A growing number of retailers are implementing fees for mail-in returns of holiday gifts, driven by the increasing cost of shipping and abuse of free online return policies. The National Retail Federation reports 72% of merchants now charge for at least one mail return option, up from 66% last year, as the retail industry anticipates nearly $850 billion in total returns in 2025.
If you need to return holiday gifts this year, be ready to pay a price for avoiding return lines in some stores. According to the National Retail Federation, 72% of all merchants surveyed have started charging for at least one return by mail option over the past year.
That’s up from 66% in 2024, as more stores wise up to the cost of shipping and to people who take advantage of free online returns, experts say. Retailers don’t charge for returning most items in stores. Total returns for the retail industry are expected to reach $849.9 billion in 2025. An estimated 19.3% of all online sales will be returned, and 82% of shoppers say free online returns are a big concern. The retail federation’s annual report found 9% of all returns are fraudulent, with nearly half of shoppers saying it’s OK to "bend the rules" when returning items.RELATED: Holiday giving guide: How to support your communities with donations this ChristmasHere’s which stores are charging to return gifts by mail this year:READ MORE: American Airlines ends advantage miles program for basic economy fares
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Some stores are charging for holiday gift returns: See the listIf you need to return holiday gifts this year, be ready to pay a price for avoiding return lines in some stores.
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Retailers Increase Fees for Mail-In Holiday Gift ReturnsMore retailers are charging for mail-in returns of holiday gifts, with the National Retail Federation reporting that 72% of merchants now charge for at least one return by mail option. This increase, up from 66% in the previous year, is driven by rising shipping costs and the exploitation of free online return policies. Total returns in 2025 are projected to reach $849.9 billion, with online returns accounting for 19.3% of sales. Fraudulent returns also pose a challenge, with 9% of all returns considered fraudulent and a significant portion of shoppers admitting to 'bending the rules'.
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Returns Now Come with a Price Tag: Retailers Charge More for Mail-In Gift ReturnsAs the holiday season approaches, many shoppers will be preparing to return gifts. A growing number of retailers are charging for mail-in returns, a shift aimed at managing rising shipping costs and the impact of online returns. The National Retail Federation reports that 72% of surveyed merchants now charge for at least one return-by-mail option. This trend reflects efforts to combat return fraud and adapt to evolving consumer expectations.
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Retailers Introduce Return Fees: Shoppers Face Higher Costs for ReturnsMajor retailers like Macy's, TJ Maxx, and Amazon are implementing return fees, charging customers for mail-in returns even for unopened items. This shift is driven by cost pressures, potentially influenced by tariff policies, leading to increased expenses for consumers returning unwanted items. Experts advise reviewing return policies before purchase.
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