Do I legally need a refund policy?

Legal requirements vary by jurisdiction. In the EU, consumers have a 14-day right of withdrawal for online purchases. In the US, federal law doesn't require refunds unless products are defective, but state laws and payment processors often have specific requirements. Always check your local regulations.

Can I offer no refunds for digital products?

Yes, in many jurisdictions you can have a no-refund policy for digital products, but you must clearly disclose this before purchase. Some platforms like Apple App Store and Google Play have their own refund policies that may override yours.

What's the difference between a refund and a return?

A return is the physical act of sending a product back. A refund is the money given back to the customer. You can accept returns but offer store credit instead of refunds, or offer exchanges only—as long as you clearly state your policy.

How do I handle chargebacks?

A chargeback is when a customer disputes a charge with their bank. Prevent them by having a clear refund policy, providing excellent service, and processing legitimate refund requests promptly. Keep records of all transactions and refund requests.

Should I charge a restocking fee?

Restocking fees (typically 10-20%) can offset costs of returned items, but may deter purchases. They're common for large electronics or custom items. Clearly disclose restocking fees before purchase to avoid disputes.

What items are typically non-refundable?

Common non-refundable items include: personalized/custom products, perishable goods, intimate apparel, hygiene products, downloadable digital content after access, sale/clearance items, and gift cards. Always specify exceptions in your policy.

How long should my refund window be?

Common windows are 14-30 days. EU law requires 14 days minimum for distance sales. Longer windows (60-90 days) build trust but increase costs. Consider your product type—electronics often need longer testing periods than clothing.

Who should pay for return shipping?

You can require customers to pay return shipping for change-of-mind returns. However, for defective/incorrect items, the seller typically pays. Offering free returns increases conversions but adds costs. Be clear about who pays in your policy.

Can I refuse refunds for sale items?

Yes, you can exclude sale, clearance, or final sale items from your refund policy, but you must clearly mark them as such before purchase. This doesn't apply to defective items—you're still responsible for those in most jurisdictions.

How quickly must I process refunds?

Best practice is within 5-10 business days of receiving the return. Payment processors often require refunds within 30 days. EU law requires refunds within 14 days of receiving the return. Slower processing leads to chargebacks and customer dissatisfaction.

Refund Policy Generator - Free Return Policy Template

Business Information

Company/Store Name *

Website URL *

Contact Email *

Business Type

Refund Terms

Refund Window

Refund Method

Processing Time

Return Conditions

What conditions apply to returns?

Items must be unused/unworn

Original packaging required

Proof of purchase required

Original tags attached

Restocking fee applies

Shipping & Returns

Return Shipping Cost

Offer exchanges for different size/color

Product Exceptions

Which items are non-refundable?

Sale/clearance items

Customized/personalized products

Perishable goods

Hygiene/intimate products

Gift cards

Downloaded digital content

Digital Products Policy

Digital Product Refunds

Refund & Return Policy

Fill in the form and click Generate to create your refund policy.

Legal Disclaimer

This refund policy generator provides a template for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Consumer protection laws vary by jurisdiction. We recommend having a qualified attorney review your refund policy before publishing, especially if selling internationally.

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