Kroger Return Policy: A return policy is a statement from a retailer that outlines the terms and conditions customers must meet in order to return products they have purchased.
In general, Kroger has a fairly lenient return policy, allowing customers to receive refunds or exchanges for most items, as long as they are in a sellable condition.
There are some exceptions, such as perishables, custom orders, and digital content, but for the most part, Kroger customers should be able to get their money back if they’re not happy with their purchase.
Keep on reading to find out Kroger’s return policy in detail, what you need to do in order to return an item to Kroger, how long you have to return an item, how refunds & exchanges are processed, can you return an item without showing a receipt, receipt look up, and more!
Kroger Return Policy 2022
As of 2022, Kroger has a 30-day return policy for most items. As per this policy, customers will be eligible for a full refund or exchange when returning products in-store with the original receipt.
Alternatively, customers can return items purchased online by mail, provided that the items are returned in their original packaging.
So, if you’re not happy with a purchase you made at Kroger, don’t worry – you have plenty of time to make a return!
Be sure to have your original receipt handy, and keep in mind that a few products returned in-store or via mail may be subject to a restocking fee.
And most importantly, Kroger stores don’t accept returns on digital items, alcohol, or tobacco products.
Thus, be sure to double-check the return policy for any product you’re considering returning before making your purchase.
Contact your nearest Kroger store or call 1-800-576-4377 for specific information about their return policy.
Without Receipt Policy
Lost your original Kroger receipt? No problem!
Kroger has a no receipt return policy that allows customers to get a refund for their purchase even without a receipt, in the form of a Merchandise Gift Card or cash, depending on the value of the product.
If you fail to show the purchase receipt, you will be given a Kroger gift card that comes with a balance or credit equal to the amount of your purchase.
You can use this gift card to pay for shopping at Kroger stores in the future.
In some cases, like if the overall refund value is below $10, you will get a cash refund i.e. the refund amount will be handed to you in paper currency.
As per the store’s return policy, customers do not have to present a government-issued photo ID in order to return any products. But, however, it’s best to have it just in case.
So, basically, Kroger’s no receipt return policy is very customer-friendly and makes it easy for shoppers to get refunds without any hassles.
Time Limit
At Kroger, the deadline for most returns is 30 days. This time limit applies to all items purchased in-store and online, so long as the merchandise is unused and in its original packaging.
The 30-day return window begins on the date that the product was delivered or picked up by the customer.
So, for example, if you purchase an item on January 1 and receive it on January 10, the return window closes on February 9.
Customers must have a receipt or packing slip to return an item, and they will be refunded in the same way that they paid for the product.
Without Original Packaging
As per its 2022 return policy, Kroger does not accept any returns without the original packaging.
So, if you are not sure about keeping an item, make sure you keep the packaging until you are certain. Or else, you will not be able to return it back to Kroger and get your money back.
In most cases, your return will be accepted but it might depend on the product you are returning.
For more information, you can contact Kroger customer service at 1-800-KRO-GERS and ask about their return policy regarding used/opened items.
If you fail to box the product securely, Kroger will not be able to process the return. Just be sure to package the product properly and securely so that it does not get damaged in transit.
Boxing it securely means that the product is not able to move around inside the box and is protected from any external factors such as moisture, dirt, and so on.
You can also go through the product’s manual (if available) to see if the product has any special instructions for returning it.
Exceptions
Some of the items that Kroger does not accept returns for include:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
Because alcohol and tobacco products are regulated by state law, the eligibility of these items for returns may vary from store to store.
For other items, Kroger will generally accept returns as long as the customer has a receipt.
However, WIC food items cannot be refunded and can only be exchanged for equivalent food packages.
If you are a WIC beneficiary and have any questions about returning WIC items, you can call the Kroger Customer Service helpline for assistance.
WIC items such as formula, cereal, baby food, bread, cheese, etc can be exchanged for the same item at any Kroger store.
So, if you are not happy with the WIC item that you received, you can go to a Kroger store near you to exchange it.
These restrictions may vary depending on the location, so it is best to check with your local Kroger store before attempting a return.
In-Store Returns
Returning Kroger items to a nearby store is quite easy.
All you have to do is box the item up, bring the receipt and payment information, and take it to the store within 30 days from the date of purchase or delivery (for online orders).
In order to return an item to Kroger –
- Locate the store nearest you using Kroger’s Store Locator.
- Make sure the item is in its original packaging.
- Take your return package to the customer service desk.
- Request that the cashier initiates the return.
- Make sure to bring your receipt and payment information (card).
- The cashier or a store associate will help you to process the return.
- He/she will check the item’s condition and give you a refund if it is eligible.
That’s it! This is a very easy process and Kroger makes it quite convenient for its customers by providing a variety of ways to return items.
Another way to return Kroger items is through the mail, which we will discuss below.
Returns Via Mail
Purchased something from Kroger.com and want to return it? It’s easy! Online orders can be returned by mail to Kroger and the process is simple.
In order to return an item to Kroger by Mail –
- Go to kroger.com
- Sign Into your Kroger account using the credentials
- Go through the order history and select the product you want to return
- Select the reason for returning the product
- Decide whether you would like a refund or an exchange 6. Print out the return shipping label that is generated on the screen
- Box the product securely and attach the shipping label
- Ship the product through any courier service to Kroger
- The product will be verified for eligibility and a refund will be processed in your original mode of payment.
That’s it! This is a very easy process that most online shoppers will find helpful. The address you ship to will be on the shipping label so you don’t have to worry about that.
You will be notified by email when the return is received and processed.
However, you can also check the status of your return by logging into your Kroger account or by chatting with a customer service representative.
Refunds Processing
At Kroger, refunds are processed on the spot for in-store returns and take up to 7-10 days for mail returns.
Your refund money will be sent back to you in the same way that you paid for your order.
For example, if you used a debit or credit card to pay for your purchase, the refund will be initiated through the same card.
However, the card provider or your bank will take a few days to post the refund on your account.
Banks generally take up to 7 business days to process a refund, so please keep that in mind before contacting Kroger about the status of your return.
If it’s a cash refund, the store employee will hand you the cash right away. Just make sure to have your receipt handy!
If no receipt is provided, Kroger will attempt to find the purchase in its system. If it is not found, a store credit may be issued instead.
This store credit can be used at a later time for any purchase at Kroger.
A merchandise gift card with a store credit comes in the form of a physical or digital card.
Kroger issues both types of cards, and they can be used at any participating store. Merchandise gift cards do not expire, nor do they have any hidden fees associated with their use.
Returns To A Different Store
Kroger allows you to return purchased items at any of its stores. In fact, you can return an item bought at Kroger to one of its family stores including:
- Harris Teeter
- QFC
- Fry’s
- Gerbs
- Ralphs
- Smith’s Food And Drug
- Fred Meyer
- Jay C Food Store
- Food 4 Less
- Dillons
- King Soopers
- Pay-Less Super Markets
So, Kroger customers can return their items to one of these third-party stores too. A product bought at a Kroger near you can be returned to another Kroger which is located somewhere else or in any other state.
Summary
Kroger currently offers a 30-day-return policy that allows customers to return items purchased within 30 days of purchase and get a full refund to their original payment method or exchange. When a receipt is not provided, Kroger processes the refund in the form of a merchandise gift card. Opened or used products are not typically accepted at Kroger but you can still be able to return them by explaining the reason to the store manager. Returns, exchanges, and refunds at Kroger work at the discretion of its store managers and so, you should talk with them in order to initiate a return that is generally not allowed to return. Some items like instant formula and baby food can only be returned or exchanged only when you show the original receipt. Alcohol and tobacco are two products that are restricted from returns & refunds at Kroger.