Refund and Return Policy Generator
Set your return window, conditions and refund method to generate a clear refund and return policy for your online store. Copy and paste it in seconds.
Refund issued as
Return conditions
Non-refundable items
Reassure customers with a clear refund policy
Add it to your YNS store in minutes.
What to include in a refund and return policy
A good return policy answers every question a customer would otherwise email you about. The generator covers most of these sections; check them against how your store actually works.
- Return window – how many days customers have, and whether the clock starts at purchase or at delivery.
- Conditions – unused, in original packaging, with proof of purchase, tags attached.
- How to start a return – who to contact, what to include and whether items can be sent back without approval.
- Return shipping – who pays, and whether you provide a prepaid label.
- Refund method and timing – original payment method or store credit, and how many business days a refund takes after inspection.
- Exchanges – whether you swap sizes or colours, or only replace faulty items.
- Non-returnable items – personalised goods, perishables, gift cards, opened hygiene products and digital downloads.
- Damaged or wrong items – how customers report them and how quickly you put them right.
Many stores publish shipping and returns together. If you do, add processing times, shipping rates, delivery estimates and international shipping rules above the returns section.
Returns, refunds and exchanges: what's the difference?
The three terms are often used interchangeably, but a policy is clearer when it keeps them apart. A return is the customer sending the item back. A refund is what they receive for it: money to the original payment method or store credit. An exchange swaps the item for another size, colour or product, with no money changing hands unless the price differs.
Refunds to the original payment method build the most trust. Store credit keeps revenue in the business, but offering it as the only option puts off first-time buyers and is not allowed for EU and UK withdrawal refunds unless the customer agrees to it.
“No refunds” policies and consumer law
An “all sales final” policy is tempting for small stores, but where your customers live decides whether it holds up. This is general information, not legal advice.
- European Union – for online and other distance sales, consumers can cancel within 14 days of receiving the goods without giving a reason. You must refund the price and standard delivery cost within 14 days of being told, though you can wait until the goods are back or the customer shows proof of sending them. If you don't tell customers about this right, it is extended by 12 months. Exceptions include custom-made and perishable goods, unsealed hygiene items and digital content the customer agreed to start using. Faulty goods are covered separately by a legal guarantee of at least two years.
- United Kingdom – a similar 14-day cancellation right applies to online purchases, and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives customers 30 days to reject faulty goods for a full refund.
- United States – there is no federal right to return non-faulty goods, so a no-refund policy is generally allowed if it is disclosed. Some states set conditions: in California, a seller that does not offer a full refund, credit or exchange for at least seven days must display its policy, or buyers can return goods for a full refund within 30 days. New York requires retailers, including online stores, to post their refund policy; if they don't, buyers can return unused goods within 30 days for a refund or credit.
- Australia – signs such as “no refunds” are unlawful because they imply customers can never get a refund, even for faulty goods, which the Australian Consumer Law always covers.
If you do run a no-refund or final-sale policy, say so clearly on the product page and at checkout, and still offer a repair, replacement or refund for items that arrive damaged or faulty. A policy customers never saw won't stop a chargeback.
Why a clear refund policy increases sales
A clear, fair refund policy lowers the risk of buying from a store the customer doesn't know yet, and that shows up in conversion rates.
- Reduces cart abandonment at checkout
- Builds trust with first-time buyers
- Cuts support emails, because the answer is already written down
- Reduces chargebacks by giving customers a clear alternative
Add your policy to your store footer, checkout and product pages. On Your Next Store, returns are handled in the same admin as orders, and you can generate the rest of your legal pages with the free privacy policy generator and terms and conditions generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is this refund policy generator free?
Yes. The refund and return policy generator is free, needs no account and has no usage limit. Fill in your store details, generate the policy and copy it into your website.
Can I have a no refund policy?
In most US states you can make non-faulty sales final, as long as the policy is shown clearly before purchase; states such as California and New York make the seller give refunds when a no-refund policy isn't posted. In the EU and UK, online shoppers have a 14-day right to cancel that a store policy cannot remove, and in Australia a “no refunds” sign is itself unlawful. Faulty goods must be put right everywhere.
What is the difference between a return policy and a refund policy?
A return policy explains when and how customers can send items back. A refund policy explains what they get once the item arrives: money to the original payment method, store credit or an exchange, and how long it takes. Most online stores publish both in one refund and return policy, which is what this generator creates.
How long should my return window be?
30 days is the most common window for online stores, and 14 days is the legal minimum for cancellations by consumers in the EU and UK. Longer windows, such as 60 or 90 days, are common for clothing and around the holidays, when many purchases are gifts.
Can I charge a restocking fee?
In the US, you can charge a restocking fee if it is disclosed in your policy before purchase. In the EU and UK, you cannot charge one when a customer cancels within the 14-day withdrawal period. You may only deduct for loss of value caused by handling the item more than needed to inspect it.
Is a return policy required by law?
EU and UK online stores must tell customers about their 14-day withdrawal right before purchase; otherwise the period is extended by up to 12 months. Several US states, including California and New York, require retailers to post their refund policy when it is more restrictive than the default. Card networks and payment providers also expect a clear, visible refund policy.
Where should I put my refund policy on my website?
Link it from your site footer, mention it on product pages and link it again at checkout before payment. Include it in order confirmation emails too, so customers can find it without contacting support.