L.L.Bean Return Policy: One-Year Window, $6.50 Mail Fee & Exceptions

For anything bought from L.L.Bean since February 9, 2018, the main rule is simple: you have a year ¹. Here is how the current policy works, based on L.L.Bean's own Returns & Exchanges page.

How long you have to return something

You can return an L.L.Bean product within one year of purchase for a refund if you're not fully satisfied, though special conditions may apply ¹. Proof of purchase is required ¹.

After the first year, L.L.Bean will still consider a return, but only for items that are defective due to materials or craftsmanship ¹. Products bought before February 9, 2018, are not subject to the one-year limit ¹.

Returns L.L.Bean won't accept

Even inside the one-year window, L.L.Bean lists situations where it can't accept a return or exchange ¹:

• Damage from misuse, abuse, improper care, negligence or accidents, including pet damage ¹
• Excessive wear and tear, meaning the product is nearing the end of its practical use or looks heavily worn ¹
• Items lost or damaged in a fire, flood or natural disaster ¹
• A missing or defaced label ¹
• Returns for personal reasons unrelated to product performance or satisfaction ¹
• Soiled or contaminated items, until they have been properly cleaned ¹
• Ammunition, in stores or by mail ¹
• Items from third-party sellers or retail partners, which must go back to the seller under its own policy ¹

On rare occasions, a history of habitual return abuse can also lead to a refusal ¹. The policy may be different at L.L.Bean Clearance Centers, so ask in store there ¹.

Ways to send an item back

L.L.Bean recommends starting your return online, since you can track it and get an email when the package arrives ¹. If you can't use Easy Online Returns, you have two other options:

1. By mail: use the return form that came with your order, or print a Return & Exchange form and shipping label from L.L.Bean's returns page ¹.
2. In a store or outlet: bring the item and your proof of purchase to an L.L.Bean retail store or outlet ¹.

If you mail a package without the L.L.Bean label, send it with the Return & Exchanges form to L.L.Bean Returns, 3 Campus Dr., Freeport, ME 04034 ¹.

Return shipping fees

Returning items from several orders in one box? Start a return for each order, put one label on the outside and the other packing slips inside. L.L.Bean deducts the $6.50 fee only for the label actually used ¹.

Refunds: how and when you get your money

Returns are processed within 5-6 business days after L.L.Bean receives the package, and you'll get a confirmation email ¹. Your bank may take additional time to post the credit ¹. Mail returns can take up to 2-3 weeks to process ¹.

A few payment types work differently:

• PayPal: L.L.Bean can't refund back to a PayPal account in stores; store returns are refunded as store credit or a check by mail ¹. To get your money back to the original payment fastest, mail the return or start it online ¹.
• Gift card: purchases paid with a gift card are refunded as another gift card ¹.
• Bean Bucks: any Bean Bucks used on a returned item are credited back to your L.L.Bean Rewards or L.L.Bean Mastercard account after processing ¹.

Exchanges

You can't exchange through Easy Online Returns ¹. Instead, choose one of these:

• Fastest: place a new order and return the original item ¹.
• By phone: call 1-800-441-5713 and L.L.Bean ships the new item right away and waives the standard shipping fee on it, but you're still charged $6.50 if you return the original with the prepaid label ¹.
• In store: bring the item and proof of purchase to any L.L.Bean store ¹.
• By mail: send the item with the Return & Exchange form; the new item ships once the return is processed ¹.

Returning a gift

Take the gift to any L.L.Bean store or outlet with proof of purchase or the order information, or mail it back with the form and label from the package ¹. You can also start a gift return online with the order number, or call 1-800-453-0659 if you don't have it ¹. Once the return is processed, L.L.Bean sends a Return Gift Card, or your new item if you chose an exchange ¹. The Return Gift Card goes out by USPS the next day and should arrive within 4-6 business days ¹.

Items with special return rules

• Large indoor and outdoor furniture must go back to L.L.Bean's Davis Warehouse in Freeport, Maine. Call the Home Store at 1-877-755-2326 for instructions ¹.
• Hazardous materials such as batteries, fuel, glues and firearms can't be returned by mail; bring them to a store or contact customer service ¹.
• Clearance Centers and Mobile Kiosks only process returns for items bought at those locations ¹.
• Fly rods, waders and boots: service plans for L.L.Bean Fly Rods and Waders, and repairs for select L.L.Bean Boots, cover situations the return policy doesn't ¹.

Tips before you return

• Check the purchase date first. Past one year, only defects in materials or craftsmanship qualify ¹.
• Clean a soiled item before sending it, since contaminated products aren't accepted until cleaned ¹.
• Return in a store if you want to avoid the $6.50 mail fee ¹.
• Questions? L.L.Bean customer service is at 1-800-453-0659 ¹.

More return guides are in our returns hub, and you can compare with the Patagonia return policy or see everything on the L.L.Bean store page.