The Zappos Return Policy Made Easy (Including How to Make Your Return at Whole Foods!)

If you want to return something to Zappos, you’re in luck because the Amazon-owned online retailer has one of the best return policies out there. For starters, you can return anything for a full refund within 365 days of your purchase. That’s a whole year! On top of that, return shipping is free, and you drop your returns off at the UPS Store or any Whole Foods location. While the Zappos return policy is pretty straightforward, it’s always good to know the ins and outs so you don’t miss out on a potential refund.

Wondering if you can return shoes you’ve already worn? And there must be a catch to the 365-day return window, right? What about the original shoe box — do you need to return that? No matter your burning questions, I answered them all right here so you can get your money back every time.

Looking for ways to save on your future Zappos purchases? Check out all the latest Zappos deals.

 

Zappos Return Policy Overview

You have a whole 365 days to return items to Zappos for a full refund.

Unlike many retailers who only offer 30 days to return items, Zappos gives you one full year from the date you purchase an item to return it. This means you have tons of time to decide whether or not you want to keep something.

Just note: the 365-day countdown starts the day you place your order, NOT the day your order arrives.

 

There is no catch to the 365-day return rule at Zappos.

With a return policy this good, it’s fair to wonder if there’s a catch. But nope. You have 365 days to return anything you buy from Zappos, as long as the items aren’t marked Final Sale. You can read the full Zappos return policy here.

Related: We’re big fans of stores with awesome returns policies — especially the ones with super-long return windows.

 

But items must be in their original sellable condition to get a full refund.

To get a full refund for something you return to Zappos, the item needs to be in its original sellable condition. This means the shoes can’t be visibly worn, and the tags must still be attached.

This is standard across most return policies, so it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise. But since these are shoes you’re dealing with, don’t walk around too much when you’re trying them on.

 

Don’t wear the shoes if you want a refund.

Like I said earlier, all shoes — including running shoes, sandals, boots, and more — cannot show obvious signs of wear if you want a refund. And definitely keep the tags attached — you can’t return them without the original tags in place.

 

Zappos shoes must be returned in their original packaging.

Keep the boxes your Zappos shoes came in, as you’ll need them to make a return. If you forget to include the original packaging with your return, Zappos won’t refund your money.

 

 

It’s worth it to buy a bunch of Zappos shoes (and sizes) at once so you can return them together.

If you ask me, I think it’s worth it to stock up on a few pairs of Zappos shoes any time you make an order. Although Zappos offers free shipping and free returns, I find it easier to buy a bunch of shoes at once and send back anything I don’t want.

This will save you some trips to the post office or to Whole Foods — more on that in a minute. Plus, you can order a couple of different sizes at once to see which size fits you best.

 

How to Return Zappos Items

Return Zappos items by mail or to your local Whole Foods.

If you need to return something to Zappos, the process is very easy. Plus, you’ll have 365 days to do it (starting from the day you placed your order).

Per the Zappos return policy, you can either return your package through UPS or by dropping it off at your nearest Whole Foods Market. For either option, you won’t even need to print out a return label if you don’t want to. And for returns at Whole Foods, no shipping box is required.

The associates at UPS or Whole Foods will just scan your return code on your mobile device and then handle the labeling and shipping for you.

TIP: The Amazon return policy also lets you make returns at Whole Foods — super convenient!

 

How to make your Zappos return:

1. Log in to your Zappos account.
2. Go to your “Orders” and select the order you want to return.
3. Choose the item(s) you want to return, and indicate the reason for your return.
4. You can print out a free return label yourself, or Zappos will email you a scannable return code that you can use at any UPS or Whole Foods Market location.
5. Place your return in its original packaging.
6. Go to a UPS location or Whole Foods and have them scan your return code. They can print out the label, place it on your package, and ship it for you.

 

Returning things to Zappos is free.

Zappos offers completely free shipping and free returns — always. To return something, simply take your items to UPS or Whole Foods and have the employee scan your provided return code.

Related: We put together a comprehensive list of all the stores with free shipping.

 

 

Zappos Return Policy Exceptions

You can’t return final sale items.

As with most store return policies, anything marked “Final Sale” can’t get returned to Zappos for a refund. Be sure to double-check that your items are not final sale in case you want to return them.

 

Zappos won’t accept returns that are worn, damaged, or missing their tags.

If you wear shoes you plan to return, you will not get a refund. The shoes can’t show signs of wear, and they’ll need the original tags attached if you want your money back.

 

Zappos Return Policy Refunds

Zappos will process your refund within five to 10 business days.

Once your return items arrive at the Zappos warehouse, it takes about five to 10 business days for them to process the return. Once they process it, your refund gets issued back to your original payment method. This might take two to 10 more days for the refund to show up on your card, depending on your bank.

 

You can either return items for a refund or exchange them for something else.

If you want to return something to Zappos, you have 365 days to do so. If you want to exchange an item for another item, you also have 365 days.

 

Zappos will keep you updated with the status of your return.

If you’re wondering when your Zappos refund will show up on your card, fear not. They will keep you up to date with emails about your return. When they receive your return at their facility, you’ll get an email about it. When they issue a refund, you’ll get another email alert. From there, check your bank account balance. You might not see your refund for up to 10 days.

 

 

Zappos Return Policy FAQs

What if I receive a damaged or defective item from Zappos?

It’s unlikely, but if you receive something that is damaged from Zappos, be sure to document it by taking a photo. From there, reach out to customer service as soon as you can.

 

Can I make an exchange for a bigger or smaller size?

Yes, you can exchange items from Zappos for different sizes. To do so, just follow the same steps as you would for a return, but instead of returning the items, mark that you want to exchange them.

 

What if I have issues with my Zappos returns?

If you have any problems processing your return, tracking your package, or receiving your refund, contact Zappos customer service by calling 1-800-927-7671 or sending a text to 1-833-927-7898.

Additionally, you can chat with the Zappos team online by starting a conversation in the Live Chat.

 

How do I find my Zappos return shipping label?

Zappos will email you the scannable label needed to return something. You’ll show this label to a UPS or Whole Foods employee, and they can send your package off for you.

 

Read Up on More Return Policies

If combing through return policy fine print makes your eyes glaze over, don’t miss our comprehensive guide to return and exchange policies. We dug through the heavy text and laid out all the important return policy details for your favorite stores.