How much are restocking fees?
Best Buy charges a flat $45 on opened phones and tablets, and 15% on cameras and drones. Dell charges 15% on some returns. Apple, Amazon, Walmart, and Target charge no restocking fees for standard returns. Returning an item unopened almost always avoids the fee entirely.
Which stores charge restocking fees?
| Retailer | Fee |
|---|---|
| Best Buy | $45 on activatable devices (phones, tablets, cellular smartwatches) 15% on opened drones, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, projectors |
| Dell | 15% of purchase price |
| Samsung | Up to 15% on some products |
| Apple | None |
| Amazon | None for most items Some third-party sellers may charge fees. Check seller policy |
| Walmart | None standard Some marketplace sellers may charge fees |
| Target | None |
Can I get a restocking fee waived?
The single most reliable way to avoid a restocking fee at every retailer. If you're unsure about a purchase, don't open the box until you've decided.
Some retailers only charge restocking fees after a certain number of days. Best Buy waives the fee for unopened returns; Dell waives it for personal returns within 30 days.
Especially for first-time returns or loyalty customers, customer service reps often have discretion to waive restocking fees. Ask politely and mention your purchase history.
Several states prohibit or restrict restocking fees. Best Buy waives its restocking fee in Alabama, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.
Some premium credit cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum) offer return protection that reimburses you for restocking fees and even declined returns within 90–120 days.
Retailer-specific restocking fee guides
Restocking fee FAQ
What is a restocking fee?
A restocking fee is a charge deducted from your refund when you return an item, typically expressed as a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the purchase price. Retailers charge them to cover the cost of processing the return, repackaging the item, and reselling it as open-box. They're most common on electronics, appliances, and high-value purchases.
Which retailers charge restocking fees?
The most notable are Best Buy ($45 flat on phones/tablets, 15% on cameras/drones) and Dell (15% on some purchases). Apple, Amazon, Walmart, and Target do not charge restocking fees for standard returns. Some third-party marketplace sellers on Amazon and Walmart may have their own fee policies.
Can a restocking fee be waived?
Often yes. Common ways to get it waived: return the item unopened, return within a shorter window, ask customer service directly, or cite your state's consumer protection laws. Several states (including Colorado, Hawaii, and Ohio) limit or prohibit restocking fees.
Is a restocking fee legal?
Yes, restocking fees are generally legal in the US as long as the retailer discloses them before purchase. Some states have laws that restrict the fee amount or require disclosure. The FTC doesn't federally limit restocking fees, but state consumer protection laws vary.
How do I avoid a Best Buy restocking fee?
Return the item unopened. If it's already opened, return it within the standard window and ask for the fee to be waived. If you're in one of the 8 exempt states (AL, CO, HI, IA, MS, OH, OK, SC), Best Buy cannot charge the fee by law.
Track your return before the fee kicks in
Restocking fees often apply to opened items. The best way to avoid them is to decide fast. UnBuy tracks your return deadline and reminds you before it expires.
Related tools & guides
Refund times by retailer
How long refunds take by store and payment method
Holiday return deadlines
Extended windows for holiday purchases
Missed return window
Options when the deadline has passed
Return without a receipt
Guide to no-receipt returns by store
Return deadline calculator
Calculate your exact return deadline
Return policy hub
All retailer return policies
Scan your receipt. We count down the days.
UnBuy will scan your receipts, calculate every return deadline, and send you a reminder before time runs out. Coming soon for iOS.
Get notified when the app launches:
Get policy change alerts
We'll email you when major retailers update their return policies or holiday windows open.