Return policy comparison · 2026
IKEA vs Rowabi
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (IKEA) and July 24, 2026 (Rowabi)
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Rowabi
C
1.8 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Rowabi's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
IKEARowabi
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
| IKEA | Rowabi | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) | 14 business days |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store free) | No - customer pays return shipping |
| Restocking fee | None | None, but original shipping charges are deducted from the refund |
| Return shipping | Buyer pays mail shipping | Customer pays both return and any replacement shipping |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) | None published |
| Watch-out items | Mattress 90-day comfort exchange | — |
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, IKEA or Rowabi?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Rowabi's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 14-day window (very tight).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
What is Rowabi's return window?
Rowabi's return window is 14 business days.
Does IKEA or Rowabi offer free returns?
IKEA: Yes (in-store free). Rowabi: No - customer pays return shipping.