Free Templates

Return Policy Templates

Professional, legally-sound return policy templates for your e-commerce store. Copy, customize, and publish in minutes. Perfect for Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more.

Return Policy Best Practices

Clear Time Limits

Specify exact return windows (14, 30, 60 days). Ambiguity leads to disputes.

List Exceptions

Clearly state what cannot be returned (hygiene items, custom products, sale items).

Explain the Process

Step-by-step instructions for how to initiate and complete a return.

Include Contact Info

Provide email, phone, and business hours for return-related questions.

Choose Your Template

30-Day Standard Return Policy

RECOMMENDED

The most common return policy for e-commerce. Balanced protection for both seller and buyer.

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RETURN & REFUND POLICY

Last Updated: [DATE]

Thank you for shopping at [STORE NAME]. We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you're not happy with your order, we're here to help.

RETURNS

You have 30 calendar days from the date of delivery to return an item. To be eligible for a return:
• Items must be unused, unworn, and in the same condition you received them
• Items must be in the original packaging with all tags attached
• You must have the receipt or proof of purchase

The following items cannot be returned:
• Gift cards
• Downloadable software products
• Personal care items (for hygiene reasons)
• Customized or personalized items
• Items marked as "Final Sale" or "Non-Returnable"

HOW TO INITIATE A RETURN

1. Contact us at [EMAIL] with your order number and reason for return
2. We'll provide you with a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and return instructions
3. Ship the item back to us at the address provided
4. Once received and inspected, we'll process your refund

REFUNDS

Once we receive your returned item, we will inspect it and notify you of the status. If approved:
• Your refund will be processed within 5-7 business days
• The refund will be applied to your original payment method
• Please note that it may take additional time for your bank to post the refund

RETURN SHIPPING

• Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective or we made an error
• We recommend using a trackable shipping service
• Return shipping costs are non-refundable

EXCHANGES

If you'd like to exchange an item for a different size or color, please initiate a return and place a new order for the desired item.

DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE ITEMS

If you receive a damaged or defective item, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the damage. We will provide a prepaid return label and send a replacement or issue a full refund.

LATE OR MISSING REFUNDS

If you haven't received a refund after 10 business days:
1. Check your bank account again
2. Contact your credit card company (it may take time to post)
3. Contact your bank
4. If you've done all of this and still haven't received your refund, please contact us at [EMAIL]

QUESTIONS?

Contact us at [EMAIL] or [PHONE] for any questions about our return policy.

60-Day Hassle-Free Return Policy

Extended return window with customer-friendly terms. Great for building trust and loyalty.

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HASSLE-FREE RETURN POLICY

At [STORE NAME], your satisfaction is our priority. We offer a generous 60-day return policy because we stand behind our products.

60-DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

Not satisfied? No problem. Return any item within 60 days of delivery for a full refund or exchange. Here's what makes our policy hassle-free:

✓ 60 days to decide - plenty of time to try your purchase
✓ Free return shipping on all orders over $50
✓ No restocking fees
✓ Quick refunds processed within 3-5 business days
✓ Exchange for different size/color at no extra cost

RETURN REQUIREMENTS

To ensure a smooth return process:
• Items should be in good condition (gently tried is okay)
• Include original packaging if possible
• Have your order number or email confirmation ready

Items that cannot be returned:
• Undergarments and swimwear (for hygiene)
• Custom/personalized items
• Gift cards
• Items marked "Final Sale"

HOW TO RETURN

OPTION 1: Online Return Portal
1. Visit [STORE URL]/returns
2. Enter your order number and email
3. Select items to return and reason
4. Print your prepaid label (orders $50+) or pay for shipping
5. Drop off at any [CARRIER] location

OPTION 2: Contact Us
Email: [EMAIL]
Phone: [PHONE]
We'll guide you through the process

REFUND TIMELINE

• Refunds are processed within 3-5 business days of receiving your return
• Original payment method will be credited
• Bank processing may take an additional 5-10 business days

EXCHANGES

Want a different size or color? We've got you covered:
• Request an exchange in our return portal
• We'll ship your new item as soon as we receive your return
• Expedited exchange available - we ship before receiving your return (credit card hold required)

DAMAGED ITEMS

Received something damaged? We're sorry! Contact us immediately and we'll make it right:
• Send photos of the damage
• We'll ship a replacement right away
• No need to return the damaged item for orders under $30

Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. If you have any issues with our return process, please reach out directly to [EMAIL].

14-Day Return Policy (Strict)

Shorter return window with stricter conditions. Suitable for time-sensitive or perishable products.

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RETURN POLICY

Effective Date: [DATE]

[STORE NAME] offers a 14-day return policy on eligible items. Please read this policy carefully before making a purchase.

RETURN WINDOW

Items must be returned within 14 days of the delivery date. Returns requested after 14 days will not be accepted.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for a return, ALL of the following conditions must be met:
• Item is in original, unopened packaging
• All seals and tags are intact
• Item has not been used, worn, or altered in any way
• Original receipt or order confirmation is provided
• Item is not on the non-returnable list

NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS

The following items are FINAL SALE and cannot be returned:
• Opened or used products
• Perishable goods
• Personal care and hygiene products
• Intimate apparel and swimwear
• Custom or personalized items
• Sale items (50% off or more)
• Gift cards and digital products
• Hazardous materials
• Items damaged by customer misuse

RETURN PROCESS

1. Submit a return request at [EMAIL] within 14 days of delivery
2. Include: Order number, item(s) to return, reason for return
3. Wait for approval (1-2 business days)
4. Ship item using our provided label OR your own shipping method
5. Returns must be postmarked within 3 days of approval

RETURN SHIPPING

• Customer pays return shipping in all cases
• Original shipping fees are non-refundable
• A $5.99 restocking fee applies to all returns

REFUNDS

• Refunds are issued as store credit by default
• Original payment method refund available upon request (processing fee may apply)
• Refunds processed within 10-14 business days of receiving the return
• We reserve the right to deny refunds that don't meet our return criteria

DEFECTIVE ITEMS

If you received a defective or incorrect item:
• Contact us within 48 hours of delivery
• Provide photos and detailed description
• We will determine if a replacement or refund is appropriate

CANCELLATIONS

• Orders can be cancelled within 1 hour of placement
• After 1 hour, standard return policy applies

By making a purchase, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this return policy.

Contact: [EMAIL] | [PHONE]

No-Questions-Asked Return Policy

Ultra customer-friendly policy. Maximum trust building but higher return rates expected.

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NO-QUESTIONS-ASKED RETURN POLICY

At [STORE NAME], we believe shopping should be risk-free. That's why we offer our industry-leading No-Questions-Asked return policy.

THE [STORE NAME] PROMISE

Return anything, anytime, for any reason. No questions asked.

• 365-day return window
• Free return shipping, always
• Full refund to original payment method
• No restocking fees, ever
• Tried it and didn't love it? Return it.

HOW IT WORKS

1. INITIATE YOUR RETURN
   - Visit [STORE URL]/returns
   - Enter your email and order number
   - Select items to return (no reason required)

2. PRINT YOUR FREE LABEL
   - Download your prepaid return label
   - Pack items securely
   - Drop off at any [CARRIER] location

3. GET YOUR REFUND
   - Refund processed as soon as carrier scans package
   - Money back in your account within 3-5 business days

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need to explain why I'm returning?
A: Nope! Return for any reason - wrong size, changed your mind, didn't match your expectations, or just because. We mean it when we say no questions asked.

Q: What condition does the item need to be in?
A: We ask that items be in reasonable, resalable condition. If you wore it, washed it, and it's now damaged - that's okay, we'll still accept the return.

Q: Are there ANY exceptions?
A: Only a few items can't be returned for hygiene/safety reasons:
   - Underwear and intimate apparel
   - Earrings (pierced)
   - Face masks and personal protective equipment
   - Personalized/custom items (contact us - we may still help)

Q: What about gifts?
A: Gift recipients can return items for store credit or exchange without the original purchaser knowing.

Q: Can I exchange instead of return?
A: Absolutely! Select "exchange" in our return portal and choose your replacement item.

WHY WE DO THIS

We know online shopping can be uncertain. You can't try things on or feel the quality before buying. Our no-questions-asked policy removes that risk entirely.

Yes, this policy costs us money. Yes, some people take advantage. But we believe treating every customer with trust and respect is worth it. Happy customers become loyal customers.

CONTACT US

Still have questions? We're here to help:
Email: [EMAIL]
Phone: [PHONE]
Live Chat: Available 24/7 on our website

Thank you for shopping with [STORE NAME]!

How to Customize Your Template

1

Replace Placeholders

Find and replace all bracketed placeholders: [STORE NAME], [EMAIL], [PHONE], [DATE], [STORE URL]. Use your actual business information.

2

Adjust Return Window

Change the number of days to match your business needs. Consider your product type, industry standards, and competitor policies.

3

Update Non-Returnable Items

Add or remove items from the non-returnable list based on your product catalog. Be specific to avoid confusion.

4

Set Shipping Terms

Decide who pays for return shipping. Options: customer always pays, free returns over $X, free returns for defects only, or always free returns.

5

Review with Legal

These templates are starting points, not legal advice. Consider having an attorney review your final policy, especially if you sell internationally.

Why Your Return Policy Matters

67%

of shoppers check return policy before buying

92%

will buy again if returns are easy

58%

want hassle-free, no-questions returns

79%

expect free return shipping

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in a return policy?

A comprehensive return policy should include: return window (days allowed), condition requirements, non-returnable items list, refund method and timeline, return shipping responsibility, exchange process, and contact information. The clearer and more detailed, the fewer disputes you'll have.

How long should my return window be?

30 days is the industry standard for most e-commerce stores. Shorter windows (14 days) work for time-sensitive products. Longer windows (60-90 days) build trust and can actually reduce return rates because customers feel less pressure to decide quickly.

Should I offer free return shipping?

It depends on your margins and business model. Free returns increase customer confidence and conversion rates, but can eat into profits. Consider offering free returns for orders over a certain amount, for defective items only, or as a VIP perk for loyal customers.

What items should be non-returnable?

Common non-returnable items include: underwear and swimwear (hygiene), personalized/custom items, perishable goods, opened software or media, hazardous materials, and items marked final sale. Always clearly list these exceptions in your policy.

How do I handle return abuse?

Track return patterns and flag excessive returners. Some strategies: implement restocking fees, limit returns per customer per year, require receipts, ban serial abusers from future purchases. Balance fraud prevention with customer experience.

Do I need a different policy for international orders?

Yes, consider creating a separate international return policy. International returns involve customs, longer shipping times, and higher costs. Many stores offer store credit only for international returns, or require customers to pay return shipping.

Should my policy match marketplace requirements?

If you sell on Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, you must comply with their return policies. Amazon requires at least 30-day returns. Your own store policy can differ, but ensure marketplace listings follow their rules.

How often should I update my return policy?

Review your return policy at least annually, or whenever you: add new product categories, expand to new markets, change shipping carriers, or notice increased disputes. Always date your policy and notify customers of significant changes.

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