Overview
- Nearly three-quarters of retailers now charge some type of return or restocking fee, according to the National Retail Federation.
- Newly posted mail-in label fees include $11.99 per package at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, about $9.99 at Macy’s, $8 at JCPenney, $7.50 at J.Crew, $7.99 at REI and $9.95 plus restocking at Dillard’s.
- Holiday return windows have been extended at major chains, with Amazon and Walmart accepting returns through Jan. 31, Target through Jan. 24, Best Buy through Jan. 15 and Apple Store through Jan. 8 for eligible purchases.
- Most chains still offer free in‑store returns, while mail-label fees are deducted from refunds, and many shoppers can avoid charges via partner drop-off counters or by joining loyalty programs that waive fees.
- Best Buy now applies a 15% restocking fee to opened electronics and a $45 charge for activatable devices, while Target and many Walmart.com items offer free mail returns, though marketplace sellers may set stricter rules.