One of the most common questions in retail is: "I opened the box. Can I still return it?"
For clothing, the answer is usually yes (as long as tags are on). For electronics, it's complicated. Retailers lose value the moment a seal is broken, often forcing them to resell the item as "Open Box" at a discount.
Here is the 2026 guide to returning opened electronics at major retailers.
General Rule: The "Restocking Fee"
Many retailers charge a Restocking Fee (usually 15%) for opened items like cameras, drones, projectors, and high-end GPS devices. This fee covers the cost of inspecting and repackaging the item.
- Tip: If the item is defective, the restocking fee is almost always waived.
Store Policies
1. Amazon
- Opened Items: Yes. You can return opened electronics, but high-value electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches) now have a 15-day return window as of 2026 — down from the previous 30 days. Most other items remain at 30 days.
- Condition: Must include all accessories (cables, manuals).
- Fees: Amazon may deduct a restocking fee if the item is damaged, missing parts, or in unsellable condition. A $7.99 UPS home pickup fee also applies if a free drop-off location is nearby.
- Apple Products on Amazon: Often strict. Verify if sold by "Amazon Services LLC" or a third party.
- ⚠️ Important: Miss the 15-day window by even an hour and Amazon's system automatically rejects the return. Read more about Amazon's 2026 return crackdown.
2. Best Buy
- Window: 15 days (Standard), 60 days (Plus/Total Members).
- Opened Items: Yes.
- Restocking Fee: 15% fee applies to: Drones, DSLR/Mirrorless cameras, lenses, projectors, and some e-transportation rides.
- Cell Phones: 14-day window with up to $45 restocking fee.
3. Walmart
- Window: 30 days for most electronics (Post-paid cell phones: 14 days).
- Opened Items: Yes, usually accepted without issue if all packaging is present.
- Exceptions: Software, video games, and movies cannot be returned if opened (exchange for same title only).
4. Target
- Window: 30 days for electronics (Apple products: 15 days).
- Opened Items: Yes.
- RedCard Bonus: If you pay with a Target RedCard, you often get an extra 30 days, bringing the total to 60 days (or 45 for Apple).
- Strictness: Target is known for being lenient, but serial numbers must match exactly.
5. Costco
- Window: 90 days for "Select Electronics" (TVs, Projectors, Computers, Cameras, Smart Watches).
- Opened Items: Yes. Costco has the most generous policy. You can return an opened TV on day 89.
- Fees: No restocking fees.
- Membership: Returns are tracked via membership card; no receipt needed.
6. Apple Store
- Window: 14 days.
- Opened Items: Yes.
- Condition: Extremely strict on damage. Even a micro-scratch can disqualify a return. Must include all dongles and cables.
How to Protect Yourself
- Keep the Box: Never throw away packaging until the return window is closed. "Missing packaging" is the #1 reason returns are denied.
- Don't Peel the Plastic: If you aren't sure you're keeping it, leave the protective film on the screen.
- Track Your Days: 15 days flies by. Use the Purchy app to automatically track your return windows. It syncs with your email receipts and counts down the days for you, alerting you before you get stuck with a $1,000 paperweight.