here are the shipping and return policies As the holiday season approaches, major retailers are preparing to accommodate shoppers with various shipping and return policies to ensure a smooth gifting experience.
here are the shipping and return policies
Overview of Retailer Policies
With the holiday shopping rush just around the corner, understanding the shipping and return policies of major retailers can significantly ease the stress of gift-giving. Many retailers are offering expedited shipping options, including same-day delivery, while also extending their return windows to accommodate the needs of customers. Below is a detailed overview of the current shipping and return policies for prominent retailers, including Amazon, Apple, Walmart, and more. This information is crucial for consumers looking to make informed purchasing decisions during the busy holiday season.
Amazon
Shipping
Amazon provides a range of shipping options for its customers. While same-day delivery is not available on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, Prime members can access free same-day delivery on qualifying orders in select ZIP codes, provided they meet a minimum purchase threshold that varies by location. Additionally, Prime members enjoy One-Day and Two-Day Delivery with no minimum purchase requirement for eligible products. Non-Prime customers can find shipping options on the order page for each specific item.
Returns
During the holiday promotional period, Amazon allows most items purchased between November 1st and December 31st to be returned until January 31st, 2026. However, Apple products must be returned by January 15th, 2026. This policy applies to both Prime and non-Prime customers, providing ample time for returns.
Apple
Shipping
Apple has not yet disclosed its specific holiday shipping policy for this year. However, last year, the company offered free delivery on in-stock items that were not engraved if ordered by 9 PM ET on December 21st. Customers can also opt for free next-day delivery or two-hour delivery from local stores in most metropolitan areas for an additional fee, or they may choose to pick up their purchases directly from an Apple Store.
Returns
For purchases made after December 25th, Apple adheres to its standard return policy, which requires items to be returned within 14 calendar days of the purchase date.
Target
Shipping
Target offers free two-day shipping on many orders if customers spend $35 or more or use a Target RedCard. Same-day delivery is available for a fee of $9.99 per order, but this service is included with a Target Circle 360 membership, which costs $10.99 per month or $99 annually. Availability for same-day delivery may vary based on the item and location.
Returns
Target has extended its return policy for electronics and entertainment items purchased between November 1st and December 24th, allowing returns until January 24th, 2026, for a full refund. Mobile phones and Apple products purchased during this timeframe must be returned by January 9th, 2026. Most other items are subject to Target’s standard return policy, which allows a generous 90-day window for third-party products and up to a year for Target-branded products with a receipt.
Walmart
Shipping
Walmart has yet to publish its official holiday shipping policy for this year. Typically, the retailer offers free next-day delivery in eligible ZIP codes, free two-day delivery, and free standard shipping for orders over $35. Walmart Plus subscribers enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping without a minimum order requirement.
Returns
Most items purchased between October 1st and December 31st can be returned until January 31st, 2026, although some exceptions, such as smartphones, may apply.
B&H
Shipping
B&H provides free two-day and next-day shipping on select items, while most other products are eligible for free standard shipping, which takes one to seven business days. Free expedited shipping (one to three business days) is generally available for orders over $49.
Returns
B&H allows returns within 30 days of the delivery date, provided items are in new condition and still in their original packaging.
Best Buy
Shipping
Best Buy offers free next-day and two-day shipping on qualifying orders for My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members. Non-members can receive free next-day shipping on qualifying orders totaling $35 or more.
Returns
Best Buy has a 15-day return window for most products, while “activatable” items, such as smartphones and wearables, must be returned within 14 days. Members of My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total have up to 60 days to return items, although the 14-day limit still applies to activatable products.
Costco
Shipping
Shipping fees at Costco vary based on the product and shipping method, although many items ship free of charge. The retailer also offers various delivery options, including “white glove” service for larger appliances. Same-day delivery is available for select items through Costco’s partnership with Instacart.
Returns
Costco generally maintains an open return policy, with the exception of electronics such as TVs and computers, which have a 90-day return window. Other exceptions are listed on its return page.
GameStop
Shipping
GameStop currently offers free shipping on orders over $35, along with same-day delivery in certain locations if orders are placed from local stores at least three hours before closing.
Returns
GameStop has not yet published its holiday return policy, but products can typically be returned within 15 days if packages are unopened and accompanied by a receipt. Pro members receive a 30-day return period.
Dell
Shipping
Dell offers free standard shipping on most products with no minimum purchase required. Some gifts may ship for free in time for Christmas if ordered by December 19th. Delivery windows can vary, but Dell provides expedited shipping options and a delivery date estimate based on the ZIP code entered at checkout. Orders placed by December 23rd with qualifying express delivery options are expected to arrive before December 25th.
Returns
Dell’s extended return policy allows purchases made between November 1st and December 29th to be returned until January 15th, 2026.
DJI
Shipping
DJI offers free shipping on purchases of $149 or more, with shipping fees specified on the order form for lower amounts. Shipment times vary based on product availability.
Returns
DJI allows returns within 14 days of receiving the purchase, provided items remain in like-new condition or have manufacturing defects.
Shipping
Google provides free shipping on all standard orders with no minimum purchase requirement. However, this applies only to the lowest-cost shipping option, which may not be the fastest.
Returns
Google has not announced any special holiday return policies. Currently, most items can be returned within 15 days of receipt, while Nest Thermostats and Verizon contract phones come with an extended 30-day return window.
HP
Shipping
HP offers free standard shipping on many items, with delivery expected within three to six days. Expedited and priority shipping options are available for an additional fee. Notably, HP does not ship or deliver items on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Day.
Returns
Most items purchased from HP’s website can be returned within 30 days of delivery, although some select items may incur a restocking fee of up to 15 percent.
Microsoft
Shipping
Most products sold through the Microsoft Store include free two- or three-day shipping, with express shipping available for an additional fee.
Returns
Customers can return most physical products purchased online for free through January 31, 2026, provided items are in like-new condition and in their original packaging, including all parts and accessories. Exemptions include digital gift cards and certain hardware items.
Newegg
Shipping
Many items from Newegg come with free shipping, typically delivered within one to five business days. Specific details can be found on individual product pages.
Returns
Qualifying items purchased between November 1st and December 31st can be returned or replaced until January 31st, 2026.
Sam’s Club
Shipping
Shipping costs at Sam’s Club vary based on the item’s size, weight, shipping method, and delivery address. Plus Members enjoy free shipping on many online items, while same-day delivery or curbside pickup is available for free with qualifying orders totaling $50 or more placed by 1 PM local time. Club members can opt for $12 same-day or next-day shipping.
Returns
Sam’s Club does not have a specified return period; however, certain products may have specific return periods. For example, electronics and major appliances have a 90-day return window, while phones are subject to a 14-day return policy.
Sonos
Shipping
Sonos offers free shipping on all products, with in-stock items typically shipping the same day if purchased by 11 AM local time. Customers can also pay extra for two-day or express shipping.
Returns
Sonos has a 30-day return policy, providing free return shipping. However, returns must be initiated within 30 days of receiving the product, and items must be in new or as-new condition with original packaging.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: November 1, 2025 at 2:38 am
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