That $50 pair of gold wedge espadrilles from Zappos you never wore — and never quite got around to returning — can nag at you. But you’re not out of options.
Zappos accepts returns up to 12 months after the purchase date. And it’s not the only retailer that will take back items a year or longer after you bought them.
Being familiar with a seller’s return policy can help you convert unreturned items into cash or store credit equal to what you paid. Whether you’re buying online or picking something up in person, knowing which merchants offer easy returns and free return shipping can save you money on later purchases.
When you give a gift, include the gift receipt and a short note telling the recipient how long they have to return it. It’s a polite way to let them know you won’t be offended if they exchange it. (Good to remember around the holidays, which are only a few months away.)
Keep these retailers in mind year-round.
Retailers That Offer a Full Refund for a Year or Longer
American Eagle
The teen-favorite clothing chain also has a return policy customers adore. With proof of purchase, there’s no time limit to return unworn, unwashed items even if the tags are gone.
If you don’t have a receipt, American Eagle will issue store credit for the item’s current selling price.
Costco
Costco’s return policy is the stuff of internet legend: tales of a 15-year-old pressure cooker, a dead Christmas tree returned in January, or a safe that smelled like marijuana. The stories circulate widely, even if the details aren’t always verifiable.
But the basics are simple. For most items, there’s no time limit on returns. Even opened food can be brought back for a full refund.
There are exceptions: premium electronics need to be returned within 90 days, and there are rules around tires, cigarettes, alcohol and diamonds.
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IKEA
Unopened IKEA merchandise can be returned within a year. Opened items are eligible within 180 days. If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll receive an in-store credit based on the item’s lowest selling price.
Also check out IKEA’s new buy-back program for gently used pieces, part of its push to be carbon neutral by 2030. It offers 30% to 50% of the original price in gift cards depending on condition. Use the retailer’s estimator to see what your item might fetch, then bring it to your local store.
L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean is another retailer in the 12-month-return club. Even after a year, products with manufacturing defects may still qualify for a return.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom has long been known for accepting returns well beyond the purchase date. It doesn’t list a hard deadline on its site, but says each return is assessed individually and the company aims to keep customers satisfied.
So, generally, if you ask politely you’ll likely receive a refund or a Nordstrom gift card depending on whether you have a receipt.
Note: Nordstrom Rack requires returns within 45 days.
Patagonia
Patagonia allows returns for a full refund with no time limit, even beyond a year, according to its policy. This includes sale items.
If you return items more than a year after purchase, you’ll receive merchandise credit.
REI
Outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI accepts returns for up to a year with a receipt. Without one, you’ll get store credit equal to the item’s lowest selling price.
To keep items out of landfills, REI will also take back gently used gear in exchange for gift cards or store credit and then resell it. Those purchases have a 45-day return window.
Trader Joe’s
It’s no surprise that Trader Joe’s, one of the friendliest grocery chains around, has a very generous return policy. The store refunds everything — with or without a receipt — even if it’s been opened. You can get an exchange, store credit or your money back.
You’ll often hear crew members encouraging customers to try something they’re unsure about because they can return it later.
Zappos
Zappos has long been a shopper favorite for free shipping and free return shipping, well before many competitors adopted those perks.
The retailer allows one year for returns when you bought the wrong shoes online. Some shoppers report getting merchandise credit for never-worn shoes even after a year.
Other Stores with Standout Return Policies
These retailers require returns within a year, but they also made the list for other customer-friendly reasons.
Athleta
Athleta, like other Gap brands, generally offers a 90-day return window. But the activewear brand earns praise for its Give-It-a-Workout Guarantee. Customers can actually wear items during a workout (or on a shopping trip) and return them for a full refund if they don’t perform or feel right.
Bath & Body Works
The fragrance-focused retailer has a 90-day return policy. It allows returns of opened (i.e., used) products for a full refund within 90 days with a receipt.
Without a receipt, you’ll receive a merchandise credit based on the item’s lowest selling price.
Home Depot
Home Depot permits 90 days to return most unopened items; customers with a Home Depot credit card or commercial account have a year. There are exceptions, such as major appliances and area rugs.
A notable perk: you can return opened paint if the color doesn’t work out and exchange it for something you prefer.
Customers also have a year to return trees and shrubs.
Sephora
The cosmetics retailer accepts opened and gently used products within 30 days for store credit. So you can experiment with that midnight-blue eyeshadow or metallic mascara and return it if it doesn’t suit you.
Walgreens
Walgreens has a fairly standard 30-day return policy, but it will take back open makeup. Most locations also have cosmetic advisors to help you choose shades — test a few and return those you don’t love.
Lands’ End
The longtime online outfitter permits 90-day returns, except for final-sale items.
As a go-to for school uniforms nationwide, Lands’ End provides an extra convenience: personalized uniforms with school logos can be returned for Lands’ End merchandise credit.
That’s especially helpful when ordering multiple sizes for several children.
Convert Store Credit or Merchandise Credit into Cash
If you end up with gift cards because you returned something without a receipt, you can still turn them into cash. Depending on where you sell the cards, you might get up to roughly 85% of the gift card’s value in cash.
That means a gift card from those black pumps at Zappos can become spending money for premium electronics at Costco.
Read the fine print before selling your gift cards to understand fees and limits.
Alex Rivera is a senior writer at Savinly.
Related: Check refund rules like amazon return fee and return policy black friday when planning purchases.
