3 Best Buy Return Policy Tips To Keep in Mind
Written by
Cynthia Bowman
Edited by
Susan Kim
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You can purchase a refrigerator, a DSLR camera and an iPad all at once when you visit Best Buy. All these consumer electronics and appliance options under one roof might seem convenient, but the retailer’s return policy can be a little confusing. Here’s what you need to know about Best Buy’s return policy.
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What Is Best Buy’s Return Policy?
Best Buy typically provides a 15-day return and exchange policy for most products, though additional terms and conditions may apply. For detailed information, consult the Best Buy website or contact its customer service.
The 2023 Best Buy holiday return policy differs from the everyday return policy. Most purchases made between Oct. 27 to Dec. 30 can be returned or exchanged until Jan. 13, 2024.
1. Different Products Have Different Return Periods
Here’s a look at the return periods for different types of purchases at Best Buy:
| Item | Return Period | Restocking Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Most products |
|
N/A |
| Devices that can be activated, including cellphones, cellular devices and mobile hotspots |
|
$45 |
| Drones, digital cameras, projectors and special orders |
|
15% of purchase price |
Are Best Buy Open-Box Items Returnable?
Best Buy’s return policy applies to open-box items as well as new, clearance, pre-owned and refurbished items.
2. There Are Best Buy Return Policy Exceptions
You might be wondering: Can you return something you’ve opened to Best Buy? The Best Buy return policy can provide a full refund as long as the items are returned in like-new condition, with all accessories and original packaging. Best Buy might deny a return for missing package components.
Although select items have restocking fees, the fees are waived if the product is unopened or the purchase and return are made in the following states:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
3. Some Items Can’t Be Returned to Best Buy
Best Buy doesn’t allow returns or exchanges for the following items:
- Apparel that is missing original tags and/or has been laundered or worn
- Completed services
- Custom orders
- Digital content
- Final sale items
- Memberships
- Opened consumable items, including cleaning agents, oils, batteries, fuel, ink and 3D printer filament
- Prepaid cards, including third-party gift cards
- Items that are not in like-new condition
Additionally, Best Buy may deny returns for the following:
- Items that are damaged, unsanitary or missing major components
- Returns lacking proof of purchase
The following items can be exchanged for an identical item:
- Books
- Movies
- Music
- Opened computer software
- Sheet music
- Video game guides
- Video games
How To Return an Item to Best Buy
The Best Buy return policy lets you return items bought in-store or at BestBuy.com by visiting a local store or mailing the item back. Here’s how to do it.
Best Buy In-Store Returns
Gather the following items:
- The items to return, including all original contents and packaging
- The packing slip or receipt
- The credit card used to make the purchase
- A valid photo ID
Visit a Best Buy store with the above items to receive a refund to the card used to make the purchase, get store credit or make an exchange.
Best Buy Returns by Mail
To initiate a return by mail, you can ship the item back at no charge. You’ll need to include the original contents and packaging when you return the item.
You can start a return on Best Buy’s website by logging in to your account or entering your order number to find your order. Follow the instructions for printing a prepaid shipping label. Affix the prepaid return label to the package and drop it off at an authorized UPS location.
Tips for Returning Items to Best Buy
To make the return process hitch-free, ensure the items are in like-new condition and include all original packaging and accessories, manuals and documentation. Missing components might cause Best Buy to refuse your return.
Thanks!
To avoid having Best Buy deny your return, bring proof of purchase in the form of a receipt or packing slip.
Final Take
You can shop at Best Buy confidently now that you know more about its return policy and how to meet the requirements. Remember to save your receipt or packing slip and all original packaging to receive a full refund on most items. And when you gift someone a Best Buy item, don’t forget to include a gift receipt.
Chris Ozarowski contributed to the reporting for this article.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
