Know the holiday shipping and return policies for Amazon, Target, Walmart, and others

Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

With the holiday season right around the corner, everyone is double-checking their lists and figuring out the best places to fulfill those orders. Thankfully, there are often a number of options when it comes to retailers that have what you want. Because of this, online retailers aren’t just dropping prices to compete with each other, but offering more generous shipping and return policies for their products.

Online shopping continues to be the default method for most during the holidays, largely due to convenience and the fact that many retailers offer free shipping when you spend above a certain dollar amount. However, the sudden surge in online shopping during the holidays also increases the possibility of delays as online retailers become flooded with orders and their logistics struggle to keep pace. While this may not be the case across the board, we’d recommend getting your orders in early wherever possible.

Below, we’ve collected the current shipping and return policies for a number of major retailers. Very few of them have policies pertaining to the holidays, but we’ll be keeping tabs on them and updating our alphabetical list accordingly.

Hopefully, knowing more about how much you’ll spend and how much leeway you have to make a return will help lessen your holiday angst somewhat.

Amazon

Shipping: Prime members get free same-day delivery on qualifying orders over $35 in qualifying ZIP codes. If you aren’t in one of those ZIP codes, the usual next-day or two-day deliveries apply, depending on the product. Non-Prime buyers will find shipping options on the order page of each specific product.

Returns: During the holidays, items shipped by Amazon between October 11th and December 25th can be returned until January 31st, 2023. Note that this policy applies to both Prime and non-Prime buyers.

Apple Store Beijing

Apple

Shipping: If you buy directly from Apple, shipping is free on all orders; however, how fast you will get your item can vary. Two-day shipping is free on most items, and in-stock Macs, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, or Apple TVs usually get free next-day shipping. This policy can fluctuate based on the item you’re purchasing.

Returns: Apple hasn’t outlined its return policy for the 2022 holiday season yet, so any purchase made through Apple will be subject to all the usual terms and conditions. Any item purchased online through the Apple store can be returned up to 14 calendar days from receipt. Please note that this only applies to items that were purchased directly from Apple or an Apple retail store. Otherwise, you need to follow the specific retailer’s policy.

Target

Shipping: Target offers two-day shipping if you spend $35 or more or use your RedCard.

Returns: Target allows electronics and entertainment items (excluding Apple products) purchased from October 6th through December 25th to be returned as late as January 24th, 2023, for a full refund. Apple products (excluding phones) purchased during the same window must be returned by January 9th, 2023. Any phone purchases made must be returned by January 8th, 2023.

Walmart

Shipping: For eligible orders of $35 or more, Walmart provides free next-day delivery in eligible ZIP codes, free two-day delivery, or free standard shipping.

Returns: Many items purchased between October 1st and December 31st may be returned until January 31st, 2023. Some exceptions, like phones, may apply.

B&H

Shipping: B&H offers free standard shipping (that’s one to seven business days) for most items and free expedited shipping (one to three business days) for items over $49.

Returns: B&H allows purchases bought after October 24th and before January 1st, 2023, to be returned or exchanged through February 1st, 2023 (with the usual exceptions of non-returnable items such as computers or TVs whose packaging has been opened).

Best Buy

Shipping: Best Buy is offering free next-day shipping on orders costing $35 and up (with some exceptions). However, this delivery policy is based on product availability, what you purchased, and when you purchased it. Best Buy clearly states that there are limitations on its next-day deliveries during Thanksgiving week, for instance, and that larger appliances, like TVs, require a scheduled delivery with different terms.

Returns: Purchases made between October 24th and December 31st can be returned through January 14th, 2023. This doesn’t include items that come with a third-party contract, such as phones, cellular tablets, and wearables (which have a 14-day return period), or holiday products, such as tree decorations, and major appliances, which have a 15-day return window. Best Buy Totaltech members also have until January 14th for any purchases made between October 24th and November 16th, or 60 days from receipt, whichever is longer.

Costco

Shipping: Costco doesn’t offer free shipping and quotes its shipping fees during checkout; fees depend on the product and the shipping method. However, the wholesale retailer does offer a variety of delivery options, including “white glove” service for larger appliances.

Returns: Costco generally has an open return policy, except for electronics such as TVs and computers, which have a 90-day return window. There are other exceptions, which are listed on its return page.

GameStop

Shipping: GameStop is offering free shipping on orders over $35. It also offers same-day delivery in certain locations if you order from your local store at least three hours before closing.

Returns: GameStop hasn’t listed its holiday return policy yet, but new games and other electronics can be returned within 15 days provided the packages are unopened and you have the receipt. However, used items may only be returned or exchanged up to seven days following your purchase.

Dell

Shipping: Most of Dell’s products come with free standard shipping (no minimum purchase necessary). The delivery window can vary based on your order, but Dell does offer expedited shipping options as well as a delivery date estimate based on your ZIP code upon checkout.

Returns: Dell offers a 30-day return policy with some exceptions; a restocking fee of up to 15 percent may be charged.

DJI

Shipping: DJI offers free shipping on purchases of $149 or more. Otherwise, shipping fees are specified on the order form. Shipment times can vary for each product depending on availability.

Returns: DJI offers returns within 14 days of receiving the purchase, provided it remains in like-new condition or suffers from some type of manufacturing defect.

Google

Shipping: All orders made between October 19th and January 31st qualify for free shipping with no minimum. Just note that this applies to the lowest-cost shipping available, which may not be the fastest.

Returns: Google hasn’t outlined any special holiday return policies yet. Currently, all purchases are still subject to the standard terms and conditions, which allow you to return most items up to 15 days after receipt. However, Nest Thermostats, Pixel Buds Pro earbuds, and Verizon contract phones have an extended, 30-day return window.

HP

Shipping: For many items, standard (three- to six-day) shipping is free; priority and next-day shipping is also often available for an additional fee.

Returns: HP is currently applying its standard return policy, which allows you to return most products within 30 days of delivery. There are exceptions, however, and select items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 15 percent. Returns totaling more than $250 may also require additional review before your return request is approved.

Microsoft

Shipping: Most products sold through the online Microsoft Store include free two- to three-day shipping with express shipping available for an additional fee.

Returns: Eligible products are currently still subject to the standard terms of sale listed on the Microsoft website. This allows for a 30-day return window from when the product was purchased.

Newegg

Shipping: Many of Newegg’s items come with free shipping and are processed from its warehouse within two business days; for details, check the individual product page.

Returns: Newegg’s standard return policy allows for a return or replacement request 30 days after the invoice date with no restocking fees. However, this policy can vary depending on the product you’ve purchased, meaning it may only be eligible for a replacement, or may only be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty in some cases.

Sam’s Club

Shipping: According to the Sam’s Club FAQ, the shipping cost for most items varies based on the item’s size, weight, shipping method, and delivery address. Plus Members also get free shipping on most online items.

Returns: Sam’s Club has no specified return period; some return periods may be stated for specific products.

Sonos

Shipping: Sonos offers free shipping on all of its products. In-stock items will typically ship within the same day.

Returns: Sonos gives you 100 days to return a purchase and even offers free return shipping. However, you must have bought the product directly from Sonos and the return must be initiated within 100 days of your purchase. The product must also include the original packaging and be in new or as-new condition in order to be eligible.