Return policy comparison · 2026
Aspen Green vs ContactsDirect
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Aspen Green) and July 24, 2026 (ContactsDirect)
Aspen Green
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
ContactsDirect
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Aspen Green's C+ (2.4/5.0). 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.
Aspen GreenContactsDirect
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
| Aspen Green | ContactsDirect | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (satisfaction guarantee, unused portions or empty containers) | ✓ 6 months (unopened boxes) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | Original shipping/handling deducted from refund; prepaid return label provided for the return itself | Free (prepaid return label provided) |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | Clearance items, consumable beverages (except transit damage or insufficient address issues), dented beverage cans | Opened boxes, damaged or defaced boxes, boxes with writing on them |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Aspen Green tip
Aspen Green will first offer a free alternative product if you're unhappy, and only reverts to a cash refund (minus original shipping) if the replacement also fails to satisfy - ask directly for the refund if you don't want the swap.
ContactsDirect tip
The 6-month window is unusually generous for contacts — most competitors cap returns at 30-90 days — but it only applies to unopened boxes, so don't crack open a box you might want to return.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Aspen Green or ContactsDirect?
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Aspen Green's C+ (2.4/5.0). 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 Aspen Green's return window?
Aspen Green's return window is 30 days (satisfaction guarantee, unused portions or empty containers).
What is ContactsDirect's return window?
ContactsDirect's return window is 6 months (unopened boxes).
Does Aspen Green or ContactsDirect offer free returns?
Aspen Green: No - fee deducted. ContactsDirect: Yes.