Return policy comparison · 2026
GEVI vs Yankee Candle
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
GEVI
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
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 GEVI'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.
GEVIYankee 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
| GEVI | Yankee Candle | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (tiered fees by condition and timing) | ✓ 1 year / 365 days ('Happiness Guarantee,' any reason; cash refund to original payment method only within first 150 days) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | New and unopened within 14 days: no restocking fee (customer pays return shipping only). New and unopened between 14-30 days: 20% restocking fee plus return shipping. Used items within 30 days: 50% restocking fee plus return shipping. Defective machines within 30 days: full refund, no fee, free return shipping. | ✓ None published |
| Return shipping | Customer pays return shipping for change-of-mind returns; GEVI covers return shipping only for defective machines or when the return is due to their error. | 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 | Accessories are excluded from the 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, and the GIMN-1102 ice maker model is not eligible for this policy at all | 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 | restocking fee jumps from 0% to 20% after 14 days, and to 50% if the item shows signs of use | 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. |
GEVI tip
Decide fast: the restocking fee is 0% in the first 14 days but jumps to 20% just for opening and testing the appliance past that point, and 50% if you've actually used it - so test your GEVI machine within the first two weeks if you're on the fence.
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, GEVI or Yankee Candle?
Yankee Candle has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against GEVI'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 GEVI's return window?
GEVI's return window is 30 days (tiered fees by condition and timing).
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 GEVI or Yankee Candle offer free returns?
GEVI: No - fee deducted. Yankee Candle: No - fee deducted.