Return policy examples, in short: most online shops use a 30-day window from delivery for unused items, with customer-paid return shipping and refunds within 5–10 business days. Custom, digital and clearance items are often final sale, but faulty items must still be fixed; EU and UK buyers generally get 14 days to cancel. Seven samples below.
More on this topic: Selling online, every guide in one place.
Pick the example closest to how you sell, then change the numbers. To build one from your own answers, use our free return policy generator, which writes a plain-English draft you can copy as text, Markdown or HTML. For the sections every policy needs, see how to write a return policy; for what to do when a return actually arrives, see how to handle returns. This is general information, not legal advice.
- 30 days from delivery is the most common window for physical goods; count from delivery, not purchase.
- “No returns” never means “no fixes”. Items that arrive damaged, faulty or wrong still need a replacement or refund.
- EU and UK: buyers generally have 14 days from delivery to cancel most online purchases, and you refund within 14 days, including standard delivery.
- Common exceptions: personalized or made-to-order items, perishables, unsealed hygiene products and digital downloads once started.
- Match your settings. Etsy and Shopify return settings should say the same thing as your written policy.
What does a good return policy look like?
A good return policy fits in a few short paragraphs and answers: how many days, what condition, how to start, who pays return shipping, how and when refunds are paid, and what can't be returned.
The seven examples below take different positions on those questions. Compare them first, then copy the one closest to your business.
| Policy type | Window | Return shipping | Refund as | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No returns (custom / handmade) | None for change of mind | You pay if faulty | Original payment if faulty | Personalized, made to order |
| Standard 30-day | 30 days from delivery | Customer | Original payment | Most small online stores |
| Free returns | 30–60 days | You (prepaid label) | Original payment | Apparel, shoes, higher prices |
| Exchange only | 14–30 days | Customer one way | New size or color | Sized items, small margins |
| Final sale / clearance | None for change of mind | You pay if faulty | Original payment if faulty | Discontinued and sale stock |
| Digital products | None once downloaded | n/a | Working file or refund if broken | Printables, templates, presets |
| EU / UK buyers | 14 days to cancel + 14 to send back | Customer if told before sale | Within 14 days, incl. standard delivery | Anyone selling into the EU or UK |
No-returns policy example for handmade and custom items
Say clearly that change-of-mind returns aren't accepted, and in the same breath say what you do if something goes wrong.
“Because every order is made for you, we don't accept returns or exchanges for change of mind. Please check names, spelling, sizes and colors before you order; for custom designs we send a proof and start only after you approve it. If your item arrives damaged, faulty or different from what you ordered, email a photo within 7 days of delivery and we'll remake it or refund you in full, including shipping.”
Keep the approved proof. It's your evidence if a buyer opens a case later.
30-day return policy example
This is the default most buyers expect from a small online store.
“You can return unused items in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. To start a return, email us with your order number and we'll send the return address. Return shipping is paid by you unless the item arrived damaged or wrong. We refund your original payment method within 5 business days of receiving the return. Original shipping costs aren't refunded unless the return is our mistake. Sale items and gift cards can't be returned.”
Free returns policy example
Free returns can lift sales on clothing and gifts, but price them in first and say how the label works.
“Returns are free on US orders within 45 days of delivery. Start your return on our returns page to get a prepaid label, then drop the parcel at any post office. Items must be unworn, unwashed and have their tags attached. Refunds go to your original payment method within 5 business days of the parcel reaching us. International returns are at your own cost.”
Exchange-only return policy example
Exchange-only works for sized items when you can't afford refunds, but say what happens if the replacement is out of stock.
“We offer free size or color exchanges within 30 days of delivery. You pay to send the item back; we pay to ship the new one. Items must be unworn with tags attached. If the size or color you want is out of stock, we'll offer store credit or a refund to your original payment method, your choice.”
Exchange-only doesn't override legal rights: EU and UK buyers can still cancel within 14 days for a refund, and faulty items still get a refund or repair.
Most change-of-mind returns start with a photo that didn't match. Make accurate white-background and lifestyle images from your own product shots, product kept as it is.
Make listing photos7 days free · 50 credits · No credit cardFinal sale and clearance return policy example
Mark final-sale items on the product page and in the cart, not only in the policy.
“Items marked Final Sale can't be returned or exchanged. This is shown on the product page and in your cart before you pay. If a final-sale item arrives damaged or isn't as described, email us a photo within 7 days of delivery and we'll refund or replace it.”
Return policy example for digital products
Digital files can't be sent back, so the usual rule is final sale with a promise to fix broken files.
“Because digital files can't be returned, all sales are final once your download is available. If a file is damaged, won't open or isn't what was described, email us within 14 days and we'll send a working copy or refund you. Customers in the EU: at checkout you agree that your download starts immediately and that you lose your right to cancel once it does.”
In the EU, the no-refund exception for digital content generally applies only once the buyer has agreed to immediate delivery and acknowledged losing the right to withdraw, so put that step in checkout if your platform allows it.
Return policy example for EU and UK customers
If you sell to consumers in the EU or UK, they generally have 14 days from receiving goods to cancel an online purchase without giving a reason, whatever your own policy says.
“If you live in the EU or UK, you can cancel your order within 14 days of receiving it without giving a reason. Tell us by email, then send the items back within 14 days of telling us. Return shipping is paid by you. We refund the price and standard delivery cost within 14 days of receiving the items back. We may deduct an amount if items have been used beyond what's needed to check them. This doesn't apply to personalized or made-to-order items, perishable goods, or sealed hygiene items once unsealed. Faulty items are covered separately by your legal rights.”
- EU: 14 days to withdraw from delivery of goods. The buyer pays return postage only if you told them before the sale; if you didn't, you pay. Exceptions include goods made to order or clearly personalized, perishables, unsealed audio, video or software, and digital content started with the buyer's express agreement.
- UK: the buyer has 14 days from receiving the item to tell you they're cancelling, then another 14 days to return it. You refund within 14 days of getting it back, including the standard delivery rate. You can't deduct fees unless the item was used or damaged. Personalized, perishable and sealed hygiene items once opened are exempt unless faulty.
EU (Your Europe) and UK (GOV.UK) cancellation rules were checked in October 2026. Marketplaces change their rules, so confirm the current requirements in your seller dashboard before you upload a large batch.
How do I choose the right return policy example?
- Start from your margin. Free returns on a $15 item with $8 shipping each way rarely pays; exchange-only or customer-paid returns may suit you better.
- Split by product type. Many shops run a 30-day policy with a custom-item exception and a digital section, under clear headings.
- Check where buyers live. If you ship to the EU or UK, your policy can't be stricter than their 14-day rules for those buyers.
- Pair it with shipping. Write your shipping policy at the same time; our shipping policy examples use matching wording.
- Plan the workflow. Decide who inspects returns and how stock is put back; how to handle returns covers that step by step.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good return policy example?
“You can return unused items in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Email us to start a return. Return shipping is paid by you unless the item arrived damaged or wrong. Refunds go to your original payment method within 5 business days of receiving the return.”
What is a standard return policy?
For small online stores, 30 days from delivery for unused items, with the customer paying return shipping for change-of-mind returns and a refund to the original payment method.
How do I write a no-return policy?
State that change-of-mind returns aren't accepted, explain why (custom, made to order, hygiene or digital), and say what you'll do if an item arrives damaged, faulty or wrong. Show it before purchase.
Can a small business refuse returns?
In the US, generally yes if it's clearly disclosed, though some states have disclosure rules. EU and UK buyers usually have a 14-day right to cancel most online purchases, and faulty items must be handled everywhere. This isn't legal advice.
What is the 14-day return rule?
In the EU and UK, consumers who buy online can generally cancel within 14 days of receiving goods without a reason. The seller refunds within 14 days, including standard delivery, with exceptions such as personalized and perishable items.
Can I offer store credit instead of a refund?
For change-of-mind returns you choose, where the law allows it; offering a choice is friendlier. For EU and UK cancellations and for faulty items, buyers are generally entitled to a refund.
Is there a free return policy generator?
Yes. AiArter's return policy generator writes a plain-English draft from your answers in your browser, with no sign-up, and you can copy it as text, Markdown or HTML.
AiArter turns your own product photos into accurate white-background, lifestyle and channel-sized images, so buyers get what they saw.
Start free trialReturn policy generator7 days free · 50 credits · No credit card. Trial images carry a small “Made with aiarter” mark; paid plans export clean files you can use commercially.
