Return policy comparison · 2026
IKEA vs Sans
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (IKEA) and July 24, 2026 (Sans)
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Sans
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Sans's B+ (3.4/5.0). It wins 2 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.
IKEASans
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 | Sans | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) | 30 days (risk-free trial) |
| Free returns | Yes (in-store free) | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Buyer pays mail shipping | Free - covered by Sans |
| 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.
Sans tip
Sans backs its air purifiers with a 5-year warranty separate from the 30-day trial, so problems that show up after the return window may still be covered - worth emailing support instead of assuming you're out of luck.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, IKEA or Sans?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Sans's B+ (3.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
What is Sans's return window?
Sans's return window is 30 days (risk-free trial).
Does IKEA or Sans offer free returns?
IKEA: Yes (in-store free). Sans: Yes.