Return policy comparison · 2026
Alibaba.com vs EarthHero
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Alibaba.com) and July 24, 2026 (EarthHero)
Winner
Alibaba.com
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
EarthHero
C
2.1 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
Alibaba.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against EarthHero's C (2.1/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Alibaba.comEarthHero
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
| Alibaba.com | EarthHero | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 30 days (Easy Return, orders under $3,000; 60 days for Enterprise/Enterprise Pro buyers) | 20-30 days (varies by brand/category) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (Easy Return, orders under $3,000, 50+ eligible countries incl. US) | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | — | None published |
| Return shipping | Free under Easy Return (orders under $3,000, ships to local warehouse); otherwise negotiated with supplier | Customer pays; the cost of a return shipping label is deducted from apparel refunds. Route protection charges and original shipping are non-refundable. |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | None published (terms vary by individual supplier/listing) | Clearance/sale items (final sale), personal care items, underwear, face coverings/PPE, skincare products, most Holy Lamb Organics products |
| Watch-out items | — | Holy Lamb Organics products: 20-day window (shorter than most categories) |
Alibaba.com tip
Alibaba.com is a B2B wholesale marketplace, not a retailer - Trade Assurance mainly guarantees refunds for non-delivery, wrong items, or quality defects, not buyer's remorse, and actual return terms are ultimately set by the individual supplier rather than a single storewide policy.
EarthHero tip
Because EarthHero is a curated marketplace of independent eco-brands rather than one manufacturer, return terms genuinely differ by product - check the specific item's page before assuming a blanket policy applies.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Alibaba.com or EarthHero?
Alibaba.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against EarthHero's C (2.1/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Alibaba.com's return window?
Alibaba.com's return window is 30 days (Easy Return, orders under $3,000; 60 days for Enterprise/Enterprise Pro buyers).
What is EarthHero's return window?
EarthHero's return window is 20-30 days (varies by brand/category).
Does Alibaba.com or EarthHero offer free returns?
Alibaba.com: Yes (Easy Return, orders under $3,000, 50+ eligible countries incl. US). EarthHero: No - fee deducted.