Return policy comparison · 2026
ContactsDirect vs Thorne
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
ContactsDirect
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
Thorne
C-
1.7 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Thorne's C- (1.7/5.0). 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.
ContactsDirectThorne
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 | Thorne | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 6 months (unopened boxes) | 60 days from purchase |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | 25% restocking fee applies to all returns |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid return label provided) | Not specified separately from the restocking fee |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened boxes, damaged or defaced boxes, boxes with writing on them | Products past their expiration date (exceptions may apply for professional/wholesale accounts), internationally shipped products (all international sales are final) |
| 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.
Thorne tip
The 25% restocking fee applies even on a straightforward return, so this isn't a brand to order supplements from on a whim - only buy what you're fairly confident you'll actually use.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ContactsDirect or Thorne?
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Thorne's C- (1.7/5.0). 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 Thorne's return window?
Thorne's return window is 60 days from purchase.
Does ContactsDirect or Thorne offer free returns?
ContactsDirect: Yes. Thorne: No - fee deducted.