Return policy comparison · 2026
Drone Nerds vs Microsoft Store
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 (Drone Nerds) and April 17, 2026 (Microsoft Store)
Drone Nerds
D
0.8 / 5.0 · Poor
Winner
Microsoft Store
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
Microsoft Store has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Drone Nerds's D (0.8/5.0). It wins 4 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.
Drone NerdsMicrosoft Store
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
| Drone Nerds | Microsoft Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 10 days (unopened preferred, opened items incur fee) | ✓ 60 days |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | 20% on opened and flown products; unopened boxes returned with no questions asked | ✓ None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays return shipping; not refunded if the item is in working condition. | Free return shipping |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Products with removed security tags, sized or altered items, items with scratches/marks/blemishes | Gift cards, digital downloads, Xbox Live subscriptions, opened software |
| Watch-out items | Damaged items must be reported within 5 business days of receipt | Standard 60-day window |
Drone Nerds tip
If you're on the fence about a drone, don't fly it before deciding - flying it (even once) triggers the 20% restocking fee even if you return it well within the 10-day window.
Microsoft Store tip
One of the more generous electronics policies at 60 days. Surface devices and Xbox have same window.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Drone Nerds or Microsoft Store?
Microsoft Store has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Drone Nerds's D (0.8/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Drone Nerds's return window?
Drone Nerds's return window is 10 days (unopened preferred, opened items incur fee).
What is Microsoft Store's return window?
Microsoft Store's return window is 60 days.
Does Drone Nerds or Microsoft Store offer free returns?
Drone Nerds: No - fee deducted. Microsoft Store: Yes.