All About Wayfair’s Return Policy

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Wayfair might have just what you need, but what about when you need to send the product back? The Wayfair return policy can be hard to navigate, and there are some nuances to go through before you can get your money back as quickly as possible. 

We’ll break down what Wayfair’s return policy states, what can and cannot be returned, and how you can get started on the returns process. Before making that purchase for an appliance or mattress, make sure you understand all the terms before you even open that box.

What is Wayfair’s return policy?

According to Wayfair’s return policy guide, you have 30 days to return most items for a store credit or refund.  

But you still have a few more conditions to meet before you can return that item: 

• Keep the box when opening a delivery. You’ll need to return it in the same box or find a box of equal size. 
• Item must be in its “original, undamaged condition.” 
• The item must be returned disassembled if it came unassembled. 

You can return a refund-eligible product for any reason as long as it meets the criteria listed above. You will pay return shipping charges unless it’s damaged or doesn’t work right.

The 30-day return limit starts from the date your item was delivered, not ordered.

Here’s what you can return:

Wayfair says “most” items can be returned. You can find out for sure by looking at “My Orders” on the Wayfair website. It will state if there is a return option. 

In general, the 30-day return policy can apply to most items, including in categories such as:

• Bedding & Bath
• Rugs
• Decor Accessories
• Organizational Items
• Lighting
• Cookware
• Kitchen Pantry Products

Items such as mattresses, furniture, and wedding registry products fall under a modified return policy, so different rules will apply.

Remember, the 30-day clock starts ticking the day the item is delivered and there’s little, if any, wiggle room to that deadline.

Here is what you cannot return:

• Clearance items and products
• Open Box Deal items (these are items that were already returned once but put back out to be sold at a discounted rate)
• Gift Cards
• Items that have been personalized in any way
• Bundled items like “3 for $30” unless you return the entire bundle
• Items that came unassembled but have since been assembled cannot be returned in their assembled form
• Live plants
• Anything that was clearly marked “Non-returnable”
• A gift someone gave you that wasn’t ordered through a registry. It can be returned, but the person who purchased the item has to make the return or exchange. You cannot do it yourself or without them knowing. 

Wayfair Return Policies for Specific Categories

Wayfair’s regular return policy has special guidelines and rules on large items or special items ordered from the website.

Large Appliances

It’s critical when you order large appliances that you do not sign off on the delivery until you’ve inspected the entire appliance.

Check for:

• Any damages to the box.
• The correct product name and model number that you ordered.
• Any damages to the appliance.

Also, don’t rip the box open because you’ll have to return it in that same box. You still have 30 days to return the appliance, but it cannot have been installed. 

Wayfair actually puts in bold on its website, “Once you have installed the appliance, it cannot be returned.” If you do install the appliance and it’s defective in any way, reach out to Wayfair customer service immediately. 

Mattresses

Mattresses are one of the only items that go past a 30-day return window. The Wayfair mattresses all have a 100-day trial period. You can’t do this repeatedly for the same product, as there’s just one chance to take advantage of that longer return window. 

However, if you do return a mattress within the 100-day window you don’t have to pay return shipping fees. Save the mattress box, however, as that’s how you’ll ship it back. 

It’s important to note this return policy doesn’t include any mattress accessories like a mattress topper or air mattresses. Just regular mattresses of any size. 

Wedding Registry

There’s also an exception to the normal return policy with Wedding Registry gifts. 

• You will have 90 days from the day of the wedding event to return it. 
• The returned item must be a gift from a guest, not something you bought for yourself. 

You will need to contact a Wedding Registry Specialist to help you with the returns. To make the return faster, have the product name and registry order number handy. 

Furniture

Furniture comes with the same 30-day time limit for returns from the day of delivery. However, if the furniture required some assembling, it has to be unassembled and put back in the original box (or one of similar size). Otherwise, you won’t be able to return it. 

You can go through “My Orders” to return the furniture. But in this case, it’s ideal to speak with a customer service agent to help walk you through the steps.

Ask about the return shipping charge or if you’re just missing a few parts, ask for replacements. 

Does Wayfair offer free shipping on returns?

No, return shipping costs for Wayfair items will apply for returns and exchanges. Your return shipping costs will be deducted from your refund.

The only exception to not getting charged for return shipping is if you got an item that was damaged or defective. Wayfair will cover the return shipping costs for damaged or defective products you received upon delivery.

You still go through the same return process but select “Damaged or Defective” as the reason for the return. You still have only 30 days to do this, so check the quality of your delivered item right away after delivery. 

How do I return an item I bought on Wayfair?

1. Go to Wayfair.com and log into your account.
2. Click on the “My Orders” section.
3. Choose the item you want to refund and what method you want to use for the return.
4. Select how you want a credit for the return. 
5. Check your email for the return confirmation message and the shipping label.
6. Add the shipping label to your package being returned.
7. Drop off at either a UPS or FedEx office (depending on which option you chose).

How will I receive my Wayfair refund?

You will either get a Wayfair store credit or a refund to the card used for the initial purchase. 

• Store credit refund: You will get this sooner than a card refund. It should be available the day after your return is sent. This credit can be used to purchase other items from Wayfair.
• Payment card refund: This depends on your credit card or bank processing time, but generally three to five days after you sent the return in. 

What is Wayfair’s return policy during the holidays?

If you purchased an item anytime between November 1 and December 31, you are given a grace period through January 31. 

Can Wayfair items be returned to Walmart?

Even though you can buy Wayfair items on the Walmart website, you cannot return them to a Walmart store in person or online. You must go through the Wayfair return process.

Shop Smart Knowing Wayfair’s Return Policy

Wayfair doesn’t have the best or most cost-effective return policy. You have a pretty strict timeline of 30 days to return the majority of items. Always check your items when you receive it for any damage or defects. When in doubt, a little kindness could go a long way by reaching out to customer service directly.