Return policy comparison · 2026
ContactsDirect vs Welzo
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
ContactsDirect
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
Welzo
C
1.8 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Welzo'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 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ContactsDirectWelzo
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 | Welzo | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 6 months (unopened boxes) | 14 days from delivery (unused, unopened, resale-ready) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None | None published; rejected non-compliant returns are shipped back to the customer at their own expense |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid return label provided) | Customer pays return shipping unless the item is faulty, damaged, incorrect, or not as described, in which case Welzo may reimburse reasonable postage |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened boxes, damaged or defaced boxes, boxes with writing on them | Sealed/hygiene-sensitive health tests and diagnostic kits, opened vitamins/supplements/food/beverages, opened personal care/cosmetic/skincare items, opened or tampered products, bespoke/personalised/made-to-order items |
| 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.
Welzo tip
Welzo's policy is written entirely around UK statutory cancellation rights (14 days to notify plus 14 more to return) even though the site ships to the US, so don't expect a US-style return experience — use tracked, insured postage since you're responsible for the item until it's confirmed received.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ContactsDirect or Welzo?
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Welzo'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 14-day window (very tight).
What is ContactsDirect's return window?
ContactsDirect's return window is 6 months (unopened boxes).
What is Welzo's return window?
Welzo's return window is 14 days from delivery (unused, unopened, resale-ready).
Does ContactsDirect or Welzo offer free returns?
ContactsDirect: Yes. Welzo: No - fee deducted.