PC Richard Return Policy: What You Need to Know 2026

You walk into a PC Richard & Son store with a boxed TV you opened last week, and suddenly the friendly checkout conversation feels like a distant memory. The PC Richard & Son return policy can save you money or cost you a restocking fee, depending entirely on what you bought and whether you opened it. Here is the short version: most items have a 30-day return window, but electronics, appliances, and special orders each come with their own set of rules and fees.

As of 2026, the policy remains consistent across all stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, with a few seasonal exceptions. The key number to remember is 30 days from the purchase date, though holiday purchases made between November 1 and December 24 extend that deadline to January 31. Let's walk through exactly how this works, branch by branch.

Quick Answer: The 30-Second Rule of Thumb

Thirty days is your standard window. Unopened electronics can be returned with no fee. Opened electronics cost a 15% restocking fee.

Major appliances have a 30-day window but require the original box and all parts. Special-order and clearance items are final sale. Keep your receipt.

Return online orders in-store for free.

How PC Richard's Return Window Works (It's Not One Size Fits All)

The 30-day clock starts on the day of purchase, whether you bought it in the store or had it delivered. If you paid with a credit card, that's the date on your receipt. PC Richard does not count from the day you unbox the item or the day you install it.

So if you bought a refrigerator on March 1, it arrives on March 5, and you install it on March 10, your return deadline is still March 31.

Standard Window: 30 Days for Most Items

This covers the vast majority of purchases: electronics, appliances, mattresses, furniture, small kitchen appliances, tools, and home goods. The count includes weekends and holidays. If day 30 falls on a Sunday, the store is open.

You still have that day. PC Richard stores are open seven days a week in most locations, so there's rarely a "next business day" grace period.

The Holiday Exception (Nov 1 – Dec 24 Purchases)

This is the most generous window in PC Richard's policy. Any item purchased between November 1 and December 24 qualifies for an extended return period that runs through January 31 of the following year. This applies to most categories, including electronics and appliances.

Clearance and special-order items are still excluded. So if you bought a TV on Black Friday, you have until January 31 to return it. The restocking fee still applies if it's opened, but you have more time to decide.

Condition Variables That Change Everything

Whether you can return an item for free or owe a fee depends entirely on its condition when you bring it back. PC Richard inspects every return at the customer service counter. The moment you walk in, an associate will check the box, the accessories, and the item itself.

Sealed vs. Opened — The Restocking Fee Trigger

This is the single most important distinction in the policy. A sealed item, still in its original factory shrink wrap or tape, qualifies for a full refund to your original payment method with no restocking fee. An opened item triggers a 15% restocking fee on computers, tablets, smartphones, and televisions.

For other electronics like speakers, headphones, or small appliances, the fee may not apply, but the policy varies by store manager discretion. Our research across multiple forums and the company's own published policies confirms that the 15% fee is applied universally in the New York metro area for opened high-value electronics.

Installed vs. Uninstalled Appliances

Major appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ranges have a special rule. If you had the item delivered and installed by PC Richard's team, you can still return it within 30 days, but you must have the original packaging and all included parts. If the appliance has been used, for example you've run a wash cycle or installed a dishwasher under the counter, the return is accepted only if it's a defect.

Buyer's remorse on a used appliance is often rejected. The store will also charge a disposal fee, usually $25 to $50, for removing the old unit if you're not buying a replacement.

Special-Order, Clearance, and Floor Models

These are your "no return" categories. Special-order items, anything PC Richard ordered specifically for you like a custom kitchen cabinet or a refrigerator in a non-stock color, cannot be returned or exchanged unless it arrives damaged or defective. Clearance items are marked as final sale at the register.

Floor models are sold as-is with all wear and tear, and no returns are accepted once you take them out the door. Always ask before buying if you're unsure.

Step-by-Step: The Return Process From Start to Refund

Here is exactly what to do, in order, to maximize your chances of a smooth return.

What to Bring (Receipt, Box, Accessories)

You need three things: the original receipt or packing slip, the complete original box with all inserts including the foam, plastic bags, and manuals, and every accessory that came with the item. Cables, remotes, batteries, brackets, and mounting hardware all count. If you're missing the remote for a TV, the store will reject the return or deduct the cost of a replacement, usually $20 to $50.

If you don't have the receipt, PC Richard can look up your purchase by phone number or credit card. You'll only get store credit at the current selling price, not the price you paid.

In-Store Return for Online Orders

If you bought from pcrichard.com, you can return the item to any PC Richard store for free. There is no shipping fee, and you get the refund processed immediately at the counter. Do not mail it back.

PC Richard does not offer prepaid return labels for most online orders. If you ship it yourself, you pay the cost, and the refund doesn't start until the warehouse receives and inspects it. In-store is faster.

Large Appliance Returns: What Happens at Delivery

For large appliances, the decision window starts at delivery. When the truck arrives, inspect the appliance immediately for dents, scratches, or missing parts. If you see damage, refuse delivery in writing.

Once the team installs it and leaves, cosmetic damage claims are nearly impossible. If you do accept delivery and later decide to return, you must call PC Richard's delivery department to schedule a pickup. They will not take it at the store.

It must be picked up from your home. Expect a pickup fee of around $50 to $75, and the refund is processed after the item is back in the warehouse.

Decision Tree: Should You Return, Exchange, or Keep It?

Use the following branches based on your exact situation.

Branch 1: You Have the Receipt and Original Packaging

If the item is unopened, your best path is a straight refund. You get 100% back to your card or cash if you paid with cash. If the item is opened but you decide it's not right, you can still return it, but you'll pay the 15% restocking fee on electronics.

If the fee is significant, say $75 on a $500 TV, consider an exchange instead. Exchanges are treated as a return and a new purchase, so the restocking fee still applies on the returned item, but you avoid paying it twice if you buy the same category.

Branch 2: You're Missing Something (Receipt, Box, Accessories)

Without a receipt, you get store credit at the lowest recent sale price. That could be less than what you paid. Without the box, PC Richard may reject the return entirely, especially for TVs and computers.

Without accessories, they will deduct the replacement cost. Your best move is to call ahead and ask the store manager whether they'll accept the incomplete return. Some stores are flexible.

Others are strict.

Branch 3: The Item Was Installed or Built-In

If you had a refrigerator installed with water line connections, or a dishwasher built under a counter, do not attempt to return it unless it's defective. PC Richard's policy explicitly states that installed appliances are not eligible for buyer's remorse returns. If it's defective, you fall under the manufacturer warranty, and the store will coordinate a repair or replacement.

Do not uninstall it yourself. Call PC Richard first.

Branch 4: You're Outside the Return Window

If you are one day past 30 days, and it's not during the holiday period, the system will deny the return. No exceptions, per store policy. You can try speaking to a manager, but consumer feedback indicates they rarely bend the rule.

Your only option is to sell the item privately or use it. If the item is defective, the manufacturer warranty may still apply, typically one year, so contact the brand directly for a repair.

Fees You Might Owe (and How to Avoid Them)

Not every return is free. PC Richard applies fees in three specific situations.

The 15% Restocking Fee: What It Applies To

This fee hits opened computers, tablets, smartphones, and televisions. Fifteen percent of the purchase price gets deducted from your refund. On a $1,000 laptop, that's $150 gone.

On a $400 TV, it's $60.

The fee applies only if the item is opened. Sealed returns in the same categories get a full refund. The store defines "opened" as any break in the factory seal.

If you cut the tape on the box, you've opened it. Even if you never turned the device on, the fee applies.

Other electronics like speakers, headphones, gaming consoles, and small kitchen appliances typically do not carry a restocking fee. But store managers have discretion. If the item shows clear signs of use or missing accessories, they may still charge a fee or reject the return.

Disposal Fees on Large Appliances

If you return a major appliance and you had PC Richard haul away your old unit, they charge a disposal fee. This is standard across the industry. The fee ranges from $25 to $50 depending on the appliance type.

Refrigerators and freezers tend to be at the higher end because of refrigerant disposal requirements.

You can avoid this fee by keeping the old unit yourself. Tell the delivery team you don't need haul-away. Then dispose of it on your own schedule through your local municipal waste service.

No-Fee Paths: Sealed Electronics and In-Store Exchanges

Two scenarios guarantee no extra charges. First, return any sealed electronic item within 30 days with the original receipt. You get the full purchase price back.

Second, exchange an opened item for the same category of product. For example, exchange a 50-inch TV for a 55-inch from the same brand. The store typically waives the restocking fee on an even exchange because you're still buying from them.

Exchanges for a different category, like swapping a TV for a laptop, are treated as a return plus a new purchase. The restocking fee applies to the returned TV.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Money or Time

You can avoid most return headaches by sidestepping three errors that come up again and again in verified buyer feedback.

Skipping the Delivery Inspection

When your new refrigerator, washer, or dryer arrives, the delivery team expects you to inspect it before they leave. Many customers wave them through because they're excited or busy. That is a costly mistake.

If you find a dent or scratch after the team leaves, PC Richard will treat it as cosmetic damage from your ownership. They won't accept a return for that damage unless you can prove it happened during delivery. The only way to prove it is to note it on the delivery receipt before signing.

Take five minutes. Walk around the appliance. Check every panel, edge, and corner.

Turn on the lights. Open the doors. If you see anything, write it on the delivery form and ask the driver to initial it.

Take a photo with your phone showing the damage and the delivery truck in the background. That evidence protects your return rights.

Throwing Away the Box Before You're Sure

The original box is your ticket to a clean return. PC Richard requires it for electronics and appliances. Without it, the store may reject the return outright or deduct a packaging fee.

Keep the box, foam inserts, plastic bags, and all packing material for at least 30 days. Store it flat under a bed or in a closet. After 30 days, if you're confident you're keeping the item, you can recycle it.

The box also matters if you need to ship the item for a manufacturer warranty repair. Many brands require original packaging for safe transport. Toss it too early and you'll pay for a shipping box and risk damage during transit.

Not Checking the Serial Number Match

PC Richard matches the serial number on the item to the serial number on the receipt. If you bring back a different unit, even an identical model, the return will be rejected. This happens more often than you'd think.

People buy two of the same TV, keep the better one, and try to return the older one in the new box.

The store scans the serial number at the counter. If it doesn't match their records, the return is denied. You leave with the item and no refund.

Always double-check that the serial number on the box matches the one on the device before boxing it up for return.

What About Defects? (Manufacturer Warranty vs. Store Policy)

A defective product is different from buyer's remorse. PC Richard's return policy covers the first 30 days. If your item arrives broken or stops working within that window, the store will replace it or refund it.

No restocking fee.

After 30 days, the store's return policy no longer applies. You shift to the manufacturer's warranty. Most electronics and appliances come with a one-year limited warranty.

That warranty covers parts and labor for manufacturing defects, not cosmetic issues or wear and tear.

Here is how to handle a defect after the return window.

• Contact the manufacturer directly. Look up the customer service number in the product manual or on the brand's official website. Do not go through PC Richard after 30 days. They will direct you to the manufacturer.
• Have your receipt ready. The warranty start date is the purchase date, not the delivery date.
• The manufacturer will either send a replacement, schedule a repair, or ask you to ship the item to an authorized service center. PC Richard does not handle these logistics on the warranty side.

Some manufacturers allow you to bring the defective item back to the store for a warranty exchange. This is not guaranteed. It depends on the brand and the store manager.

Call ahead and ask before hauling a broken TV to the store.

One important note: If the item is defective from the start, do not accept delivery. Refuse it at the doorstep. That keeps your options open and avoids the back-and-forth of warranty claims.

When You Can't Return: Mattresses, Special Orders, and Floor Samples

Some purchases are final. PC Richard draws a hard line on three categories.

Mattresses

Mattresses have a hygiene policy. Once the plastic wrap is removed, you cannot return it. No exceptions.

If the mattress is defective, you work with the manufacturer for a replacement. PC Richard will not accept a used mattress for any reason.

The only workaround is to inspect the mattress before removing the plastic. Unroll it, let it expand, and check for damage while it's still covered. If you see a tear or stain, call PC Richard immediately.

They may exchange it before you cut the plastic.

Special Orders

Custom items like kitchen cabinets, built-in appliances in non-stock colors, and special-order furniture cannot be returned. These items are made specifically for your order. PC Richard cannot sell them to another customer.

Before placing a special order, confirm the dimensions, color, and model number three times. Ask the sales associate to write on the receipt that the item is non-returnable. That document protects you if there's an error on PC Richard's side.

Floor Samples and Clearance Items

Floor models are sold as-is with all visible wear. You cannot return them later because you found a scratch you didn't notice in the store. Clearance items are also final sale.

The price is reduced because the store wants to clear inventory. The trade-off is no return option.

Always inspect floor models thoroughly in the store. Turn them on. Check every feature.

Ask if the original box and accessories are included. If the store doesn't have them, factor that into your decision.

Real Scenarios: How the Policy Plays Out

Theory is one thing. Seeing how the policy applies in real situations makes it concrete. Here are three common scenarios, each with the likely outcome.

Scenario A: TV Dead on Arrival

You buy a 65-inch TV. You take it home, open the box, and plug it in. The screen is cracked.

This is a defect. You are within the 30-day return window.

Call PC Richard immediately. They will arrange a pickup and send a replacement. No restocking fee because it's a defect.

Keep the original box and packing materials for the pickup. If you don't have the box, the store may delay the replacement while they source packaging.

You do not need to contact the manufacturer. PC Richard handles it in the first 30 days.

Scenario B: Refrigerator Doesn't Fit the Cutout

You measure your kitchen space. You buy a new refrigerator. It arrives, and the delivery team installs it.

You realize it sticks out three inches past the counter.

This is buyer's remorse, not a defect. You have two options. First, call PC Richard within 30 days to schedule a pickup.

You will pay a pickup fee, around $50, and a disposal fee if they haul away your old unit. The refund is processed after the refrigerator is back at the warehouse. Second, sell the refrigerator yourself on a marketplace and avoid the fees.

Given the hassle of moving a refrigerator, most people choose the pickup route.

Next time, measure the depth with the doors open. Account for handles and clearance for airflow.

Scenario C: Laptop Opened, Used for a Week, Then Regret

You buy a laptop. You use it for a week. You realize you need a more powerful model.

You still have the receipt, the box, and all accessories.

You can return it. The 15% restocking fee applies because the laptop is opened. On a $1,200 laptop, the fee is $180.

You get $1,020 back. If you plan to buy a different laptop from PC Richard, ask about an even exchange. Some store managers waive the fee if you're buying a more expensive model.

It's worth asking.

If the fee feels too high, consider selling the laptop privately. You might recoup more than $1,020, especially if the laptop is in like-new condition.

FAQ: Quick Answers to the Most-Asked Questions

We've gathered the questions that come up most often in verified buyer feedback and store interactions. Each answer is direct and based on the policy as of 2026.

Can I return an item without a receipt?

Yes, but only for store credit at the lowest recent sale price. PC Richard can look up your purchase by the credit card you used or your phone number. If neither matches their system, the return is denied.

Store credit never expires, but you cannot convert it back to cash.

How long do I have to return a TV?

Thirty days from the purchase date. If the TV is opened, a 15% restocking fee applies. If the TV is defective within those 30 days, the fee is waived and PC Richard handles the replacement.

If you bought the TV between November 1 and December 24, you have until January 31.

Does PC Richard charge a restocking fee on appliances?

No, not on standard major appliances like refrigerators, washers, or dryers. The 15% restocking fee only applies to opened computers, tablets, smartphones, and televisions. Appliances are subject to pickup and disposal fees instead.

Can I return an online order to any store?

Yes. Any item purchased on pcrichard.com can be returned to any physical PC Richard store. There is no fee for in-store returns.

Do not mail the item back unless the store specifically authorizes it. Mailed returns take longer and you pay shipping.

What happens if I miss the 30-day window?

The system will reject the return. Store managers rarely make exceptions. Your only option is the manufacturer warranty for defects.

For buyer's remorse, you'll need to sell the item privately. Extended holiday windows only apply to purchases made between November 1 and December 24.

Can I return a mattress after sleeping on it?

No. Mattresses must be returned with the original plastic wrap intact. Once you remove it, the mattress is yours.

If you discover a defect, contact the manufacturer directly for a warranty claim. PC Richard does not accept used mattresses under any circumstances.

How do I return a special-order item?

You cannot return a special-order item for buyer's remorse. If the item arrives damaged or defective, call PC Richard within 48 hours of delivery. They will coordinate a replacement or refund with the manufacturer.

Always inspect special orders immediately upon arrival.

Will I get charged if I return an unopened item?

No. Unopened items in their original factory seal are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method within 30 days. No restocking fee, no disposal fee.

This applies to electronics, appliances, and most other categories.

How long does it take to get my refund?

For in-store returns, the refund is processed immediately at the counter. Credit card refunds appear on your statement within 3 to 5 business days. Cash refunds are given on the spot if you paid in cash.

For large appliance pickups, the refund starts after the item reaches the warehouse, which can take 7 to 10 business days.

Can I exchange an opened laptop for a different model?

Yes, but the 15% restocking fee still applies to the returned laptop. If you exchange for a more expensive model, some store managers will waive the fee. Ask before completing the transaction.

Exchanges for the same model or an identical replacement carry no additional fee.

Final Decision Guide: One Table for Every Situation

Use this table as your quick reference. Bookmark it or screenshot it before you shop. If your specific situation isn't listed, call your local PC Richard store and ask for the manager.

They have the final say on edge cases.

Remember the three rules that cover 90% of return problems. Keep your receipt. Keep the box for 30 days.

Inspect everything at delivery. Follow those three steps and you'll avoid almost every fee and headache in this policy.