The Revel Sofa Guide Β· Smart Shopping Β· 2026
Can You Return Furniture Bought Online?
Yes β but the policies, fees, and fine print vary wildly. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.
"Buying furniture online can feel like a gamble. Understanding return policies before you purchase can save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of frustration."
Yes β but with major fine print.
Most major online furniture retailers accept returns, but policies vary significantly on timeframes, who pays for shipping, and whether restocking fees apply. Some retailers give you 7 days; others offer up to 100. The key is reading the full policy before you click "buy now."
Return Timeframes by Retailer Type
The return window clock typically starts from the delivery date β not the purchase date. Here's how major retailers compare:
| Window | Retailer Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7β14 days | Local furniture stores, some specialty retailers | Very short β inspect and decide quickly |
| 30 days | Amazon, most department stores | Standard window; starts from delivery date |
| 60β100 days | IKEA (90 days), some online-first retailers | Most generous; gives you time to live with the piece |
The Hidden Costs of Online Furniture Returns
One of the biggest surprises for online furniture shoppers is how expensive returns can be. Shipping furniture can range from $300 to $4,500, and return shipping often falls on the customer.
- Most standard furniture returns
- Large items can cost $100β500+ to ship back
- Non-member programs at major department stores
- Preference-based returns almost always
- Defective or damaged items (typically)
- Some retailers offer partial reimbursement
- Premium services with white-glove returns
- Items significantly misrepresented online
Restocking Fees: The Other Hidden Cost
Some retailers charge up to 15% of the item cost for preference-based returns, on top of non-refundable delivery fees.
Some retailers charge a flat restocking fee (around $99) for deliveries cancelled after delivery day, plus non-refundable original shipping.
IKEA and some online-first retailers don't charge restocking fees. Amazon typically doesn't for standard returns either.
What Furniture Can (and Can't) Be Returned
Not all furniture is returnable. Understanding exclusions before you order can prevent costly surprises.
- Made-to-order or custom furniture
- Personalized or engraved items
- Clearance and final sale items
- Floor models and as-is products
- Items modified from original form
- Stained, dirty, or damaged pieces
- Original packaging when possible
- All hardware and instructions included
- No stains, odors, or pet hair
- All tags and labels attached
- Original receipt or order confirmation
- Return authorization number (if required)
How to Handle Damaged or Defective Furniture
Damaged or defective furniture has different return procedures β and typically more favorable terms. The key is acting fast and documenting everything.
Take photos of any damage immediately. Note issues on the delivery receipt while the delivery team is still present if possible.
Most retailers require damage notification within this window. Don't wait β the clock starts at delivery, not when you first use the piece.
For damaged items, most retailers offer: full refund with free return shipping, replacement at no charge, or repair/parts replacement for minor damage.
The Return Process: Step by Step
Verify you're within the return window, confirm your item is returnable, and review condition requirements before you do anything else.
Contact customer service or use the online return portal. Obtain a return authorization number if required, and schedule pickup or arrange shipping.
Clean the item thoroughly. Repackage in original materials when possible, and include all hardware, instructions, and accessories.
Use retailer-provided shipping labels when available. Insure valuable items and keep your tracking information.
Allow 7β10 business days from the retailer's receipt of the item for credit or refund processing. Contact customer service if you experience delays.
Return Policy vs. Warranty: What's the Difference?
These two protections serve different purposes β and confusing them is one of the most common mistakes furniture shoppers make.
- Preference-based returns ("I don't love it")
- Size or color that doesn't work in your space
- Items that don't match their online description
- Damaged deliveries (within the return window)
- Manufacturing defects
- Structural failures during normal use
- Does NOT cover: negligence, misuse, accidents
- Does NOT cover: modifications or abnormal use
Should You Keep It or Return It?
Sometimes keeping furniture you're not in love with costs less than returning it. Here's a quick framework for making the call.
- Return shipping exceeds 20% of item cost
- High restocking fees apply
- Item is functional but not perfect
- Minor issues can be resolved (different pillows, styling, etc.)
- Item is damaged or defective
- Size is completely wrong for your space
- Quality is significantly below expectations
- Any safety concerns exist
Red Flags in Return Policies
Warning Signs to Watch For
- β No return policy or an extremely short window (under 7 days)
- β Restocking fees over 20% of item cost
- β "All sales final" on non-custom items
- β No clear process described for damaged or defective deliveries
- β Return shipping 100% on the customer for all scenarios
What Good Return Policies Look Like
- β 30+ day return windows from delivery date
- β Free return shipping for defective or damaged items
- β Clear, documented process for damage claims
- β No restocking fees on standard returns
- β White glove delivery with placement and unpacking included
How to Shop Smart and Avoid Returns Altogether
Who pays return shipping? Are there restocking fees? What's the exact return window? These details live in the fine print, not the marketing copy.
Verify dimensions against your space. Account for doorways, stairwells, and room layouts. Use painter's tape on the floor to visualize the footprint before ordering.
Color on a screen is never exactly the color in your home. A $0 swatch can save you a $400 return shipping fee.
Check for damage, test drawers and moving parts, verify all hardware is present. Noting issues on the delivery receipt gives you much stronger protection.
Look for recurring mentions of pieces running larger or smaller than listed, or quality that differs from product photos. These are the most predictive signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a sofa if I just don't like it?
Yes, at most retailers β but this is where return shipping fees and restocking charges are most likely to apply. Preference-based returns are handled very differently from damaged or defective item returns. Always check the specific policy before buying.
What if my furniture arrives damaged?
Document the damage immediately with photos, note it on the delivery receipt if possible, and contact the retailer's customer service within 24β72 hours. Most retailers handle damaged deliveries with free return shipping and offer a replacement or full refund.
Are return shipping costs refunded?
It depends on the retailer and the reason for return. For defective or damaged items, most reputable retailers cover return shipping. For preference-based returns, costs are usually on the customer β and for large furniture, that can be significant.
Can I return assembled furniture?
Some retailers accept assembled returns; others require original packaging. Check the specific policy β and note that assembled items may be harder to repackage safely, which could affect the return process.
What's the difference between a return and a warranty claim?
A return policy covers preference-based returns and typically has a fixed window (7β100 days). A warranty covers manufacturing defects and structural failures during normal use β often for one to several years β but does not cover damage from misuse, accidents, or modifications.
Does Revel Sofa offer returns?
Yes. We believe furniture shopping should feel low-risk β and we back that up with clear policies, white glove delivery, and a team that's genuinely easy to reach. View our full return and shipping FAQ β
Shop furniture you'll actually want to keep.
Every Revel Sofa ships free across the US β with white glove delivery available and a team that makes the whole process feel easy.