Heh, that’s almost unheard of in the Middle East for example. You have to fight tooth and nail to even get basic warranty.

Not sure about the rest of the world, but I would say that the US is an outlier when it comes to return policies.

Germany (EU?) gives you 14 days unconditional return for online purchases, and brick and mortar retailers usually match or surpass that to stay competitive with online retailers.

While that might sound like a consumer-friendly thing, the flip side is that it adds to the base price, and worse, returning items adds significantly to the environmental footprint (delivery and packaging). I've worked for large online retailers, and women returning more than half of their ordered cloth items is happening all the time.

I agree that it has negative effects for things like consumer electronics, and the system can be gamed (buy and return instead of renting, etc.).

But unless we really tighten up the standards for clothing sizes I don't see how you could sell them online without half of them not fitting. Especially with woman's clothes, where form fit is more important and manufacturers seem to take more liberty with labeling sizes.

It’s nowhere near unconditional and not even close to anything goes culture in US.

The EU would like to have a word with you.

> most stores have a 14 day return period

A return period is even mandated by law in most advanced countries by consumer protection laws. The length varies and sometimes there are some exceptions like software and customized (engraved products).

I was always under the impression that in the US, returns that were not because of a defect were more of a courtesy than a legal requirement:

> Many retailers, as part of their business models, allow returns if customers change their minds or receive unwanted items as gifts. While many retailers have decided this makes for the best business practice, they aren't legally required to accept returns. Rather, retailers are required to accept returns only if the sold good is defective or if they otherwise break the sales contract. [1]

[1] https://consumer.findlaw.com/consumer-transactions/customer-...

Absolutely not.

Returning used anything in US is cultural courtesy.

Returning in EU is mandated by law, but for online purchases only and unused products, with hygienic exclusions - the purpose being giving you the same chance as in a brick store to see the product. Opening the box, returning, sure. Using for a week, putting it in your ears, then returning, nope.

Apple Store policy varies by country slightly, but generally they allow 14 days unconditional return. That’s rather unique, and entirely voluntary, and Apple Premium Resellers rarely (never around here) have the same policy.