What's your return policy?
Policy inquiry
Use this phrase to understand the rules for returning a product before you spend your money.
En 15 secondes
- Ask this to see if you can get your money back.
- Use it at the checkout counter before buying an item.
- Essential for shopping for gifts or clothes you might dislike.
Signification
This is a question you ask a store to find out if you can return an item for your money back or an exchange.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Buying a gift
I'm buying this for my brother; what's your return policy if it doesn't fit?
I'm buying this for my brother; what's your return policy if it doesn't fit?
Shopping for electronics
What's your return policy on opened laptops?
What's your return policy on opened laptops?
Formal inquiry at a high-end boutique
Excuse me, could you tell me what your return policy is for evening wear?
Excuse me, could you tell me what your return policy is for evening wear?
Contexte culturel
In the United States and UK, generous return policies are a major competitive advantage for retailers. Some stores, like Costco or Nordstrom, became famous for accepting returns years after a purchase. This has created a consumer culture where 'trying before committing' is the standard expectation.
Keep the Receipt
Even if they have a good policy, most stores won't help you without the 'proof of purchase' (the receipt).
Final Sale Means No Returns
If you see a sign that says 'Final Sale' or 'As-Is', the return policy is usually 'zero'. Don't even ask!
En 15 secondes
- Ask this to see if you can get your money back.
- Use it at the checkout counter before buying an item.
- Essential for shopping for gifts or clothes you might dislike.
What It Means
This phrase is your safety net when shopping. It asks for the rules regarding bringing items back. You want to know if you can get a refund. You might also want a store credit or a different size. It is a very common and practical question.
How To Use It
Use this phrase before you tap your credit card. You can say it to a cashier or a floor manager. It is a direct question that gets a direct answer. Just walk up and ask, What's your return policy? It works for clothes, electronics, or even furniture.
When To Use It
You should use this when you are unsure about a purchase. Maybe those jeans look a bit tight in the fitting room. Perhaps you are buying a gift for a picky friend. It is perfect for online shopping chats too. If you see a 'Final Sale' sign, definitely ask this to be sure.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a restaurant after eating half your steak. That would be very awkward and probably won't work. Avoid using it for services like a haircut or a movie ticket. It is mostly for physical goods. Also, don't ask this at a garage sale. Usually, those sales are final and non-negotiable.
Cultural Background
In many Western countries, return policies are quite generous. Some stores give you 30, 60, or even 90 days. It is part of the 'customer is always right' culture. People often buy things with the intention of returning them later. This is especially true during holiday seasons like Christmas. Just keep your receipt or you might get a 'no'!
Common Variations
You might hear Can I return this? for a simpler version. If you want cash back, ask Do you offer refunds? For a more formal vibe, try What is the store's policy on returns? If you lost your receipt, you could ask Can I return this without a receipt? These all help you avoid being stuck with something you don't want.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is the standard way to inquire about consumer rights in a retail environment. It is neutral in formality and suitable for both face-to-face and written communication.
Keep the Receipt
Even if they have a good policy, most stores won't help you without the 'proof of purchase' (the receipt).
Final Sale Means No Returns
If you see a sign that says 'Final Sale' or 'As-Is', the return policy is usually 'zero'. Don't even ask!
The 'Gift Receipt' Secret
In the US, you can ask for a 'gift receipt' which shows the item but hides the price, making returns easy for the recipient.
Exemples
6I'm buying this for my brother; what's your return policy if it doesn't fit?
I'm buying this for my brother; what's your return policy if it doesn't fit?
Linking the policy to a specific reason like 'size' is very common.
What's your return policy on opened laptops?
What's your return policy on opened laptops?
Specific items like electronics often have stricter rules.
Excuse me, could you tell me what your return policy is for evening wear?
Excuse me, could you tell me what your return policy is for evening wear?
Adding 'Excuse me' makes the inquiry more polite.
Do u know what their return policy is? I might grab that jacket.
Do you know what their return policy is? I might grab that jacket.
Casual shorthand used in digital messaging.
This date is going so poorly, I wish I knew what the return policy was!
This date is going so poorly, I wish I knew what the return policy was!
Using shopping terminology for people is a common joke.
I'm so nervous about this car. What's your return policy if I change my mind tomorrow?
I'm so nervous about this car. What's your return policy if I change my mind tomorrow?
Expresses anxiety over a major financial decision.
Teste-toi
Complete the question you would ask a cashier.
I'm not sure about the color. ___ your return policy?
We use 'What' to ask about the content of a rule or policy.
Choose the correct noun to complete the phrase.
What is your return ___?
'Policy' refers to the set of rules a business follows.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Shopping Inquiries
Short and direct with friends.
Can I bring this back?
Standard way to ask a clerk.
What's your return policy?
Polite inquiry for expensive items.
Could you explain the store's return policy?
When to ask about returns
Clothing Store
Trying on a suit.
Online Shopping
Checking the FAQ page.
Gift Buying
Buying a birthday present.
Electronics
Buying a new phone.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn this context, policy means the official rules of the store. It tells you what is allowed and what isn't regarding your purchase.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral and polite for everyday shopping. If you want to be extra nice, you can start with Excuse me.
Absolutely! You can look for a link titled Return Policy or ask a customer service agent in a chat box using this exact phrase.
That means their policy is that you cannot return the item for any reason. Be very sure before you buy!
In spoken English, What's is much more natural. Save What is for formal emails or very serious situations.
A return is the act of giving the item back. A refund is getting your money back. Most people use the phrase return policy to cover both.
Yes, you can go back to the store and ask What's your return policy? if you realized you don't want the item anymore.
Sometimes the return policy states you can't get cash back, but you get store credit, which is a gift card to spend at that same store.
Yes, it is used globally in English-speaking countries, though some might also say What's your refund policy?.
Some stores have a policy where they take a small amount of money (like 10%) out of your refund to put the item back on the shelf.
Expressions liées
Money-back guarantee
A promise that you will get your money back if you aren't satisfied.
Exchange only
You can trade the item for something else, but you can't get cash back.
Store credit
Money you can only spend at that specific store.
Proof of purchase
Usually a receipt or invoice that proves you bought the item there.
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