How long should my return window be?

Many stores offer 14 to 30 days from delivery. Some jurisdictions mandate a minimum cooling-off period for online purchases — for example 14 days in the EU and UK for most distance sales — so your window should meet or exceed the legal minimum.

Can I charge a restocking fee?

Often yes for change-of-mind returns, but not for faulty goods or where the law forbids it. This tool lets you set a percentage; keep it reasonable and disclose it clearly, as hidden fees damage trust and may be unenforceable.

Who pays for return shipping?

It is your choice for change-of-mind returns, but for faulty or incorrectly shipped items the seller usually must cover return costs. The builder offers a balanced option where the customer pays for change-of-mind and you pay if the item is faulty.

What items can be excluded from returns?

Commonly personalised goods, perishables, opened hygiene products, and digital downloads — but exclusions cannot override statutory rights for faulty items. List your final-sale categories explicitly so customers know before they buy.

Does this replace my legal obligations?

No. Consumer-protection laws give buyers rights that a policy cannot remove. This is a template, not legal advice — have it reviewed to ensure it complies in the regions you sell to.

Return & Refund Policy Builder

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Make returns simple and predictable

A clear return and refund policy reduces support tickets, builds buyer confidence, and keeps you on the right side of consumer law. Shoppers want to know how long they have, what condition items must be in, who pays for shipping, and when the money comes back. This builder turns your choices into a complete policy.

How it works

You set each term and the generator writes nine sections: return window, condition requirements, non-returnable items, how to start a return, return shipping, refunds, faulty-item rights, late refunds, and contact. Three settings shape the result most:

Refund method — original payment, store credit, or customer’s choice of exchange or refund.
Return shipping — customer pays, you pay, or you pay only for faulty or wrong items.
Restocking fee — an optional percentage applied to change-of-mind returns; the text notes when it applies and when it does not.

It always states that original shipping is non-refundable except for faults and that statutory consumer rights are unaffected.

Tips and notes

Set your window to at least the legal cooling-off minimum in the regions you sell to. Never charge restocking fees or refuse returns for faulty goods, as that breaches consumer law. Keep refund processing times realistic and honour them, since slow refunds are a top complaint. This is a template, not legal advice — have it reviewed before publishing.