Not Best Buy: The Appliance Stores With The Longest Return Policy

If you're in the market for a new appliance, you want to ensure that the store you buy it from has a decent return policy, just in case it's not what you want or it doesn't work once you get it home. While you might have found just what you're looking for and think you're getting a good deal at Best Buy, keep in mind that the store's return policy is a bit limited when you compare it to other budget-friendly stores like Costco and IKEA, which have the longest return policies.

If you're just a standard Best Buy member, you only have 15 days to return most products, while as a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total member, you get 60 days for most returns. However, devices that need to be activated, like cell phones, tablets, or wearables, only have a 14-day return window, regardless of your membership level. Plus, the item needs to be in its original packaging, and you'll need either the receipt or the packing slip. 

But if you're a long way from a store or you're constantly on the go, you might want to see if other appliance stores, like IKEA or Costco, have what you're looking for because their return windows are 365 days or for an indefinite period, respectively. Of course, some items, other than appliances, may have restrictions.

On its website, IKEA states that "it's okay to change your mind." To back this up, unopened products can be returned within 365 days for a full refund, as long as you have proof of purchase. For products that have been opened, you have 180 days to return them, once again, with a receipt or other form of purchase proof. This should certainly cover any appliances that you're likely to buy from the store. And if you're wondering what IKEA does with its returns, unopened items get inspected and returned to the shelf, while opened items end up in the store's discount as-is section.

On the other hand, Costco has an even more generous return policy, which allows you to return almost any product indefinitely for a full refund. However, if you purchase a major appliance, like a refrigerator or cooktop, you only have 90 days to return the appliance. Mind you, this is still better than the 15-day standard return window offered by Best Buy. Interestingly, you'll find that coffee machines and microwaves are some of the most returned household items at Costco because customers like to take advantage of the company's lenient returns policy.

When returning any appliance, whether to Best Buy, IKEA, or Costco, it does help if you have all the necessary information. Primarily, you'll want the original receipt or packing slip if the item was delivered to you. If you paid by credit card, it would also be helpful if you could bring the statement that shows the purchase to the store with you. All of this should ensure a smooth return process.