Return Policy Template

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Updated Apr 17, 2025
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A Return Policy is used when a business wants to clearly communicate its rules regarding product returns, exchanges, or refunds. This document defines acceptable return timeframes, item conditions, processing steps, and any non-returnable products. You can customize your Return Policy on Lawrina to match your company’s operational needs and present a professional, transparent policy to your customers.
Paper titled "Return Policy"; cashier talking to the client carrying boxes to return; another client reviewing T-shirts

A return policy template outlines the conditions under which a business accepts the return of merchandise and processes refunds or store credits. It ensures customers understand your store’s return window, item conditions, and eligible products.

When Is a Return Policy Used?

There are several common situations where a shipping and return policy template comes into play. 

  • Product defects or damage
    If a customer receives an item that is broken, malfunctioning, or not as expected, they will most likely refer to your return policy to request an exchange or refund.

  • Wrong item shipped
    Sometimes fulfillment errors happen. If you shipped the wrong item or the wrong size or color, your customers will want to see a clear store policy template for sending it back and getting the right product.

  • Unsatisfactory product quality
    A product may not meet the quality promised online. In this case, a 30-day return policy template allows customers to return or exchange the item if it doesn’t live up to expectations.

  • Changed mind or buyer’s remorse
    This is tricky and depends on your store policies. If you choose to accept returns for these reasons, your sample returns policy should outline this very clearly.

  • Gifts and holiday returns
    Return requests increase during holiday seasons. A refund and return policy template should note if extended return periods apply during special occasions.

  • Subscription cancellations or digital products
    In the case of recurring products or digital content, your standard return policy template may include terms around cancellations or ineligibility for refunds post-download.

How To Fill Out the Return Policy Form

Step 1: Identify the business

Part of the shipping and return policy template
  • Write your company or store name in the blank line at the top.
Return policy example:

These terms and conditions constitute the return policy of CleanEarth Home Goods that outlines the conditions under which return may be done.

Step 2: Define acceptable item conditions

Part of the store policy template
  • Choose the condition in which customers must return items. Select one or more that apply by checking the appropriate box.
Example:

Must be in new, unused, and saleable condition with tags attached

Step 3: State the refund method

Part of the sample returns policy
  • Indicate how refunds will be issued when a return is processed.
Example:

In the original form of payment

Step 4: List Non-refundable items

Part of the standard return policy template
  • Check all product types that are non-returnable under your return template.
Example:

Clearance Items
Final sale Items
Special-order items
Custom-made products
Gift cards

Step 5: Set in-store return terms

Part of the return policy template
  • Decide how much time customers have to return in-store purchases.
  • Fill in the number of days from the original purchase date.
Example:

Returns are accepted within 30 days of the original purchase with a valid receipt or proof of purchase.

Step 6: Define online return process

Part of the sample return policy template
  • Enter the number of days after delivery that customers have to return online purchases.
  • Specify how to initiate a return.
  • Include a web address or customer service email.
Example:

For items purchased online, returns are accepted within 30 days of the delivery date.
To initiate a return, please contact us at returns@cleanearthhome.com or email support@cleanearthhome.com to obtain a return authorization.

Once completed, this 30 day return policy template should be:

  • Printed for in-store display;
  • Included on your website (especially product and checkout pages);
  • Shared with customer service teams for consistent enforcement.