If you live close to B&H’s massive store in New York City, you can save on shipping costs by returning your item in person. Just head to their Returns Department, and they’ll help you with the returns.

b&h photo video return policy is applicable in NYC Store also

Step 2: Keep It New and Pack It Up

If you want to return something to B&H, it’s important that you keep it in new condition. That means it should be unused, in its original box, and with all the packing material, manuals, and accessories.

If you got any free gifts with your purchase, you need to return those too.

When you’re packing it up, make sure to put everything back in the box carefully so it doesn’t get damaged on the way back to B&H.

Step 3: Ship the Item to B&H

Drop off your package at the designated shipping carrier.

Close the box securely and seal it with packing tape.
Attach the preprinted return shipping label that B&H provided you with (if you chose this option during the return process).
If you didn’t use the preprinted label, you’ll need to write the return address on the box clearly. The return address should be:
- Attn: Return Department
  B&H Photo Video Inc.
  290 Daniels Way
  Burlington, NJ 08016-2141
Take your packaged item to a trusted shipping carrier, such as UPS or FedEx. You can pay for shipping at this time, or you may have already prepaid for shipping if you used B&H’s return label.
Get a receipt from the shipping carrier for your records. This receipt will have a tracking number that you can use to track your return online.

Step 4: Getting Your Money Back

B&H will refund your original payment method. For instance, if you paid with a credit card, the money will be credited back to your card. It typically takes 5-7 business days for the refund to show up in your account.

Step 5: How to track the returns

There are a couple of ways to track your return to B&H:

Online:
- Log into your B&H account and go to the “My Account” page.
- Select “My Orders” from the menu on the left-hand side.
- You should see all your orders and returns, along with their current status.
Contact B&H: If you can’t find the information you need online, you can contact B&H customer service. Here are various options to contact them.

What can be Returned?

Eligible Items for Return

b & h photo return policy for cameras and lenses

B&H allows returns for most items as long as they are in new condition, in their original packaging, and returned within 30 days of delivery. This includes items like:

Cameras and lenses: DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, lenses, flashes, and other photography accessories.
Audio equipment: Headphones, microphones, speakers, mixers, and audio interfaces.
Video equipment: Camcorders, drones, monitors, tripods, and video editing software.
Computers and accessories: Laptops, desktops, tablets, monitors, keyboards, mice, and software (as long as the software packaging is unopened).
Mobile devices: Smartphones, tablets, and mobile accessories.
Home entertainment: TVs, projectors, home audio systems, and streaming devices.

Some Things Can’t Be Returned

There are a few things B&H can’t accept for returns. Non returnable items includes:

Opened TVs, computer monitors that are 37 inches or larger
Opened computers (laptop, macbook) and software
Things you download, like software or music
Items that get used up, like film, ink cartridges, or batteries
Computers that B&H built just for you
Some special-order items
Underwater gear that’s been used in the water
Educational tapes or books that you’ve opened

Return of Damaged Items

What If It’s Broken or Doesn’t Work? If you get something from B&H that’s broken or doesn’t work right out of the box, they’ll take care of you. It’s important to notify B&H within two days of receiving the item if it’s defective.

B&H will then repair it, exchange it for a new one, or give you your money back.

Return of Opened Items

Most items can still be returned even if they have been opened, as long as they are in new condition and meet the other return policy requirements (original packaging, accessories, etc.).
There are certain items that B&H cannot accept for return if they have been opened e.g. Laptops or Computers.

Return of Used Items

B&H’s return policy doesn’t explicitly address used items. However, it emphasizes that all returned items must be in “new condition.” This implies that used items, which are no longer in new condition, would not be eligible for return under their standard policy.
It’s worth noting that B&H does have a Used Department where they sell pre-owned equipment. These used items come with their own 90-day warranty, and there may be a different return policy associated with them.
If you’re considering returning a used item purchased from B&H’s Used Department, it’s recommended to reach out to their customer service team directly for clarification on their specific return policy for used products.

Important Things to Remember

Restocking Fees: B&H may charge a restocking fee of at least 15% if the item is not in its original condition or is missing parts. The exact amount may vary depending on the condition of the returned item and the specific circumstances of the return.
Time Limit: You have 30 days from the day you get your item to return it.
Condition: The item has to be in new condition, with all the original packaging and accessories.
Non-Returnable Items: Some things can’t be returned, like opened TVs or used film. Be sure to check B&H’s non-returnable items list.
Shipping Costs: You usually have to pay for return shipping, unless the item was defective or damaged.
Refunds: B&H will refund your original payment method, and it typically takes 5-7 business days for the refund to show up in your account.
Free Items: If your purchase included any free items, you must return those as well to receive a full refund.
High Return Rate: Be careful if you make too many returns. This could result in restrictions on future returns, as experienced by this reddit user.

What is B&H exchange policy?

B&H does offer exchanges, allowing you to swap out an item for a different model or a manufacturer’s equivalent model. Here’s what you need to know about their exchange policy:

Eligibility

The item must be eligible for return under their standard return policy. This means it needs to be in new condition, with all original packaging and accessories, and returned within 30 days of delivery.
Items that are not eligible for return (e.g., opened TVs over 37 inches, opened software, etc.) are also not eligible for exchange.

Process

Process for exchange is the same as the return process.
Once they receive and inspect the returned item, they will ship the replacement item to you.

Timeline

Mail-in exchanges usually take 3-5 business days to process. The processing time may vary depending on the availability of the replacement item and your shipping location.

Important Notes

If there is a price difference between the original and replacement items, B&H will adjust the payment accordingly.
If the replacement item is out of stock, B&H will create an order for you, and the item will be shipped once it’s back in stock. You can sign up for stock alerts to be notified when it becomes available.

B&H Return after 30 Days

B&H does not have a specific return policy that applies after 30 days.

Their standard policy is strictly limited to 30 days from the delivery date. After this period, returns or exchanges are generally not accepted, even if the item is unopened or unused.

Please note that B&H may offer an extended holiday return policy during the holiday shopping season, but this would be an exception and not their standard policy.

It’s crucial to carefully review the return policy before making a purchase and to initiate any return or exchange within the 30-day timeframe to avoid any potential complications.

If you have any specific questions about an item you wish to return after 30 days, contact B&H customer service directly for clarification and assistance.

Who pays for B&H return shipping cost?

In most cases, the customer is responsible for the return shipping cost. However, there are a few exceptions:

Defective or Damaged Items: If your item arrived defective or damaged, B&H will reimburse you for the return shipping costs. Be sure to contact their customer service for assistance with this process.
B&H Provided Label: If you initiate your return online, B&H will provide you with a pre-paid return shipping label. The cost of this label will be deducted from your refund.
Using Your Own Carrier: You have the option to ship the item back using your own carrier and pay for the shipping costs yourself. If you choose this option, B&H recommends using insured ground service with a tracking number to ensure the safe arrival of your return.

Important Note: Shipping fees for the original purchase are non-refundable, regardless of the reason for the return.

Holiday Return Policy

B&H often extends their return policy during the holiday season to provide shoppers with more flexibility. However, the exact terms and duration of the extended holiday return policy can vary from year to year.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information about B&H’s holiday return policy for the current year, I recommend visiting their website or contacting their customer service directly. They typically announce their holiday return policy closer to the holiday shopping season, so keep an eye out for announcements on their website or in their promotional emails.

How to contact B&H for returns

You have a couple of options to reach out to B&H customer support regarding returns:

Phone: You can call their customer service line at 800.221.5743 or 212.239.7765.
Contact Form: You can contact them by filling the contact form on their website.
Live Chat: If you prefer to chat with a representative online, B&H offers a live chat feature on their website. Just look for the chat icon on the bottom right section of the webpage, and you’ll be connected with a customer service agent who can help you with your return.

B&H Live Chat option for returns on their portal

FAQ: Your Questions Answered!

What if I don’t have the original box anymore?

B&H requires all returned items to be in their original packaging. If you don’t have it, contact B&H customer service for help.

How long does the return process take?

It usually takes 5-7 days for B&H to process a return and issue a refund once they receive the item.

Can I return an item if I opened it?

Many items can still be returned even if opened, but some items are non-returnable once opened e.g. Laptop or Computer. Check B&H’s return policy and non-returnable items list to be sure.

Does B&H charge a restocking fee?

If your return meets all the requirements of the return policy, B&H won’t charge a restocking fee. However, if the conditions are not met, they may charge minimum 15% restocking fee.

How can I track my return?

You can track your return through your B&H account online or by contacting their customer service.

Can I get a refund for customs and duties on an international return?

If you return a product to B&H from outside the US, you’ll be responsible for contacting the shipping carrier to recover any customs and duties.

Can we return damaged items within 30 days?

If you receive defective items or items damaged in transit, where you have 2 days to report the issue. B&H will then repair it, exchange it for a new one, or give you your money back.

what happens if a customer makes too many returns?

B&H’s return policy doesn’t explicitly state a limit on the number of returns a customer can make. However, they do reserve the right to refuse a return or charge a restocking fee if the return conditions are not met.
If a customer frequently makes returns, B&H may flag their account for review. This could lead to stricter return conditions or, in extreme cases, restrictions on future returns.
B&H aims to be fair to both customers and the company. While they want you to be happy, they need to protect themselves from misuse of the return policy. So, always try to follow their guidelines when making a return.

Shop Happy!

Now you know the ins and outs of the B&H return policy! It’s all about being fair and making sure you’re happy with your purchases. So, go ahead and explore all the cool stuff B&H has to offer. Happy shopping!