Holiday Shipping and Return Policies You Should Know: Amazon, Target, Walmart and More

Your favorite brands are gearing up for the holiday shopping season. However, they offer more than the lowest prices. Nowadays, they want to provide the best holiday shopping and return policies.

Online retailers expect delayed customer deliveries as their logistics struggle to meet demand. In response, you should know the stores with the most convenient terms and conditions. 

This article will discuss the shipping and return guidelines for the biggest eCommerce retailers. These include Amazon, Walmart, Apple, and more.

• Amazon
• Apple 
• Google 
• Microsoft 
• Target 
• Walmart 
• Costco 
• B&H
• Best Buy 
• GameStop 
• Dell 
• HP
• DJI 
• Newegg 

Amazon

Prime members have exclusive holiday shopping and return policies like free same-day delivery. It applies to eligible ZIP codes with qualifying orders over $35.

Amazon Prime subscribers who are not in those locations will have the usual next-day and two-day deliveries. Yet, it will depend on your chosen products.

Non-Prime customers will have standard shipping options for specific products. Moreover, you may return items Amazon delivered between October 11 and December 25.

This feature is available for both Prime and non-Prime customers. However, they may only return items until January 31, 2023.

Apple 

Shipping is free on all orders made directly from Apple, but the arrival date will vary depending on your item. 

Most Apple products have free two-day shipping. Moreover, in-stock iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, Apple Watches, and Macs offer free next-day delivery.

Unlike the other retailers, Apple has not shared its return policy for the 2022 holidays. Purchases made through the company will have the typical terms and conditions.

You may return stuff to the Apple Store within 14 calendar days of receiving them. Otherwise, you will have to follow your specific retailer’s guidelines.

Google 

Transactions between October 19, 2022, and January 31, 2023 qualify for free shipping with no minimum price total. Note that the rule applies to the lowest-cost shipping available.

That means you may have to wait for more for your orders. Also, Google has not shared specific holiday return policies at the time of writing.

That means all transactions still follow the usual terms and conditions. They allow you to return most items 15 days after receipt. 

On the other hand, Pixel Buds Pro earbuds, Nest Thermostats, and Verizon contract phones have a 30-day return period.

Microsoft

The Microsoft Store offers free two-day and three-day shipping for most products. Also, you may pay for express shipping.

Qualified items still follow the standard terms and conditions on the Microsoft website. They allow a 30-day return period starting when you buy a product.

Target 

You can avail of two-day shipping if you spend $35 or more. Alternatively, you get that feature if you use your RedCard.

You may also return electronics and entertainment products you bought from October 6 to December 25 until January 24, 2023, to get a full refund.

Moreover, you could receive a full refund for Apple products purchased from October 6 to December 25 if you return them on or before January 9, 2023. 

This supermarket has a separate policy for iPhones. You must return smartphone purchases by January 8, 2023, for a 100% refund. 

Walmart 

The other supermarket also offers holiday shipping and return policies. In qualifying ZIP codes, Walmart provides free next-day shipping for specific orders of $35 or more.

It offers free standard shipping and two-day delivery for eligible products. Like Target, it allows returns for items bought between October 1 and 31 until January 31, 2023. 

However, you may receive different guidelines for mobile devices. Please check the product page for your gadgets for more information.

Costco

Costco does not offer holiday shipping and return policies for all its products. Instead, they depend on the item and the shipping method.

It offers a wide range of delivery options,  including “white glove” service for bulky appliances. Moreover, Costco has an open return policy, except for gadgets like TVs and PCs.

It places a 90-day return window for those devices. You may check the Costco return page to learn more about the guidelines. 

B&H

This audio and video recording device retailer offers free standard shipping for most items. The B&H (Blimie & Herman) standard is one to seven business days. 

Moreover, it allows returns for transactions after October 24, 2022, and before January 1, 2023. This rule applies if you give the item back on or before February 1, 2023.

However, B&H has exceptions for non-returnable items. These include TVs and computers with opened packaging. 

Best Buy

Best Buy also has holiday shipping and return policies. It allows free next-day shipping on purchases of $35 and up. However, the rule may vary based on various factors.

Depending on product availability, product type, and purchase date, it may change. Also, Best Buy specifies different terms for large appliances that require scheduled delivery. 

You may return items purchased between October 24 and December 31 until January 14, 2023. However, it does not apply to products with third-party contracts. 

These include smartphones, tablets, and wearables, which have a 14-day return period. Also, Best Buy allows a 15-day return window for major appliances and holiday decorations.

Best Buy TotalTech members may return any item bought between October 24 and November 16 until January 14, 2023. Alternatively, they could return purchases within 60 days from receipt.

GameStop 

If you prefer buying physical game copies, GameStop still has your back. It offers free shipping on orders over $35. Moreover, it enables same-day delivery in specific locations.

You need to buy from your local store three hours before closing. At the time of writing, the video game retail store has not shared its holiday return policy.

Yet, you may return new games and other gadgets within 15 days. Ensure that you have not opened their packaging and you present the receipt. 

GameStop also has a specific rule for returning used items. You may only give them back or swap them for other stuff seven days after your purchase.

Dell 

Due to its holiday shipping and return policies, you might want to buy a new computer from Dell. The company offers free standard shipping with no minimum purchase amount required. 

The estimated time of arrival may vary depending on your order. Yet, Dell offers more convenient delivery options based on your ZIP code upon checkout.

The company offers a 30-day return policy with a few exceptions. Moreover, it may require a restocking fee of up to 15%.

HP

Perhaps you prefer Hewlett-Packard computers. The PC retailer delivers items within three to six days. Moreover, you may pay for additional priority and next-day shipping.

At the time of writing, HP upholds its standard return policy. It lets you bring back most products within 30 days of delivery.

Yet, you may need to pay a 15% restocking fee for specific items. Also, returns that total more than $250 may require additional review before approval.

DJI 

Due to its holiday shipping and return policies, you may want to buy a new drone from DJI. The retailer provides free shipping for transactions of $149 or higher.

Other purchases will require fees specified in their order forms. Also, shipment times may change for each product depending on availability. 

You may return DJI products within 14 days of receiving them. However, you must ensure that they are good as new, without any manufacturing defects.

Newegg 

Do you need a new HDMI cable or VR headset? You may want to check the products at Newegg. It offers free shipping and two-day warehouse processing.

Additionally, Newegg accepts replacement or return requests 30 days after the invoice date without restocking fees. Yet, that depends on your product.

Conclusion

Retailers want to take full advantage of the holiday shopping rush by offering the best prices. Yet, they expect potential delivery problems due to overwhelming demand.

That is why stores compete with the best holiday shipping and return policies. More people will likely buy from them if they offer convenient terms and conditions.

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