A good return policy is a beautiful thing. It let’s you shop freely without worrying about getting stuck with something you don’t need or want. So when I recently discovered the Trader Joe’s “Risk-Free” return policy, with NO time limit, I knew I had to write about it as it seemed to good to be true. Here is everything you need to know about their liberal policy.

1. The Trader Joe’s Return Policy is Risk-Free

From the Trader Joe’s site, “Try it. We think you’ll like it. If you don’t, bring it back for a full refund.”

Awesomely, Trader Joe’s is totally cool with you buying any food or drink and taking it home to give it a try.

Don’t like it? Simply bring back whatever you have left and you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked.

Half-eaten box of chips or a frozen entrée, it doesn’t matter, they’ll take it all back.

Trader Joe’s wants you to buy stuff and try it completely risk-free because they know 90% of  the time you’ll like it.

See Also: The Best Buys at Trader Joe’s According to Employees

PRO TIP: NO NEED TO BRING FOOD ITEMS BACK

When returning food items, you don’t need to bring the actual food items back with you when returning it. Once it leaves the store, Trader Joe’s cannot resell it due to health department regulations, even if it’s unopened.

So before you throw the food away, cut off the barcode or take a picture of it and show that to the employee. Bring your receipt to make it easier, but it isn’t required. If you’re returning a non-food item, you’ll need to bring the product back with you.

2. You Can Return Alcohol to Trader Joe’s (Even If It’s Open)

There is some debate on this question.

Some places like Costco will often not let you return alcohol, but Trader Joe’s will take back all wine, beer, and liquor.

It can even be opened and half empty, they’ll still take it back, no questions asked.

Some state laws require Trader Joe’s to NOT offer a cash refund on alcohol, but rather an exchange for a different bottle of wine or 6-pack of beer.

Their policy makes for a great way to “taste test” wine and beer at home and return it for an exchange if you don’t like it.

PRO TIP: SOME STATES PROHIBIT ALCOHOL RETURNS

While Trader Joe’s is fine with you returning alcohol, some states have laws in place that prevent alcohol returns.

Here are the states that have such laws in place:

• California – You can only return alcohol if it’s spoiled or unfit for consumption.
• Georgia – No alcohol returns are permitted.
• Kansas – You only have 24 hours to return alcohol.
• Maine – Alcohol must be returned within 10 days of the purchase date, with a receipt.
• Michigan – You can only return alcohol if it’s damaged or spoiled.
• New Hampshire – You’re stuck with it in the “Live Free or Die” state.
• Utah – Returns are only allowed if the booze is spoiled or contaminated.

3. No Receipt is Required

No receipt is required for a Trader Joe’s return.

This is because many of the items at Trader Joe’s are made specifically for the store and have the TJ name right on them.

In other words, it’s pretty obvious to the employee that you’re returning something you bought from them.

If it’s a more expensive item like vitamins or alcohol, you should definitely hold on to your receipt as it will make your return go much smoother.

See Also: 8 Brilliant Trader Joe’s Shopping Tips (Shop Smart and Save)

PRO TIP: BEWARE OF THE “OVERBOUGHT” GAME

If you make excessive returns to Trader Joe’s of unopened products and use the excuse that you “overbought”, employees will take note and possibly ban you from future returns.

I had an employee tell me that this especially the case when returning expensive meats and produce that they have to throw away. How many returns determines “excessive” is up to the manager, but keep this in mind when returning unopened food products.

4. TJ’s Return Policy…the Fine Print

Like any return policy, there is some fine print you need to understand.

Here is what you need to know:

Returning Item With Receipt:

When returning items to Trader Joe’s with your receipt, you’ll get back the full purchase price to whatever form of payment you originally used.

Returning Item Without Receipt:

When returning items without a receipt, you’ll get back the lowest advertised price. Your refund will then be issued as a store credit to a Trader Joe’s gift card.

See Also: Safeway’s Return Policy is a Mystery…Until Now

Important Note: Always provide honest feedback when returning stuff to Trader Joe’s. They actually listen to why you’re returning items and use that feedback to make their product selection better.

PRO TIP: DON’T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP

I recently bought the Trader Joe’s Hummus which I absolutely love for dipping. When I got it home, it smelt really odd like it was old and starting to go bad, so I just tossed it in the trash without thinking twice.

On a whim, the next time I was at Trader Joe’s, I told the cashier about it when she was checking me out. She said without hesitation, “Go grab another one, it’s on us.” I was super impressed and thanked her at least three times as I left the store with my hummus.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever taken advantage of Trader Joe’s return policy? If so, was it an easy process?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Eric Fischer.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)