Return policy comparison · 2026
ePlanters vs IKEA
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 (ePlanters) and April 17, 2026 (IKEA)
ePlanters
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against ePlanters's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ePlantersIKEA
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
| ePlanters | IKEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (from invoice date, exclusions apply) | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) |
| Free returns | No - 30% restocking fee plus shipping both ways deducted from refund | ✓ Yes (in-store free) |
| Restocking fee | 30% of the order subtotal on all authorized returns | ✓ None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays shipping to and from their location, deducted from refund along with the restocking fee | Buyer pays mail shipping |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Fiberglass items (custom-painted), custom fabricated items like aluminum planters, planters with added drainage holes, clearance items | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) |
| Watch-out items | — | Mattress 90-day comfort exchange |
ePlanters tip
Get a return authorization before shipping anything back — ePlanters explicitly won't accept unauthorized returns, and given the 30% restocking fee plus two-way shipping costs, a large planter return can cost more than it seems worth.
IKEA tip
You CAN return assembled IKEA furniture in-store — no need to disassemble. Mattress gets 90-day exchange policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ePlanters or IKEA?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against ePlanters's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is ePlanters's return window?
ePlanters's return window is 30 days (from invoice date, exclusions apply).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
Does ePlanters or IKEA offer free returns?
ePlanters: No - 30% restocking fee plus shipping both ways deducted from refund. IKEA: Yes (in-store free).