Kroger is of the top grocery stores in America, and with nearly 11 million customers shopping there daily, it’s understandable why people choose it as their preferred supermarket.
But what happens when you aren’t satisfied with the items you buy at Kroger and need to return them? This post will answer your questions about Kroger’s return policy – its terms and conditions, plus what to expect from them.
Contents
- 1 What’s Kroger’s Return Policy?
- 2 What Items are Returnable to Kroger?
- 3 How to Return an Item to Kroger
- 4 Kroger Return Policy Exceptions
- 5 When Will You Get Your Refund?
- 6 Does Kroger Have an Exchange Policy?
- 7 FAQs
- 8 Conclusion
What’s Kroger’s Return Policy?
Kroger’s return policy states that you can return an item within 30 days of purchase or delivery for a full refund or exchange. Here, you’ll need to present the original receipt to receive a refund or exchange.
If you ordered the items online, you can return them in-store or via the mail. When returning items by mail, include the original packaging so that the company can identify the order and process the refund.
Kroger’s Return Policy Updates
During Covid-19
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kroger implemented some safety measures to protect its customers and staff. From July 13, 2020, Kroger reduced the return period to 14 days from the purchase date. As a matter of precaution, Kroger took the following measures to control the spread of Covid-19 among customers and staff.
- Equipping the pharmacy and checkout areas with protective plexiglass barriers
- Assigning its senior customers some dedicated shopping hours
- Limiting the number of customers entering the store at any one time
- Making sure all its staff members and customers wear their masks
- Having regular cleaning and disinfection exercises
- Providing enough space for social distancing
However, the return policy has since reverted to the standard 30 days from the date of purchase.
Online return policy
If you’ve purchased items online and want to return them, you can take them to your nearest Kroger store or mail them back. You’ll need the original receipt for a full refund. Also, the items should be in their original packaging and include any accessories bought together for Kroger to accept them.
What Items are Returnable to Kroger?
Kroger will accept returns for most items, with a few exceptions. Here’s a list of things that you can return to Kroger:
- Food items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gift Cards
- Beauty products
- Cooking oils
- Deodorants
- Face tissues
- Household cleaners
- Jewelry
- Laundry detergent
- Milk including soy, rice, and almond milk (unopened)
- Napkins and paper towels
- Canned goods, non-perishable
- Pet food or pet supplies (unless damaged)
How to Return an Item to Kroger
You can return items bought at Kroger either in-store or via mail. Here’s how to do that.
Returning via Kroger Stores
Most Kroger items can be returned to nearby stores, regardless of whether you purchased them in-store or online. To find your nearest Kroger outlet, use the Kroger store locator.
To return an item, take it back to the nearest Kroger outlet with its original packaging and the receipt. Once there, a customer service representative will inspect the item to verify that it matches your receipt and then authorize a return or exchange.
Any item returned shouldn’t be tampered with or damaged. Make sure that you return the item within 30 days after purchase. Otherwise, Kroger may reject your item once this period elapses.
You can also return the item to any of the following Kroger group of companies—
- Dillons
- QFC
- Pay-Less Super Markets
- Ralphs
- Harris Teeter
- Food 4 Less
- Jay C Food Store
- Gerbes
- Baker’s
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- King Soopers
- Fry’s
- City Market
- Fred Meyer
Returning via Mail
If you’re not satisfied with the product purchased from Kroger, you can return it through the mail in a few simple steps.
- Log in to your account via Kroger.com or the Kroger app
- Click on the “Purchase History” tab
- Click on the specific order you purchased the item through
- Select the item that you need to return
- Give a reason for the return
- Choose whether you want a refund or to exchange with another item
- Print the return label (shipping label) and attach it to your item
- Return the item in its original packaging
- Send the item to the address printed on the shipping label through a courier service
After receiving your item, Kroger will verify its condition and eligibility. They’ll then process a refund through your original payment method. The refund process may take between 7-10 days.
Kroger Return Policy Exceptions
Kroger’s returns policy is relatively open, though it has some exceptions. The company won’t accept returns on opened, used, damaged, or perishable (expired) items. Below are some of the things that you can’t return at Kroger.
- Alcohol and tobacco – you can only return these items as per the applicable laws in your state regarding such items.
- Baby formula – you’ll be required to produce the original receipt of the item for Kroger to accept the return.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) items – you won’t get a refund for these items. Kroger only allows you to exchange the products with other or similar items of the same value.
- Perishable items – Kroger doesn’t accept returns for perishable items, such as food and flowers. This is because they could have been opened or used, making them unfit for resale.
Can you Return Items to Kroger Without a Receipt?
Kroger will accept returned items even without a receipt. If you return items worth $10 or less, they’ll refund the total amount in cash.
If the value of your return exceeds $10, Kroger will offer you a store credit of similar value. The store credit is eligible for any of the Kroger group of companies.
When returning items worth over $10, you’ll need to sign a return slip. You don’t need to show your ID at Kroger to make returns without a receipt.
Can You Return an Item to Kroger Without the Packaging?
Kroger’s return policy doesn’t let customers return items without the original packaging. If you’ve purchased something from Kroger, make sure you keep the packaging at hand. If you bought other accessories with the item, return them in the original packaging.
Are There Kroger Return Limits?
The Kroger bottle return policy states that refunds are limited to $25 per customer per day. So, if you’re planning on returning a lot of bottles, do it over a few days. All the bottles must be empty. They also must be unbroken and have the original labels on them.
Kroger’s bottle return hours vary by location. Most of the stores are open daily from 6 am -12 am, although some close by 10 pm. You can verify your nearest Kroger store’s operating hours using the store locator tool on their website.
When Will You Get Your Refund?
When returning a product in-store at Kroger, you’ll receive a refund immediately in the form you used when purchasing the item. Kroger will also refund all payments made through your credit or debit cards or SNAP/EBT cards. If you paid through a check, you’ll receive a cash refund.
If you return the item via mail, you may have to wait for 7–10 days for a refund to be processed. The delay is due to the time taken to deliver and verify the item at Kroger.
Does Kroger Have an Exchange Policy?
Kroger’s return policy allows you to exchange any item instead of asking for a refund. However, you’ll need to do it within the 30-day return policy window. Remember to carry the original receipt of the item and the packaging.
If you need help with your Kroger returns, you can call their customer service at 1-800-576-4377. You can reach a Kroger representative on the line from Monday to Friday from 7 am – 12 am and 7 am – 9.30 pm on weekends.
FAQs
Can you return a money order to Kroger?
If you’ve purchased a money order at Kroger and haven’t filled in any details yet, you may cancel it and get a refund. To return the money order, make sure that it isn’t signed at the back too.
Can you return a prescription to Kroger?
You can only cancel your prescription order at the time of processing. You cannot cancel or return the order during or after delivery. However, if the pharmacy makes a mistake on your prescription, you’re entitled to a corrected prescription or a refund.
Can you return gift cards to Kroger?
You cannot return Kroger gift cards after purchase, but you can contact their customer service center if you need help redeeming or using the card. Kroger Family of Stores gift cards can’t be returned, refunded, or redeemed for cash except as per the legal requirements.
Can you return diapers to Kroger?
Kroger stores will accept returns of diapers, but only in unopened packages. Once you open a box of diapers, Kroger considers them used, even if you don’t use any.
Can you return flowers to Kroger?
Flowers are among the items you cannot return to Kroger due to their perishable nature. Once you open their package, the flowers are considered compromised and are unsuitable for resale.
Can you return bad produce to Kroger?
Kroger will accept the return of bad produce if the customer is dissatisfied. Returns are allowed for a refund, exchange, or a Kroger gift card. They’ll also allow you to choose a different brand if you don’t like the Kroger store brand.
What’s Kroger’s return policy for food items?
Kroger stores typically allow returns of most purchases with a receipt. They do, however, have strict return policies on some items, such as perishables like meat or produce. These items may not be returnable due to their short shelf life.
Conclusion
Kroger’s return policy for online purchases is much like its in-store returns. You can return items within 30 days of purchase and get a refund for the returned items or exchange them for others. Ensure the items are in their original packaging and carry any accessories.
However, some items such as alcohol and tobacco, baby formula, WIC items, and perishable items have restrictions in the Kroger return policy. These products have strict guidelines concerning refunds or exchanges.
You can return an item purchased online by mail or in-store at any Kroger location. Returns made through the mail can take up to ten days to process before receiving a refund.
FAQs
What is the return policy at Kroger? ›
Pickup and delivery orders (with certain exclusions) are eligible for online refunds within 30 days of purchase. Ship orders are eligible for online refunds within 60 days of purchase. Marketplace items purchased on our website are eligible for a refund or return request to the seller within 30 days of purchase.
What items can be returned at Kroger? ›What's Kroger's Return Policy? Kroger's return policy states that you can return an item within 30 days of purchase or delivery for a full refund or exchange. Here, you'll need to present the original receipt to receive a refund or exchange. If you ordered the items online, you can return them in-store or via the mail.
How long is Krogers return policy? ›Family of Stores can accept returns of items purchased at any Kroger Company family of stores location within a 30-day window of purchase. Returns with receipt: There are two receipt options: paper receipt or digital receipt.
Can you return items to any Meijer? ›If you have already paid for a product and wish to return it, returns will be accepted in accordance with the Meijer Store Return Policy. If your return meets the return policy, please visit a store to return the item.
What is on return policy? ›What is your return policy? We gladly accept returns for a refund or exchange within 30 days of purchase. We'll even take care of the return shipping, with just a few exceptions noted below. We simply ask that products be returned in their original packaging, including accessories (beanies, socks, etc).
Are stores allowed to have a no return policy? ›Businesses are not legally obligated to accept the return of purchased items unless they are defective. Be sure you understand the terms of the return/exchange policy, if it exists. These policies are often posted near the cash register.
Do you still get cash back on returned items? ›If you return a purchase on your credit card, the rewards points or cashback associated with that purchase will be cancelled.
Can you return an item with a receipt? ›Find your receipt. You will likely need the receipt or invoice to return the item for a full refund. Some stores will refund without a receipt, but others may only give a replacement or store credit.
Do returned items get thrown out? ›Experts estimate that retailers throw away about a quarter of their returns. Returns and resale company Optoro estimates that every year, U.S. returns create almost 6 billion pounds of landfill waste.
How does 14 day return policy work? ›You usually have 14 days to return the item after telling the seller - check your terms and conditions for how long you have. You may have to pay the cost of posting something back to the seller. The seller should have told you who has to pay for this when you bought the item.
How many days do you have to return an item? ›
For non-faulty items, most retailers will impose time limits such as 28 days. These can extend around busy shopping periods like Christmas. Some retailers can offer longer returns periods.
How many days is a good return policy? ›Here's what you need to keep in mind: Every returns policy needs to be at least 14 days. Most people expect a policy of at least 30 days – and they're checking before they buy. With a 30-day policy, the average return takes only 12 days.
How long do you have to return something to Meijers? ›General Merchandise: Meijer will honor General Merchandise refunds and exchanges within 90 days of purchase. After 90 days, manufacturer warranty applies.
Is there a limit on can returns at Meijer? ›Only bring beverage container brands that are sold at Meijer stores. Understand the maximum amount of returnable beverage containers is $25 each visit.
Do you need a receipt to return at Meijer? ›Do I Need My Receipt? No, not necessarily. If you made your purchase with a credit card, EBT card, debit card, or personal check they can look up your purchase for 21 days. Also, if you're a mPerks account holder Meijer can look up your purchase for a whooping 90 days which is VERY convenient.
How does refund policy work? ›Some companies choose to simply refund the purchase price of the product once it is returned. That is one option, or you could choose to provide refunds in the form of store credit. A stricter return policy may offer to replace the original unit but will make no refund available in terms of cash or credit.
What is the standard return policy? ›Generally speaking, 15-30 days is standard, although some businesses opt for 90 days. Either way, you won't be doing yourself any favors by accepting returns beyond that time.
What is your return policy example? ›If you are entitled to a replacement or refund, we will replace the product or refund the purchase price, using the original method of payment. Option 2 – Refunds Permitted: We accept returns. You can return unopened items in the original packaging within 30 days of your purchase with receipt or proof of purchase.
Can a company refuse the return of an item? ›Businesses can't take away a consumer's right to a refund or replacement for faulty products or services. It's illegal for businesses to rely on store policies or terms and conditions which deny these rights. For example, policies which say 'no refunds' or 'no refunds or exchanges on sale items'.
Can a retailer refuse refund or exchange? ›A business can refuse to give you a free repair, replacement or refund if: you simply changed your mind. you misused the product or service in a way that contributed to the problem. you asked for a service to be done in a certain way against the advice of the business, or were unclear about what you wanted.
Do stores check their returns? ›
At least a dozen major retailers are discreetly tracking shoppers' returns and punishing people who are suspected of abusing their return policies. Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Victoria's Secret are among the many retailers engaging in this practice.
Can I get a cash refund if I paid by debit card? ›For example, if you paid by cash, you should get either cash back or a gift voucher, and if you paid by direct debit, the money will go back into your account.
Do returns hurt your credit? ›Yes, refunds can affect your credit score. A refund can lower your credit utilization — or the total amount of credit you've used compared to your overall credit limit.
Do stores sell returned items as new? ›In the US, selling used items as new is against the law and considered a criminal act. But there are many stores and companies who choose to ignore this law. Those who fear lawsuits, sell customer returns to secondary markets or as open products.
What is the best excuse to return an item? ›- #1 | The Customer Bought the Wrong Item.
- #2 | The Product is No Longer Needed.
- #3 | The Product Didn't Match the Description.
- #4 | A Gift Purchase Was Incorrect.
- #5 | The Product Was Damaged Upon Arrival.
You need a proof of purchase but this does not have to be a receipt. It could be a bank statement, credit card or loyalty card statement, for example. It just needs to show that you bought the item at that particular retailer.
Can I be refused a refund without a receipt? ›However, there's no getting away from the fact that proof of purchase is an important part of the process, and without it you may not be able to get a refund or exchange. Bear in mind that if the present was bought using a debit or credit card then any refund will go straight onto that card, rather than to you.
What is the most returned item? ›...
Which types of products have you returned in the past?
| Characteristic | Share of respondents |
|---|---|
| Shoes | 44% |
| Electronics | 43% |
| Home & Garden | 24% |
| Health & Beauty | 21% |
“For every dollar in sales, a retailer's net profit is between a cent to five cents. With returns, for every dollar in returned merchandise, it costs a retailer between 15 cents to 30 cents to handle it,” said Flickinger.
What are the most thrown away items? ›- #1 Bread. Over 240 million slices of bread are chucked away every year. ...
- #2 Milk. Around 5.9 million glasses of milk are poured down the sink every year, but it's so easy to use it up. ...
- #3 Potatoes. We discard 5.8 million potatoes each year. ...
- #4 Cheese. ...
- #5 Apples.
Can you get in trouble for returning too much? ›
Generally, a consumer is safe from being arrested if they are honest with a store about the item they are returning.
What can I do if a company refuses to refund my money? ›- Contact your state attorney general or consumer protection office. ...
- Contact a national consumer organization. ...
- Contact your local Better Business Bureau. ...
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission. ...
- Visit USA.gov/consumer.
If it's broken or faulty
Make sure you return the item within 30 days — after this point, the retailer can give you a repair or replacement, but you're not entitled to a refund.
If goods are returned after six months of the date of the original supply invoice, the rate of tax applicable will be the rate prevailing on date of such return. The information above explains about handing of GST against returned goods once after paying GST and tax return earlier.
How do I prove a purchase without a receipt? ›- credit or debit card statement.
- a lay-by agreement.
- a receipt or reference number given for phone or internet payments.
- a warranty card showing the supplier's or manufacturer's details and the date and amount of the purchase.
Returned products are handled in a number of different ways, he said. Retailers take back merchandise from the customer, evaluate it, and if it's in good condition put it back on the shelf at the same or lesser price. They can refurbish damaged returns and sell them for less or offload them to liquidators to resell.
What is the difference between return and refund? ›"Refund" is used when a third-party seller refunds a customer for any reason, in part or in full. "Return" is used when a buyer returns an item sold by Amazon.eg and Amazon.eg has issued them a refund. Was this information helpful?
What is all the best return policy? ›WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY? All merchandise is 100% guaranteed. Please return any item from your in-store or online purchase within 60 days to your preferred store location for a refund or exchange. Returns with no account (purchased as a guest user) and returns received after 60 days will receive store credit.
What does 7 day return policy mean? ›- The product is returned in original condition (with brand's/manufacturer's box, MRP tag intact, user manual, warranty card, and all the accessories therein) Ineligible products: - Products that have a defect after 7 days.
Is there still a limit on CAN returns in Michigan? ›A dealer may accept, but is not required to accept, from a person, empty returnable containers for a refund in excess of $25 on any given day. In other words, the Michigan Bottle Deposit Law allows up to $25 in refunds to be given per person per day per retailer.
Does Walmart have a limit on returns without receipt? ›
You can do Walmart returns without a receipt and get cash back for items under $10. If you have absolutely no proof of purchase, you're not out of luck. Go to the Service Desk with the product and your valid government-issued photo ID.
Is there a limit to how many returns to Walmart? ›Walmart's no receipt policy*applies to items returned in a store only and there's a cap. You can make up to three returns without a receipt, within a 45 day period.
Can you return stuff to Kroger without receipt? ›Returns without a receipt:
The return slip must be signed by all customers with returns over $10.00. Under $10.00 the customer will receive cash for their returns.
Can you return clothes without tags but with a receipt? Most stores would probably allow you to return them as long as you have a receipt and some places (like Wal-Mart) only require you to have an ID. You can usually opt for an exchange, a gift card, or a full refund.
Can you return an item without the receipt? ›If you don't have a receipt, try to make the return within 30 days and the company may be able to find your purchase in its system if you used a debit or credit card for the transaction.
How much money can you get back at Kroger? ›Withdrawing cash from your Debit Card
You can withdraw up to $5,000 for the same fee it costs to cash a check. You can also get up to $300 cash back in our checkout lanes while shopping for groceries for just a $3 fee.
Every returns policy needs to be at least 14 days. Most people expect a policy of at least 30 days – and they're checking before they buy. With a 30-day policy, the average return takes only 12 days. Longer returns windows can lead to longer returns – but only slightly!
Can I return items to grocery store? ›Most stores allow returns of items with a receipt, although some perishables such as meat or produce may not be returnable at some stores.
What do you say when returning an item? ›Tell the clerk you want to return the item.
Smile and say, “Hi, I want to return this item which I bought last week.” Show the clerk the item and your receipt. Don't delay returning the item. Some stores allow returns but only for a certain amount of time.
The staff at any store, including big-box establishments, can ask to see your receipt as you exit.
How much cash back can I get at the store? ›
Most stores give cash back of around $20 – $60. However, there are stores that offer you cash back of $100 to even $300 on your debit card purchases, Discover credit card transactions, or purchases with a personal check.
Why did Kroger start charging for cash back? ›"We have a fee due to banks & other retailers raising ATM fees and limiting the amount of cashback. We want to offer our customers a convenient, low cost, way to get their money," one Tweet from the company said.
Will Kroger rehire you if you quit? ›There is a period of 90 days that you must wait before being able to be rehired.
Can I return something over 30 days? ›If it's broken or faulty
Make sure you return the item within 30 days — after this point, the retailer can give you a repair or replacement, but you're not entitled to a refund.
In addition to retailers being required to accept the return of defective items, federal law provides a "Cooling-Off Rule " giving buyers three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more.
Do stores throw away returned items? ›Experts estimate that retailers throw away about a quarter of their returns. Returns and resale company Optoro estimates that every year, U.S. returns create almost 6 billion pounds of landfill waste.
Am I entitled to a refund if I change my mind? ›You don't have an automatic right to get your money back if you just change your mind about something you've bought and there's nothing wrong with it. It's the same no matter how expensive the item was - it's really down to the seller whether they offer you anything.
What to do if a store won't refund? ›- Contact your state attorney general or consumer protection office. ...
- Contact a national consumer organization. ...
- Contact your local Better Business Bureau. ...
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission. ...
- Visit USA.gov/consumer.