Call me strange (and many do) but I love digging around the web, making phone calls, and asking employees about their own store’s return policy. So when it came to figuring out the return policy at Safeway, I knew I had my work cut out for me. This is because Safeway posts very little about it online, and they make it a very confusing policy on purpose so they have wiggle room. Here’s everything I discovered, I hope it helps.

The Scenario…

I brought home a dozen eggs from my local Safeway and 5 of them were rotten, so of course it made me wonder if they were returnable.

Typically I would just throw the eggs away, but I figured this would be a great way to see what the ACTUAL return policy is at Safeway because I’ve read many varying accounts of their policy online.

Also, you CANNOT find anything on the Safeway website about their return policy, so I figured my eggs were a great case study to get some actual answers for all of us.

See Also: Here Are the 14 Cheapest Grocery Stores Near You

How Many Return Days Does Safeway Allow?

7 business days.

This information is nowhere to be found.

I searched their website, press releases, and I even looked at the back of their receipt with a magnifying glass.

I actually had to call Safeway customer support and ask what the heck their return policy was.

I was told that I have 7 business days to return my eggs for a full refund or exchange.

Do I Need My Receipt to Make a Return?

Yes.

Even though Safeway was able to lookup my purchase using my Safeway for U information, I was told I definitely needed to bring my receipt with the eggs.

If I didn’t have my receipt, OR waited longer than 7 business days it would be LEFT UP TO the manager if they would accept my return.

Note: If you lose you’re receipt, and you’re a Safeway for U member (it’s free to join) they can lookup your order history and get you your receipt.

See Also: The Trader Joe’s Return Policy is Fantastic…Here are 4 Reasons Why

Where In The Store Do I Take My Returns?

When you enter Safeway to make your return, you can head for any open register, or better yet go to the customer service desk in the front of the store.

They’ll check the item(s), examine your receipt, and help you make the return or exchange.

Returns will go back to your original form of payment -OR- they’ll give you cash back if you wrote a check or used your debit card.

If you used EBT benefits, they will return the amount of the purchase back to your EBT card.

Are There Any Exceptions to the 7 Days?

Potentially.

I was told that all returns, with a receipt, after 7 business days, are handled on a case-by-case basis with the manager on duty.

I think it’s safe to assume that if you do NOT have a history of abusing their return policy, and have a legitimate reasons for making the return, you stand a good chance of having your return approved.

Legitimate reasons include a prematurely spoiled item, something foreign in the product, and potentially if you simply don’t like the taste of the product.

Can I Returned Opened or Unopened Food?

Yes.

A perfect example is my dozen eggs that was clearly opened as I’d already used a couple of them before I found the rotten ones.

If you’re trying to return a box of cereal that’s almost empty and you’re reason for the return is “you don’t like the taste” the manager on shift is probably gonna deny your return.

But if you just opened the cereal and it’s smells weird, there is a 95% chance Safeway will accept your return or exchange if you bring it back within a few days.

See Also: How to Use Apple Pay at Safeway + Insider Tips

Can I Return Alcohol?

No.

Actually, I should probably say, “Probably, no.”

Most states prohibit the return of alcohol, opened or unopened but NOT all states.

Do a quick Google search for “does my state allow me return alcohol” to see what you find.

Also, it’s worth noting that you might be able to exchange unopened alcohol, but it will be at discretion of the Safeway manager.

Do I Have to Make My Return to the Safeway Where Purchase was Made?

Yes.

Safeway definitely wants you to bring the item back to where you bought it.

I think this is so they can determine if the food item is bad or rancid, and that way they can remove the item from the shelf for health reasons.

What About Fresh Fruits and Veggies?

You CAN return them.

As long as you have your receipt are in return window you should be good to go.

See Also: The ALDI Return Policy Might Be Better Than Safeway’s Policy

Can I Return Meats Past Their “Best By” Date?

Yes.

It’s my understanding that Safeway will take back meats that are past their “Best By” date, but still within the 7-day return window.

I’ve been told this is typically handled on a case-by-case basis and the manager has the authority to not accept the return.

If you work at Safeway and have more information on this, PLEASE let me know in the comments.

Can I Return “Heat to Eat” Meals That Are Terrible?

Yes.

I found examples online of people being able to return these premade meals at Safeway.

Do Safeway Members Get a Better Return Policy?

No.

Whether you’re part of their rewards program or not, you get the same exact 7-day return policy.

Any Other Items That CANNOT Be Returned?

Yes.

Besides alcohol, you cannot return the following items:

– Baby Formula and Baby Food

– Tobacco Products

What’s the Policy on Grocery Delivery and Pickup?

Really quite good actually. 

For some reason, Safeway does a nice job of breaking down their return policy when it comes to grocery delivery.

Safeway offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on your grocery delivery orders.

You can either have the driver return the item for you, or you can bring items back yourself.

Safeway asks you to call them at (877) 505-4040 to let them know that you want to return item(s) in your order and they’ll tell you how to proceed.

Ask the Reader: While I did a deep dive on the Safeway return policy, I feel I still might be missing some unpublished information…if you work at Safeway or have some insider info, PLEASE let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

As an avid Amazon shopper, I’m always looking for ways to save money with the online retail giant. From shopping at their little-known Online Warehouse Outlet, to figuring out how to buy their returns for cheap, I’m always on the search for ways to save. This made me wonder if there were stores in my local area that bought and sold Amazon returns and liquidated Amazon products for cheap. After some digging, I found an Amazon return store, also known as an “Amazon Liquidation Store”, about 10 miles away. So off I drove and quickly discovered that the savings at the store were pretty incredible, so I wanted to show you how to find an Amazon return store in your neck of the woods so you can start saving too. Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know.

What Exactly is an Amazon Return Store?

As the name suggests, an Amazon Return Store buys and sells Amazon products that were returned by customers for a myriad of reasons.

They are a great place to shop for bargains on home décor, electronics, toys, tools, clothing, shoes, patio furniture, and small kitchen appliances.

These stores typically don’t only sell Amazon returns, they often source liquidations from Target, Home Depot, and Walmart as well.

See Also: How to Find a Target Salvage Store Near You

How Do I Find a Return Store Near Me?

The best way to find a store near you is through Google and Facebook.

Start by doing a Google search for one of the following,

“Amazon return store near me”

“Amazon bin store TOWN NAME” – this is the exact search that stumbled me onto my local “Bargain Bins” store.

“Liquidation store TOWN NAME”

“Amazon salvage store near me”

“Amazon liquidation store TOWN NAME”

Next hit up Facebook and do the exact SAME searches.

If you have any of these stores near you, Google and/or Facebook will quickly find them for you and you probably won’t have to do more than 2 searches.

See Also: Amazon Warehouse Deals: How to Find the ABSOLUTE Best Deals

Are These Products from Amazon Liquidation Pallets?

Yes.

The vast majority of products are sourced from buying Amazon liquidation pallets from sites like Liquidation.com and DirectLiquidation.com.

What Brands Will I Typically Find Within?

Depends.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict the brands you might find as every store is different and dependent on the pallet of returned merchandise that they purchase.

But, to give you an idea, from shopping at my local “Bargain Bins” store, I found these brands to name just a few:

– Disney

– Sony

– Anker

– Logitech

– Farberware

– Ryobi

– Cuisinart

– Black & Decker

– Samsung

– Stanley Tools

– Shakespeare Fishing Poles

– 3M

– Nike

– Adidas

How Much Savings is Typical at These Stores?

Easily 50% off the retail price, often WAY more, I personally saw savings close to 90% off the original price.

The “Bargain Bins” store near me works like this:

Thursday – Everything in the store is $12

Friday – Everything in the store is $8

Saturday -Everything in the store is $4

Sunday -Everything in the store is $2

Monday – Everything in the store is 2 for $1

Tuesday and Wednesday – Closed

If your Amazon “bin” store is setup the same way, the BEST strategy is to start by shopping on a Thursday (when the store opens) and see what in-stock products and brands they have, then come back Sunday afternoon and see what is left.

This will give you a great idea at how quickly stuff is sold and at what price point.

Be prepared for a crowd on Thursday and a mad scramble when the doors open, it reminded me of the old Black Friday days.

A saw shoppers scoring microwaves, a mini fridge, large framed art prints, and electronics (think sound bars, headphones, and charging stations) for only $12 each.

Also, if your store is still relatively new, many bargain shoppers might not be aware of it yet, allowing you to take advantage of deals on Sunday and Monday at pennies on the dollar.

If you’re a reseller on eBay the Sunday and Monday bargains could be a great way to source inventory that you can resell for a quick profit.

See Also: 4 CLEVER Ways to Buy Amazon Returns and Save Money

Are the Products Often Defective?

Sometimes, but not typically.

While the items are typically in working condition, they sometimes have scratches, dents, and small imperfections.

I saw a lamp that had been squished, many boxes that had been ripped open at one point, and even a mattress that had some grease on it.

So you’re definitely taking a risk, especially on electronics, but at the low price point the risk is negligible in my opinion.

Are All Purchases Going to Be Final Sale?

Yes.

Because you’re buying products at liquidation prices, you can expect there to be NO return policy in place.

So once you buy the item, and walk out the door, you’re stuck with it.

The good news is you can easily resell the item on eBay if you don’t want it, often at a profit.

Can I Find Amazon Essentials at These Stores?

Yes.

I took the above picture recently when I went to our local “Bargain Bins” Amazon liquidation store with my daughter.

She bought these BRAND NEW leather moccasin slippers for only $4, Amazon sells them for over $20.

Can I Return These Items to Amazon?

No.

If you’re thinking of somehow returning products bought at a discount to Amazon for a profit, think again, it can’t be done.

First of all, you’ll need evidence that you bought the item from Amazon in the first place, and secondly, well….there is no secondly, just don’t do it.

See Also: Amazon Return Policy: Time to Cut Through the Crap and Figure It Out

Ask the Reader: Do you know of any Amazon return stores in your neck of the woods? Let me know in the comments and I’ll start compiling a list of stores to help all of us.

By Kyle James

Amazon pricing can be REALLY sneaky. There I said it. This is something that I’ve been yelling about for years and over the weekend I discovered a blatant “Bait & Switch” practice that Amazon now employs to lure shoppers into thinking the price is great, only to pull the rug out from underneath us and basically have the low price disappear. Below is the exact scenario that I encountered, along with the response from Amazon, so you can be aware of this new sneaky pricing scam that Amazon is using.

The Bait & Switch Scenario:

My daughter is in college, has a birthday coming up, and has been jonesing for a small ice maker for her dorm room.

So off I go to Amazon and see one for $44.99 with great reviews and I think “I’m all over this one like white on rice”.

I then tap on the ice maker and get taken to the product page and much to my surprise I CAN’T find the $44.99 price anywhere….the price listed is a whopping $89.99.

A HUGE 45 dollar price difference, with the previously mentioned $44.99 price NOWHERE to be found.

See Also: How to Buy Amazon Unclaimed Packages and Save Money

So Off I Go To Amazon Chat…

I typically get good results when starting a live chat with Amazon, especially when I have an issue like not getting my package in 2 days or a return question.

But I was sorely disappointed this time.

The rep started out by telling me that Amazon changes pricing all the time, then she had me add the ice maker to my cart to see if the $44.99 propagated at checkout which of course IT DID NOT.

Then she kept saying I would get lower price when I signed up for the Chase Amazon Visa which I thought was a hilarious spin of the problem. (screenshot below)

Clearly, “Joan” had a hard time understanding my issue and could not give me answers to my questions.

I quickly realized this was getting nowhere, so I bid a fond farewell to Joan, and decided to call Amazon directly.

So I Called Amazon Customer Service…

Like it was 1986, I figured out how to make a phone call to Amazon customer service.

The first person I talked to was of little help so I asked to speak to his supervisor.

I was quickly transferred and FINALLY was able to speak with someone who actually understood my issue.

I explained that this was a clear BAIT & SWITCH and Amazon needed to honor the advertised price of $44.99.

I was pretty hot under the collar by this point as I was close to 30 minutes into this ordeal.

She explains that the $44.99 is the price from one of the 3rd party seller who just happened to be charging $45 for shipping making the price the same as Amazon’s.

The 3rd party sellers (also know as the “Other sellers on Amazon”) link was buried on the product page making for a very confusing situation.

But sure enough, after some searching, I was able to find the 3rd party seller that she was talking about and see where the $44.99 price was originating from.

The Word “from” is Clearly the Problem

Wrongly, Amazon seems fine with using the tiny word “from” on their search results page as it grabs the shoppers attention when they see a low price.

But come on Amazon, don’t put the word “from” right next to the Prime logo as it makes shoppers think they can get that low price with Prime 2-day shipping.

Very deceiving and something that I feel is a clear “bait & switch” that Amazon needs to fix immediately.

At the very least, they should remove the blue Prime logo when it’s a “from” situation to avoid confusion.

See Also: 6 Slick Ways to Score Amazon Prime for Free or Real Cheap

The Solution: Amazon Needs To Be More Transparent

The Amazon rep basically told me that the 3rd party seller was being very deceiving by offering that LOW price but then having incredibly HIGH shipping costs.

I told her that Amazon needed to do something about this and she promised to tell her supervisor about this issue so it could be run up the corporate ladder.

Will anything come of it? Probably not.

But if you notice the same thing, call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331 and voice your concern.

Maybe if enough of us call they will change how the display their pricing in the search results.

How to Avoid This Pricing Scam

I was told that the word “from” appears the most when using the Amazon app and you rarely see it when shopping on the website via your laptop or desktop.

So the BEST WAY to avoid this scam is to NOT shop via the Amazon app but instead to shop directly through Amazon.com.

Also, keep a sharp eye out for the word “from” and know that it means the price you’re being shown is NOT going to be the actual amount you pay and typically won’t include 2-day Prime shipping. 

Ask the Reader: Have you ever noticed this very sneaky pricing scheme that Amazon does? Do you remember what the product and price was? Let me know in the comments, thanks.

By Kyle James