Return policy comparison · 2026
Bluemercury vs The Flat Lay Co
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Bluemercury) and July 24, 2026 (The Flat Lay Co)
Winner
Bluemercury
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
The Flat Lay Co
C
1.8 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
Bluemercury has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against The Flat Lay Co's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
BluemercuryThe Flat Lay Co
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
| Bluemercury | The Flat Lay Co | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (original payment method; gift card only after 90 days) | 14 days (faulty items only get return shipping reimbursed) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | — | None published |
| Return shipping | — | Customer pays own return shipping; shipping costs are non-refundable; reimbursed only if the item is faulty |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | — | None published |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Bluemercury tip
Exchanges can only be done in-store, not by mail, so mail-in returns are refund-only even if you wanted a swap; after 90 days a refund converts to store credit (gift card) instead of cash back to your card.
The Flat Lay Co tip
You have to contact them within 14 days of receiving the item just to start a return - miss that window and you're out of luck, since there's no broader satisfaction guarantee beyond it.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Bluemercury or The Flat Lay Co?
Bluemercury has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against The Flat Lay Co's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
What is Bluemercury's return window?
Bluemercury's return window is 90 days (original payment method; gift card only after 90 days).
What is The Flat Lay Co's return window?
The Flat Lay Co's return window is 14 days (faulty items only get return shipping reimbursed).
Does Bluemercury or The Flat Lay Co offer free returns?
Bluemercury: Yes. The Flat Lay Co: No - fee deducted.