Waterstones

Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policy at a glance

United States
Return window
30 days
Free return shipping
Conditional
Receipt required
Conditional
In store return for online orders
Yes
Refund processing time
Not specified
Restocking fee
Not specified

Waterstones allows returns within 30 days of purchase to any store location or by mail. Items must be in original packaging where possible, and refunds go back to your original payment method.

How returns work

You can return items by mail using a free Royal Mail label generated online, drop them off at a Post Office, Parcel Postbox, Parcel Locker, or Collect+ location, or take them directly to any Waterstones bookshop with your dispatch note or order confirmation email. When returning by mail, repack the item carefully in its original packaging and include a note with your order number, full name, reason for return, and whether you want a refund or replacement.

Exclusions and restrictions

Electrical items and face masks cannot be returned if their seal is broken, unless the item is faulty. Perishable goods and food products are not returnable unless damaged, supplied incorrectly, or not as described. Physical gift cards purchased in-store are not eligible for refund or exchange. International returns require you to pay for shipping.

Refunds

All refunds are issued to your original payment method. Waterstones may request photographic evidence of damage or defects before processing a return.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to return something?

You have 30 days from purchase to return most items. If you received the item as a Christmas gift, you can return it until the end of January instead of the standard 30-day window.

Can I return something bought online to a Waterstones store?

Yes. You can return online purchases to any Waterstones bookshop by bringing your dispatch note or order confirmation email.

Do I need a receipt to return something?

You do not need a physical receipt. A copy of your order confirmation email is accepted as an alternative to a receipt or dispatch note.

Is return shipping free?

Return shipping is free within the UK when you use the Royal Mail label generated online. If you are returning from outside the UK, you are responsible for paying return shipping costs.

Can I exchange an item instead of getting a refund?

Yes. You can exchange items within 30 days of purchase. Faulty or damaged items may have a longer return period under statutory rights.

Why can't I return an unopened electrical item?

Electrical items and face masks can only be refunded or exchanged if the seal is unbroken or if the item is faulty. If the seal is broken, the retailer will not process a standard return.

What if my item arrived damaged?

You can return damaged items. Waterstones may ask you to provide photographs showing the damage before processing your return.

How you can return an item

  • By mail , Free UK returns with Royal Mail label generated online
  • In store , Return to any Waterstones bookshop with dispatch note or order confirmation email
  • Carrier drop off , Drop off at Post Office, Parcel Postbox, Parcel Locker, or Collect+ location

Step by step

  1. Repack item carefully in original packaging where possible.
  2. Include note with order number, full name, reason for return, and refund or replacement preference.
  3. Arrange return with Royal Mail to generate a return label.
  4. Drop off labeled package at Post Office, Parcel Postbox, Parcel Locker, or Collect+ location.

Categories with their own return window

Category Window Note
Christmas gifts Not specified Extended until end of January for gifts purchased as Christmas gifts

What you cannot return

  • Electrical items with broken seal , Refunds or exchanges only if seal unbroken or faulty
  • Face masks with broken seal , Refunds or exchanges only if seal unbroken or faulty
  • Perishable goods and food products , Not eligible unless damaged, supplied incorrectly, or sold not as described
  • Physical gift cards purchased in-store , Not eligible for refund or exchange

How your refund comes back

You paid with Refund comes back as
All methods Refund to original payment method

Returning without a receipt

Order confirmation email copy accepted as alternative to receipt or dispatch note

Exchanges

Standard 30-day exchange available; faulty or damaged items have longer return period per statutory rights

Damaged or defective items

Items can be returned; may request photographic evidence of fault or damage before processing

Gift returns

Christmas gifts can be returned until end of January instead of standard 30 days

What the policy actually says

Every figure above is taken word for word from the retailer page. Here are the exact lines.

Field Quoted from the retailer
Return window days Our returns period is 30 days from purchase.
Exchange window days Our returns period is 30 days from purchase.
Free return shipping within the UK you can return your order to us using our free returns service with Royal Mail; we also accept returns internationally.
Return shipping fee Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Receipt required Simply bring the Dispatch Note or receipt which accompanied your order, or, if you did not receive a Dispatch Note, a copy of your original order confirmation email.
Original packaging required To return or exchange items ordered online, please re-pack carefully, using the original packaging where possible.
Refund method We will refund to your original payment method
In store return for online Items purchased online at Waterstones.com can also be returned to any Waterstones bookshop

Return policies for similar stores

Store Return window
Books 2 Door Limited return policy 30 days
Calendars.com return policy 60 days
For Your Entertainment return policy 30 days
Lovepop Cards return policy 30 days

Checked against the retailer's published policy. Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policies change without notice. Confirm the current policy with the retailer before you buy.