Refund policy

The Short Version

  • 15 days — tell us about any problem with your order after it arrives
  • 30 days — return for a refund
  • 60 days — return for store credit or an exchange
  • 15 days — ship your item back after your return is approved
  • December 20 — last day each year to request a refund (see The December Rule below)

Start your return at our returns center. Requests are reviewed every business day.

Exchanges And Store Credit Get The Better Deal

Choose an exchange or store credit and your return window doubles — 60 days from purchase instead of the 30 days for refunds.

We cover the return shipping label on exchange and store credit returns shipped from within the continental United States. Exchanges ship free both ways — we also cover the outbound shipping on the new item we send you.

Refunds

Refund returns must be requested within 30 days of purchase. The cost of the return label is deducted from your refund. If your order shipped under a free shipping promotion, the original outbound shipping cost is also deducted. Refunds go back to your original payment method, typically within 5 business days of your return arriving at our warehouse.

Condition Requirements

Returned items must be unused, complete — all parts, accessories, and documentation — and in their original packaging in resellable condition. Items returned that way are never charged a restocking fee.

Items that come back used, incomplete, or in damaged packaging may incur a restocking fee of up to 15%, deducted from your refund or credit.

Pack your return the way we shipped it to you. A shipping label stuck directly on the product's own box counts as damaged packaging.

If We Got It Wrong

Wrong item, damaged in transit, or missing pieces: report it within 15 days of delivery and we'll make it right at no cost to you — free return label, full refund or replacement, no fees. Have a photo of the issue handy; the returns center will ask for one.

Manufacturing defects are covered under the Reindeer Proof™ Warranty rather than this return policy — see our warranty page for coverage by product category.

Warranty Claims Are A Separate Thing

If a product stops working the way it should, that's a warranty claim — not a return — even if it happens inside your return window. Warranty claims are covered by the Reindeer Proof™ Warranty and handled under its coverage terms, separately from this policy. File them through the same returns center — just choose the warranty option and have a photo or video of the issue handy. Coverage periods vary by product category; see our warranty page for details. Closeout items are sold as-is and aren't covered by the Reindeer Proof™ Warranty. Filing a warranty claim doesn't take anything away from your return rights — if your item still qualifies under the windows above, a standard return remains open to you.

The December Rule

Our regular return windows apply all year, with these limits during the holidays:

  • Refunds: the last day to request a refund is December 20, even if your 30-day window would normally run later.
  • Orders placed before December 1: after December 20 you can still choose store credit or an exchange within your regular 60-day window.
  • Orders placed December 1–31: items still sealed in their original packaging can be returned for store credit or an exchange through January 10.
  • After those dates, returns for a change of mind aren't accepted — we can't resell lights that have already worked a holiday season.
  • Not affected: wrong items, damage in transit, and missing pieces (report within 15 days of delivery), and Reindeer Proof™ Warranty claims are handled as usual, all season long.

Holiday closure: our office and warehouse close from the Monday before Christmas through the Sunday after New Year's Day. You can still submit return requests in the returns center during that time. We'll review them when we reopen, and every deadline above is based on the date you submit your request, not the date we review it.

Items We Can't Take Back

Clearance, closeout, and garage sale items, DVD titles, digital downloads, video effects, gift cards, outdoor display pieces — wireframe displays, LED snowflakes, stars, and yard art — and custom or handmade items are final sale. Closeout items are also sold as-is, with no warranty coverage.

Marketplace Orders

Orders placed through Amazon, Walmart.com, or eBay won't appear in our returns center. Start your return directly with the marketplace you purchased from.

A Few Logistics

  • Return labels expire 15 days after your return is approved — ship within that window.
  • If your return needs more than one shipping label, email us before submitting the request.
  • Store credit is issued as a gift card and does not expire.
  • Alaska, Hawaii, and international orders: we can't provide prepaid return labels, but email us and we'll work out the best option.

Questions? help@thechristmaslightemporium.com