Bose Return Policy: 30-⁠Day Trial, Free Return Shipping & Exclusions

Bose sells its headphones, earbuds and speakers with a 30-day trial when you buy directly from Bose.com. The trial is generous on shipping, but the rules on accessories, timing and return labels are strict. Here is what Bose's own returns page and Terms of Sale say ¹.

How the Bose 30-day return policy works

When you buy on Bose.com, you get 30 days to try the product, and if you aren't fully satisfied, Bose pays for return shipping ¹. The item must come back in its original, undamaged condition with all accessories included ¹.

To qualify for a refund, all of these must be true ¹:

• You bought the product directly from Bose.
• Bose receives your return request within 30 days of receipt ¹.
• The product isn't on Bose's list of return exclusions.
• It's in good physical condition, with all accessories, cases and parts from the original packaging.

Bought somewhere else?

Products bought from another retailer can't be returned to Bose. Bose's Terms of Sale say plainly that it does not accept returns of products purchased from other retailers ², and its returns page tells you to return those at the retailer you bought from ¹.

How to return a Bose product

1. Start the return online through Bose's Start a Return page or your My Bose account ¹.
2. Bose emails you return instructions and a prepaid shipping label ¹.
3. Pack the product with all accessories and ship it within 30 days of starting the return ¹. Bose's Terms of Sale are stricter: the product has to be delivered to Bose within 30 days of receiving your return authorization number ². Leave time for transit so it arrives by then.

Get the label first. Bose says you must obtain a return shipping label before shipping, and without it Bose may deny the return ¹. If you'd rather use your own carrier, you're responsible for the product until Bose confirms it arrived, and the package needs the RMA number Bose gives you ¹.

Before sending any product, back up your data and remove personal information; Bose's Terms of Sale require it ².

What can't be returned

Bose lists these as non-returnable ¹:

• Trade In program purchases, which are final sale ¹
• Personalized items ¹
• Final sale products, which get warranty service only ²
• Gift cards ¹
• Replacement products provided through warranty, service or exchange ¹

Even on an approved return, some charges stay with you: shipping and handling, gift box and gift wrap fees, and certain taxes aren't refunded ².

Restocking fees and denied returns

If a return fails any of the policy's conditions, Bose may refuse it or charge a restocking fee of up to 15% of the original price ². Bose also reserves the right to deny returns for excessive return activity or suspected fraud ¹. If Bose finds that a returned product is counterfeit, it won't complete the return ².

Refunds: method and timing

Refunds go back only to your original payment method, and gift card purchases are refunded to the gift card ¹. Once the item reaches Bose's Returns Center, refunds typically take 3-5 business days for credit cards and PayPal, while other payment methods may take up to 2 weeks ¹.

Watch out with deals: if you got a multi-item discount, a promotional item or a free item, Bose may subtract its value when you don't return everything ². For bundles, the bundle discount may be deducted if you return only part of it ¹.

Exchanges

Any item eligible for return is also eligible for exchange, as long as it was bought on the Bose website or by phone from Bose ¹. Contact Bose to start; after approval, Bose emails a prepaid label, and you send the item back within 30 days of receipt with all accessories, cases and parts ¹.

Damaged, defective or changed your mind

If your item arrives damaged or is defective, contact Bose Customer Service, which arranges a replacement or repair under the warranty ¹. If you start a return and then decide to keep the product, just don't ship it; if it's already on its way, contact Bose ¹.

Quick tips

• Keep the box, cases and every accessory until the 30 days are over ¹.
• Always use the Bose prepaid label or get an RMA number first ¹.
• Return the whole bundle if you want the full refund ¹.

Compare with other stores in our returns policy guides, or see the Bose store page.