Big retailers across America are charging shoppers to return their unwanted holiday gifts and purchases.
Nearly three out of four retailers will make customers pay a restocking or return fee that can be as high as $45 if they ship their product back, according to data reviewed by The Epoch Times and the National Retail Federation.
“Return policies and their overall process have transformed into a strategic touchpoint for retailers, influencing how younger consumers shop from the outset,” David Sobie, co-founder and CEO of Happy Returns, said in the National Retail Federation’s 2025 Retail Returns Landscape report.
Best Buy charges a $45 restocking fee on opened devices such as smartphones, tablets, and digital wearables, according to Best Buy’s return policy….