Return policy comparison · 2026
Fresh Wave vs Yankee Candle
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Fresh Wave
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
Yankee Candle
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
The verdict
Yankee Candle has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) 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 WaveYankee Candle
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 | Yankee Candle | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 45 days (unopened, original packaging) | ✓ 1 year / 365 days ('Happiness Guarantee,' any reason; cash refund to original payment method only within first 150 days) |
| Free returns | No - customer pays | ✓ No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None published | None published |
| Return shipping | Customer pays return shipping; original shipping costs are non-refundable | Customers mailing back a return are responsible for the cost of shipping the item(s) to Yankee Candle; in-store returns are free. |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ None published (the standing 1-year window already covers holiday purchases) |
| Non-returnable | Opened or used products | Products purchased from unauthorized sellers or unauthorized internet sites are excluded from the Happiness Guarantee; gifts can only be returned by the original purchaser, not the recipient |
| Watch-out items | — | Refunds to the original payment method are only available within 150 days of purchase; after that, even though the 1-year Happiness Guarantee window is still open, you can only get a gift card or a check. |
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.
Yankee Candle tip
The 'Happiness Guarantee' covers a full year even if you simply change your mind, longer than almost any other home-goods retailer — but wait past the first five months and you'll get store credit or a check instead of cash back to your card.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Fresh Wave or Yankee Candle?
Yankee Candle has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) 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 Yankee Candle's return window?
Yankee Candle's return window is 1 year / 365 days ('Happiness Guarantee,' any reason; cash refund to original payment method only within first 150 days).
Does Fresh Wave or Yankee Candle offer free returns?
Fresh Wave: No - customer pays. Yankee Candle: No - fee deducted.