Wayfair Return Shipping Costs: Carriers, Estimates Detailed

Wayfair’s return shipping costs are based on the size of the item, the method of shipping, and the shipping distance. Wayfair sells a wide variety of items — large and small — and ships nationwide, so individual return costs will vary considerably. Below, we detail Wayfair return shipping costs, including cost estimates for some of Wayfair’s most popular items.

Wayfair Return Shipping Costs Explained

Wayfair is an online-only home goods retailer that sells indoor and outdoor furniture, decor, storage solutions, fixtures, appliances, and more. Because Wayfair has no physical store locations, returns can only be made by mail. Most orders of $49 or more ship for free, but Wayfair does not offer free return shipping.

To make a return, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to initiate the return process. For standard-size items, you can use the return shipping label provided in your order (if one was not provided, you can log in to your online account to print one). Just keep in mind that unless the item arrives damaged or defective, the return shipping cost will be subtracted from your refund. Return shipping costs “depend on the ZIP code, method of delivery, and item,” a corporate customer service representative said.

If processing your return through your online account, you’ll learn the return shipping cost before you print the return label. Alternately, you can contact Wayfair customer service to find out the return shipping cost.

In-home pickup for items shipped by FedEx or UPS is available for an additional fee. Particularly heavy, oversized, or fragile items may require pickup — as long as they don’t weigh more than 150 pounds. Freight shipping is required for items weighing more than 150 pounds and is typically charged at a per-pound rate. To make arrangements for in-home pickup or freight shipping, contact Wayfair’s customer service department. A customer service representative will be able to quote you the return shipping cost for the item.

Since Wayfair return shipping costs vary, we’ve listed a few price estimates below for popular items. For the sample, we used the writer’s location of Detroit, Mich., as the point of origin and Wayfair’s corporate office in Boston as the destination (a flying distance of about 615 miles). 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)
• Vanities: $185 to $725 (based on weights of 150 to 250 pounds)
• Rugs: See our article on Wayfair’s rug return policy.

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 and/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’ll likely be able to sell it for an amount greater than your refund would have been.

There are a few exceptions to the standard return policy:

• Wayfair doesn’t accept returns of assembled furniture, clearance items (unless damaged or defective), or personalized items.
• Mattresses come with a 100-night trial and free returns.
• For large appliance purchases, you should inspect the appliance as soon as it arrives. If there is an issue with the product, refuse the delivery and contact Wayfair immediately to avoid having to ship it back. Keep in mind that some appliances also have manufacturer restocking fees.

Did you purchase from Wayfair through Walmart’s website? See our article for information on returning Wayfair items purchased at Walmart.

In Summary

Wayfair does not offer free return shipping — except on mattresses. To make a return, you can use the return shipping label provided and the shipping cost will be deducted from your refund. Be aware that return shipping can cost more than $800 for oversized items like couches and will vary based on the carrier, distance, and the item itself. In-home pickup and freight shipping options are available for additional fees.

For more information on shopping at Wayfair, see our articles about Wayfair’s price adjustment policy, as well as your approval odds for the Wayfair credit card.