Here’s a reminder that most major retailers offer extended returns during the holiday shopping season. I prefer pushing off big purchases for the holiday season. That gives me the flexibility of trying out different options with plenty of time to decide and ship back what’s not needed. (I’ve included our shopping affiliate links below – we appreciate those who support the site with their holiday shopping.)
- Amazon – 2023 Extended Holiday Returns policy requires that items purchased between November 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, are returnable through January 31, 2024. The exception is for Apple brand products, which can be returned through January 15, 2024. (return policy link | Amazon.com homepage – these contain our affiliate links)
- Walmart – Most items purchased in-store or online from October 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, are returnable until January 31, 2024. Marketplace seller participation varies. (return policy link | Walmart.com homepage – affiliate links)
- Best Buy – Purchases made Oct. 27 through Dec. 30 have an extended return period through Jan. 13, excluding items purchased with a third-party contract, [e.g., activatable devices (cell phones, cellular tablets, mobile hotspots, cellular wearables) and AppleCare+ plans, etc.)], and holiday decorations (e.g., artificial trees, lights, decorations, etc.). Other exclusions, including restocking fees, non-returnable products and all other terms and conditions of the Best Buy Return & Exchange Promise apply. (return policy link | Bestbuy.com homepage – affiliate link)
- Apple – Eligible products at the Apple Store Online that are received between November 3, 2023 and December 25, 2023, may be returned through January 8, 2024. iPhone purchases that are carrier-financed with T-Mobile are not eligible and are subject to standard return policy. (return policy link)
- Target – For Electronics and Entertainment items purchased October 1 through December 24, the refund period will begin on December 26. For all electronics and entertainment items (excluding Apple® products) purchased between Oct. 1-Dec. 24, the 30-day refund period will start on Dec. 26 and must be returned by Jan. 24. For all Apple® products (excluding mobile phones) purchased between Oct. 1-Dec. 24, the 15-day refund period will start on Dec. 26 and must be returned by Jan. 9. For mobile phones purchased in-store or online via Order Pickup between Oct. 1-Dec. 24, the 14-day refund window starts on Dec. 26 and must be returned by Jan. 8. (direct link)
Yesterday Apple added its Holiday Return Policy here:
https://www.apple.com/shop/help/returns_refund
Added thanks
Holiday Return Policy
Eligible products at the Apple Store Online that are received between November 3, 2023 and December 25, 2023, may be returned through January 8, 2024. Please note that all other terms and conditions provided in the Apple Store Online Sales and Refunds Policy are still applicable with respect to such products purchased. iPhone purchases that are carrier-financed with T-Mobile are not eligible and are subject to standard return policy. All purchases made after December 25, 2023 are subject to the Standard Return Policy.
Microcenter?
If I buy an Apple MacBook from Bestbuy for Christmas gift then the person opened the box and didn’t like it, do I pay the restocking fee if I try to return it within holiday return window?
I’ve bought a laptop from Best Buy, the price dropped during the return period but they refused to price match it. I already had used it for a couple of weeks but I returned it for a full refund. The laptop I returned had been used a couple of weeks already but there wasn’t any damage to it. Rebought the item at reduced price. This was a year or so ago…. that being said you might want to check for current policy online. I think this is it : https://www.bestbuy.com/site/help-topics/return-exchange-policy/pcmcat260800050014.c?id=pcmcat260800050014
Just a reminder – if you are going to abuse the holiday return window and “rent” an item for 3 months before returning it at the end of January, please stick to items that are shipped and sold by the retailer itself (ie. Amazon) and not a small business 3rd party seller on one of these platforms.
Yeah. Stick it to Jeff, that grinch.
Might as well always stick to Amazon itself and well-known brands and products.
Too much hassle trying to deal with scammy 3rd party sellers and their bullshit nowadays.
PS. If you hate Amazon, remember that they make more money when you buy from a 3rd party.