Store return policies, by retailer type
Return policies aren't standardized across the industry, but they do tend to follow patterns by retailer type. Here's a general reference - not a substitute for checking the actual policy on the store's site.
Online marketplaces
Large marketplaces typically set a baseline return window for items sold and shipped by the platform itself, often in the 30-day range, while third-party sellers on the same marketplace can set their own, sometimes shorter, policies. Always check whether an item is sold by the platform or by a third-party seller before assuming the standard policy applies.
Electronics
Electronics retailers commonly use shorter windows than general merchandise - frequently 14 to 30 days - and often apply a restocking fee on opened items, particularly for higher-value categories like laptops, cameras, and drones. Original packaging and all included accessories are usually required for a full refund.
Apparel
Clothing and footwear retailers tend to offer more generous windows, often 30 to 60 days, since fit and sizing are common reasons for return. Items typically need tags attached and to be unworn; final-sale and clearance items are very commonly excluded even when the general policy is lenient.
Department stores and big-box retailers
Larger general retailers often have the most generous windows, sometimes extending to 90 days or beyond for store-branded loyalty members, but they also tend to carve out shorter exceptions for specific categories like electronics, mattresses, or seasonal goods. The headline policy on the homepage is rarely the whole story - check the category-specific terms.
The bottom line
There's no substitute for checking the specific policy that applies to your order. HawkReturn does this automatically by identifying the retailer from your order confirmation and applying their current return policy to calculate your real deadline.
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