REFUND AND RETURN POLICY
Effective Date: [DATE]
Last Updated: [DATE]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Our Return Promise
- Eligibility for Returns
- Return Timeframe
- Non-Returnable Items
- Return Condition Requirements
- How to Initiate a Return
- Return Shipping
- Refund Processing
- Exchanges
- Damaged or Defective Items
- Order Cancellations
- Digital Products and Downloads
- Services and Subscriptions
- International Orders
- Gift Returns
- Contact Information
1. OUR RETURN PROMISE
At [COMPANY NAME], we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you are not satisfied for any reason, we offer a straightforward return and refund policy.
Key Highlights:
☐ [30]-day return window
☐ Easy online return process
☐ Full refund to original payment method
☐ Free return shipping on defective items
2. ELIGIBILITY FOR RETURNS
2.1 General Eligibility
To be eligible for a return, your item must meet the following criteria:
☐ Purchased directly from our website [WEBSITE URL]
☐ Within the return window (see Section 3)
☐ In the required condition (see Section 5)
☐ Accompanied by proof of purchase (order confirmation, receipt)
2.2 Products Eligible for Return
The following products are eligible for return:
☐ Unworn/unused merchandise in original condition
☐ Items with original tags and packaging intact
☐ Defective or damaged products (any condition)
☐ Items received incorrectly
2.3 Proof of Purchase
You must provide one of the following as proof of purchase:
☐ Order confirmation email
☐ Order number
☐ Receipt or packing slip
☐ Account order history
3. RETURN TIMEFRAME
3.1 Standard Return Window
You have [30] days from the date of delivery to return most items for a full refund.
| Product Category | Return Window |
|---|---|
| Standard Products | [30] days |
| Electronics | [30] days |
| Clothing/Apparel | [30] days |
| Holiday/Seasonal Items | [15] days after holiday |
| Sale/Clearance Items | [14] days |
| [OTHER CATEGORY] | [X] days |
3.2 Extended Holiday Returns
[// GUIDANCE: Optional holiday return extension.]
☐ Items purchased between [November 1] and [December 31] may be returned until [January 31] of the following year
3.3 Calculating the Return Window
The return window begins:
☐ On the date of delivery (as shown by tracking)
☐ For lost packages: From the date we confirm non-delivery
☐ For pre-orders: From the actual delivery date, not the order date
3.4 Late Returns
☐ Returns received after the return window may be declined
☐ At our discretion, we may offer store credit for late returns
☐ We are not obligated to accept late returns
4. NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS
4.1 Items That Cannot Be Returned
The following items are NOT eligible for return or refund:
Personal and Hygiene Items:
☐ Intimate apparel and swimwear (if hygiene seal is broken)
☐ Cosmetics and personal care products (if opened/used)
☐ Pierced jewelry
☐ Face masks and protective equipment
Customized and Personalized Items:
☐ Custom-made or personalized products
☐ Monogrammed items
☐ Made-to-order products
☐ Items altered per your specifications
Consumable and Perishable Items:
☐ Food and beverages
☐ Flowers and plants
☐ Perishable goods
Digital Products:
☐ Downloadable software and digital content
☐ E-books and digital media
☐ Online course access
☐ Digital gift cards
Other Non-Returnable Items:
☐ Gift cards and store credits
☐ Hazardous materials
☐ Items with missing serial numbers
☐ Final sale / "as-is" items
☐ Items marked "non-returnable" at purchase
4.2 Exceptions for Defective Items
Even non-returnable items may be returned if they arrive:
☐ Damaged during shipping
☐ Defective or malfunctioning
☐ Different from what was ordered
5. RETURN CONDITION REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Acceptable Condition
To receive a full refund, returned items must be:
☐ Unworn, unwashed, and unused
☐ In original packaging (if applicable)
☐ With all original tags attached
☐ With all accessories, parts, and manuals included
☐ Free from odors (smoke, perfume, pet odors)
☐ Free from stains, marks, or alterations
5.2 Condition Assessment
Upon receiving your return, we will assess its condition:
| Condition | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Original, unused condition | 100% refund |
| Minor signs of handling | 100% refund |
| Used or worn | 50-75% or declined |
| Missing parts/accessories | Reduced refund |
| Damaged by customer | Return declined |
5.3 Items Not Meeting Condition Requirements
If your return does not meet our condition requirements:
☐ We will contact you with available options
☐ You may choose to have the item returned to you (at your expense)
☐ We may offer a partial refund or store credit
6. HOW TO INITIATE A RETURN
6.1 Online Return Process
Step 1: Start Your Return
☐ Log into your account at [WEBSITE URL]
☐ Go to "Order History" or "My Orders"
☐ Select the order containing the item(s) to return
☐ Click "Start Return" or "Request Return"
OR
☐ Visit our Return Portal at [RETURNS URL]
☐ Enter your order number and email address
☐ Select items to return
Step 2: Select Return Reason
Choose the reason for your return:
☐ Changed my mind
☐ Item doesn't fit
☐ Item not as described
☐ Item defective or damaged
☐ Received wrong item
☐ Quality not as expected
☐ Other (please specify)
Step 3: Choose Return Method
☐ Print prepaid return label (if eligible)
☐ Use your own shipping carrier
☐ Schedule pickup (if available)
☐ Drop off at specified location
Step 4: Receive RMA Number
☐ You will receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
☐ This number must be included with your return
☐ The RMA number is valid for [14] days
6.2 Contact Customer Service
If you cannot complete the online process, contact us:
☐ Email: [RETURNS EMAIL]
☐ Phone: [CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE]
☐ Live Chat: [CHAT URL]
☐ Hours: [BUSINESS HOURS]
7. RETURN SHIPPING
7.1 Who Pays for Return Shipping?
| Return Reason | Return Shipping Cost |
|---|---|
| Changed mind / buyer's remorse | Customer pays |
| Item doesn't fit | Customer pays |
| Defective or damaged item | We pay (prepaid label) |
| Wrong item received | We pay (prepaid label) |
| Item not as described | We pay (prepaid label) |
7.2 Prepaid Return Labels
When we provide a prepaid return label:
☐ Print the label and attach to your package
☐ Drop off at the designated carrier location
☐ Return shipping cost will NOT be deducted from your refund
7.3 Customer-Paid Return Shipping
When you pay for return shipping:
☐ Use a trackable shipping method
☐ Keep your tracking number and receipt
☐ We recommend purchasing shipping insurance
☐ We are not responsible for lost or damaged returns
7.4 Return Shipping Address
Ship returns to:
[COMPANY NAME] - Returns Department
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
☐ Include your RMA number inside the package
☐ Include a copy of your order confirmation
8. REFUND PROCESSING
8.1 Refund Timeline
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Return transit time | Varies by carrier |
| Processing after receipt | [3-5] business days |
| Refund to payment method | [5-10] business days |
| Total estimated time | [10-20] business days |
8.2 Refund Methods
Refunds are issued to the original payment method:
| Original Payment | Refund Method |
|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | Credited to card |
| PayPal | Credited to PayPal account |
| Store Credit | Credited to account |
| Gift Card | New gift card issued |
| [OTHER] | [METHOD] |
8.3 Refund Amount
Your refund will include:
☐ Full purchase price of returned item(s)
☐ Original sales tax paid
Your refund will NOT include:
☐ Original shipping costs (unless our error)
☐ Return shipping costs (unless our error)
☐ Gift wrapping charges
☐ Restocking fees (if applicable, see below)
8.4 Restocking Fees
[// GUIDANCE: Some states restrict restocking fees. Review applicable state laws.]
☐ A restocking fee of [X%] may apply to certain returns
☐ Electronics: [15%] restocking fee
☐ Large items/furniture: [20%] restocking fee
☐ No restocking fee for defective items
8.5 Partial Refunds
A partial refund may be issued for:
☐ Items returned after the return window (at our discretion)
☐ Items not in original condition
☐ Items missing parts or accessories
☐ Items showing signs of use
8.6 Refund Confirmation
Once your refund is processed:
☐ You will receive a refund confirmation email
☐ The email will include the refund amount and method
☐ Allow time for the refund to appear in your account
9. EXCHANGES
9.1 Exchange Availability
☐ Exchanges are subject to product availability
☐ We recommend returning and placing a new order for faster service
9.2 Exchange Process
Option 1: Return and Reorder
☐ Initiate a return for the original item
☐ Place a new order for the desired item
☐ Receive refund for original item when processed
Option 2: Direct Exchange (if available)
☐ Contact customer service to request an exchange
☐ Provide the item you want in exchange
☐ We will hold the new item pending return receipt
☐ Pay any price difference or receive refund for price difference
9.3 Exchange Shipping
☐ You pay return shipping for the original item
☐ We pay shipping for the exchange item (within same country)
☐ International exchanges may incur additional shipping charges
10. DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE ITEMS
10.1 Reporting Damaged Items
If your item arrives damaged:
☐ Contact us within [48 hours] of delivery
☐ Provide photos of the damage and packaging
☐ Do NOT discard the damaged item or packaging until instructed
10.2 Reporting Defective Items
If your item is defective:
☐ Contact us within [30] days of delivery
☐ Describe the defect in detail
☐ Provide photos or video if possible
10.3 Resolution Options
For damaged or defective items, we offer:
☐ Full refund (including return shipping)
☐ Replacement item at no charge
☐ Partial refund if you keep the item
☐ Store credit with bonus (if preferred)
10.4 Warranty Claims
For items covered by manufacturer warranty:
☐ Contact the manufacturer directly for warranty service
☐ We can assist in providing proof of purchase
☐ Manufacturer warranty is separate from our return policy
11. ORDER CANCELLATIONS
11.1 Before Shipment
☐ Orders may be cancelled before shipment for a full refund
☐ Contact us immediately at [CUSTOMER SERVICE EMAIL]
☐ Cancellation is not guaranteed once order is processing
11.2 After Shipment
☐ Orders cannot be cancelled after shipment
☐ Refuse delivery if possible (return will be processed upon receipt)
☐ Otherwise, follow standard return process
11.3 Cancellation by Us
We may cancel orders due to:
☐ Stock unavailability
☐ Pricing errors
☐ Suspected fraud
☐ Inability to verify payment
You will receive a full refund for orders we cancel.
12. DIGITAL PRODUCTS AND DOWNLOADS
12.1 No Refunds After Download
☐ Digital products cannot be returned once downloaded or accessed
☐ By purchasing, you acknowledge this limitation
☐ We recommend reviewing product descriptions carefully
12.2 Exceptions for Digital Products
Refunds may be considered if:
☐ The product does not function as described
☐ Technical issues prevent access (and cannot be resolved)
☐ You were charged incorrectly
☐ You cancel before download/access
12.3 Request Process
To request a digital product refund:
☐ Contact us within [7] days of purchase
☐ Explain the issue in detail
☐ We will review and respond within [3] business days
13. SERVICES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
13.1 Service Refunds
For one-time services:
☐ Full refund if cancelled before service is rendered
☐ Partial refund if cancelled during service (prorated)
☐ No refund after service is completed
13.2 Subscription Refunds
[// GUIDANCE: See Auto-Renewal Disclosure template for subscription cancellation requirements.]
For subscription services:
☐ Cancel anytime through your account settings
☐ No refund for partial billing periods (unless required by law)
☐ You retain access until the end of current billing period
☐ See our Auto-Renewal Disclosure for cancellation procedures
14. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS
14.1 International Return Shipping
☐ Customer is responsible for return shipping costs
☐ We recommend using a trackable international shipping method
☐ Returns may take longer due to customs processing
14.2 Customs Duties and Taxes
☐ Refunds do NOT include customs duties, import taxes, or VAT
☐ Contact your local customs office for duty refund procedures
14.3 Currency
☐ Refunds are issued in the original currency of purchase
☐ Exchange rate fluctuations may affect the final amount received
15. GIFT RETURNS
15.1 Returning a Gift
If you received an item as a gift:
☐ Contact us with the order number (if known) or gift receipt
☐ Refunds for gifts are issued as store credit or gift card
☐ We cannot issue refunds to the original purchaser's payment method
15.2 Gift Receipts
If you have a gift receipt:
☐ Include the gift receipt with your return
☐ Receive store credit for the purchase price
15.3 Without Gift Receipt
If you do not have a gift receipt:
☐ We may be able to locate the order using product information
☐ Refund will be issued at the current selling price
16. CONTACT INFORMATION
16.1 Customer Service
For questions about returns or refunds:
[COMPANY NAME]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
Email: [RETURNS EMAIL]
Phone: [CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE]
Live Chat: [CHAT URL]
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: [X:XX AM - X:XX PM] [TIME ZONE]
Saturday: [X:XX AM - X:XX PM] [TIME ZONE]
Sunday: Closed
16.2 Response Time
☐ Email inquiries: Response within [24-48] hours
☐ Phone support: Available during business hours
☐ Live chat: Available during business hours
STATE-SPECIFIC DISCLOSURES
California Residents
Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1723, this return policy is posted at the point of sale and on our website. Refunds are provided in accordance with California law.
New York Residents
In accordance with New York General Business Law Section 218-a, this refund policy is clearly posted.
DOCUMENT CONTROL
| Version | Date | Author | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | [DATE] | [NAME] | Initial version |
Legal Review: ☐ Completed Date: _________ Reviewer: _________
This Refund Policy template is provided for informational purposes. Consumer protection requirements vary by jurisdiction. Consult with qualified legal counsel for specific compliance questions.
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