Shopping for furniture and home goods online is convenient, but it can feel risky. You might wonder what happens if the item arrives damaged or just isn’t right for your space. Understanding the return policy Wayfair offers is the key to shopping with confidence. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from time limits to restocking fees, in simple terms.
We’ll cover how to start a return, what items have special rules, and how to handle large furniture. Our goal is to make the process clear so you can focus on finding the perfect pieces for your home.
Return Policy Wayfair
Wayfair’s standard return policy is designed to be fairly flexible for most items. In general, you have 30 days from the date you receive your shipment to initiate a return for a refund. It’s important to note that this clock starts ticking when the item is delivered, not when you ordered it.
To be eligible, items must be in new and unused condition, in their original packaging. This means you can assemble something to see if it fits, but if you use it regularly or damage it, it may not be accepted back. Always check your specific item’s page for any unique return windows or conditions.
What Items Can You Return?
Most products sold and shipped by Wayfair can be returned. This includes a huge range of furniture, decor, rugs, lighting, and kitchenware. As long as you follow the condition and time requirements, you should be able to get a refund.
- Sofas, chairs, and tables
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Area rugs and lighting fixtures
- Cookware and small appliances
- Wall art and decorative accessories
Items With Special Return Rules
Some product categories have different guidelines. These rules are usually in place due to hygiene, customization, or the complex logistics of handling large items.
- Open-Box or Clearance Items: These are often final sale and cannot be returned. This will be clearly marked on the product page.
- Personalized or Custom Items: Anything monogrammed or made to your specifications is typically non-returnable.
- Assembled Furniture: Once you put it together, it usually cannot be returned unless it’s defective. Check the policy before assembling.
- Hazardous Materials: Items like chemicals or paints cannot be shipped back for safety reasons.
Understanding Return Shipping and Fees
This is a common area of confusion. Whether you pay for return shipping depends on the reason for the return.
- You Changed Your Mind: If you simply don’t want the item, you are generally responsible for the cost of return shipping. Wayfair will often provide a prepaid return label and deduct the shipping fee from your refund.
- Item is Damaged or Incorrect: If Wayfair or the carrier made a mistake, they will cover all return shipping costs. You should not pay anything in this case.
- Restocking Fees: Most items do not have a restocking fee. However, some large or special-order items might. This fee, if it applies, will be disclosed before you finalize the return.
How Refunds Are Issued
Once your return is received and inspected at the warehouse, Wayfair will process your refund. Refunds are issued to your original payment method. It’s important to know that processing times can vary.
It may take a few business days for the refund to appear on your credit card or PayPal account after Wayfair issues it. You will get a confirmation email when the refund is sent. Gift card purchases are refunded as a Wayfair gift card.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Wayfair Return
Initiating a return is done entirely online through your Wayfair account. Here’s how to do it.
- Log into your Wayfair account on the website or mobile app.
- Go to “Your Orders” and find the item you wish to return.
- Click on “Return or Replace Item.” You’ll be asked to select a reason for the return from a dropdown menu.
- Choose your preferred return method. For small items, this is often a prepaid shipping label. For large furniture, a pickup may be scheduled.
- Review any charges, like return shipping deductions, and confirm the return.
- Print your return label (if provided) and securely package the item. For pickup, you’ll get instructions on how to prepare the item.
Returning Large Furniture and Rugs
This is where Wayfair’s policy gets more specific. Large items like sectionals, dining sets, and big area rugs have a different process because you can’t just drop them at the post office.
For these, you typically schedule a pickup from your home. The carrier will come and collect the item. You must disassemble the furniture if possible and have it ready at the agreed pickup location, like your garage or curb side. Make sure all parts and hardware are included.
Because of the high shipping costs, it’s especially important to check for potential return shipping charges or restocking fees before initiating a return on a large item. The online process will show you any estimated costs before you commit.
The Wayfair Return Policy for Mattresses
Mattresses have a unique trial period. Wayfair often offers a 100-night sleep trial on many mattresses. This means you can try the mattress in your home for up to 100 nights.
If you decide to return it within that period, you contact Wayfair to initiate the return. They will often arrange for a local charity to pick up the mattress for donation, and then issue your refund. There is usually no need to repackage it. Always verify the specific trial terms on the mattress product page before buying.
Dealing with Damaged or Defective Items
If your item arrives damaged or has a manufacturers defect, the process is different. You should contact Wayfair Customer Service immediately, ideally within 30 days of delivery.
Do not initiate a standard return. Instead, explain the issue and provide photos of the damage or defect. Wayfair will often offer a replacement, a partial refund for minor damage, or arrange a free return and full refund. They handle these cases seperately to ensure you get a proper solution.
What About Wayfair Open Box Items?
Wayfair’s “Open Box” section features products that were returned by other customers, inspected, and are being resold at a discount. The return policy for these items is almost always “All Sales Are Final.”
This means you cannot return an Open Box item simply because you changed your mind. The product description should clearly state its condition and note the final sale policy. It may only be returnable if it arrives in a condition worse than described.
Tips for a Smooth Wayfair Return Experience
A little preparation can make the return process much easier and faster.
- Keep the Original Packaging: If you think you might return an item, try to keep the box and all interior packaging for at least the 30-day window.
- Take Photos: If an item is damaged, take clear photos before you do anything. This provides proof for customer service.
- Initiate Returns Promptly: Don’t wait until day 29. Start the process as soon as you know you want to return something to stay within the window.
- Read Product-Specific Policies: Always scroll down on the product page to the “Returns & Exchanges” section. This is where special rules are listed.
Wayfair Exchange Policy
If you want a different color or size of the same item, an exchange can be a good option. You can often request an exchange through the same “Return or Replace Item” flow in your account.
Wayfair will typically ship the new item to you once the return is initiated. You might be charged for the new item upfront, with a refund issued when the original item is received. This gets your replacement to you faster. Check if any price differences apply.
International Returns and Special Cases
For orders shipped to Canada or other international destinations, return policies may vary. Shipping costs and procedures will be different. It’s best to contact Wayfair’s customer service directly for guidance on international returns, as the standard US policy may not apply.
Also, items bought from third-party sellers on the Wayfair platform may have there own return policies. Always review the seller’s terms at checkout, as they can be more or less restrictive than Wayfair’s standard policy.
FAQs: Your Wayfair Return Policy Questions Answered
How long do I have to return something to Wayfair?
For most items, you have 30 days from the delivery date to start a return. Some items, like mattresses, have longer trial periods.
Does Wayfair have a restocking fee?
Most items do not have a restocking fee. However, certain large or special-order furniture pieces might. The return process will show any fees before you finalize.
Who pays for return shipping on Wayfair orders?
If you are returning an item because you changed your mind, you typically pay the return shipping. If the item is damaged, defective, or incorrect, Wayfair covers the cost.
Can I return a used item to Wayfair?
No. Items must be in new, unused condition in the original packaging to be eligible for a standard return. Assembled or used furniture generally cannot be returned unless it’s defective.
How long does a Wayfair refund take?
After the warehouse receives your return, it can take 5-7 business days to process. The refund then needs to post to your bank or card, which can take additional days.
Can I return a rug to Wayfair?
Yes, most rugs can be returned within 30 days if they are in new condition. Large rugs will usually require a scheduled pickup from your home.
What is Wayfair’s policy on returning open box items?
Open Box items are almost always marked as final sale and cannot be returned unless they arrive not as described.
Knowing the details of the return policy Wayfair provides helps you shop smarter. Always double-check the product page for any special instructions, and don’t hesitate to start a return quickly if something isn’t right. With this knowledge, you can furnish your home knowing you have options if your new piece isn’t the perfect fit.