Return and Refund Policy Generator
Choose your return window, the condition items must be in, how refunds and exchanges work and who pays return shipping. You get a clear, customer-friendly return and refund policy as plain text and HTML, plus a worked refund example so you can see exactly what a customer gets back.
Last updated:
Enter 0 if all sales are final.
After the return arrives and is inspected.
0 for none. Never charged on defective or wrong items.
How to use the Return and Refund Policy Generator
- Enter your store details: name, website, a contact email and where you sell.
- Set the return rules: return window, required condition, proof of purchase and items that cannot be returned.
- Choose refunds and exchanges: refund method, processing time, exchange rules, restocking fee and who pays return shipping.
- Check the refund example to see what a customer gets back on a typical order.
- Copy the text or HTML and paste it on your store's returns page, footer link and checkout page.
How the refund example is calculated
The example uses the same rules as your policy, so you can sanity-check the numbers before you publish:
- Restocking fee = item price × fee %. A 15% fee on an $80 item is $12.
- Refund = item price + original shipping (only if you refund it) − restocking fee − return label (only if you deduct it).
- Return deadline = delivery or purchase date + return window. An order delivered on March 3 with a 30-day window can be returned until April 2.
Fees and label deductions never apply when an item arrives damaged, defective or wrong; those orders are refunded or replaced in full, including shipping.
Common return policy choices by store type
| Store type | Typical window | Condition | Often excluded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing and shoes | 30–60 days | Unworn, tags attached | Underwear, swimwear, earrings, final sale |
| Electronics | 14–30 days | All parts and packaging included | Opened software, digital downloads |
| Beauty and personal care | 14–30 days | Unopened and sealed | Opened or used products |
| Handmade and custom goods | 7–14 days or final sale | Unused | Personalized and made-to-order items |
| Home and furniture | 30 days | Unused, original packaging | Custom sizes, clearance, assembled items |
| Food and perishables | Final sale | — | All perishable items (damage still covered) |
These are common patterns, not rules. Choose terms your margins and shipping costs can support, and keep them the same everywhere you sell.
Tips for a policy customers trust
- Be specific. "30 days from delivery" is clearer than "a reasonable time".
- Make it easy to find. Link it in the footer, on product pages and in order emails.
- Explain the steps. Tell customers exactly how to start a return and where to send it.
- Be fair about mistakes. Cover shipping and skip fees when the error is yours.
- Review it yearly and whenever you change carriers, platforms or the products you sell.
Frequently asked questions
What should a return policy include?
A good return policy states the return window and when it starts, the condition items must be in, which items cannot be returned, how to start a return, how and when refunds are paid, whether exchanges are possible, who pays return shipping, any restocking fee, and how damaged or wrong items are handled. It should end with contact details.
How many days should my return window be?
30 days is the most common choice for online stores and is easy for customers to remember. Clothing and home goods often offer 30 to 60 days; electronics and perishable or personalized goods often use shorter windows or final sale. Longer windows can increase conversion but also increase returns, so pick what your margins can support.
Am I legally required to have a return policy?
In most US states a store can set its own return policy, and some states require it to be clearly posted if you do not give full refunds. Other countries set minimums: for example, the EU and UK give online buyers at least 14 days to withdraw from most purchases. Platforms such as payment processors and marketplaces also expect a visible refund policy. This tool creates a template, not legal advice, so check the rules where your customers live.
Can I have a no-returns or all-sales-final policy?
Yes, many places allow it if you state it clearly before purchase. However, consumer laws generally still require a remedy when an item is faulty, damaged or not as described, so the generated policy keeps a damaged and defective items section even when all sales are final.
What is a restocking fee and how is it calculated?
A restocking fee is a percentage of the item price kept to cover inspection and repackaging. Fee = item price × fee percentage, so a 15% fee on a $400 item is $60 and the refund is $340. Fees should not apply when the return is the store's fault, and the policy says so automatically.
Should refunds go back to the original payment method?
Refunding to the original payment method is the most customer-friendly option and reduces chargebacks. Store credit keeps the revenue in your shop and is common for returns without a receipt, sale items or gifts. Offering the customer a choice is a good middle ground.
Where should I put my return policy?
Publish it on its own page (for example /returns or /refund-policy) and link to it in your site footer, on product pages and at checkout. Including it in order confirmation emails also reduces support questions.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.