Worst Return Policies: Retailers to Avoid in 2026 with Hidden Fees and Restrictions
The Worst Return Policies Among Big Retail Brands in 2023
Online shoppers often encounter financial risks from restrictive return policies, including steep fees or narrow time windows. A Ringover analysis ranked Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Aritzia, Uniqlo, Zara, Forever 21, and J Crew among the worst 10 big retail brands for returns. These luxury and fast-fashion retailers topped the list due to unaccommodating terms, though exact details like time limits or fee structures were not specified.
Specific charges can add up fast. Best Buy imposes a 15% restocking fee on opened packaging for items like drones, digital cameras, and lenses, plus a $45 flat fee for phones and tablets, according to Consumer Reports. L.L.Bean adds $6.50 per returned package. Shoppers can avoid these brands to safeguard their spending, particularly on high-value or trial purchases.
This guide outlines the main offenders, their fees, and ways to check policies in advance. Drawing from 2023 data, it highlights evidenced restrictions to help with 2026 shopping. For instance, Best Buy's 15% fee on a $500 drone could top $75, while L.L.Bean's per-package charges accumulate and lead to surprise costs.
Big Brands That Ranked in the Worst 10 for Return Policies
A 2023 Ringover review evaluated return policies at major retailers and pinpointed the bottom performers. The worst 10 included Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Aritzia, Uniqlo, Zara, Forever 21, and J Crew.
These brands scored low on overall return experiences. Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus ranked highest as offenders, with tight restrictions that complicate returns and raise buyer risk. Apparel chains like Aritzia, Uniqlo, Zara, Forever 21, and J Crew trailed close behind, often hindered by inefficient refund processing that causes delays or partial refunds.
When considering these brands, expect possible delays or denials. The 2023 data reveals patterns in restrictive policies. Shoppers can use this to choose retailers with easier processes, especially for items needing fit or quality checks, and sidestep the drag of slow returns.
Retailers with Costly Restocking Fees and Charges
Some retailers penalize returns with direct fees, turning exchanges into costly errors. Best Buy applies targeted restocking charges on tech items. A 15% fee kicks in for opened packaging on drones, some digital cameras, and lenses. For activatable devices like phones and tablets, it becomes a $45 flat charge.
These fees sting most on expensive electronics--a 15% cut from a $500 drone exceeds $75, prompting second thoughts on impulse or test buys. The policy places inspection risk squarely on buyers, making Best Buy a poor choice for high-value tech likely to be returned.
L.L.Bean uses a per-package fee of $6.50. This adds up on multi-package orders, creating unexpected costs even for simple apparel or gear returns. Returning three packages, for example, tacks on nearly $20 and heightens frustration for bulk buyers. Both cases show how such policies create ongoing risks.
Comparison Table: Key Fees and Restrictions in Worst Policies
Use this table to compare the highlighted worst policies at a glance. It covers the Ringover worst 10 brands plus fee-heavy retailers, focusing on key restrictions. Decision notes flag risks for specific purchases.
| Retailer | Key Restriction/Fee | Source/Year | Decision Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saks Fifth Avenue | Ranked in worst 10 for return policies | Ringover/2023 | Avoid for luxury items with return uncertainty |
| Neiman Marcus | Ranked in worst 10 for return policies | Ringover/2023 | Steer clear for high-end fashion trials |
| Aritzia | Ranked in worst 10 for return policies | Ringover/2023 | Risky for apparel sizing experiments |
| Uniqlo | Ranked in worst 10 for return policies | Ringover/2023 | Check alternatives for basics |
| Zara | Ranked in worst 10 for return policies | Ringover/2023 | Limit buys prone to fit issues |
| Forever 21 | Ranked in worst 10 for return policies | Ringover/2023 | Budget shoppers face policy hurdles |
| J Crew | Ranked in worst 10 for return policies | Ringover/2023 | Pre-plan returns for preppy styles |
| Best Buy | 15% restocking on opened drones/cameras/lenses; $45 flat for phones/tablets (unknown year) | Consumer Reports/unknown | Avoid for high-value tech if fees apply |
| L.L.Bean | $6.50 per package (unknown year) | Consumer Reports/unknown | Watch multi-item orders closely |
This side-by-side view helps evaluate risks fast. Tech buyers, for instance, should skip Best Buy on gadgets needing tests, where fees wipe out savings. Apparel shoppers can bypass the Ringover list to avoid processing issues.
How to Spot and Avoid the Worst Return Policies Before Buying
Start by checking retailer sites or summaries like Ringover's 2023 analysis. Prioritize restocking fees--Best Buy's 15% on opened drones or $45 on phones flags high costs for tech trials. Look for per-package charges like L.L.Bean's $6.50, which build on bulk returns.
Cross-check rankings such as Ringover's worst 10. Brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Aritzia, Uniqlo, Zara, Forever 21, and J Crew appear there, pointing to broader restrictions. Search policy pages for terms like "opened items non-returnable" or "fees apply," and note short windows or exclusions.
Before checkout:
- Read the full returns section, zeroing in on electronics or apparel for Best Buy-style fees or Ringover-ranked issues.
- Use tools like Ringover or Consumer Reports for benchmarks.
- Stick to policies without red flags like 15% restocking or per-package costs.
This approach cuts surprises and supports informed choices on these offenders.
FAQ
What brands made the worst 10 list for return policies in 2023?
Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Aritzia, Uniqlo, Zara, Forever 21, and J Crew, according to Ringover's 2023 analysis Ringover/2023.
Does Best Buy charge restocking fees, and on what items?
Yes, Best Buy charges a 15% restocking fee on opened packaging for drones, some digital cameras, and lenses, plus a $45 flat fee for phones and tablets, per Consumer Reports (unknown year) Consumer Reports/unknown.
Why did Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus rank poorly for returns?
They topped Ringover's 2023 worst 10 list for their restrictive return policies, though specific metrics like fees or windows were not detailed Ringover/2023.
What is the return charge for L.L.Bean packages?
L.L.Bean charges $6.50 per returned package, as noted by Consumer Reports (unknown year) Consumer Reports/unknown.
Are there specific fees for returning electronics like drones or phones?
Best Buy applies a 15% restocking fee to opened drones, digital cameras, and lenses, and a $45 flat fee to phones and tablets (unknown year) Consumer Reports/unknown.
How recent is the data on these worst return policies?
The Ringover worst 10 list is from 2023 data collection. Best Buy and L.L.Bean fee details have unknown years from Consumer Reports.
To apply this, review policies on your next cart and favor low-fee options. Track changes via retailer sites for the latest terms.