Why Trader Joe's Return Policy Is One Of The Best In The Game

From the tiki-inspired Trader Joe's Hawaiian shirt uniforms to the seasonal apple cider donuts, there's a lot to love about the quirky and beloved grocery chain. But wait, there are some Trader Joe's secrets you'll wish you knew sooner. On top of the other qualities that set the grocery retailer apart from the rest (sticker prizes, a plethora of uniquely branded products like mini tote bags, a podcast), Trader Joe's also has a very open return policy. 

The store allows returns of almost any item, with no official time limit from date of purchase, whether there's an issue with the product or the customer simply found it wasn't to their liking after all. Although it makes things simpler, you don't even need a receipt in order to be refunded for your purchase or, at least, given a comparable replacement or store credit.

On Reddit, TJ's employees have said that the data and feedback they collect on which items are being returned often helps them make decisions about which products to continue stocking and which to phase out. It also encourages customers to try new items they might not otherwise invest in, building sales of certain products and encouraging customer loyalty.

Good return policies are pretty common among grocery stores, as opposed to electronics stores or even clothing department stores. This is likely because in addition to trying to build customer loyalty, there's more room for error with food products, as spoilage dates can be unpredictable and there's not as much of an avenue for people to "test out" the products before purchase as there is with clothes (although Costco's free samples do make Saturdays a good day to shop if you're hungry).

So, what about the caveats and loopholes? Are there any cases where you can't get a refund for a disappointing product at Trader Joe's? It varies by location and by exactly which crew member helps you with the transaction, but generally, the only prohibited return is liquor that you bought at a TJ's location in a different state, since alcohol laws vary state-to-state. 

Other than that, you're pretty much free to return whatever. Open or half-eaten bag of chips? Bring back the packaging as proof-of-purchase. No receipt? You may have to settle for a store credit rather than a refund, but you'll still get compensation for the return. Non-edible item? If the product doesn't live up to your standards, it's still eligible for a refund. Just don't abuse the liberal policy — even if they take it back, the Trader Joe's employees are going to know whether that basil plant was really defective or you just forgot to water it.