Have you ever purchased a new phone or device, only to realize it's not quite what you expected? Maybe the color isn't right, or the features aren't as advertised. It happens to the best of us! When it comes to returning or exchanging a device with a major carrier like Verizon, it's crucial to understand their policies, especially regarding the often-dreaded "restocking fee." This fee can sometimes catch customers off guard, adding an unexpected cost to what should be a straightforward return.
So, how much is the Verizon restocking fee, and more importantly, how can you navigate their return process to avoid it if possible? Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide.
Understanding the Verizon Restocking Fee: A Detailed Guide
Returning a device can feel like a maze of policies and procedures. Don't worry, we're here to help you understand every twist and turn, particularly concerning Verizon's restocking fee.
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| How Much Is Verizon Restocking Fee |
Step 1: Know Your Window – The Verizon Return Policy Timeframe
First things first, time is of the essence when it comes to returns.
The Golden Rule: 30 Days! Verizon generally allows you to return or exchange wireless devices and accessories within 30 days of purchase. This applies whether you bought it online, through the My Verizon app, over the phone with customer service, or at a Verizon store.
Authorized Retailers May Differ: If you purchased your device from a Verizon Authorized Retailer (like Best Buy, for example), be aware that their return policy might be different. Always check your receipt or contact the specific retailer directly for their guidelines.
Holiday Extended Return Periods: Keep an eye out for special extended return periods during holiday seasons. Verizon sometimes offers a longer window for purchases made within a specific timeframe (e.g., purchases in late November through mid-December might have a return deadline in mid-January). Always verify this during the holiday season.
The Clock Starts When: The 30-day return period typically begins on the date of purchase or the date of delivery if your device was shipped to you.
Step 2: The Core Cost – How Much is the Restocking Fee?
Now for the main event: the actual amount.
Wireless Devices: $50 (Generally) For the return or exchange of most wireless devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets with cellular service), Verizon typically applies a $50 restocking fee. This fee may also include applicable taxes.
Hawaii Exemption: It's important to note that this $50 restocking fee generally excludes Hawaii. Policies can vary by state, so if you're in Hawaii, it's always wise to double-check.
Accessories: No Restocking Fee! This is excellent news! If you're only returning an accessory (like a phone case, charger, or earbuds without cellular connectivity), Verizon does not charge a restocking fee.
Home Internet Equipment: The restocking fee for Fios or 5G Home Internet equipment returns is usually different and often involves ensuring all rented equipment is returned within a specific timeframe after service disconnection to avoid unreturned equipment charges. Consult their specific FAQs for home internet.
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Step 3: Condition Matters – "Like-New" is Key
For your return to be accepted and to potentially avoid issues, the condition of the merchandise is critical.
What "Like-New" Means: Verizon explicitly states that all merchandise must be in "like-new condition." This means:
Original Packaging: You must have the original device or accessory packaging.
All Components: Include all original components, such as the charger, battery, instructions, and any other items that came in the box.
No Damage: The device should not have any physical damage, scratches, or water damage.
Clean Slate: Ensure all personal content and accounts are removed from the device before returning it. For iPhones, this means restoring to factory settings and turning off "Find My iPhone." For Android devices, it means performing a factory reset. This is crucial for a successful return.
Original Receipt: Always accompany your return with the original customer receipt. This helps streamline the process and provides proof of purchase.
Step 4: Initiating Your Return – The Process
So, you've decided to return a device. What's the next step?
Online/App Purchases:
Log in to My Verizon (either on the website or through the app).
Navigate to your "Orders" page.
Select "View details" next to the order containing the items you want to return or exchange.
Choose the "Return or exchange" option and select the specific items.
Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your return and print a shipping label if you're returning by mail.
In-Store Purchases:
Take the device, all original packaging and components, and your receipt to the Verizon store where you made the purchase.
A Verizon representative will assist you with the return or exchange.
By Phone:
You can call Verizon Customer Service (e.g., 800.331.0500) to initiate a return, especially for items purchased over the phone or if you need a prepaid shipping label.
Step 5: Receiving Your Refund – The Waiting Game
Once your return is processed, you'll be waiting for your refund.
Credit Card Purchases: Refunds for purchases made by credit card are typically processed as a credit to your credit card. This can take up to 3 weeks.
Cash or Check Purchases: If you paid with cash or check, your refund will be issued by check and may take up to 7 weeks.
Billed to Account: If the purchase was billed to your Verizon account, you should see a credit within two billing cycles.
Promotional Values: Be aware that if you received promotional value (e.g., a trade-in credit or instant savings) when you purchased the device, and you return the promotional device, Verizon may charge back those values. Also, if you don't maintain active service on a new device for three billing cycles after a trade-in, you might be charged back the promotional trade-in value.
When Can the Restocking Fee Be Waived?
This is the big question for many users! While Verizon's policy is generally firm, there are limited circumstances where the restocking fee might be waived.
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Defective Device Exchange: If your device is defective and you are exchanging it for the exact same make, model, and color, the restocking fee is typically waived. This is considered a warranty exchange rather than a simple return or change of mind.
Refusing Delivery of Unopened Package: If an online order has already shipped but hasn't been delivered yet, and you refuse delivery of the unopened package, the restocking fee might be waived. Similarly, if you accept delivery but do not open any boxes and immediately take it to UPS with the return label, it might also avoid the fee. It's best to confirm this with Verizon customer service before refusing delivery or taking it back.
Customer Service Discretion: In rare cases, especially for long-standing customers or unusual circumstances, a customer service representative might have the discretion to waive the fee. However, this is not guaranteed and is typically an exception, not a rule. It often requires you to politely explain your situation and rationale.
No Restocking Fee for Accessories: As mentioned, accessories do not incur a restocking fee, so if your return is only for an accessory, you're already in the clear!
Important Considerations for Returns
Service Termination: Returning your merchandise does not automatically terminate your service. If you intend to cancel your line of service, you must contact Verizon Customer Service separately to do so. Otherwise, you'll continue to be billed for service.
Early Termination Fees (ETFs): If your line of service has a minimum contract term, and you return your device after the 30-day return period, you could be assessed an Early Termination Fee. Always review your service summary receipt and Customer Agreement to understand any potential ETFs.
Missing or Damaged Items: If you return an item with missing accessories or packaging, or if the item is not in like-new condition, Verizon may deny the return or deduct a nonrefundable amount from your refund for the missing items or damage.
"Buy One, Get One" Offers: If you participated in a "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) or similar offer and only return the "Buy" device, you may be required to pay for the "Get" device.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to avoid Verizon restocking fee?
You can avoid the Verizon restocking fee if you are returning only an accessory, if the device is defective and exchanged for the exact same model, or potentially if you refuse delivery of an unopened package or return an unopened package immediately after delivery.
How to return a Verizon device by mail?
To return a Verizon device by mail, you typically need to initiate the return online via My Verizon or by calling customer service to obtain a prepaid shipping label, then pack the device with all original components and packaging, and ship it back via UPS.
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How to return a Verizon device in-store?
To return a Verizon device in-store, bring the device, all original packaging and components, and your original receipt to the Verizon store where you made the purchase.
How to check Verizon return policy timeframe?
The Verizon return policy timeframe is generally 30 days from the date of purchase or delivery, but it's always best to check your original receipt or the Verizon website for the most current policy and any holiday extensions.
How to prepare my Verizon phone for return?
To prepare your Verizon phone for return, ensure it's in like-new condition, includes all original accessories and packaging, and most importantly, perform a factory reset to erase all personal data and accounts (like "Find My iPhone" or Google accounts).
How to get a refund after returning a Verizon device?
After returning a Verizon device, refunds for credit card purchases typically take up to 3 weeks, while cash or check purchases can take up to 7 weeks. Purchases billed to your account will see a credit within 2 billing cycles.
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How to dispute a Verizon restocking fee?
To dispute a Verizon restocking fee, you can contact Verizon customer service and politely explain your situation, especially if you believe your return falls under one of the waiver conditions (e.g., defective device, unopened package).
How to return Verizon Fios or Home Internet equipment?
To return Verizon Fios or Home Internet equipment, you typically need to return rented equipment to a Verizon store or UPS Store within 30 days of disconnecting service to avoid unreturned equipment charges. It's recommended to get a receipt for your records.
How to exchange a Verizon device for a different model?
If you exchange a Verizon device for a different model within the 30-day return window, a $50 restocking fee will likely apply, as this is considered a return of the original device and a new purchase.
How to tell if my Verizon purchase was from an authorized retailer?
You can tell if your Verizon purchase was from an authorized retailer by checking your receipt; it should specify the retailer's name (e.g., Best Buy, Target Mobile) rather than "Verizon Wireless Corporate Store." If in doubt, contact the point of purchase.
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