Posted 24 October 2023

Full list of shops extending returns policies for Christmas

Update 8
Updated
Hello everyone! I trust you're in good spirits. With the festive season approaching, choosing the perfect gift can be a tad overwhelming, especially when considering return policies. It's always a letdown if a gift doesn't fit right, you get 14 Lynx gift sets or can't be returned due to restrictive policies.

I've provided an initial list below. However, anticipate more updates as we approach the middle of November and the majoritiy of December. If you notice anything amiss, kindly drop a comment, and I'll be sure to revise. Thanks!



Adidas: You can return an item for free within 30 days after receiving your order. It's also possible to return something to one of our stores if your order didn't have a delivery fee.

Amazon: Our 2023 Extended Holiday Returns policy requires that items purchased between November 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, are returnable through January 31, 2024, except for Apple brand products, which can be returned through January 15, 2024. "This policy applies to seller-fulfilled, FBA, and Amazon retail orders. "Although the returns window for most orders will be extended, returns eligibility for all orders remains the same."

American Golf: Goods purchased between Monday 23rd October 2023 and Sunday 24th December 2023 can be returned for an exchange, or for a credit in the form of a gift card up to close of business Wednesday 31st January 2024.

Apple: Eligible products at the Apple Store Online that are received between 3 November 2023 and 25 December 2023 may be returned before 8 January 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. Purchases made using consumer financing are not eligible and are subject to the Standard Returns Policy. All purchases made after 25 December 2023 are subject to the Standard Returns Policy.

Argos: From 29th September 2023, up until Christmas day, Items purchased can be returned up until Wednesday 31st Jan 2024

Asda George: Products from George Clothing and George Home can be returned up to 100 days from when they were purchased.

ASOS: Items purchased between November 13, 2023 - December 18, 2023 can be returned until January 15, 2024 for a full refund.

B&M: If you are not happy with a purchase you make at our stores, simply return it in its original condition, with proof of purchase, within 30 days and we’ll give you a full refund or replacement.* Customers are advised that refunds and credit notes will only be given where proof of purchase (receipt, credit card statement, etc) is provided. To qualify for a refund or replacement, products need to be complete with all components and original packaging.

B&Q: We want you to be delighted with your products but if you do change your mind, you can return your purchase in its original condition within 90 days. Some exclusions so apply, so worth reading up on them.

Bargain Max: TBC

Boden: If something isn't quite right, you (or the recipient) will have three months to return it. Plus everything you keep has a 365-day quality guarantee. Sale items can be returned up until 14 days after purchase.

Bonmarche: Any Christmas gifts purchased online or in-store from the 21st of October until the 24th of December 2023 can be returned until the 21st of January 2024. Returns with a receipt or despatch note can be returned in full. Any returns without a receipt will receive a credit note or exchange for the value of the last known selling price.

Boots: We are offering an extended returns policy on Christmas gifts purchased online from 1st October 2023 up until the 31st January 2024. Unwanted items need to be returned in their original condition and unused. Normal exclusions apply.

Boux Avenue: Any purchase made on or after Monday 16th October 2023 may be returned anytime before Tuesday 16th January 2024, with a receipt. If you have a gift receipt you will be offered an exchange or a Boux Avenue gift card.

Burton: TBC

Carphone Warehouse: We make returns hassle-free so that you can purchase with confidence. When you shop on Converse.com, you have 30 days after delivery to try your products on for fit, confidently knowing you can return (some exceptions apply*) for any reason within those 30 days. If it's been more than 30 days, you can still return your order for a full refund if the product is unworn and unwashed.


Castore: If you make a purchase between the 1st November and the 24th December, you will have until the 14th January to return your items for a refund or an exchange. (Please keep your dispatch note as this will be requested with your return)

CEX: Returns Vary see uk.webuy.com/sit…ms/

Clarks: If you're not happy with your purchase you can return the item for a full refund, or exchange, within 28 days of receipt (14 days for items purchased in a sale). Any returns must be unworn and in their original condition and packaging, and you must have your receipt or delivery documents as proof of purchase. Sale items are treated in the same way.Return faulty goods within 6 months for a full refund or exchange.

Coast: TBC

Cole and Mason: All items purchased after Friday 1st December 2023 until Wedneaday 27th December 2023 (inclusive) are eligible to be returned up to the Friday 12th January 2023

Converse: TBC

Costco: We are pleased to offer what we believe is one of the best return policies in the industry, depending on what you buy, different date ranges, and exclusions, may apply.

Crew Clothing: Items purchased from 23rd October can be returned for a refund or exchange until January 21st 2024, excluding sale items which have a 14-day return period.

Currys: Customers who make purchases (excluding Mobile Phones) between Wednesday 1st November 2023 and Sunday 24th December 2023, can return products up until the close of business on Tuesday 23rd January 2024.

Debenhams: For the extended returns any orders placed between the 1st November -8th December have until the 5th January for return to be made.

Dr Martens: Any online purchase made from the 1st November 2023 can be returned up until 31st January 2024 (or within 30 days of receipt, whichever is later)

Purchased on-line? Products that have been purchased on-line can be returned to any of our Dr. Martens stores (excluding outlet stores).

Dunelm: We've extended our returns policy for Christmas. Anything purchased between the 12th November up to and including 24th December can be returned by 31st January. Proof of purchase is required, exclusions apply, please click here for return policy details.

Ebay: Returns Vary, please see here

Ebuyer: TBC

EE: We’ve extended our usual returns period for unwanted items under distance selling regulations. That means any item bought between 30th October – 25 December, 2023 can be returned up until 10th January, 2024. Your item must be returned unused and in its original condition – including all labels and intact packaging. Your returned product must meet our terms and conditions for us to honour an exchange or full refund.

Ernest Jones: Purchases made between Saturday 1st October to Saturday 24th December 2023 inclusive can be returned for an exchange or refund up to and including Tuesday 23rd January 2024. T&Cs apply.

Evans Cycles: We are happy to offer an exchange or credit note for items purchased after Tuesday 31st October 2023 returned unworn and in perfect saleable condition within its original packaging until Sunday 7th January 2023. Refunds will only be offered in accordance with your statutory rights
(which remain unaffected). Please retain the receipt as proof of purchase.

Express Trainers: Banner on-site states 'Buy Now, Returns Until Jan 31st 2024'

Foot Asylum: Any orders placed on or after Friday 20th October can be returned until Sunday 7th January. Any orders placed over Christmas will still have the standard 28 days returns period applied so orders placed on Christmas Eve will still be able to be returned until the 21st Jan.

Foot Locker: Orders placed between November 1st & December 19th can be returned until January 13th.

Fred Perry: Any item bought from 25th September to the 10th December 2023 will be valid for a full refund or exchange* until 7th January 2024 under the following conditions: Goods returned must be unworn, in a saleable condition , tickets intact with a valid proof of purchase. Refunds can only be made in the country of purchase.

Fossil: Purchases made between 1st November and 26th December 2023 in our Fossil online shop can be returned until 31st January 2024. if the following return conditions are met. The articles must be unworn, complete, and sent back in original packaging. The return will be accepted if you provide an invoice or any other proof of the purchase date. The buying price will be refunded. This does not affect your legal rights to change your mind or where the Products are faulty or misdescribed. Personalized articles are non-returnable.

GAK: Buying a Christmas present? Well don't worry, we're extending our 30-day returns policy over the Christmas period all the way through to 31st January 2024. This applies to anything you buy between 1st November 2023 and 24th December 2023. Our standard returns T&Cs apply, which you can find here.

G Shock: Items purchased after November 1, 2023 can be returned until January 31, 2024.

GAME: We offer a 28 day right to a refund or exchange (subject to availability) on our products (excluding gift vouchers/gift cards*) Terms apply.

GHD: We understand that Christmas is a busy time of year so we have extended our returns policy. Orders placed between Monday 2nd October and Sunday 24th December 2023 may be returned up until Sunday 14th January 2024. Please note that personalised items cannot be returned.

Google Store: TBC

Goldsmiths: We will be happy to exchange or refund purchases made from Sunday 1st October 2023 up until Friday 5th January 2024*, on the presentation of the unused goods in the original packaging (with no alterations made) and the guarantee accompanied by the till receipt or proof of purchase. We offer this returns policy in addition to your statutory rights. *Please note, our extended Christmas returns policy excludes items where a free gift card was issued and has been part or fully redeemed. Returns must be made adhering to our standard 30 day returns policy as part of this promotion.

Guitar Guitar: We understand that many of the items purchased over the Christmas period are bought as gifts. To help take the stress out of present buying; we have extended our standard 30-day exchange policy over the festive period to give you peace of mind when ordering in-store or online. Therefore, unwanted gifts which are bought between the 1st October 2023 & 24th December 2023 (inclusive) can be exchanged for another product up to and including Wednesday 31st January 2024. Exclusions apply.

Gymshark: Purchases made online, or in our London store, between 16th October 2023 and 1st January 2024 can be returned* up until 31st January 2024. Purchases made from 2nd January 2024 onwards will have 30 days to return. Exclusions apply.

H&M: Over the festive period you will have until January 31st 2024 to return your purchases.
This applied to all orders placed between 14th October 2023 until the 25th December 2023. Excludes purchases of Beards & Daisies, black+blum, Fifty Five South, houseof, Interiors by Premier, Postery & William Morris Gallery.

Halfords: All items purchased as a gift between 1st October and 24th December 2023 can be returned up until 31st January 2024.

Hamleys: We are pleased to offer our customers a up to a 90 day peace of mind guarantee on purchases made with Hamleys within the UK. We will honour a refund for unwanted toys returned within 60 days and exchanges 90 days.

Hobbs: Any purchase made - online or in store - from 16th October can be returned for a guaranteed full refund (or exchanged in store) up until 31st January 2024.

Home Sense: Items purchased from Thursday 28th September 2023 to Tuesday 23rd January 2024 as Christmas gifts can be exchanged for either goods or a Gift Card to the same value

HMV: TBC

House of Fraser (HOF): We are happy to offer an exchange or credit note for items purchased after Tuesday 31st October 2023 returned unworn and in perfect saleable condition within its original packaging until Sunday 7th January 2023. Refunds will only be offered in accordance with your statutory rights (which remain unaffected). Please retain the receipt as proof of purchase.

H. Samuel: Purchases made between 1st October to 24th December 2023 inclusive can be returned for an exchange or refund up to and including Tuesday 23rd January 2024. T&Cs apply.

Please note that warranty purchased on a monthly plan is EXCLUDED from the extended returns policy. Normal returns policy of 30 days applies.

Huawei: Once your products purchased on this website are delivered, you have 14 days to decide whether or not to keep them. This period starts after the day you received your products. You then have a further 14 days to send the products back after you submit your return request. This period starts after the day you submit your return request. Please note that you can return the Extended Warranty within 14 days of purchase only by contacting our customer service team through Live Chat or Email.

Hugo Boss: For orders placed online between November 1, 2023 and December 15, 2023, we offer an extended return period, running up to 60 days. For more information on the return process and restrictions, please see our Terms and Conditions. Our regular 30-day return policy will resume on orders placed from December 16, 2023 onwards.

Hush: Gifts purchased between Monday 23rd Oct - Friday 15th Dec 2023 can be returned to us for a full refund until Friday 15th Jan 2024.

IKEA: You can return many unopened IKEA products within 365 days, for a full refund. No rush, no complicated conditions. It’s best to bring your proof of purchase – but if you can’t find it, we’ll help you locate your digital receipt.

Jacamo: Items purchased from November onwards in the run-up to Christmas can be returned until January 14, 2024.

JD Sports: Extended Returns, Need more time over Christmas to return items. From Monday 1st November to Sunday 23rd January you can return your items for a refund or exchange as long as you have valid proof of purchase

John Lewis: We've extended our usual limit for returns just for the festive season. Any gift bought between 27 September 2023 and 24 December 2023 can be returned up until 23 January 2024, if it's unwanted or unsuitable.

Jojo Maman Bebe: TBC

Jura Watches: an addition to our 30 day returns policy all items purchased from 1st October 2023 may be returned for either an exchange or full refund up until January 12th 2024. Standard terms apply.

Lenovo: Whatever you buy on Lenovo.co.uk from 01st November 2023 – you can return it until 31st January 2024 thanks to our extended return period.Levi'sTo give you enough time our return period at Levi.com is 90 days. Returning or exchanging an order or item is always free of charge.

Mac Cosmetics: Please note that products purchased between 1st November 2023 and 15th December 2023 with a valid receipt can be returned up to 14th January 2024. You will have the usual 30 days to return orders placed from 16th December.

MandM: If you place orders on or after the 4th of September, our returns policy is getting extended for Christmas. You've got some extra time until 15th of January 2024 to return anything you purchased. And don't worry if your order falls outside that window – you still have 28 days to return any stuff you don't want. Easy peasy! Just a quick heads up though, there are a few things we can't refund, like underwear, pierced jewellery, swimwear, toiletries and fragrance.

Marks and Spencer: We’ve extended our usual limit for returns. Any purchases made online or in store between 12 October and 24 December 2023 can be returned up until 28 January 2024. For purchases made from 25 December onwards, our normal refund policy will apply.

Matalan: Items bought between 1st October and 24th December 2023 can be returned with your receipt until 31st January 2024 for a refund or exchange.

Microsoft UK: Certain physical items purchased between October 31, 2023 - December 1, 2023 can be returned until January 31, 2024.

Monsoon: Any Christmas gifts bought online or in store between 21st October 2023 and 24th December 2023 can be returned up until, and including, 15th January 2024 or within the standard 30 days after purchase, whichever is later.

Moss: If you place your order between 24th October and 23rd December 2023 we offered an extended Christmas returns policy. You'll have until the 6th of January 2024 to let us know you want to return your goods. For orders made outside this time, our normal returns policy will apply.

Mountain Warehouse: For a little peace of mind this Christmas, we have extended our usual returns policy. From 1st October 2023 items bought online or in store as gifts will be eligible for return until 31st January 2024.

New Balance: 60 day return policy:To reimburse you fully, these conditions must be met:The items are returned to us unworn, clean, and free of damage.60 days return policy is valid only for purchases made between November 1st and December 31st 2023.The original labels are attached to the apparel items.

New Look: Items purchased online and in-store between October 30, 2023 - December 8, 2023 can be returned until January 5, 2024.

NEXT: In addition to our standard returns policy, any items ordered online or purchased in one of our Next stores between November 1st and December 25th 2023 can be returned up until, and including 6th January 2024 for a full refund back to your original payment method. Just make sure your unwanted gifts are unused, in the original packaging (if appropriate) and still have the tags attached. If you’re returning an item bought in store please bring proof of purchase.

NIKE: Nike purchases made between 1 November 2023 and 31 December 2023 have an extended 60-day returns policy (some exceptions apply). So you can shop early—and relax later. 

Office: ONLINE: Any items purchased on our website between 1st of November 2023 and 11th of December 2023 will have up to and including the 8th of January 2024 to be returned to us. Items must be unworn and in their original condition and packaging. Items must be accompanied by valid proof of purchase. Any items purchased after the 11th of December, will fall within our standard online returns policy.

STORES: Any items purchased in our stores between 1st of November 2023 and 11th of December 2023 will have up to and including the 8th of January 2024 to be returned to us. Items must be unworn and in their original condition and packaging. Items must be accompanied by valid proof of purchase. We will be happy to offer a refund, exchange or gift card on full price items. Should the item purchased be a sale item, we are happy to offer an exchange or gift card. Any items purchased after the 11th of December, will fall within our standard store returns policy.

Pandora: Our Christmas extended returns policy is valid until 14th January. This means that any full price item online or store purchases (including Black Friday orders) placed from the 1st November 2023 can be returned to us for a refund or exchanged, up until the 14th January 2024. Sale/outlet items purchased online can be returned within 14 days from the date of purchase and cannot be returned in store but may be exchanged. Sale/outlet items purchased in store can be only be exchanged in store.

Primark: Products purchased on or after 17th October 2023 can be returned for a refund or exchange ,
provided the item is returned in a saleable condition with an original receipt until 31st January 2024.

Puma: During our festive period, we offer free returns for up to 60 days after your purchase date. This only applies to orders placed between the dates of 23/11/2023 and 19/12/2023.

QVC: We've extended our money back guarantee until 31st January 2024 so you can return or exchange unwanted gifts bought on or after the 6th October, giving you one less thing to worry about in the run up to the big day.

Reebok: Up to 60 days Returns

River Island: Want to get your Christmas shopping done early? We’ve extended our returns policy so you can shop stress-free over the festive period. As well as our standard returns policy, all online and in-store purchases from the 22nd October can be returned for a refund to a gift card until the 14th January.

Sainsburys: All purchases of general merchandise and clothing products (excluding our food products) made between Friday 29th September to Monday 25th December 2023 are eligible for our extended Christmas returns period, meaning you have until Wednesday 31st January 2024 to return your items.
Your statutory rights are not affected.

Samsung: Return any time until 20th January* *Purchase by 20.12.23 for Samsung’s online store only. Notify Samsung by 20.01.24. Return within 14 days of notification. T&Cs apply.

Skechers: At this time, we only accept returns for purchases on the SKECHERS website. Free return postage applies only to orders within the 45 days of shipment. If the product is returned outside of the 45-day return period or the item is worn, damaged, or not in its original packaging, or if the above return procedures are not followed SKECHERS will be unable to honor a refund for the merchandise.

Schuh: We hope you love your new schuh purchase. If you’re unhappy with the goods for any reason, please return your item to us with your receipt. We’re happy to offer a refund or exchange on unused items returned within 365 days. If you are returning items purchased from our clothing range please return items in their original condition including labels and tags intact and with original packaging
Exclusions may apply

Sea Salt Cornwall: All purchases from the 1st October 2023 until the 24th December 2023 can be returned until the 21st January 2024 (from the 25th December 2023, purchases will fall into our normal 28 days Returns policy). Proof of purchase required. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Secret Sales: Purchases made from 25th October 2023 can be returned by 31st January 2024.

Shark: Extended Returns Policy: Items purchased between October 30, 2023 - December 24, 2023 can be returned up to January 31, 2024. The standard 30-day returns period still applies to purchases made after Christmas day.

shopDisney: TBC

Smyths Toys: We have extended our unwanted returns policy for Christmas. Items purchased from the 1st of September 2023 can be returned until the 31st of January 2024. Normal terms and conditions apply.

Sports Direct: We are happy to offer a refund for items purchased after Tuesday 31st October 2023 returned unworn and in perfect saleable condition within its original packaging until Sunday 7th January 2024. Refunds will only be offered in accordance with your statutory rights (which remain unaffected). Please retain the receipt as proof of purchase.

Sunglasses2u: Items purchased from November 1, 2023 can be returned until January 12, 2024.

Superdrug: We will be extending our usual returns policy below for customers who have purchased gifts in the lead up to Christmas. If you have purchased gifts from our website or stores during November and December and have exceeded our normal 28 day returns policy, you will have until Monday 15th January 2024 to return any unwanted or unsuitable items for a full refund as long as they are returned unused and in a resalable condition.

The below exclusions apply:

perishable items (e.g. food and baby milk)
medicines and vitamins
sealed products which are not suitable for return due to health or hygiene reasons if unsealed after purchase (unless these items are faulty)
Items purchased from Market Place (individual seller terms will apply)

Superdry: Purchases made online or in an official Superdry store between October 1st 2023 and December 24th 2023 can be returned until January 31st 2024. Superdry Returns Policy applies. Proof of purchase required. Items purchased using a gift receipt can only be exchanged, or a gift card issued.

Ted Baker: Online Purchase We are pleased to offer all customers an extended returns policy on items purchased before Christmas. Any items purchased online between October 18th and December 24th can be returned to our Online Returns Department for a refund up to and including January 24th 2024. In Store Purchase In addition to our usual returns policy, Ted is pleased to offer an extended returns policy during the Christmas period. Purchases made between 18th October and 24th December can be returned for an exchange or gift card up to and including 24th January 2024. The items must be returned to a Ted Baker standalone store in their original condition and with proof of purchase.

Tesco: Gifts purchased between October 1, 2023 - December 24, 2023 can be returned up to January 31, 2024.

The White Company: We have extended our returns policy for Christmas. Returns or exchanges for purchases made between 11th October and 24th December 2023 will be accepted until 31st January 2024. Our outlet stores will accept exchanges only, and this policy does not extend to our concessions, which will follow the policy of their host stores.

The Entertainer: Any purchase made between Saturday 30th September 2023 and 24th December 2023 can be returned up to 6pm Saturday 20th January 2024, with a valid till or gift receipt (subject to normal terms and conditions)

The Body Shop: We believe strongly in our products and their quality, but if for any reason you are not satisfied, you can return the items for a full refund within 45 days of the date of purchase with your receipt.

The North Face: If you are not satisfied or have simply changed your mind about the product(s), we will gladly accept your return within 60 calendar days of delivery

The Perfume Shop: You can return your online order via Royal Mail or in one of our stores. You've got 90 days to return your order and it must be returned in an unused and unopened state. We cannot return a product if it has been personalised in anyway. If the product is returned in a condition which is not fully resaleable or the packaging is damaged, we reserve the right to refuse a refund or exchange on the item. This does not affect your statutory rights. We are unable to refund postage or gift wrap charges if your product is unwanted or you have changed your mind.

Tiffany: Purchases made in stand-alone stores, on Tiffany.co.uk or over the phone between 1 November - 24 December 2023 will be eligible for complimentary returns until 31st January 2024. Purchases made after 24th December 2023 will carry a standard 30-day return policy unless stated otherwise.

TK Maxx: Items purchased from Thursday 28th September 2023 to Tuesday 23rd January 2024 as Christmas gifts can be exchanged for either goods or a Gift Card to the same value. If you’d like a refund simply return the item within 28 days of the date of purchase, along with a full receipt and original payment method. After 28 days, or if you have a gift receipt rather than the full receipt, we’ll be happy to exchange the item or provide a gift card to the same value any time up to Tuesday 23rd January 2024. Remember, normal conditions of return still apply, gift cards are excluded from the policy and anything you return needs to be accompanied by a valid receipt and be in its original condition. This doesn't affect your statutory rights.

Timberland: Banner states: You can return Goods until 31st Jan 2024 (Check terms)

Tommy Hilfiger: Returns have a 60 day Window, see site for details.

Toys R Us: Simply return your unwanted item within 28 days of receipt unused, unopened, in its original condition and packaging, your return must be in a re-sellable condition.

Tu Clothing: All purchases made between Friday 29th September to Monday 25th December 2023 are eligible for our extended Christmas returns period, meaning you have until Wednesday 31st January 2024 to return your items. Your statutory rights are not affected.VansIf you are not satisfied or have simply changed your mind about the product(s), we will gladly accept your return within 30 calendar days of delivery.

Uniqlo: Items purchased from November 13, 2023 - December 24, 2023 can be returned until January 21, 2024.

VERY: We've extended our 28 day approval guarantee so you can return any unused gifts bought between Sunday 1st October 2023 & Monday 11th December 2023. Please return them to us by Monday 8th January 2024. Exclusions may apply.

Watches2u: We are offering extended returns for the festive period! You now have more time to get ahead with Christmas gifting or return unwanted gifts. All items ordered on or after the 13th October 2022 can be returned until 13th January 2023. (T&Cs apply)

Waterstones: We understand that you may need to return or exchange an item bought as a Christmas gift, beyond our usual 60-day returns period. For this reason, we apply an extended returns period at this time of year: these items can be returned until the end of January.

WH Smith: Goods purchased during November and December can be returned up to 30 days after Christmas Day. Customers must return items to store or by post by up to and including Wednesday 24th January 2024. All standard return policy requirements apply - a valid receipt or gift receipt will be required. This policy is valid for all stores and online purchases that would normally be included in our returns policy.

Zalando: If it’s not a fit, you have 100 days to return your unworn items

Zavvi: TBC

Zee & Co: Any purchases made online between 23rd October 2023 and 23rd December 2023 can be returned up until 6th January 2024. For purchases made from 24th December onwards, our normal refund policy will apply. Please note that our branches will be unable to accept any returns on 26th, 27th and 28th December 2023.




Changing your mind about something you've bought?

This advice applies to England. See advice for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

You don’t have an automatic right to get your money back if you just change your mind about something you’ve bought and there’s nothing wrong with it.

It’s the same no matter how expensive the item was - it’s really down to the seller whether they offer you anything.

There are certain steps you can take, depending on where you bought the item and how you paid for it.

If you think there’s a problem with the item, you might have different rights.

If you bought the item from a shopCheck the shop's policy on returns.

Even though they don’t have to do it by law, lots of shops will say you can return items within 14 or sometimes even 30 days, as long as they’re not used.

Your rights are the same even if you couldn’t check or try on the item before you bought it, for example if the changing rooms were closed.

The shop’s returns policy might be written on your receipt, or you could check their website or call your local branch to ask. Shops often reduce the amount of time you have to return items bought in a sale, although you’ll still always be protected if something is faulty.

You’ll stand a better chance if you take your receipt with you and return the item in its original packaging. It’s up to them what they offer you - you’ll need to decide whether to accept it or not.

If you bought the item online, over the phone or by mail orderIf you bought something from a company based outside the UKYour rights might be different if you bought something from abroad.

You should check the seller’s terms and conditions to find out if you can return the item. If you can return it, you should check who will pay for the return postage and if you can get the original delivery cost refunded.

You automatically get a 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ when you buy something you haven’t seen in person - unless it’s bespoke or made to measure.

The cooling-off period starts the day after you receive your order, and there doesn’t need to be anything wrong with the item for you to get a refund.

If you paid for standard delivery when you bought something, the seller has to refund this if you return it. If you chose a more expensive delivery option, you'll have to pay the difference.

Some items don’t have a cooling-off period. You won’t get a cooling-off period when you buy:

  • something that deteriorates quickly - like flowers or food
  • an item that was personalised or custom-made for you
  • anything from a private individual - for example someone from a social media marketplace or online auction site
  • a CD, DVD or software, if you break the seal on the wrapping
  • an item that has a broken hygiene seal - like earrings
If an item is being sold by a business, they need to tell you if an item doesn’t have a cooling-off period. They must tell you before you buy the item.

If an item is being sold by a private individual, they don’t have to tell you that it doesn’t have a cooling-off period.

Use your cooling-off periodYou need to tell the seller you don’t want the item within 14 days of receiving it. Once you’ve told the seller, you’ve got another 14 days to actually send the item back.

You can use our template letter to let the seller know you’re cancelling. Keep a copy so you’ve got proof you sent it.

You could also phone - but make sure you make a note of who you speak to and what was agreed. It’s a good idea to follow up with a letter or email.

Sellers must give you certain information when you buy something without seeing it in person. This includes their business address and phone number, and details of your right to cancel. If you didn’t get this in writing (they’re allowed to send it by email) then your cooling off period is increased even further, to a year and 14 days.

Minimum cooling-off period14 days is the absolute minimum cooling-off period that a seller must give you. Make sure you check the terms and conditions in case they’ve given you more time to change your mind - many choose to do so.

How to return the item

Most sellers give instructions on how to return items, and often include returns labels with your order. You usually have 14 days to return the item after telling the seller - check your terms and conditions for how long you have.

You may have to pay the cost of posting something back to the seller. The seller should have told you who has to pay for this when you bought the item. For example, it could have been in the terms and conditions. If they didn’t tell you, they will have to refund your postage costs.

You don't have to return the item in its original packaging, but you do need to make sure it’s packaged in a way that means it doesn’t get damaged. Sellers can ask you to pay if something gets damaged because it wasn’t packaged properly.

The seller can also ask you to pay (or reduce your refund) if you’ve reduced the value of the item, for example if you wore shoes outside and scuffed the soles - but they can only do this if it’s in the terms and conditions.

If your contract says you must use the original packaging, this is likely to be considered an ‘unfair contract term’. You can tell the seller this and see if they’ll agree to accept the return without the original packaging.

It’s a good idea to get a certificate of posting from Royal Mail when you post the item - you can use this to prove to the seller that you posted the item.

The seller has to pay you the refund within 14 days from when they receive the item.

If you paid for your item through a Buy Now Pay Later providerYou’ll need to let your Buy Now Pay Later provider know you’re returning something. This is so they can stop further payments being taken from your account.

Check your provider’s website for their process of dealing with returns.

If you bought your item from a seller based outside the UKYou might have paid VAT, customs duty or delivery fees to get the item delivered. You can apply for a refund of the fees on GOV.UK.

Also see:




Other threads that may be of help:

Parcel Collect Free Including Online Purchases and Pre-paid Returns
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29 Comments

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  1. Index's avatar
    It shows as 30 days return policy for Adidas. Not sure why it's not 100 days for the festive period? Odd.
    Dan_82's avatar
    Author
    Updated, back to 30 :/ - asked team to try and reach out and see what's what. Thanks!
  2. ToastQ's avatar
    Had a chat with Currys customer service to confirm, both on the phone and over webchat, and they're completely useless. Have no idea at all about the extended returns policy

    Edit: Finally confirmed with their webchat that their extended returns policy is indeed correct. (edited)
    Dan_82's avatar
    Author
    Thanks for confirming! Agree, can be a headache!
  3. dannyzz's avatar
    Very useful, thanks for compiling.
    Dan_82's avatar
    Author
    You're most welcome and thank you 🙏
  4. Eamer's avatar
    Nike returns info is from their US site, look at the phone number at the bottom of the page.
    Dan_82's avatar
    Author
    Hmm reverting to US again, I'll pop in TBA as I expect it'll go back to 60 days for UK. Thank you
  5. chillikhancarne's avatar
    Purchased something from Amazon just now and it’s still showing as 30 days atm.
    Dan_82's avatar
    Author
    States here

    ''Note: Extended Returns information: For the 2023 holiday season, most of the items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31, 2024.''

    Hope this helps
  6. Bestbitter's avatar
    Thanks, Op. Very useful.
    Should be obvious to most, but the years are incorrect for Boots.
  7. G.Bell's avatar
    Ebuyer does not seem to work unfortunately - I just tried with a 6650XT graphics card
  8. CremeDeMenthe's avatar
    Clarks seems to be only 14 days still on sale items which is very disappointing
  9. MrManwelo's avatar
    can I ask where you got the info on Debenhams? I can't seem to find anything that backs this up - looks like standard 30 days.
    Dan_82's avatar
    Author
    Hi, was on-site when checked, I'll take a look again and if changed, see if one of our team can confirm.

    Thank you for flagging
  10. Moroccan07's avatar
    Has anyone read samsung contract in the returns they can still say no
  11. Pricklerickle's avatar
    Wha happens if you don't have receipts with primark and it's unused with tags on, can you return it for credit in store
  12. Cric8Kid's avatar
    I purchased a vacuum cleaner from Shark in late November. I'm now facing difficulties in returning the product, and it appears that the details of the extended returns policy have been removed from their website.

    Has anyone else purchased items with this extended returns policy? If so, could you share where I might find the specific details of this policy?

    If anyone has a similar issue and managed to resolve it, could you share any advice or steps you took in dealing with this situation?
    c_1st's avatar
    Shark by name, shark in nature: constantly on 'Rip Off Britain' with customers complaining of their failure to honour warranty terms, forcing the elderly to repair their own Shark appliances using technically difficult internet instructions, appliances failing within weeks of guarantee end dates (built-in obselesence) etc...

    If you can, upload a screenshot of what they removed, but definitely complain on their social media + on other sites set up by those who hate Shark. Shame them into reversing their attempt to avoid honouring their original returns terms...
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