Return policy comparison · 2026
ContactsDirect vs NuBest
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
ContactsDirect
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
NuBest
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against NuBest's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ContactsDirectNuBest
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 | NuBest | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 6 months (unopened boxes) | 30 days (from day after delivery) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - $3 fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | $3 flat handling fee on all returns |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid return label provided) | A flat $3 handling fee plus original shipping costs are deducted from the refund. A prepaid label isn't provided automatically, but can be requested with its cost also deducted from the refund. |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened boxes, damaged or defaced boxes, boxes with writing on them | Items discounted 30% or more (seasonal/promotional sales), opened, used, or damaged products, items missing original packaging, orders with incorrect addresses provided by the customer, optional SavedBy Order Protection add-on |
| Watch-out items | — | order cancellations are only accepted within 3 hours of payment; international damaged/incorrect/missing item claims must be reported within 7 days |
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.
NuBest tip
Changed your mind right after ordering? You've only got a 3-hour window to cancel before it locks in for processing - after that you're into the slower return process with the $3 handling fee attached.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ContactsDirect or NuBest?
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against NuBest's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is ContactsDirect's return window?
ContactsDirect's return window is 6 months (unopened boxes).
What is NuBest's return window?
NuBest's return window is 30 days (from day after delivery).
Does ContactsDirect or NuBest offer free returns?
ContactsDirect: Yes. NuBest: No - $3 fee deducted.