Lindsey Desmet
Wayfair’s return shipping costs are based on the size of the item, shipping method, and the shipping distance.
Wayfair sells a variety of items — large and small — and ships nationwide, so individual return costs will vary considerably.
Below, we detail Wayfair’s return shipping policy, including cost estimates for some of the retailer’s most popular items.
Wayfair Return Shipping Costs Explained
Wayfair is an online-only home goods retailer with only one physical store location,[1] so you can only return items by mail.
Wayfair doesn’t offer free return shipping; the cost will depend on your ZIP code, the method of delivery, and the item details, such as size and weight.[2][3]
If you’re processing your return through your online account, you’ll learn the return shipping cost before printing the return label.
Alternatively, you can contact Wayfair customer service to find the return shipping cost or arrange pickup for large, heavy, and fragile items.[3]
Estimated Return Shipping Costs by Item
Wayfair customer service representatives were unable to confirm return shipping costs for any item category due to variability.
We gathered return shipping cost estimates from UPS and FedEx for popular Wayfair items, using the writer’s location of Detroit, MI as the point of origin.
Be aware that our estimates are approximate and may not reflect your individual costs; Wayfair sometimes uses specialized carriers and ships from various warehouses across the country.
- Couches: $100 to $850 (based on weights of 80 to 300 pounds)
- Desks, TV stands, and bookcases: $40 to $900 (based on weights of 30 to 350 pounds)
- Dining sets: $70 to $600 (based on weights of 60 to 200 pounds)
- Recliner chairs: Around $100 (based on a weight of 75 pounds)
- Rugs: Up to $50 or more depending on the size and weight
- Vanities: $185 to $725 (based on weights of 150 to 250 pounds)
Based on the information above, if return shipping is nearly as expensive as the item itself, you may find the return process isn’t worth it.
In this case, you can consider keeping the item or selling it to a local buyer through a site like Craigslist or the Facebook Marketplace. You can arrange pickup with the buyer to avoid shipping costs, and you may be able to sell it for an amount greater than your refund would have been.
For more information on shopping at Wayfair, see our research on the Wayfair price adjustment policy.
Exceptions
Items With Free Return Shipping
Damaged and defective items are an exception to Wayfair’s return shipping policy — Wayfair will waive these return shipping charges.
You can resolve the issue by choosing to receive replacement parts, a full item replacement, or a refund.[4]
Mattresses are also eligible for free returns and exchanges under Wayfair’s 100-night free trial policy. Note that this policy excludes mattress toppers, crib mattresses, open box mattresses, and air mattresses and only applies once per order.[2]
Items Ineligible for Return
Unfortunately, there are a few items you can’t return.
The following items aren’t returnable at Wayfair:[2]
- Assembled items
- Bundled items unless returning the entire bundle
- Clearance items
- Gift cards
- Items marked “Non-Returnable”
- Open Box discounted items
- Personalized items
Additionally, note that you should inspect large appliance purchases as soon as they arrive.
If there’s an issue with the product, refuse the delivery rather than shipping it back and contact Wayfair immediately; you can’t return an appliance after installing it.[2]
Return Process
You have 30 days from the date of delivery to make a return. Items initially delivered by UPS or FedEx will receive a return shipping label, with the cost of shipping deducted from your refund.
For large, heavy, or fragile items, Wayfair will arrange for a special carrier to pick up the item.
In all cases, Wayfair will deduct the cost of return shipping from your refund.[5]
William Lipovsky
I am looking at purchasing a couch, loveseat, and chair from Wayfair. It is from China. Are these items here in the United States already or do they ship directly from China? If they arrive damaged, would I still be liable for return shipping cost? If I had to return ship them, would it be to China?
Hello, Claire! Wayfair ships items from its warehouses in the U.S., so you will not need to return ship any items to China. Return shipping is free if the item arrives damaged or defective; we have updated our research to reflect this. Best of luck with your purchase!
What is the return policy on damaged merchandise?
Hello, Ann! If your item arrived with damage, you can return it within 30 days of delivery. Just select “damaged or defective” as the reason when you initiate your return online. However, if the item was damaged after delivery, it will not be eligible for return; under the standard return policy, items must be returned in their original condition. We mention this in our article on Wayfair’s rug return policy.