LL Bean Return Policy: A Complete Guide
Wondering about LL Bean return policy? Learn everything you need to know, including return methods, fees, and refund timelines.
L.L.Bean is a classic American brand known for its high-quality outdoor gear, clothing, and dependable craftsmanship. Founded in 1912 in Maine, it’s built a reputation for durability, comfort, and customer-friendly service.
But what happens when something just doesn’t work out? Whether it’s a jacket that didn’t fit or boots that didn’t last, their return policy is designed to keep things fair for both the shopper and the company.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through LL Bean return policy, what you can and can’t return, how long you have, what to expect with refunds, and more.
Quick Overview of LL Bean Return Policy
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Window | Within one year of purchase for a refund if you’re not 100% satisfied (some exceptions after 1 year) |
| Defective Items | Accepted even after 1 year if due to materials or craftsmanship |
| Proof of Purchase | Required for all returns and exchanges |
| Return Fee | $6.50 per package (unless using L.L.Bean Mastercard or Bean Bucks). Free at retail stores (except Clearance Centers and mobile kiosks) |
| Condition Required | Must be in acceptable condition (not heavily worn, damaged, or soiled) |
| Return Methods | Easy Online return option, by mail, or in-store |
| Exchanges | Available by mail, phone, or in-store |
| Gift Returns | Can be returned to a store or by mail for a Return Gift Card or exchange. |
| Furniture Returns | Must be sent to Davis Warehouse in Freeport, Maine |
| Non-Returnable Items | Ammunition, hazardous materials, heavily worn/abused items, some third-party items |
| International Returns | Accepted with specific instructions and forms; customer responsible for shipping costs and any duties/taxes. |
| Refund Time | Processed within 2-3 business days after receiving the return |
Return Policy in Detail
You Have One Year
L.L.Bean lets you return most items within one year of purchase if you’re not satisfied. If it’s been more than a year, they may still consider a return, but only if the item is defective due to craftsmanship or materials.
Important: Items bought before February 9, 2018 aren’t limited to the one-year rule.
After One Year: It Gets Stricter
Once the year is up, the return window closes unless something is truly wrong with the product. That includes stitching coming apart, zippers failing, or boots cracking when they shouldn’t.
What You Need to Return Something
Make sure you have proof of purchase. This can be:
- An order confirmation email
- A printed packing slip
- Or a store receipt (you might need to call customer service to locate the order number)
No proof? Unfortunately, no return.
What You Can’t Return
Even if it’s within a year, L.L.Bean won’t accept returns in these cases:
- Items damaged by pets, accidents, or misuse
- Products that show excessive wear and tear
- Items with missing or altered labels
- Goods lost or damaged in a natural disaster
- Items returned for non-product-related reasons (like you just changed your mind)
- Soiled or unclean items
- Ammunition (cannot be returned by mail or in-store).
- Items from third-party sellers (go to the original store instead)
- Habitual return abusers—yep, they track it!
How to Make a Return (3 Easy Options)
You can return items in three ways:
1. Easy Online Returns
- Visit the LL Bean Return Portal.
- Enter your order details and follow the instructions. The screenshot of the returns portal shared below
- Print a return shipping label and send your package.
- The return fee is $6.50 per package unless you used an LL Bean Mastercard or Bean Bucks.
2. Return by Mail
- Use the Return & Exchange Form included in your order or print a new one from here.
- Print a return shipping label from the LL Bean website.
- Mail your package to:
LL Bean Returns
3 Campus Dr., Freeport, ME 04034 - A return shipping fee of $6.50 per package applies if you use L.L.Bean’s prepaid label unless you paid with an L.L.Bean Mastercard or Bean Bucks, in which case the fee is waived.
3. Return in Stores
- Bring your item and proof of purchase to any LL Bean store or outlet.
- Clearance Centers may have different policies.
- Mobile kiosks only process returns for items bought at those locations.
- Currently, in-store refunds cannot be processed back to PayPal accounts. If you return an item purchased with PayPal in-store, you’ll receive your refund as store credit or a check by mail.
Furniture Returns (Exception)
- Large indoor and outdoor furniture must be sent to the Davis Warehouse in Freeport, Maine.
- Contact customer service for return instructions at 1-877-755-2326 or 800-341-4341.
Gift Returns
- Return gifts in-store or by mail using the Return & Exchange Form.
- Use your order number to Start a Gift Return online.
- If you don’t have the order number, contact customer service at 1-800-453-0659.
- You’ll get a Return Gift Card (or an exchange item) once it’s processed.
Don’t know the order number? No worries!
Exchanges
You can exchange an item in three ways:
- Order a new item online and return the old one using the return portal and follow the same process as explained above.
- Call customer service at 1-800-441-5713 to exchange over the phone (shipping fee waived for new orders).
- Visit an LL Bean store to exchange in person.
For mail exchanges, return the item with the Return & Exchange Form. Your new item will be shipped once your return is processed (may take 2-3 weeks).
Return from US Territories, APO/FPO/DPO or International addresses
US Territories, and APO/FPO/DPO addresses
- Find and complete the form printed on the packing slip that came with your order.
- Proof of purchase is required for a refund or exchange.
- If you need help locating your order number, contact customer service.
- If you don’t have your packing slip, print and complete Return & Exchange Form.
- Mail the package to
LL Bean Returns,
3 Campus Dr., Freeport, ME 04034. - Customers pay for return shipping, but LL Bean covers shipping for exchanged items.
- Refunds take 4-6 weeks.
International Returns
- Use the packing slip from your order or print an International Return & Exchange Form.
- Include your order number or receipt for faster processing.
- Mail your package to:
LL Bean Returns
3 Campus Dr., Freeport, ME 04034 - Customers pay for return shipping, but LL Bean covers shipping for exchanged items.
- Refunds take 4-6 weeks.
- International customers may need to pay import duties and taxes.
For assistance:
- Canada: 800-341-4341
- UK: 0800-891-297
- Other Countries: 207-552-6879
- Email: Internationalweb@llbean.com
Refunds
Once your return arrives, they’ll process it in 2–3 business days. You’ll get an email confirmation.
- Bank refunds may take a little longer to show up.
- Bean Bucks get added back right away.
- Gift returns are mailed as a Return Gift Card in about 4–6 days.
If you paid with PayPal, in-store returns can’t be credited back to your account. You’ll get a check or store credit instead.
How to Contact LL Bean for help?
For any questions or assistance with returns, refunds, or exchanges, you can contact LL Bean customer service from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. (ET), 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Customer Service Phone: 800-441-5713
- For Spanish: 888-867-1932
- Gift return help: 1-800-453-0659
- Live Chat: Available on their website
- Email: Use the Help Center or email Internationalweb@llbean.com for international orders
Common Questions
Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns
- Use the return portal—it’s the fastest and easiest option.
- If you paid with Bean Bucks, use them again when refunded!
- Clean the item before returning it—dirty gear won’t get accepted.
- Use L.L.Bean Mastercard to skip return shipping fees.
- Always keep your receipt or order email—it’s your golden ticket.
- Don’t rip off tags or labels unless you’re sure you’re keeping it.
- If you’re returning furniture, call first—it requires special handling.
- Returns by mail can take a while. If it’s time-sensitive, return in-store.
- Avoid Clearance Centers for returns—they have limited capabilities.
- Be honest. They track habitual abuse, and it could get you banned.
Final Thoughts
L.L.Bean’s return policy is fair, but not limitless. It gives you a full year to test things out and make sure they work for you, with a clear focus on product quality not just buyer’s remorse. Just follow their steps, keep your proof of purchase, and you’ll be just fine.
If you have questions or unique situations, don’t hesitate to call. They’re known for helpful customer service and from personal experience, they usually make things right.
Happy shopping—and returning, if needed!
Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official LL Bean website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting LL Bean Customer Service directly is the best resource.
