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

Start your return at our returns center. Requests are reviewed daily.

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. 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

Refund returns must be requested by December 20 each year. Items purchased December 1–20 that are still sealed in their original packaging may be returned for store credit through January 10. Beyond that, the season's purchases are final — we can't resell lights that have already worked a holiday season.

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.

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