Best Buy Return Policy: The Ultimate Guide for Easy Returns

Have you ever bought a product at a store and wondered if returning it would be worth the hassle?

Best Buy’s return policy is flexible, transparent, and fair. Whether you bought electronics, appliances, or accessories, knowing their policy for returning purchases will ensure a smoother process.

Best Buy’s return policy might even surprise you with a full refund or exchange for something better!

Policy overview

Best Buy’s return policy is designed to give customers flexibility and convenience when returning or exchanging products. Most products can be returned or exchanged within 15 days of purchase, but some items, like activatable devices, have a shorter return window.

If you shop at Best Buy often, the My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total memberships give you an extended return window of up to 60 days. So whether you’re buying electronics, appliances, or accessories, you have time to decide if it’s right for you.

What is Best Buy's return policy?

Best Buy’s return policy depends on the reason for the return, the timeframe, and the product’s condition.

Best Buy’s return policy allows returns and exchanges up to 15 days from purchase for standard membership and up to 60 days for Plus and Total membership.

Activatable devices can be returned or exchanged up to 14 days after receipt, which applies to all membership tiers.

Best Buy will accept opened and used returns on a case-by-case basis. The acceptance depends on the reason for the return, its condition, and whether it was activated on a cellular plan.

Returns can be made in the store or shipped back to Best Buy. Items must be returned in “like new” condition with all original packaging, accessories, and proof of purchase.

A 15% restocking fee applies to specific items, including drones, digital cameras, and projectors. There is no restocking fee if the product is unopened or if the purchase and return occur within AL, CO, HI, IA, MS, OH, OK, SC, and where prohibited by law. The restocking fee will be taxed in select states.

Exploiting the return policy with the intent to misuse it is considered morally wrong and can negatively impact both the retailer's policies and other customers.

International customers can shop on www.bestbuy.com and have orders shipped to any U.S. address, but they must follow the same return policy as U.S. customers.

Eligibility and requirements

To be eligible for returning or exchanging an item at Best Buy depends on the following:

1. The product must be in the original packaging and in good condition with all original accessories and documentation.

2. Proof of purchase (receipt or packing slip) and a valid government ID are required.

Returns can be made in the store or shipped back using Best Buy's UPS shipping label.

Are there any exceptions to the return policy?

Most items are returnable, but there are some exceptions and conditions:

• Major appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dishwashers, must be returned in their original condition within 15 days.

• Cell phones, tablets, and wearables with contracts that need to be activated must be returned within 14 days, regardless of membership. Restocking fees may apply.

• Some items like drones, digital cameras, and projectors have a 15% restocking fee.

• Digital content and gift cards are non-returnable.

• Items that are damaged, unsanitary, dented, scratched, or missing significant parts will not be accepted for return.

• Apparel must not be worn or washed, and original tags must be attached.

Special considerations overview

When returning or exchanging at Best Buy, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Some items, like activated devices, may have a restocking fee if returned. If you purchased online and had items shipped to a US address, you can return them in-store or via mail. Refunds can be issued as a Best Buy gift card or back to your original payment method.

Remember, Best Buy’s return policy may vary by location and product. Knowing these details will help make the return process smooth.

What is Best Buy's return process?

Returns can be made in-store or online, depending on your purchase.

• In-store returns: Bring the item, the original receipt or packing slip, and a government-issued ID. Refunds are processed immediately.

• Online returns by mail: Log into your Best Buy account, select the item to return, and print a prepaid shipping label. Pack the item and send it back.

Refunds will be credited back to the original payment method.

For a smooth return process, bring the packing slip (if you received one), receipt, credit card used to purchase, and a valid photo ID.

How is a partial or full refund and exchange issued?

A partial or full refund will be issued in the original form of payment.

Exchanges can be made for a different item or a store credit.

A partial or full refund and exchanges are subject to the return policy guidelines determined by the store or manufacturer.

A full refund is typically issued depending on the reason and if the item is returned in its original packaging and in good condition.

How can Shoeboxed make the return process easier?

Shoeboxed empowers you to make returns to Best Buy with ease. By digitizing and organizing your receipts, Shoeboxed ensures you always have proof of purchase at your fingertips when needed.

Here’s how Shoeboxed can help:

1. Digital receipt storage

Shoeboxed lets you scan and store all your receipts digitally. So, if you lose or misplace the physical receipt for a Best Buy purchase, you can always retrieve a digital copy.

Use the Shoeboxed mobile app to take photos of your receipts. Snap a picture of your receipt with your smartphone, and the app will upload it to your designated account so your receipts are all in one place and easily located.

If you want to outsource your scanning, you can send physical receipts to Shoeboxed using their pre-paid Magic Envelope. Their team will scan, human-verify, and upload them into your account.

2. Automatic organization and categorization

With OCR technology, Shoeboxed extracts date, vendor, amount, and payment method from receipts. Receipts are then categorized into custom or pre-defined categories.

Add custom tags to receipts for easy searchability.

The platform automatically organizes your receipts to make it easy to find specific purchases.

For example, the corresponding receipt is in your Shoeboxed account under the custom tag if you need to return an item to Best Buy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a return to Best Buy without a receipt?

It depends. Best Buy may be able to look up your purchase using the card you used to pay for or your My Best Buy account information, but having the receipt will make it faster.

Are there restocking fees for returns at Best Buy?

Restocking fees apply to some items like drones, cameras, and electronics. Fees are 10-15% of the item. Check your purchase category and terms.

In closing

Best Buy’s return policy is fair and straightforward, with more wiggle room for My Best Buy members. If you know the rules and prepare your return correctly, it will be a breeze.

Use Shoeboxed, and all your documents will be in order and at your fingertips, saving you time and hassle.

Caryl Ramsey has years of experience assisting in bookkeeping, taxes, and customer service. She uses various accounting software to set up client information, reconcile accounts, code expenses, run financial reports, and prepare tax returns. She is also experienced in setting up corporations with the State Corporation Commission and the IRS and is a contributing writer to SUCCESS magazine.

About Shoeboxed!

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You can stuff your receipts into one of our Magic Envelopes (prepaid postage within the US). Use our receipt tracker + receipt scanner app (iPhone, iPad, and Android) to snap a picture while on the go. Auto-import receipts from Gmail. Or forward a receipt to your designated Shoeboxed email address.

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