You just bought a new laptop, but it's not what you expected. You go to return it – and suddenly the store wants to take 15-20% as a "restocking fee". That's potentially hundreds of dollars. Here's exactly how to avoid it.

🛒 Which Stores Charge Restocking Fees?

Based on our April 2026 data, these major electronics retailers commonly charge restocking fees:

  • Best Buy: 15% restocking fee for opened computers, cameras, drones, and major appliances. My Best Buy Elite and Total members get the fee waived.
  • Newegg: 15% restocking fee for opened items under their "Standard Return Policy". Items marked "Return for refund within 30 days" include the fee.
  • Micro Center: 15% restocking fee for desktops, notebooks, projectors, and motherboards.
  • GameStop: No restocking fee for unopened items, but opened consoles may incur a fee (typically 10%). Opened games cannot be returned at all.
  • B&H Photo Video: 15% restocking fee for opened electronics, except for store brand items.

Safe stores (no restocking fees): Amazon (for items sold by Amazon.com), Walmart, Target, Costco, Apple (15-day return, no fee), Samsung (15-day, no fee).

🛡️ 5 Proven Ways to Avoid Restocking Fees

  1. Buy from stores that waive fees for members. Best Buy Total members get free returns on all electronics. Costco's executive membership doesn't waive the fee (they have none), but regular members are fine too.
  2. Keep all packaging and accessories. Missing a manual, charger, or original box can trigger the fee. Store everything for at least 30 days.
  3. Return unopened. If you just changed your mind and the seal is intact, most stores will not charge a restocking fee. Don't break the seal unless you're certain.
  4. Claim defective or damaged. Stores cannot charge restocking fees for faulty items – by law in many jurisdictions. If the product doesn't work, be persistent.
  5. Use credit card return protection. Premium cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum reimburse restocking fees up to $300 per item.

📺 Special Case: Dead Pixels and Open-Box Items

Many stores have dead pixel policies that require 3-5 dead pixels before accepting a return. For open-box items, restocking fees often still apply if you return them again. Always ask before buying open-box electronics – some stores like Best Buy mark open-box items as "final sale".

🌍 International Perspective

In the European Union, restocking fees are illegal for online returns within the 14-day cooling-off period. Even if opened, you can return any electronic item for a full refund, as long as it's in resalable condition. In Australia, consumer law also prohibits restocking fees unless they are clearly disclosed and reasonable. If you live in these regions, know your rights.

🎥 Pro Tip: Record Your Unboxing

Smart shoppers now record a continuous video of unboxing expensive electronics. If the store claims you damaged the item, that video is your best evidence. It also helps prove that all accessories were included.

Bottom Line: Before buying expensive electronics, check the store's restocking fee policy using our comparator tool. If you must return, keep everything pristine and use a credit card with return protection.
Written by James Okonkwo
James is a full-stack developer and former Newegg returns processor. He has helped over 5,000 shoppers avoid restocking fees through his detailed guides.