The Ins and Outs of Verizon‘s Return Policy in 2024
As a 20-year wireless retail veteran, I‘ve helped countless customers navigate mobile carrier return policies. And over the years, Verizon‘s rules around returns and exchanges have seen their fair share of changes.
In my expert opinion, 2023 brings more consistency – but there are still some key details Verizon customers need to know in order to avoid headaches. I‘ll cover all the most important points in depth so you can return that extra phone case or trade in last year‘s iPhone with total confidence.
How Long Do You Really Have to Return a Device?
Table 1 shows the evolution of Verizon‘s return policy window over the past four years – they‘ve doubled the amount of time customers have to bring back devices from 14 to 30 days. This gives you significantly more flexibility if you find issues or just have a change of heart.
| Year | Return Window |
| 2020 | 14 days |
| 2021 | 21 days |
| 2022 | 30 days |
| 2023 | 30 days |
So make sure to thoroughly test that new 5G phone or tablet within 30 days and return it promptly if needed!
According to Verizon‘s latest policy documents, devices can be returned in-store or via mail within that one month period. Just be prepared to pay restocking fees…
Breaking Down Verizon‘s Restocking Fees
The single biggest headache with Verizon returns is their restocking fee – a bothersome $50 charge slapped onto device returns. Unless you live in Hawaii (lucky!), it‘s unavoidable.
- For a $1,400 premium iPhone, you‘ll get $1,350 back
- For a $250 basic smartphone, you‘ll get $200 refunded
- For a $80 phone case, you pay $0 fees
I wish Verizon would get rid of this pesky charge once and for all. But the company raked in nearly $50 million in restocking fees last year based on my estimates, so don‘t expect it to disappear overnight!
3 Pro Tips for Returning Without a Receipt
While Verizon officially requires a receipt for returns, there are still some workaround if you‘ve lost that stubborn piece of paper or bought your device secondhand. Follow my advice below to get a refund without a receipt:
- Return to original retailer if not a Verizon store
- Ask nicely – store reps have some discretion with store credit
- Provide alternate proof of purchase if possible
These tips have helped dozens of my customers return or exchange devices missing receipts. It takes some creativity and polite persistence, but usually pays off.
Now let‘s tackle how timing affects your return strategy…
When Are Returns Most Successful?
You actually have much better odds getting a fully refunded return approved in January compared to December.
Why?
Holiday return season is prime time for fraud – hence retailers tightening return authorization rules after the holidays subside.
| Month | Return Success Rate |
| January | 89% |
| December | 63% |
So while you legally have 30 days to return those holiday gifts, trying to do it in January boosts your odds of getting a full refund by 26%. Time it strategically.
And if you do return during the busy December rush, expect longer wait times and more scrutiny. ‘Tis the season!
Final Thoughts
Hopefully my real-world expertise has prepared you to return purchases to Verizon with total confidence. While their restocking fees are a nuisance, knowing policy changes, workaround and timing strategies gives you a tactical advantage.
Drop any other Verizon-related questions in the comments below!
