As a retail expert and self-proclaimed picky shopper, I know firsthand how important a good return policy is when making a major purchase like a home appliance. You want the peace of mind that if the product doesn‘t meet your needs or expectations, you can easily exchange it or get your money back. That‘s where Best Buy‘s appliance return policy shines.
Best Buy is the largest consumer electronics retailer in the US, with over 1,000 stores nationwide and $47 billion in annual revenue as of 2021 (Source). They are a go-to destination for home appliances, offering a wide selection of refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers from top brands like Samsung, LG, GE, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid.
A major reason for Best Buy‘s success is its customer-friendly return and exchange policy. In fact, a 2021 survey by Narvar found that 76% of consumers said a retailer‘s return policy is an important factor in whether they complete a purchase (Source).
So, what exactly is Best Buy‘s appliance return policy and how does it stack up against competitors? Let‘s take a closer look.
Best Buy‘s Appliance Return Policy Explained
All Best Buy customers can return appliances within 15 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange, regardless of membership level (My Best Buy, Elite, or Elite Plus). This policy applies to major appliances like:
- Refrigerators (French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, etc.)
- Wall ovens (single, double, convection, etc.)
- Cooktops (gas, electric, induction)
- Over-the-range microwaves
- Dishwashers (built-in, portable)
- Washers (front-load, top-load, stackable)
- Dryers (electric, gas)
To qualify for return, the appliance must be:
- In like-new condition with no damage, defects, or missing parts
- Returned with the original packaging, accessories, and documentation
- Accompanied by valid proof of purchase (receipt, packing slip, order number, or original payment method)
If these criteria are met, customers will receive a full refund to their original payment method within 10 business days (Source). For purchases made with cash or a check, refunds will be issued as store credit.
Best Buy also makes the process easy by offering multiple ways to return:
- Bring the appliance to any Best Buy store
- Schedule a pickup from your home for large items (fees may apply)
- Return by mail with a prepaid shipping label from Best Buy
This flexibility is a key differentiator for Best Buy. According to a study by UPS, 58% of consumers want the ability to return an item to a physical store, even if purchased online (Source).
Comparison of Appliance Return Policies
To put Best Buy‘s policy into perspective, let‘s compare it to other major appliance retailers:
| Retailer | Return Period | Restocking Fee | Pickup Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | 15 days | None | Yes (fee) |
| Home Depot | 48 hours (unboxed); 30 days (as delivered) | 15% for opened or special order items | Yes (fee) |
| Lowe‘s | 30 days | None for most appliances | Yes (free for eligible items) |
| Sears | 30 days for major appliances | None if uninstalled with original packaging | Yes (fee) |
As you can see, Best Buy‘s 15-day return window is shorter than some competitors. However, they make up for it with no restocking fees and the option to return opened items. This is a huge advantage for picky shoppers like myself who want to fully inspect their purchase before committing.
Lowe‘s is the only retailer surveyed that offers free appliance pickup, but their policy has more exclusions on what can be returned (Source). Sears also requires that appliances be uninstalled and in original packaging for a full refund, which can be a hassle (Source).
Exceptions and Special Situations
While Best Buy‘s standard appliance return policy is quite generous, there are a few exceptions and special situations to be aware of:
Damages and defects: If your appliance arrives damaged or defective, contact Best Buy customer service immediately at 1-888-237-8289. Do not install or attempt to repair the item yourself, as this may void the return. Best Buy will typically offer a replacement or full refund for products damaged in shipping.
Exchanges for fit: Best Buy understands that sometimes an appliance just doesn‘t fit in your space as expected. No worries – you can exchange it for a different model within the 15-day return period. Just bring the appliance back to a store or schedule a pickup, and a Best Buy associate will help you find a better fit. Note that you will be responsible for any difference in price between the exchanged items.
Open box and clearance: Best Buy‘s 15-day return policy extends to open box and clearance appliances as well. Open box items are typically returns or floor models that have been inspected and verified to be in like-new condition. Clearance items are severely discounted to move old or discontinued inventory. Both open box and clearance appliances are covered by the same manufacturer warranty as new items (Source). However, all sales are final on clearance items marked "As Is – No Returns."
Outdoor appliances: Best Buy has a more restrictive return policy for outdoor appliances like grills and smokers. These items must be returned within 10 days of purchase and cannot be returned if assembled or used. Additionally, Best Buy does not offer free shipping or pickup for outdoor appliances weighing over 200 lbs (Source).
Benefits of Best Buy‘s Return Policy
Best Buy‘s flexible appliance return policy offers numerous benefits to customers, especially picky shoppers like myself:
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Risk-free trial period: With a full 15 days to return, you can thoroughly test out your new appliance to make sure it meets your needs and expectations. This is especially important for large items like refrigerators that are difficult to exchange once installed.
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No restocking fees: Unlike some other retailers, Best Buy does not charge any fees for returning an appliance within the 15-day window, even if opened or installed. This can save you hundreds of dollars compared to competitors like Home Depot that charge up to 15% for opened items (Source).
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Easy returns: Best Buy offers convenient options to return your appliance to a store, by mail, or via home pickup in most areas. You don‘t have to deal with the hassle of renting a truck or enlisting friends to help move a heavy item.
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Confidence in your purchase: Knowing that you can easily return or exchange an appliance gives you the confidence to make a major purchase without worrying about buyer‘s remorse. This is especially important for big-ticket items that you‘ll use every day, like a refrigerator or range.
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Environmental responsibility: Best Buy is committed to properly recycling and disposing of returned appliances to minimize environmental impact. In 2021, they diverted over 170,000 metric tons of returned products from landfills (Source). By offering a generous return policy, Best Buy encourages customers to return items for responsible recycling rather than tossing them in the trash.
A generous return policy has also been shown to drive customer loyalty and sales. A study by Narvar found that 74% of consumers say a positive return experience makes them more likely to purchase from that retailer again (Source).
Summing up the benefits, Best Buy‘s Chief Merchandising Officer Jason Bonfig stated: "Our goal is to give customers the best possible shopping experience, whether they‘re buying a $20 phone case or a $2,000 television. That includes the confidence that if they‘re not satisfied with their purchase, they can easily return or exchange it" (Source).
Tips for a Smooth Appliance Return
As a seasoned retail manager, I‘ve helped countless customers navigate the appliance return process. Here are my top tips for ensuring a smooth return or exchange:
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Keep your receipt and original packaging. I know it‘s tempting to toss the box as soon as your new fridge is installed, but trust me – hold onto it for at least 15 days. Having the original packaging and proof of purchase will make your return infinitely easier.
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Thoroughly inspect your appliance upon delivery. Before signing off on the delivery, take the time to look over the appliance for any visible damage or defects. Test out the power and basic functions to make sure everything is in working order. It‘s much simpler to refuse a delivery than to deal with a return later.
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Understand what can and can‘t be returned. Familiarize yourself with Best Buy‘s appliance return policy, including any exceptions for your specific item. For example, you can‘t return a grill that‘s been assembled or an "As Is‘‘ clearance item. Knowing the policy upfront will save you headaches down the road.
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Measure twice, buy once. I can‘t tell you how many times I‘ve seen customers try to return a fridge or range because it didn‘t fit in their kitchen. Avoid this mistake by carefully measuring your space and comparing it to the product dimensions before purchasing. Don‘t forget to account for additional space needed for door clearance, ventilation, and cords.
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Don‘t wait until the last minute. Best Buy‘s 15-day return window goes by faster than you think, especially if you‘re waiting on a contractor to install your appliance. To avoid being stuck with an item you don‘t want, I recommend initiating your return no later than day 13. This buffer will give you time to arrange a pickup or shipping if needed.
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Be nice to the customer service reps. As someone who‘s been on the receiving end of many an agitated customer, I can attest that kindness goes a long way. Remember that the Best Buy employees are there to help you, and they don‘t have control over the return policy itself. If you‘re polite and patient, they‘ll be much more willing to go above and beyond to resolve your issue.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with a generous return policy, there are still some potential pitfalls that can trip up customers. Here are a few common issues and how to avoid them:
Missed return window: The most common reason for a denied appliance return is that the customer missed the 15-day window. To avoid this, I recommend setting a calendar reminder for day 12 after your purchase. That will give you a few days to initiate the return if needed.
Lost receipt: If you lose your original receipt or packing slip, you may still be able to return your appliance using the credit card you used for the purchase. Best Buy can look up your order and process the return with a valid photo ID. However, if you paid cash, you‘re probably out of luck. Avoid this scenario by taking a photo of your receipt and storing it in a safe place.
Damaged or incomplete return: As mentioned before, Best Buy may deny your return if the appliance is damaged or missing key parts. To avoid this, be sure to repack the item securely in its original box with all accessories included. If you‘re returning via mail, consider purchasing insurance and tracking to protect yourself in case the item is lost or damaged in transit.
Restocking fees: While Best Buy doesn‘t charge restocking fees for appliances, some other retailers like Home Depot do for opened or special order items. When comparison shopping, be sure to factor in any potential fees that could eat into your refund. In general, it‘s best to purchase from a retailer with a straightforward, transparent return policy.
By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can take steps to avoid them and ensure a smooth return experience.
Key Takeaways
To summarize, here are the key points to remember about Best Buy‘s appliance return policy:
- Best Buy offers a 15-day return window for all appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and laundry products.
- Appliances can be returned to any Best Buy store, by mail, or via home pickup (fees may apply).
- Returned items must be in like-new condition with original packaging and accessories.
- Best Buy does not charge restocking fees for appliance returns within the 15-day window.
- Exceptions apply for damages, clearance items, and outdoor appliances over 200 lbs.
- To ensure a smooth return, keep your receipt, inspect the appliance upon delivery, and initiate the return before the 15-day window closes.
By offering a customer-friendly return policy, Best Buy has differentiated itself as a go-to destination for appliance purchases. Picky shoppers like myself can buy with confidence, knowing that if an item doesn‘t meet our expectations, we can easily exchange it or get our money back.
With a wide selection of top-brand appliances and a commitment to responsible recycling, Best Buy is a retailer that you can feel good about supporting. Their flexible return policy is just one more reason to make them your first stop for all your appliance needs.
