Returns & Exchanges

Returns & Exchanges Policy

Important: MyDealz is a deal discovery platform. All purchases are completed with our partner retailers, who handle returns and exchanges according to their own policies.

This page provides general guidance on returns and exchanges. Always review the specific retailer's return policy before making a purchase.

How Returns & Exchanges Work

1. Review Retailer's Return Policy

Before purchasing, check the retailer's return policy on their website. Look for:

  • Return window: How many days you have to return (typically 30-90 days)
  • Condition requirements: Unopened, unused, with tags, original packaging
  • Restocking fees: Some retailers charge 10-20% for returns
  • Return shipping: Who pays for return shipping (you or the retailer)
  • Exceptions: Items that can't be returned (final sale, intimate apparel, perishables)

2. Initiate Return with Retailer

To return or exchange an item:

  1. Contact the retailer's customer service (phone, email, or website portal)
  2. Provide your order number and reason for return
  3. Receive return authorization and instructions (return label, address)
  4. Package item securely with all original materials
  5. Ship return via retailer's specified method

3. Receive Refund or Exchange

Processing times vary by retailer:

  • Return receipt: 5-10 business days after shipping
  • Inspection: 3-5 business days
  • Refund processing: 5-10 business days to original payment method
  • Total time: 2-4 weeks typical

Common Retailer Return Policies

Standard Returns (Most Common)

Window: 30 days from delivery

Condition: Unused, unopened, with original tags and packaging

Refund: Full refund to original payment method

Return Shipping: Customer pays (unless item is defective/wrong)

Restocking Fee: None

Extended Returns

Window: 60-90 days from delivery

Common with: Major retailers (Amazon, Target, Best Buy)

Holiday Extension: Purchases in November-December often have extended return windows through January

Free Return Shipping

Who offers: Major retailers, high-end brands, retailers competing on service

Method: Prepaid return label included or available via email

Benefit: No-risk returns, try-before-you-keep

Restocking Fees

Common with: Electronics, appliances, furniture

Fee: 10-20% of purchase price

When charged: Opened packages, missing accessories, buyer's remorse

Not charged for: Defective items, wrong items shipped

Defective, Damaged, or Wrong Items

Your Rights

If you receive a defective, damaged, or incorrect item, you're entitled to:

  • Full refund including original shipping costs
  • Free return shipping (retailer provides prepaid label)
  • Replacement at no additional cost
  • No restocking fees

What to Do

  1. Document the issue: Take photos of damage, defect, or wrong item
  2. Contact retailer immediately: Don't wait—report within 48-72 hours of delivery
  3. Keep all packaging: May be required for return inspection
  4. Follow retailer instructions: They'll provide return authorization and prepaid label

Response Time

Most retailers respond to defective item claims within 24-48 hours and prioritize resolution. Expect replacement or refund within 1-2 weeks.

Exchanges (Size, Color, Model)

How Exchanges Work

If you need a different size, color, or model:

  1. Check availability: Verify the retailer has your preferred option in stock
  2. Contact retailer: Request exchange authorization
  3. Two methods:
    • Traditional exchange: Return original, retailer ships replacement (2-4 weeks total)
    • Order-then-return: Order correct item immediately, return wrong item separately (faster but requires upfront payment)

Exchange Shipping Costs

If exchange is due to retailer error: Free return shipping + free shipping on replacement

If exchange is buyer preference (wrong size chosen): Customer may pay return shipping and/or new item shipping (varies by retailer)

Commonly Non-Returnable Items

Many retailers do not accept returns on:

  • Intimate apparel: Underwear, swimwear (hygiene reasons)
  • Perishable goods: Food, flowers, plants
  • Personalized/custom items: Engraved, monogrammed, made-to-order
  • Digital products: Downloaded software, e-books, gift cards
  • Health & beauty: Opened cosmetics, skincare (hygiene reasons)
  • Final sale items: Clearance marked "final sale" or "no returns"
  • Hazardous materials: Flammable, pressurized products

Always check product page for return eligibility before purchasing.

MyDealz Return Tips

Before You Buy

  • Read return policy: Check retailer's policy before clicking "Buy"
  • Check deal comments: Community members often share return experiences
  • Screenshot deal details: Save proof of advertised terms (free returns, 90-day window)
  • Know retailer reputation: Verified retailers typically have hassle-free returns

After Purchase

  • Save all packaging: Keep boxes, tags, manuals until you're sure you're keeping the item
  • Test within return window: Don't wait until day 29 of a 30-day window
  • Photograph condition: Document item condition upon arrival (protects against false claims)
  • Track return shipment: Use tracking number to confirm retailer receives return
  • Follow up: If refund doesn't appear within promised timeframe, contact retailer

Filing a Dispute

If a retailer refuses a valid return or doesn't issue a promised refund:

  1. Escalate with retailer: Request supervisor or manager review
  2. Credit card dispute: File chargeback with your credit card company (within 60-90 days of purchase)
  3. PayPal dispute: If paid via PayPal, file dispute within 180 days
  4. Better Business Bureau: File complaint (helps others, may motivate retailer resolution)

Warranties & Guarantees

Manufacturer Warranties

Many products come with manufacturer warranties separate from retailer return policies:

  • Electronics: Typically 1-year manufacturer warranty
  • Appliances: 1-5 years depending on product
  • Coverage: Manufacturing defects, component failures (not accidental damage)
  • Process: Contact manufacturer directly, not retailer, for warranty claims

Extended Warranties

Some retailers offer extended protection plans for purchase. Consider:

  • Cost: 10-20% of item price
  • Coverage: Extends protection beyond manufacturer warranty
  • Worthwhile for: Expensive electronics, appliances (>$500)
  • Often not worth it for: Inexpensive items, products with long manufacturer warranties

Refund & Exchange FAQs

Can MyDealz process returns on my behalf?

No. MyDealz connects you with retailers but doesn't handle transactions, shipping, or returns. Contact the retailer directly for all return requests.

How long until I get my refund?

Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks from when you ship the return. This includes return transit (5-10 days), retailer inspection (3-5 days), and refund processing (5-10 days).

Will I get a full refund?

Depends on retailer policy and reason for return. Full refunds typical for defective/wrong items. May have restocking fees or lose original shipping cost for buyer's remorse returns.

What if the retailer goes out of business?

If a retailer closes before processing your return, file a chargeback with your credit card company. This is why major credit cards offer buyer protection.

Can I return a gift?

Yes, most retailers accept gift returns for store credit or exchange (not refund to gift-giver's payment method). You'll typically need the receipt or gift receipt.

Need Help?

For return-specific questions or to process a return:
Contact the retailer directly using their customer service page, phone number, or live chat (found on their website or in your order confirmation email).

To report a retailer with unfair return practices:
Share your experience in deal comments on MyDealz to warn other community members.

For deal-related questions:
Visit our FAQ page or contact MyDealz support.