Return policy comparison · 2026
Common Good vs IKEA
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 (Common Good) and April 17, 2026 (IKEA)
Common Good
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Common Good's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Common GoodIKEA
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
| Common Good | IKEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (unopened/unused, original packaging) | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes (in-store free) |
| Restocking fee | None published | None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays return shipping; original shipping costs are non-refundable | Buyer pays mail shipping |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Sale items, opened/used items, items not in original packaging | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) |
| Watch-out items | — | Mattress 90-day comfort exchange |
IKEA tip
You CAN return assembled IKEA furniture in-store — no need to disassemble. Mattress gets 90-day exchange policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Common Good or IKEA?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Common Good's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is Common Good's return window?
Common Good's return window is 30 days (unopened/unused, original packaging).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
Does Common Good or IKEA offer free returns?
Common Good: No - fee deducted. IKEA: Yes (in-store free).