It’s not your imagination: Return policies are getting more restrictive. Return windows are shrinking, restocking and return shipping fees are increasing, and more items are getting slapped with the dreaded “final sale” designation. Worse, reading and understanding a return policy these days practically requires a law degree.

Fortunately, you can navigate the modern online shopping experience without getting burned on returns. You need only sharpen your skill at identifying return policy red flags before they cost you. Here’s how to read the fine print like the savvy shopper you are.

Watch for these 12 return policy red flags

Before you buy in a store or online, scan the store’s return policy for these warning signs. If you spot more than one, be careful. You can still buy the item you want, but be confident you want it and organized about keeping your proof of purchase.

1. Return policy summaries, with details elsewhere

When you see a return policy online with a summary visible upfront but the policy details on another page — or hidden until you click on something — you’d better click. The details often hide the most restrictive rules and exceptions.

The JCPenney return policy lists the general rules, but you must click on a link in the fine print to view exceptions. Walmart has its return terms spread across multiple pages. Gap family return policies — Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, etc. — require multiple clicks to see all the terms.

2. Ultra short or inconsistent return window

A return window of 14 days or less is an obvious sign the retailer is strict about returns. Short return windows are problematic for online purchases. You probably lead a busy life, and there isn’t always extra time to try the item and then get it to the post office. And if you’re buying the piece as a gift? Forget it. Two weeks isn’t enough time for you or your giftee.  

For context, a return window longer than 30 days is a good sign. Men’s Wearhouse has a 90-day return window, which is unusual.

Also, some retailers specify different return windows for specific brands or for online versus in-store purchases. Pay close attention to this distinction so you don’t get tripped up. For example, Neiman Marcus has a 30-day return window generally, but Chanel-branded items must be returned within 14 days. H&M has a 30-day window, but specifies different timelines for special collections.

3. Final sale language

Final sale means no refunds or exchanges. You may see this label on clearance items, outlet merch, items with stacked discounts, or items bought with aggressive promo codes. This one can be tricky, because the final-sale language can be hidden in small print somewhere. Always spend the time to confirm return eligibility whenever you’re shopping discounted goods online.

Plus-size retailer Torrid labels these categories as final sale and non-returnable:

• Washed or worn items
• Earrings and cosmetics
• Panties and lingerie sets
• Tights

In truth, the rise of the final sale designation has made clearance shopping online a lot less fun. If you don’t like the piece you bought, it will end up gathering dust. That’s not a good use of your shopping budget, no matter how big the discount.

4. Receipts required

Don’t assume the store keeps records of your purchases, especially for transactions that happen in store. Some retailers will deny you return or offer you store credit only if you don’t have definitive proof of purchase.

Even the Nordstrom return policy, known for being customer-friendly, doesn’t guarantee returns without some record of the purchase.

5. Store credit only

Store-credit returns are tolerable only if you love that store. The risk is highest when it’s your first purchase from that retailer, and you’re unsure about the item’s fit or quality.

New York & Company only offers store credit or exchanges on returns.

Some stores offer store credit if you don’t meet all the requirements for a refund, which is better than getting nothing. The Ross return policy mandates store-credit for returns without a receipt when the amount is more than $50. Lane Bryant and DSW exchange late returns for store credit.

6. Restocking fees

Restocking fees formerly applied primarily to electronics and furniture. Sadly, they’re becoming more common in fashion. Restocking fees typically get deducted from your refund.

Amazon charges 100% restocking fees on opened software and video games and Urban Outfitters charges a $5 restocking fee on all mailed returns — but there’s no added postage required. Dillard’s return policy says the store can, at its discretion, charge restocking fees for “certain products.” There’s no explanation of why or when that could happen.

7. Unclear condition requirements

Subjective condition requirements such as “like new” or “unworn” can be tricky because they require someone’s judgment. That someone could reject your return because of a scuff on a shoe bottom or a scratch on a handbag buckle.

To minimize subjective judgments, protect your items as if your life depended on it – at least until you’re certain you will keep them. Don’t remove any tags or discard any packaging.

8. Special exceptions

Customized, special-order, and open-box items are often treated as final-sale purchases. Other items that may have limited return eligibility are beauty products, underwear, and bathing suits.

Marshalls return policy notes that the retailer can charge added, non-refundable shipping fees for oversized items like rugs.

9. Required packaging

Many retailers ask you to return purchases along with all original tags and packaging. This isn’t a deal-breaking requirement – it’s more of a reminder to stay organized. Don’t set aside labels, dust covers, or shoe boxes until you’re 100% committed to keeping that item.

The Zappos return policy, known for being customer-friendly, requires you send back original shoe boxes without shipping labels on them.

10. Non-refundable shipping fees

Even with free shipping, returns aren’t always free. Some retailers:

• Deduct return shipping from your refund when you use their prepaid label
• Ask you to pay to have the item returned
• Don’t refund original shipping

Real-life examples include:

Read the fine print carefully to ensure you don’t pay $10 in shipping for an item you didn’t keep.  

11. Third-party sellers

Increasingly, larger retailers are expanding their online selection with a marketplace, where various retailers sell their goods. Amazon is a marketplace, as is Target Plus, Macy’s Third Party Seller program, and Asos marketplace. Typically, each marketplace seller has its own return policy.

This is misleading if it’s not clearly explained, right? If you’re buying something at asos.com, you naturally would think the Asos return policy applies. To avoid this confusion, check the product page for any reference to a third-party seller or a separate return policy.

J.Crew’s return policy specifies that marketplace sellers offer different terms, noting that instructions are in the package. The thing is, you need to see the return details before you receive the package — so that’s a big red flag.

12. Confusing return protocols

Some stores have different return processes for online vs. in-store purchases. You may not be able to return online purchases in-store, for example. Or maybe you can’t return in-store purchases by mail.

As an example, the Walgreens returns policy specifies that all returns are made in-store, even if you purchased the items online.

Retailers may also allow free in-store returns but charge fees for mailed returns.

Budget impact of strict return policies

Return policy confusion can lead to wasted spending in the form of surprise fees, unwanted store credits, or return denials. Short return windows can rush your decision-making, which can mean keeping items you won’t wear or sending back pieces you might ultimately love.

Stores with strict return policies

Big, national chains with deep pockets often have the most agreeable return policies. Smaller retailers and these categories tend to be more restrictive:

• Outlet stores
• Discount retailers
• Marketplace sellers
• Personalized and custom shops, including Etsy sellers
• Electronics and technology

How to protect yourself as a shopper

These habits can minimize money wasted on unwanted goods and surprise fees:

1. Always read the complete return policy. Unfortunately, you will have to dive into the detail of exceptions and other fine print. Plan on doing this the first time you shop with a retailer and again at least once a year. Note that retailers can publish extended holiday return windows, usually in October. That’s a good time to check the latest rules.
2. Keep receipts and order confirmations. Some retailers require definitive proof of purchase for refunds.
3. Don’t remove tags until you’re sure. Do this to preserve the “unused” condition requirement.
4. Keep all boxes and accessories. Pay attention to shoe boxes, attached belts, and removable collars.
5. Try your online purchases as soon as they arrive. Don’t get trapped by a short return window.
6. Take photos of any product defects. Often, defective products have looser return requirements. Document any problems you see before you initiate the return.

These steps can save you a fight later.

Shop smarter

Return policies are meant to protect the retailer. But when you know what to look for, you can protect yourself too.

Spend a few minutes reading the fine print so you can you shop confidently, avoid surprise fees, and keep more money in your pocket.