Returns 101: Why We Charge Return Shipping and Restocking Fees

At Redstag Supplies, we strive to keep our prices as low as possible on the products you need. However, this means we operate on thin profit margins compared to giant retailers. While companies like Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, etc. can afford to offer free returns by building those costs into their higher prices, we simply can't absorb those expenses without going out of business.

That's why we have policies in place to cover return shipping costs and restock items that are returned due to customer mistakes or no longer being needed:

Return Shipping is Paid by Customer

If you need to return an item to us, you are responsible for paying the return shipping costs. We ask that you choose an affordable shipping option with tracking, like USPS Ground or Priority Mail, rather than expedited services that can get very expensive.

20% Restocking Fee on Returned/Unwanted Items  

For any items returned to us because they are no longer wanted or were ordered incorrectly by the customer, we charge a 20% restocking fee. This allows us to recoup some of the costs of processing, repackaging and restocking that inventory.

Why We Can't Offer Free Returns

As a small business lacking the economies of scale of major corporations, offering free returns is simply not viable for us. Every return represents a significant hit to our already slim profit margins. And the costs of advertising to acquire each customer often exceed what we'll make on their first order.  

While we understand the convenience of free returns, hopefully this explains why we have to take a different approach. We aim to keep product prices as low as possible, rather than building shipping and return costs into inflated retail pricing.

We appreciate your understanding as we continue striving to offer affordable products and services while keeping our small business viable. Please let us know if you have any other questions!