Return policy comparison · 2026
ContactsDirect vs Swanson
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
ContactsDirect
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
Swanson
C
2.0 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Swanson's C (2.0/5.0). 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.
ContactsDirectSwanson
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 | Swanson | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 6 months (unopened boxes) | 100 days (from purchase) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | 20% processing fee on returns valued at $500 or more |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid return label provided) | Customer pays return shipping; original shipping charges are non-refundable |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened boxes, damaged or defaced boxes, boxes with writing on them | None published |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
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.
Swanson tip
Swanson's own-brand vitamins carry a separate 100% money-back guarantee good regardless of where you bought them - keep that distinct from the standard 100-day site return window.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ContactsDirect or Swanson?
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Swanson's C (2.0/5.0). 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 Swanson's return window?
Swanson's return window is 100 days (from purchase).
Does ContactsDirect or Swanson offer free returns?
ContactsDirect: Yes. Swanson: No - fee deducted.