Return policy comparison · 2026
B&H Photo Video vs Laifen
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (B&H Photo Video) and July 24, 2026 (Laifen)
Winner
B&H Photo Video
A-
3.9 / 5.0 · Very Good
Laifen
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
B&H Photo Video has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (3.9/5.0) against Laifen'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.
B&H Photo VideoLaifen
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
| B&H Photo Video | Laifen | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days | 30 days (money-back guarantee, any reason, undamaged) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None typically | None published, but bank/transaction charges from the original purchase are never refunded |
| Return shipping | Customer may pay for mail | Buyer pays return shipping for non-quality-related returns (change of mind, wrong purchase); Laifen covers shipping and damage liability only when using its own prepaid label for approved quality claims |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Yes (holiday extension typical) | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened software, consumables, final sale, special order items | Items purchased through third-party retailers (must go through that retailer), lost or stolen products, products past their warranty period, free/promotional products, items damaged by misuse, purchases from unauthorized resellers |
| Watch-out items | Standard 30-day window | — |
B&H Photo Video tip
Orthodox Jewish ownership — closed Saturdays. Excellent customer service reputation.
Laifen tip
The 30-day window is a hard cutoff — Laifen explicitly says it can't process a non-quality refund once that window closes, even if you opened a claim right at day 29. Quality-defect claims are handled separately under a longer warranty, so don't confuse the two.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, B&H Photo Video or Laifen?
B&H Photo Video has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (3.9/5.0) against Laifen'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 B&H Photo Video's return window?
B&H Photo Video's return window is 30 days.
What is Laifen's return window?
Laifen's return window is 30 days (money-back guarantee, any reason, undamaged).
Does B&H Photo Video or Laifen offer free returns?
B&H Photo Video: Yes. Laifen: No - fee deducted.