Return policy comparison · 2026
99designs by Vista vs Redbubble
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (99designs by Vista) and July 24, 2026 (Redbubble)
99designs by Vista
B
3.2 / 5.0 · Good
Winner
Redbubble
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
Redbubble has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against 99designs by Vista's B (3.2/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus return shipping varies.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
99designs by VistaRedbubble
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| 99designs by Vista | Redbubble | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 60 days (contest refund guarantee, restrictions apply) | 30 days (defective/less-than-perfect condition) |
| Free returns | — | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | — | Free for qualifying returns; original shipping fees are not reimbursed |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | 1-to-1 Projects, contests with a guaranteed prize, contests that reached the Final round (auto-converts to guaranteed), contests where a winner was already awarded | Face masks (separate, more limited return policy) |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
99designs by Vista tip
Requesting a refund forfeits any legal right to use submitted designs, and 99designs pushes several retention offers (brief updates, extended rounds, blind contest format) before processing a refund - expect friction rather than an automatic payout.
Redbubble tip
Redbubble prints everything on demand from independent artists, so there's no 'change of mind' return - your only path to a refund or replacement is the product actually arriving flawed, damaged, or wrong, and you'll need photos to prove it.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, 99designs by Vista or Redbubble?
Redbubble has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against 99designs by Vista's B (3.2/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus return shipping varies.
What is 99designs by Vista's return window?
99designs by Vista's return window is 60 days (contest refund guarantee, restrictions apply).
What is Redbubble's return window?
Redbubble's return window is 30 days (defective/less-than-perfect condition).
Does 99designs by Vista or Redbubble offer free returns?
99designs by Vista: see full policy. Redbubble: Yes.