How long do I have to return something to Amazon?

Items sold and shipped by Amazon.com get 30 days from delivery, with free returns at Whole Foods, UPS, or Kohl's drop-off locations. Third-party sellers can set their own policies — including restocking fees up to 20% — so always check the seller name before ordering.

Do return windows get extended for the holidays?

Yes. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all extend return windows for purchases made between roughly November 1 and December 25, accepting returns into mid-to-late January. The exact cutoff changes each year — keep the gift receipt to be safe.

What's a restocking fee and when does it apply?

A restocking fee (typically 15%) is deducted from your refund when you return certain opened items — most commonly drones, large appliances, and special-order goods. The fee should be disclosed at checkout. Sealed, unopened items almost never incur one.

Can a store legally refuse my return?

Yes — store return policies are not legal rights, they're store policies. If you're inside the published window with proof of purchase, escalate calmly: cite the policy in writing, ask for a manager, then try the retailer's social-media support (often faster than phone). A credit-card chargeback is the last resort, not the first.

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