Restocking fee: is returning still worth it?
See what a percentage restocking fee plus return shipping costs, and when keeping the item is cheaper than sending it back.
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The short answer
On a $120 item with 15% restocking and $8 return shipping, returning costs about $26. Keeping makes sense unless the item is worth under about $94 to you.
Your return
Cost to return
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Examples
| Price | Restock | Ship | Return cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 | 15% | $8 | $26 |
| $80 | 0% | $9 | $9 |
| $250 | 20% | $0 | $50 |
Before you open it
If a return looks likely, check whether unopened stock avoids the percentage fee.
Common questions
When do restocking fees show up?
Often on opened electronics, special orders or final-sale exceptions. Read the return policy before you buy a “deal” you might send back.
Is the fee always a percentage?
Some sellers use a flat fee. Put that dollar amount as a percentage equivalent, or set restock % to 0 and put the flat fee in return shipping.
What does “keep unless value below” mean?
If returning costs you that much in fees, the item has to be worth less than sale price minus those costs before returning beats keeping it.