B&H Photo Video Return Policy

30 days

Yes

Customer may pay for mail

None typically

Yes (holiday extension typical)

Opened software, consumables, final sale, special order items

B&H Photo Video gives you 30 days from the date of purchase to return most items. That clock starts ticking on the day you buy, so don't sit on it. During the holiday season, B&H typically extends that window, which is useful if you're buying gifts in November or December. Items need to be in their original condition and packaging to qualify. Opened software, consumables, special order items, and anything marked final sale are excluded entirely. For most cameras, lenses, and electronics, 30 days is a reasonable window — just don't wait until day 29 to decide.

B&H Photo Video does not publicly publish a no-receipt return policy, so there's no guaranteed path to a refund without proof of purchase. However, because most B&H orders are tied to an account and confirmed via email, your order history essentially serves as your receipt. If you bought online, log into your account and pull the order confirmation. For in-store purchases without documentation, outcomes vary by situation and staff discretion. Your best move is to contact B&H customer service directly before attempting a return — they have a strong reputation for working with customers to find solutions.

Typically, no — B&H Photo Video does not charge a restocking fee on standard returns. This is actually one of the better parts of their return policy compared to many electronics retailers that routinely hit you with 15–25% restocking fees on opened gear. As long as your item qualifies for return (within 30 days, not in an excluded category like opened software or special orders), you should get your full refund without a deduction. Always double-check your specific item's eligibility before assuming, especially for high-ticket or special order purchases.

This is where B&H Photo Video gets selective. Opened software, consumables like ink or batteries, final sale items, and special order products cannot be returned — full stop. For other opened electronics like cameras or lenses, returns are generally accepted within the 30-day window if the item is in like-new condition with all original packaging and accessories included. If you've used a lens heavily or lost the box, your return is going to be much harder. The practical advice: keep all packaging until you're 100% sure you're keeping the item.

Yes — B&H Photo Video typically offers a holiday return extension, which means items purchased during the holiday shopping season (usually late November through December) get a longer return window than the standard 30 days. This is helpful if you're buying gifts and the recipient needs time after Christmas to decide whether to keep something. The exact extended deadline can shift year to year, so check B&H's website or contact customer service to confirm the specific cutoff date for the current holiday season before you buy. Don't assume the extension applies automatically without verifying.

B&H Photo Video has one flagship physical store located in Manhattan, New York City. If you're local or visiting, you can bring an online return directly to the store in person, which is often faster than shipping it back. If you're not near New York, you'll need to mail the return back — and be aware that return shipping costs may fall on you as the customer. B&H does offer free returns in some cases, but confirm shipping coverage with customer service before sending anything back. Either way, initiate the return through your online account first.

B&H Photo Video does not publicly advertise a dedicated military discount program, and this policy is not listed in their published documentation. This doesn't mean discounts are never available — B&H occasionally runs sales and has competitive pricing on professional gear — but there's no verified, standing military or veteran discount comparable to what retailers like Best Buy or B&N offer. Your best bet is to contact B&H customer service directly to ask about any current programs or to check whether a government/institutional pricing option applies to your situation.

B&H Photo Video does not publicly publish a formal price-match guarantee in the way that some big-box retailers do. Their pricing is generally competitive within the electronics and photography market, and they occasionally offer their own exclusive deals and mail-in rebates. If you find a lower price elsewhere, it's worth calling or chatting with B&H customer service — some shoppers have had success requesting a price adjustment, but this is handled case by case, not as a guaranteed policy. Don't count on a price match as a sure thing, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Returning a gift to B&H Photo Video without a receipt is tricky because their policy on this isn't publicly spelled out. If the original buyer has an account, the order will be on record — the easiest path is to ask the gift-giver to look up the order and initiate the return on their account. Without any proof of purchase, your options are limited and depend on staff discretion. Contact B&H customer service before showing up or shipping anything back — explain the situation clearly, and they may be able to locate the transaction using the item's serial number or other details.

If something you bought from B&H Photo Video arrives defective or breaks shortly after purchase, contact their customer service right away — don't wait. Within the 30-day return window, B&H should facilitate a return or exchange for defective merchandise. After 30 days, the issue typically shifts to the manufacturer's warranty, so you'd deal directly with the brand (Canon, Sony, Nikon, etc.) rather than B&H. Document the defect with photos or video before contacting anyone. B&H has a strong customer service reputation, so defective item situations are generally handled fairly — but acting quickly is key.