Dell Return Policy: 30-⁠Day Window, Restocking Fees & Exclusions

Dell sells mostly online, so a Dell return is really a mail return that starts on Dell.com. The rules are simple once you know the two clocks that matter: 30 days from your invoice to request the return, and 30 days from Dell's approval for the item to arrive back ¹.

How long you have to return a Dell product

For eligible purchases, Dell's return period is 30 days from the date of your invoice, unless you have a separate agreement with Dell ¹. Note that the clock starts at the invoice, not at delivery, so a laptop that takes a week to arrive leaves you less time at home with it.

You must start the return within that period. If Dell approves it, you get a credit return authorization (CRA) number ¹. Anything sent back without a CRA number is treated as an unauthorized return: no refund or credit, and Dell won't ship the product back to you ¹.

Once authorized, Dell must receive the return within 30 calendar days of the authorization date, or your refund may be reduced or eliminated ¹.

Some promotions extend the return period for a specific product, and then your rights may be different ¹.

Holiday returns for 2026

Consumer purchases made at Dell.com from November 1 to December 29, 2026 can be returned until January 15, 2027 or 30 days from the delivery date, whichever is later ¹. That makes the holiday window the one case where Dell counts from delivery rather than from the invoice.

Restocking fees and return shipping

Dell provides free return shipping labels and charges no restocking fee on returns started within the window when ¹:

• the product is defective,
• you have to return it because Dell made an error, or
• you are a consumer who purchased for personal use.

For all other permitted returns, Dell may charge a 15% restocking fee on the price you paid, not counting shipping, handling or sales tax, usually deducted from the refund ¹.

Refunds: how much and how fast

Dell refunds or credits the actual price you paid, which may be reduced by shipping and handling fees, applicable restocking fees, or both ¹. The refund is issued after Dell receives and validates the authorized return ¹.

It may take up to 10-15 business days after the item is received back at Dell for the money to show up on your original payment method ¹.

Bundles, free gifts and Dell Rewards

• Bundles and promotions: if you return the main item but keep a free extra, Dell may cut your refund by the extra's value – for example, returning a computer but keeping a free printer ¹.
• Rewards used to pay: they are credited back to your Dell Rewards account and keep their original expiration date ¹.
• Rewards earned on the purchase: they are reversed; if you already spent them, the amount is deducted from your balance, which can go negative ¹.

What you can't return to Dell

Software generally can't be returned, with three exceptions: an operating system or app Dell installed on a product you return within its window, software on physical media still in its sealed package, and software delivered electronically whose license agreement or other terms you haven't accepted ¹.

Products never eligible for return include ¹:

• gift cards (except where required by law),
• customized products,
• non-Dell branded software,
• enterprise products such as servers, data storage and networking gear.

Dell can also deny returns involving repeated returns or violations of its Terms of Sale ¹. Business customers who bought with a purchase order or on payment terms are outside this policy ¹.

Conditions your return must meet

Send products back in their original packaging, in as-new condition, with all media, documentation and other items from the original shipment ¹.

Before packing a computer, back up your data and then delete it ¹. Dell is not responsible for personal information or data left on a returned product ¹.

One technical catch: removing the factory-installed operating system to run a non-Windows 11 system (such as Windows 10) may make the product ineligible for a refund ¹.

How to start a Dell return

1. If the problem is technical, try Dell support first by going to dell.com/support and entering your service tag ¹.
2. For any other reason, go to dell.com/orders and enter your order number ¹.
3. Select "Return/Replace Items," verify your identity and follow the directions ¹.
4. Print the return label, pack the device in its original packaging, and either schedule a pickup or take it to a local drop-off location ¹.
5. Track progress on Dell.com/orders ¹.

Dell Outlet and purchases from other stores

Dell Outlet orders can be shipped back within 30 days of the invoice date for a refund, with free return shipping; software is not eligible for return ².

If you bought your Dell from another retailer, Dell's policy doesn't apply – check that seller's return policy ¹. Returns must also be made in the same country as the purchase ¹.

Quick tips

• Count 30 days from the invoice date, not the delivery date, unless your purchase falls in the 2026 holiday window ¹.
• Don't ship anything until you have a CRA number ¹.
• Keep the original box: Dell expects returns in their original packaging ¹.
• Leave Windows 11 in place on a computer you might return ¹.

For more retailers' rules, see our returns guides or the Dell store page.