**[Moneyunder30.com](https://www.moneyunder30.com/retailers-with-the-best-and-worst-return-policies)** Writer Zina Kumok lists the best and worst retail return policies.
According to Kumok, not every retailer gives you good return freedoms.
"Return policies can be loaded with complicated language and half-truths, making it difficult to know just how much of the cost you’ll actually recoup."
Kumok said retailers are also constantly changing their policies. For example, L.L. Bean, a company with a history of allowing lenient returns, just limited their policy to one year after purchase.
**Retailers with the best return policies**
**Nordstrom**
Nordstrom has no official time limit on returns, though they do require a receipt or proof of purchase for cash returns.
According to the policy, they take every item on a case-by-case basis—so as long as you don’t bring in a dress you bought five years ago, you should be ok.
**Eddie Bauer**
Like many of the stores on this list, Eddie Bauer has no limit on when items can be returned for a refund. They only require a receipt for cash refunds; otherwise, the customer will get store credit.
The outdoor clothing retailer doesn’t offer free prepaid labels for online returns except during promotional periods, though you can return online items in-store.
**Costco**
The wholesale club is known for its stellar customer service, which includes one of the best return policies around. Costco’s only limit on returns is for major appliances and electronics, which have a 90-day window. Otherwise, there is no official time limit on returns as long as you have your receipt.
**Bed Bath & Beyond**
This home goods store is best known for its limitless 20 percent off coupons, but Bed Bath & Beyond is just as generous with its return policy.
Customers have one year to return an item for a cash refund. Returns made without a receipt will be for store credit only.
**Zappos**
This online shoe retailer has a reputation for excellent customer service—and one of the best return policies in the web-only space. The item must be unworn and in its original condition, which is typical for shoe returns.
Shoppers have a year after purchase to return the goods and get a cash refund. Items sold with a security tag must have the tag included in the return box.
**Retailers with the worst return policies**
**Barnes & Noble**
One of the last bookstore chains left, Barnes & Noble isn’t doing itself—or its customers—any favors with its stingy return policy. Customers have only 14 days to return items bought in-store or online, and they must be in original condition (no coffee rings or dogeared pages).
**Forever21**
The fast-fashion giant is popular with teens and young adults looking for current trends and low prices, but they’re not so popular with people making returns. Forever21 has a 30-day refund policy— only for online purchases—and customers have to return the item by mail to get a cash refund.
Those who shop in-store can only exchange the item or get store credit. Underwear, makeup, lingerie, swimwear, some jewelry and final sale items can’t be returned at all.
**Best Buy**
Get something from Best Buy that you don’t like? It might already be too late to return it. The electronics superstore has a 15-day return policy for most products unless you’re a My Best Buy® Elite or My Best Buy® Elite Plus member.
They also charge a $35 restocking fee for cell phones and a 15 percent fee for some major appliances and DSLR cameras and accessories.
**Lululemon**
Famous for their $98 yoga pants, Lululemon sells an attitude of wellness along with their overpriced athleisure. Their return policy stipulates that all items be unworn, unwashed and have the original tag attached to receive a refund. Customers have 30 days after purchase to return the item with a receipt.
**Amazon**
Customers love this internet giant for its speedy delivery times and endless inventory, but they don’t love the return policy. Amazon allows 30 days for returns, but third-party stores who sell on Amazon have their own policies. Double-check who you’re buying from before you shop.
**INFORMATION/IMAGE CREDIT:** Writer Zina Kumok, Moneyunder30.com; Nordstrom