Return policy comparison · 2026
Fresh Wave vs IKEA
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 (Fresh Wave) and April 17, 2026 (IKEA)
Fresh Wave
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
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 Fresh Wave's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 45-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Fresh WaveIKEA
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
| Fresh Wave | IKEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 45 days (unopened, original packaging) | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) |
| Free returns | No - customer pays | ✓ Yes (in-store free) |
| Restocking fee | None published | None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays return shipping; original shipping costs are non-refundable | Buyer pays mail shipping |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Opened or used products | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) |
| Watch-out items | — | Mattress 90-day comfort exchange |
Fresh Wave tip
If you paid with PayPal, don't wait too long to decide - refunds on PayPal transactions older than 90 days may not be reprocessable, on top of the standard 45-day return window.
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, Fresh Wave or IKEA?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Fresh Wave's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 45-day window (industry standard).
What is Fresh Wave's return window?
Fresh Wave's return window is 45 days (unopened, original packaging).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
Does Fresh Wave or IKEA offer free returns?
Fresh Wave: No - customer pays. IKEA: Yes (in-store free).