I’ve been breaking down retailer’s return policies for a few years now and I gotta admit that I’ve yet to find one as complicated as the Newegg return policy. Things that complicate the Newegg policy considerably include 3rd party sellers with different rules, products that are “replacement only”, and the dreaded restocking fee that accompany some products. Not helping the problem is Newegg’s website, which includes 3 pages dedicated to their return policy, making for a TOTAL mess when trying to find specific information. So I went ahead and broke it ALL down for you on a single page, hope this helps.

How Many Return Days Does Newegg Allow?

30 days.

For items sold and shipped by Newegg, you get exactly 30 days from date of delivery to request a refund or return.

For items sold by a 3rd party seller, you need to check with the individual seller to determine the return window or if the item is non-returnable.

Who Pays the Return Shipping?

On items that are sold and shipped by Newegg they will pay for the return label on stuff that weighs less than 50 pounds.

You simply request the label during the return creation process.

Does Newegg Ever Charge a Restocking Fee?

Yes.

For products that Newegg sells and ships directly (not stuff from 3rd party sellers), they will ONLY give you a full refund if there is something wrong or defective with the item.

If the reason for your return is what they deem a “Personal Reason”, and you OPENED the product, expect to pay a restocking fee of 15%.

This is a terrible policy and seems to actually encourage shoppers to damage items so they can avoid the restocking fee.

Also, they “reserve the right” to charge you a 15% restocking fee if you refuse delivery on any item.

How Do I Avoid the 15% Restocking Fee?

Look for items on Newegg that are stamped with the “30-Day Hassle-Free Returns” badge.

Those are the only products that comes with NO restocking fee and a free return label, even on products that you OPENED.

Above is a screenshot of what the badge looks like so you know what to look for.

Can Products Be Used or Opened?

Depends on the item and the seller.

Be sure to check the bottom of the product page to see the specific return policy for that item.

See screenshot above to see what it looks like.

Many big ticket items like TVs are non-refundable when sold by a 3rd party seller.

You have MUCH more leeway when buying items sold and shipped by Newegg and in most cases you can return used products, especially if they have a defect.

See Also: Amazon Return Policy: We Break Thru the Confusion and Make Sense Of It

What If I Threw Away the Original Packaging?

You just might be out of luck when requesting a return if you tossed the original packaging.

This holds true for both 3rd party sellers on Newegg and products they ship and fulfill themselves.

Always hold on to boxes and packaging for the first 30 days in case you need them.

What About Returning “Marketplace Seller” Items?

To see what a seller’s specific return policy is you need to visit their profile page directly.

Make sure you’re comfortable with their individual policy before you make a significant purchase or you might be stuck with the product OR on the hook for return shipping charges.

How Do I Start a Return With Newegg?

When you’re ready to start a return, simply follow these 6 steps to make it happen:

1. Sign-In to your account.

2. Go to your Order History and find the item you want to return.

3. Select Refund or Replace located directly to the Right of the item.

4. Pick your Return Reason and compete the Return Information.

5. Select your Shipping Method and click on Submit Return.

6. Next, follow the steps to prepare your package and print your shipping label (if provided).

Are There Any Exceptions to the 30 Days?

No, but there are some product specific exceptions that you should be aware of.

– Bundles: If you buy multiple items bundled together, often sold at a discount, you must return the ENTIRE bundle and not a single product from the bundle.

– Kit Purchases: You CAN return individual items bought as a kit for a replacement only.

– TV & Video Purchases: TVs larger than 37″ require an adult signature upon delivery. Be sure you inspect the TV quickly for damage as you only have 48 hours to report any damage to Newegg.

– Zero Dead Pixel Policy: If your new TV or monitor has as few as ONE bad pixel, Newegg will let you return it within 30 days.

– Special Orders: You CANNOT return special orders under any circumstance.

– Quantity Purchases: If you get a discount when buying 10 or more of the same item, the purchase immediately becomes non-refundable.

– Promotional Products: You gotta return all items that came with your promotional product if you want to request a return or refund at Newegg.

– Prepaid Gift Cards: You can’t return them under any circumstance.

What’s the Newegg “45/1 Return Policy” All About?

If you see a product on the Newegg website that is marked with “This item is covered by Newegg’s 45/1 Return Policy” you have 45 days to make a return AND your eligible for a replacement within 1 year of delivery date.

I was told by a Newegg representative that the 45/1 return policy is typically applied during the holiday season.

As of this writing it’s unavailable but keep an eye out for it in November and December.

See Also: Best Buy Return Policy: 8 Things You Gotta Know to Make Sense Of It

What is the Return Policy on Laptops?

Laptops can typically be replaced or refunded within 30 days from the delivery date.

Be sure to check the return policy information under Warranty & Returns on the item page.

What About a “Replacement Only” Return?

Some products have a replacement only return policy.

I was told by Newegg that some VGAs, GPUs. and laptops have this kind of a policy.

Be sure to check the item page for specifics before you buy.

See Also: Apple Return Policy: 5 Reasons Why It Sucks Out Loud

How is a Marketplace Return Different?

Like I mentioned earlier, marketplace sellers can have a different return policy compared to Newegg’s policy.

Check out this page to see exactly how to do a marketplace return, it also includes screenshots which is very convenient and makes the process much easier to follow.

From my research the vast majority of marketplace returns can be done via the Newegg Return Portal.

Does Newegg Have Something Called a “Manufacturer-Only” Return Policy?

Yes.

Some products CANNOT be returned to Newegg and require you to contact the actual manufacturer for a refund, exchange, or return.

Again, you’ll want to closely examine the product page to see if what you’re considering buying has a return policy like this.

BONUS Tip: Open and Inspect for Damage Before Returning

This tip comes from a popular gamer who returned an unneeded motherboard to Newegg WITHOUT opening the box and inspecting first.

Newegg refused the return claiming the product was damaged when he never actually opened the dang box.

Moral of the story: Always inspect the item even if you don’t need it, and take pictures of any damage and call Newegg before you make the return to let them know about the issue.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever had to use the Newegg return policy? Was it an easy process or a total pain in the butt?

By Kyle James