How to Return Wayfair Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Return Wayfair Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to return Wayfair furniture with this step-by-step guide. Understand the return policy, initiate your return, prepare your item, choose the right return method, and track your refund. Plus, tips for handling damaged items and ensuring a smooth process.

GA

Sometimes, even after careful consideration, a piece of furniture just doesn’t work out. Whether it doesn’t fit your space, isn’t quite what you expected, or arrives with a defect, returning furniture to Wayfair is a straightforward process—if you know the steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to return your Wayfair furniture hassle-free.

Step 1: Review Wayfair’s Return Policy

Before initiating a return, it’s essential to understand Wayfair’s return policy to ensure your item is eligible. Here are the key points:

  • 30-Day Return Window: Most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery. They must be in their original, undamaged condition. If the item was delivered disassembled, it should be returned disassembled. If the packaging was removed during delivery, you might not need to repack it.
  • Non-Returnable Items: Items like custom or made-to-order products, clearance items, gift cards, live plants, swatches, and items marked as “Non-Returnable” are not eligible for returns.
  • Return Shipping Costs: Unless the item is defective or damaged, you’ll be responsible for return shipping costs, which can vary based on the item’s size, weight, and location.
  • Refund Method: Refunds are typically issued to your original payment method, minus the return shipping fee.

Tip: Always check the specific return policy for your item, as some products may have unique conditions, especially large appliances and mattresses.

Step 2: Initiate the Return

To start the return process, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to Your Wayfair Account: Go to the Wayfair website and sign in to your account.
  2. Navigate to “My Orders”: Under your account, click on “My Orders” to view your recent purchases.
  3. Select the Item to Return: Find the item you want to return and click on “Return Item.”
  4. Choose a Return Reason: Select the reason for your return from the provided options. This helps Wayfair improve its products and services.
  5. Select Return Method: Choose the most convenient return method for you—drop-off, QR code drop-off, or pickup.

Quick Tip: You can also start a return or report a problem with your item directly from the "My Orders" section of your account.

Step 3: Prepare Your Item for Return

Once your return request is approved, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare your item for return. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Repackage the Item: Place the item in its original packaging, including all parts, accessories, and documentation. If the original packaging is damaged or unavailable, use a box of similar size (no longer than 108 inches).
  • Attach the Return Label: If Wayfair provides a return shipping label, print it out and attach it securely to the package. If using a QR code for drop-off, ensure you bring the code to the designated FedEx location.
  • Protect the Item: Make sure the item is well-protected inside the box to prevent damage during transit.

Tip: Take photos of the item before packing it up, especially if there are any defects or damages. This can serve as proof of condition when processing your return.

Step 4: Ship the Item Back

Depending on the size and weight of the item, your return will be handled in one of several ways:

  1. Small Items (via FedEx):
    • FedEx Label Drop-Off: Use the original box if possible, attach the printed label, and drop off the package at a FedEx location.
    • FedEx QR Code Drop-Off: If you opted for a QR code, bring the item to a designated FedEx location that accepts QR code returns.
    • FedEx Pickup: If you selected pickup, ensure the package is ready by your front door. FedEx will collect it without you needing to be home.
  2. Large Items (via Wayfair’s Specialized Carriers):
    • Outside Your Front Door Pickup: A carrier will collect the package from outside your home or building entrance. No need to be home or repackage if packaging was removed during delivery.
    • Inside Your Doorway Pickup: The carrier will pick up the item from just inside your front door. You will need to be home to let the carrier in.
    • Backyard Area Pickup: The carrier will collect the item from your backyard if accessible without going through your home. Ensure the path is clear and safe.
    • Room of Choice Pickup: The carrier will pick up the item from the specific room in your home. You will need to be home and ready to guide the carrier.
    • White Glove Pickup: The most comprehensive option, where the carrier will disassemble and repackage the item for you. You will need to be home during the pickup.

Tip: If you need to reschedule the pickup date or time, contact the carrier directly using the information provided in your return confirmation email.

Step 5: Track Your Return

After your item has been shipped back, you can track the return status:

  1. Log in to Your Wayfair Account: Go to the “My Orders” section and find the item you returned.
  2. Click on “Track Return”: This will show you the current status of your return, including when the item is received and when your refund is processed.

Tip: Keep an eye on your email for any updates or additional instructions from Wayfair.

Step 6: Receive Your Refund

Once Wayfair receives and inspects your returned item, they will process your refund. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Refund Timeline: Refunds are usually processed within 3-5 business days after the item is received at Wayfair’s return center. It may take up to two weeks in some cases.
  • Original Payment Method: Your refund will be credited back to your original payment method. If you used store credit or a gift card, the refund will be issued as store credit.
  • Deductions: Be aware that return shipping costs and any restocking fees (if applicable) will be deducted from your refund.

Tip: If your refund doesn’t appear after the expected timeframe, contact Wayfair customer service with your return tracking number for assistance.

Special Cases: Damaged or Defective Items

If your furniture arrives damaged or defective, the return process is slightly different:

  1. Contact Customer Service Immediately: Report the damage or defect as soon as possible by calling Wayfair customer service or using their online chat feature.
  2. Provide Documentation: Take photos of the damage and be prepared to provide details about the issue.
  3. Wayfair’s Resolution: Wayfair may offer a replacement, repair, or refund, depending on the severity of the damage and the item’s availability.

Tip: Be sure to keep all packaging until the issue is resolved, as Wayfair may ask you to return the item in its original packaging.

Final Thoughts

Returning furniture can be a hassle, but being prepared and understanding Wayfair’s process can make it much easier. And when it comes to finding the best prices and ensuring you’re getting great value on your purchases, Spoken is here to help. Use Spoken to compare prices across multiple retailers, track deals, and make sure your next purchase is one you’ll love—so you won’t have to worry about returns in the first place.

Quick facts

Returning items to Wayfair is generally straightforward. Most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Wayfair provides return shipping labels for many items, though some may incur a restocking fee. Large items might require scheduling a pickup. Always check the specific return policy for your item, as some categories have different rules.

GA

Geoff Abraham

Co-founder & President of Spoken

Geoff is the co-founder and President of Spoken. He is a Dad. He holds a BA from UT Austin (Plan II) and an MBA from Stanford. Geoff has built several successful businesses, including a bicycle taxi business in San Francisco which he ran for 10 years with his wife, Mimosa. He is an executive coach, and he actively invests in seed-stage startups via The Explorer Fund.

Read more