Return policy comparison · 2026
ContactsDirect vs MyUTI
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
ContactsDirect
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
MyUTI
C
1.8 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against MyUTI's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 180-day window (very generous) versus 7-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ContactsDirectMyUTI
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
| ContactsDirect | MyUTI | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 6 months (unopened boxes) | 7 days (full refund minus shipping fee; unshipped orders 100% refundable) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None | None beyond the shipping/handling deduction |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid return label provided) | $20 deducted for standard shipping, $30 for expedited shipping, to cover shipping, handling, and processing |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened boxes, damaged or defaced boxes, boxes with writing on them | Physical test kits cannot be returned once shipped; orders where test results have already been released |
| Watch-out items | — | No refund at all after 15 days from order, regardless of whether the kit was used |
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.
MyUTI tip
If you cancel before your order ships, it's the only scenario where you get 100% back, once it's shipped you're locked into the $20-30 deduction even if the kit arrives unopened.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ContactsDirect or MyUTI?
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against MyUTI's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 180-day window (very generous) versus 7-day window (very tight).
What is ContactsDirect's return window?
ContactsDirect's return window is 6 months (unopened boxes).
What is MyUTI's return window?
MyUTI's return window is 7 days (full refund minus shipping fee; unshipped orders 100% refundable).
Does ContactsDirect or MyUTI offer free returns?
ContactsDirect: Yes. MyUTI: No - fee deducted.