How return windows work

When does the clock start?

This is the detail most people get wrong. Some retailers count the return window from your purchase or ship date; most count it from the delivery date- the day the package actually arrives. A "30-day return window" can mean very different actual deadlines depending on which one applies, especially for items that take a week or more to ship.

Typical window lengths

• 14 days - common for fast-moving categories like beauty, perishables, or items with hygiene concerns.
• 30 days - the most common general window for apparel, electronics, and home goods.
• 60-90 days - offered by some larger retailers as a customer- friendly policy, particularly during certain seasons.
• 365 days- occasionally offered for specific product lines or membership tiers, though it's the exception rather than the rule.

These are general ranges, not guarantees - always check the specific policy for the store and item you bought.

The exceptions that catch people

• Holiday extensions.Many retailers extend return windows for items bought in late November and December, but the extension usually doesn't apply to purchases made earlier in the season.
• Final sale items. Discounted or clearance items are frequently excluded from returns entirely, even if the rest of the store has a generous policy.
• Condition requirements. Items have to typically be unused, with tags attached and original packaging intact - a return can be rejected on condition alone, regardless of the date.
• Restocking fees. Some categories, especially electronics and large appliances, carry a restocking fee that reduces your refund even within the window.

Why this matters

Because the rules differ so much by retailer and category, the safest approach is to check the actual policy for every purchase rather than assuming a standard window. HawkReturn reads your order confirmations and applies each retailer's real policy automatically, so you don't have to look it up yourself every time.