Items You Can't Return… No Matter How Hard You Try

You clicked "Add to Cart." The package arrived. You tried it on. It doesn't work. You reach for the return label and then you see it: FINAL SALE. In that moment, you realize you've been defeated by the fine print.

We've all been there—purchasing something that seemed perfect online but turned out to be very, very wrong in person. The good news? Most things can go right back. The bad news? Some items are yours forever the moment you click "buy." Welcome to the world of non-returnable items, where retailers draw the line and your impulse purchase becomes a permanent closet resident.

Why Some Things Are Unreturnable

It usually comes down to three things: hygiene regulations that protect everyone's health, liability concerns that keep retailers out of legal hot water, and fraud prevention for items that could easily be copied or resold.

For obvious reasons, no one wants to buy something that's been up close and personal with someone else. That's why intimate apparel, heavily-used cosmetics, and pierced earrings fall into the "once it's yours, it's yours" category. It's not retailers being difficult—it's them following health and safety standards that frankly, we should all appreciate.

The Universal No-Return List

Here are the items you can't return to most retailers, even if you have your receipt, the tags, and a really good excuse.

Intimate Apparel & Underwear

Let's start with the obvious: underwear, bras, and intimates are almost never returnable once you've opened the package. Target accepts returns of underwear within 90 days as long as items are new, unworn, and have tags attached. The key word here is unworn. For many items like swimwear, retailers use hygienic liners or security tags that must remain intact. If you've ripped off that thin paper lining after trying the item on, you've essentially crossed the point of no return. The same strict rules apply at virtually every retailer.

Opened Beauty Products & Cosmetics

The beauty category is surprisingly forgiving at some retailers and surprisingly strict at others. Sephora will accept opened makeup returns within 30 days, and so will Ulta, Nordstrom, and even Target (within 90 days if you used a REDcard). These stores offer this policy because they understand that foundation shades, scents, and textures need to be tested. However, this generosity is often limited by a "gently used" requirement.

But here's the catch: "gently used" is subjective. If you've clearly used half the bottle, don't expect a warm welcome at the returns desk. And at Nordstrom Rack? Beauty items are final sale, period.

So, can you return opened makeup? At most major retailers, yes—but within a specific timeframe and only if it's lightly used. The lesson here: test products sooner rather than later so you're still within the return window.

Pierced Earrings

Pierced earrings cannot be returned due to hygiene reasons at most retailers. This includes everywhere from Claire's to boutique jewelry stores. The logic is simple: these go directly into an open wound (your piercing), so retailers can't resell them once they've been in your possession.

Clip-on earrings, ear cuffs, and other non-pierced jewelry? Usually fine to return. But if it has a post that goes through your ear, consider that purchase final. 

Custom, Personalized & Monogrammed Items

Anything with your name, initials, or custom design on it becomes unreturnable the moment it's created. This includes monogrammed towels from Pottery Barn, custom sneakers from Nike By You, and personalized water bottles from Hydro Flask.

Why? Because no one else wants something with your name on it. Retailers can't resell these items, which means they're stuck with them if you change your mind. The exception: if the item arrives damaged or not as described, most retailers will make it right. But buyer's remorse on a monogrammed tote? Unfortunately, that's on you.

Digital Products & Gift Cards

Once a digital download is yours, it's yours forever. Gift card sales are almost always final, and once activated, they can't be returned for cash or exchanged at most retailers. Virtually every major retailer has this policy.

The only exceptions are in certain states (like California) that require retailers to give you cash back if your gift card balance is under a certain amount—usually $10 or less. Otherwise, that gift card to a store you never shop at is staying in your wallet.

Sale, Clearance & "Final Sale" Items

Here's where things get tricky. Can I return final sale items? No. The answer is no. Items marked "We Made Too Much" at Lululemon, clearance at Nordstrom Rack, or anything stamped "FINAL SALE" at checkout are yours to keep.

That said, not all sale items are final sale. At Lululemon, regular sale items can be returned within 30 days, but "We Made Too Much" items and final sale items cannot be returned. At Nordstrom, most sale items follow the standard return policy unless specifically marked "final sale."

The takeaway? Always check whether that 40% off deal comes with an "all sales final" asterisk. Sometimes the discount isn't worth losing your safety net.

Things People Have Actually Tried to Return

While you might feel embarrassed returning that impulse buy, some people have absolutely no shame whatsoever.

We’ve all heard the stories… someone tried to return a dead Christmas tree to Costco—in January—complaining that it had died. Another person returned an empty bottle of wine because it gave them a headache. 

And rumor has it Walmart employees have seen it all: steak with grill marks still on it, an empty cake box because the customer ate the cake but decided there was too much icing, and even sliced watermelon. One brave soul tried to return expired milk from Kroger to Walmart—a bold choice considering it wasn't even the right store.

The moral of the story? Your final sale sports bra really isn't that bad in comparison.

How to Avoid Getting Stuck

The best way to deal with non-returnable items is to not buy them in the first place—or at least, to buy them intentionally. Here's how:

Check for "final sale" before clicking buy. It's usually marked clearly on the product page, in your cart, and on your confirmation email. If you don't see a return policy listed, assume the worst and look for it on the retailer's return policy page.

Read the return policy for specific categories. Don't assume that just because Athleta has a great general return policy, it applies to everything. Swimwear, monogrammed, and final sale items often have different rules.

Know the difference between "all sales final" and regular return policies. Regular sale items are usually fine to return; final sale items are not. There's a big difference between "30% off" and "30% off, all sales final."

Try before you buy when possible. For categories like underwear and swimwear, consider buying multiple sizes of returnable items to find your fit, then ordering the exact style in final sale once you know it works.

While you can't return everything, staying on top of what you can return is half the battle. Refundly helps you automatically track and manage your returns and refunds so you always know the status of the money you're owed back. So, if something’s taking too long—or seems to have vanished—we’ll let you know before it becomes a headache. Think of it as your safety net for all the items that do allow returns.

When All Hope Is Lost

So you're stuck with something non-returnable. Now what?

Resale apps and local marketplaces are your friend. Platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and Mercari are great for clothing and accessories. For personalized home goods, electronics, or other bulkier items, consider Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. You won't get full price back, but you'll get something—and the item goes to someone who actually wants it.

Gift it. Your too-small Lululemon bra might be someone else's perfect fit. Birthdays and holidays are coming, and regifting is a time-honored tradition.

‍Donating is always a great option as well. Not only is it charitable but depending on where you donate, your donation could also be tax-deductible!

Keep it as a lesson. Sometimes the best thing a final sale purchase can do is teach you to read the fine print next time.

The Takeaway

Non-returnable items are a reality of shopping, whether you're buying in-store or clicking "checkout" at 11 PM in your pajamas. The key is knowing the rules before you buy, so you're making informed decisions rather than hopeful ones.

Final sale can be worth it for the right item at the right price—just make sure you're genuinely okay with keeping it forever. And for everything else? Stay organized, track your return windows, and never let a returnable item become non-returnable just because you forgot about it.