Return policy comparison · 2026
ContactsDirect vs WellBefore
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
ContactsDirect
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
WellBefore
B-
2.8 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against WellBefore's B- (2.8/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 180-day window (very generous) versus 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ContactsDirectWellBefore
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 | WellBefore | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 6 months (unopened boxes) | 14 days (unopened, unused, original packaging) |
| Free returns | Yes | Yes |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid return label provided) | WellBefore covers return shipping for US domestic orders; international customers pay their own return shipping costs |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened boxes, damaged or defaced boxes, boxes with writing on them | Items marked non-returnable or requiring pre-evaluation on the product page; opened boxes, bags, or wrapping; partner-fulfilled items follow the same standard |
| 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.
WellBefore tip
Orders under $55 only get refunded after tracking confirms the item reached the warehouse, while orders over $55 go through a warehouse inspection first — keep your tracking number handy, since that's what unsticks a delayed refund.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ContactsDirect or WellBefore?
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against WellBefore's B- (2.8/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 180-day window (very generous) versus 14-day window (very tight).
What is ContactsDirect's return window?
ContactsDirect's return window is 6 months (unopened boxes).
What is WellBefore's return window?
WellBefore's return window is 14 days (unopened, unused, original packaging).
Does ContactsDirect or WellBefore offer free returns?
ContactsDirect: Yes. WellBefore: Yes.