When you buy an item and decide to return it, most companies accept the return without charging any fees, as long as the return meets the requirements outlined in the return policy.
For certain big-ticket items, though, something called a “restocking fee” is charged.
A restocking fee is when a fee is charged to a customer who is returning merchandise.
Restocking fees can be a flat rate or a percentage of the item’s cost.
Does Best Buy Charge A Restocking Fee?
Yes, Best Buy does charge a restocking fee for certain items.
For devices that need to be activated (excluding prepaid phones), Best Buy charges a flat $45 fee.
Drones, DSLR cameras and lenses, mirrorless cameras and lenses, electric bikes, electric mopeds, leg and body recovery systems, premium camcorders, projectors, projector screens, and special-order products will incur a restocking fee of 15% of the purchase price.
Other items will not be charged a restocking fee
However, some items are not eligible to be returned at all.
In some states, you will not be charged a restocking fee because it is not legal.
If you buy and return your product in Alabama, Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma, or South Carolina, you will not be charged a restocking fee.
However, you must purchase the product and return it in a qualifying state.
You cannot purchase your product in a different state and then return it to a location in one of these states to avoid paying a restocking fee.
Another situation when you will not be charged a restocking fee is if the item is unopened when you return it.
If you are a Best Buy Totaltech member when you purchase the item, you will not be charged a restocking fee.
What Condition Should My Products Be In When I Return Them?
Best Buy requires that returns are in like-new condition when you return them.
According to Best Buy’s return policy, your items must not be damaged, dirty, or missing major components.
If possible, it is best to bring the item in its original packaging when returning it.
If you are returning apparel, it must have never been worn or washed and it also has to include its original tags.
What Is Best Buy’s Final Sale Policy?
Certain items cannot be returned to Best Buy.
If you purchased a custom or personalized item, you will not be able to return it.
Subscription digital content cannot be returned to Best Buy, with the exception of Microsoft Office.
You cannot return prepaid cards of any type, including prepaid phone cards or gift cards.
You also cannot return key fobs for vehicles.
Any plumbing items or sexual wellness kits will not be accepted for refund.
Trading cards can also not be returned.
You cannot get a refund for memberships or services that have been completed.
If you bought a product that interacts with bodily fluid and it has been open, it is not eligible for return.
Opened SIM cards and opened consumable items are also not eligible for return.
Some examples of consumable items include batteries, cleaners, and ink.
Are Restocking Fees Subject to Tax?
This will vary depending on the state or country you are in, but many states do charge taxes on restocking fees.
Can I Return An Item I Purchased Online To A Best Buy Store?
If you purchased an item on BestBuy.com and want to return it, you can return it to a Best Buy store.
In fact, this is probably the most convenient option if you have a Best Buy near you.
When you bring your product in to be returned, you are going to want to bring your packing slip or your receipt along with the credit card you used to make your purchase and a valid photo ID.
If you are not able to take your order to a store, you can return it using the prepaid return label.
This will give you free shipping on your return order.
In order to access your pre-paid return label, you will need to log into your Best Buy account.
Locate your order and then print the prepaid shipping label.
You can place the product into the original box it was shipped in and attach the label.
From there, simply take the package to a UPS drop-off location—such as a UPS Store—and ship it.
You have to ship it within your return period in order to qualify for reimbursement.
There are certain limitations when it comes to shipping online orders for return.
You cannot ship major appliances, kegerators, soda streams, or TVs over 50 inches.
For these items, you will need to take them for in-store return.
You also cannot return lithium and specialty batteries via shipping.
Products must be shipped from within the country in order to be accepted for returns.
What Is Best Buy’s Return Policy For Major Appliances?
It can be nerve-wracking to purchase a major appliance.
There is a lot on the line when purchasing a big ticket item like appliances.
This is exactly why Best Buy asks customers to inspect any major appliances before accepting the delivery.
If you notice a problem with the device upon inspection, you can refuse delivery.
If you do accept your purchase, you have 15 days to contact Best Buy regarding any damage, defects, or issues with your major appliance.
You should contact the Best Buy hotline and not the store you bought the product from.
Returns are not guaranteed, which is why it is best to inspect the product and decline delivery if there is a problem.
How Will I Receive My Refund?
If you successfully return your item, Best Buy will typically refund you in the same way you paid for the item.
For example, if you paid with a credit card, they will refund your purchase price on the same credit card.
If the item you received was defective, you can also request an exchange for the same item if you would prefer this to a refund.
If you purchased a product with a gift card, your refund will be credited to the original gift card.
If you have already disposed of the gift card, call the Best Buy hotline so that they can provide you will a new gift card.
If you paid more than $800 in cash for your order, Best Buy will refund you by check.
How Long Will It Take To Receive My Refund?
It will typically take seven to 10 business days to process your return.
If you return a product by mail, processing your return will start on the date Best Buy received your product, not the date you put it in the mail.
Once your return has been processed, it can take up to 10 additional days for the return to be reflected on your account.
If you are being refunded via check, it will also take up to 10 business days.
What If I Don’t Have Proof Of Purchase?
If you have lost your receipt, you can still try to return your item, however, the return is not guaranteed.
Some returns made without proof of purchase may be denied.
If you do not have proof of purchase, you will not be reimbursed for sales taxes or other fees.
Can I Return A Gift?
If someone gave you a gift purchased from Best Buy, you can return it inside the store for credit.
If you return a gift via mail, the money will be credited to the purchaser, not the person who received the gift.
The purchaser will be notified of the return via email.
If you want to keep your return a secret from the gifter, it is best to take care of it inside a Best Buy store.
Special Considerations
Most products at Best Buy can be returned within a 15-day window.
However, there are a few exceptions.
Hearing aids can be returned within 60 days.
Keep in mind that a hearing aid is different from a hearing amplifier.
A hearing amplifier must be returned within 15 days of purchase.
Entertainment products like movies, video games, music, and books cannot be returned.
However, they can be exchanged for an identical item.
This can be good if you notice that the item you originally purchased has a defect.
Return policies of services and subscriptions vary based on the product.
You can find the individual return policies for these products by reading their terms and conditions.
What If I Received A Bundle Discount Or Free Item?
If you received a bundle discount when purchasing, you will lose the discount if you return an item from the bundle.
The same is true if you received a free item along with a bundle purchase.
Do I Need to Return My Product In The Packaging?
Best Buy requests that all returns be made with the original packaging included.
A return can be denied if you do not provide the packaging along with the item.
Even if the return is not denied, you might have a deduction to the amount you will be reimbursed.
If You Return A Connected Device, Make Sure To Wipe It!
Deleting your data is something important to do before returning a device that is connected to a cloud service.
If you are returning a phone, it is your responsibility to cancel your phone contract.
You have to contact the carrier directly for this.
Best Buy is not responsible for any carrier fees or for canceling your phone plan.
If you are returning your phone in person, you can ask the sales associate to help you with canceling your phone contract.
You are going to want to make sure to wipe any personal data or images from the device if you are returning an item like a computer or camera.
Once you have returned it, the device might be resold to other customers.
If you leave data or sensitive information on the device, Best Buy is not liable for what happens with that information.
What If There Is A Problem With My Order When I Receive It?
If you notice your item is damaged or defective after you receive it, you want to contact Best Buy immediately.
They will exchange the product for you as long as you contact them about the issue within the exchange period.
However, the exchange period is only 15 days for most products at Best Buy.
If you are within the return window and decide you no longer want your product, you can contact Best Buy to ask for a refund.
However, you still want to contact them as soon as you notice the damage.
The sooner after receiving the item you report defects, the higher your chances of getting your money back!
