Best Buy Return Policy 2023 | Easy Returns & Refunds? Let’s find out!

Buying electronics has never been this dynamic as in current times. The speed with which technology is updating our living style is unprecedented. 

And thinking of electronics one of the first places that come to our minds is Best Buy, a well established American multinational retailer selling everything from computers to cell phones and video games.

Since the products bought are quite expensive, it is good to become familiar with the Best Buy return policy, warranty and other service information.

Welcome to Return Policy Guide, a one-stop solution for all your queries related to returns, exchange, refund and more.

Best Buy Return Policy – A step-by-step Guide

Best Buy offers customers a refund period that varies between a range of 14–30 days depending on numerous factors. Best Buy’s standard return period spans 15 days from the date of purchase, applicable to new, open-box, refurbished, clearance and open-box products. 

This means you can exchange your product for a full refund or exchange (if you have the purchase receipt) any day within the return window.

Sounds simple! But, for good or bad, it is not that easy. Best Buy values its customers and provides an extended return period to its ‘Elite‘ and ‘Elite Plus‘ members (up to 3 times extended period on select items)

How to Return To Best Buy

To return your products to Best Buy you just have to provide the receipt, original contents and packaging and the product in unused condition. 

The product has to be in a resalable condition, which means if you have opened the package you can still return it. Just ensure that the product is in a like-new condition and you have put all the contents (including manuals and instruction guides) in preferably the original packaging

You would require the receipt of original purchase to return the product for a refund, in case you do not have it, you can return the product for store credit by giving a valid ID proof.

Best Buy tracks your returns over time and may refuse to refund or exchange in case there is some suspicious activity found.

You can return your products both in the local store and via mail using a prepaid return label or return form received with the packaging slip.

Return to a Local Store

Returning to the store has 2 major advantages. One you do not have to pay any shipping charges and two, you can exchange your items upfront. For a hassle-free return in-store you should take the following items to the local store (click here to find a store near you):

• Packing Slip (if received)
• Receipt of Purchase
• Credit card used to make your purchase
• Valid photo ID

You can exchange these items for newer ones or will get a refund in the same mode of payment.

In case you made a purchase in-store and have your lost your receipt, visit the customer care service desk at the store you made the purchase. 

If you made payment by credit card, you can track the receipt via the same credit card number. If you are a Best Buy member the details can be checked using your registered phone number, email or member number.

Purchases made via cash/check and 2 years old purchases cannot be traced back. For more details, you can contact 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289).

Return through Mail

Best Buy Return Policy allows you to return your orders using the mail services of USPS or any carrier of your choice, although, you would have to bear the shipping charges. Just follow the following steps for a smooth return:

Step 1: Look for the packaging/return slip to be attached with the mail

• If you did not receive the packaging, you can get a pre-filled return form by looking up for your order here (Order Lookup).
• If for some reason you could not locate your return take the print out of a blank form (click here to get the pdf or the Merchandise Return Form) and fill it out.

Step 2: Pack the return/packaging slip along with all the items to return (including original contents and packaging).

Step 3: Put the slip on the package, add postage and return it via the carrier of your choice.

Prepaid Return Label

As per Best Buy Return Policy, you don’t have to pay any upfront charges if you want to return using the prepaid label. Just follow the instructions given on the return label (click here for more details). 

Include the packaging/return form in the box of your return and take it to the authorized UPS drop-off location. The shipping charges would be deducted from your refunded amount.

Estimated return shipping fees will be displayed within the Online Returns Center when you are choosing the prepaid return label method for your return.

Refund Policy

Barring a few cases, Best Buy would refund your amount in the same mode of payment as used for making the purchase. You may even exchange the exchange as per your convenience.

• Returns by Mail – The refund would be made 2-3 working days after the receipt of returned goods by Best Buy, it may take up to 7 additional days for your bank to process the payment and reflect it.
• Payment made by Cash – For payments above $800, you will be refunded with a check issued within 10 business days.
• Payment made by Check – For payments above $250 will be refunded with a check issued within 10 business days. The same rules apply to transactions made using a debit card without a major credit card logo.
• Payment using a Gift Card – Any amount deducted from your gift card would be credited back to the same card only. If you no longer have it, contact Best Buy at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289) to issue a replacement. Remember to keep your order number with you while making the call.

Restocking Fees and Other Charges

No restocking fee is charged if the product is unopened or if the purchase and the return both occur within the following states and where prohibited by law :

• Alabama
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina

Shipping or handling fee is another cost you would have to bear in case returns are made via mail. If the product found was defective or damaged, then these charges don’t apply.

Exceptions to the Return Policy

Best Buy Return Policy doesn’t allow the return of the following items:

• Final Sales and other non-returnable items such as gift packaging
• Apparel that has been used or are missing original tags
• Completed services (related to its Geek Squad services, explained below)
• Digital Content (including games and software that can be downloaded)
• Prepaid Cards (including prepaid cards from Nintendo, AT&T, Disney, etc.
• Membership costs (refers to Geek Squad membership)
• Opened consumable items (includes battery, ink and 3D printer filament)
• Damaged products
• Custom or personalized items

Exchange Policy

Best Buy Return Policy provides an exchange facility for all returns made in-store. In fact, for the following items you can only make the exchange for an identical item:

• Books
• Movies
• Music
• Opened computer software
• Sheet music
• Video game guides
• Video games

Holiday Return Policy

Best Buy’s holiday return policy offers an extended return period as compared to the regular terms and conditions.

For example, most of the purchases made by November 1 to December 31 can be returned or exchanged until January 14, 2023.

Also, it extends its open timings during the holiday rush. (Click here to know more details about holiday return policy)

Products covered under Return Policy

In the table below we have explained the various periods available for you depending on the product to be returned and your membership status

Best Buy Membership

Now, getting a membership at Best Buy is quite beneficial. Firstly, it helps to get an extended return period for the majority of products sold.

You can also earn points on qualifying purchases from specific stores such as Best Buy stores, BestBuy.com, Best Buy Mobile specialty stores, and Magnolia Design Centers.

And guess what, you get these benefits free of any costs. Best Buy consumers get qualified for respective status based on their annual spending:

• Elite Status: Awarded to consumers with an annual spend of $3,500 or more on qualifying purchases at Best Buy and BestBuy.com in a calendar year, or anywhere on the My Best Buy Visa® Card.
• Elite Plus Status: Awarded to consumers with an annual spend of $3,500 or more on qualifying purchases at Best Buy and BestBuy.com in a calendar year, or anywhere on the My Best Buy Visa® Card.

The status is activated about 15–20 days after you meet the qualifying purchase amount and continues through the end of the following calendar year. It ends on the last day of the following February.

In any subsequent year, you may re-qualify or upgrade for the respective status once you reach the published spend requirements.

The membership offers numerous other advantages such as free shipping and scheduled delivery, reward points per $ spent on Best Buy, privileged access to special sales and offers, and a dedicated customer service line.

Log on to the Best Buy website for more information on the membership programs (click here) and benefits (click here).

Best Buy Credit Card

Best Buy offers store credit cards designed for frequent shoppers to the company.

The store cards are beneficial as they have less stringent underwriting requirements, help you improve your score along with providing exciting cashback rewards. The con is that they have higher annual percentage rates (APR) and lower credit limits.

Best Buy offers credit cards in association with Visa and Citibank. There are Elite and Elite Plus cards which are issued at no annual fees and approximate APR of 26%. They provide cashback up to 6% on your qualifying purchases (subject to various conditions).

Best Buy Geek Squad

Geek Squad is Best Buy’s online helpline service since 2002 that assists you in everything from answering simple questions to getting rid of stubborn viruses.

You can avail their services as per the product category such as appliances, cameras, and video gaming 24*7 for 365 days.

Click here for more details on the Geek Squad.

FAQs

How can I track my order?

Log on to Best Buy site (click here) to track or change your order.

Conclusion

Do you know that each Best Buy has operations in the US, Canada, and Mexico with almost 1500 stores spread across these countries?

Also, almost 70% of the population in these regions are under a radius of within 15 minutes from their store.

You might also be interested to check out our guides to Dell, Amazon or Walmart Return Policy. 

Ask your doubts on Best Buy Return Policy and share your return experience below!