Free Return & Refund Policy Template
A fill-in-the-blank starting point for a straightforward online store. Copy it, replace the bracketed sections, and adjust anything that doesn't match how you actually handle returns.
Last updated: August 2026
The template
Return & Refund Policy
Last updated: [date you publish this]
[Your business name] wants you to be satisfied with your purchase. This policy explains how returns and refunds work for our products.
Return window
You have [14 / 30 / 60] days from the date of delivery to request a return. Items must be [unused and in original packaging, if that applies] to be eligible.
How to start a return
To start a return, contact us at [your contact method] with your order number.
Refunds
Once we receive and inspect your return, we'll offer [a refund to your original payment method / store credit / an exchange].
Return shipping
[Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility. / We cover the cost of return shipping. / Who covers return shipping depends on the reason for the return.]
Exclusions
[Some items, such as clearance or custom orders, are final sale and not eligible for return. Remove this section if everything you sell is returnable.]
Contact
Questions about this policy can be sent to [your contact method].
How to use it
Replace every bracketed section with your actual return terms, then delete anything that doesn't apply, like the exclusions section if you don't have any final-sale items. Don't leave placeholder brackets in your published version, a vague or unfilled policy creates confusion right at the moment a customer needs clarity most.
Template vs. generator: which one do you actually want?
This template is fastest if your return terms are simple and you're comfortable editing the brackets yourself. It gets harder to manage once you have different rules for different product types, at that point you're manually tracking which version applies where.
The return and refund policy generator does the same underlying work through a short questionnaire, so the sections you don't need never show up in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this template as-is without changing anything?
No. It has to actually describe your real return terms to be useful. An unedited template, brackets and all, misrepresents what you actually offer and will confuse customers rather than help them.
Do I need a lawyer to use this template?
For a simple store with standard return terms, most people can fill this in themselves. If you sell internationally or have complex exclusions, a lawyer's review is worth it.
Is this template free to use commercially?
Yes, use it for any store, no attribution required.