Return policy comparison · 2026
Office Depot / OfficeMax vs Timbuk2
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Office Depot / OfficeMax) and July 24, 2026 (Timbuk2)
Winner
Office Depot / OfficeMax
A-
3.9 / 5.0 · Very Good
Timbuk2
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Office Depot / OfficeMax has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (3.9/5.0) against Timbuk2's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Office Depot / OfficeMaxTimbuk2
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
| Office Depot / OfficeMax | Timbuk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days | 30 days (ready-made items only) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - $9.00 fee (deducted from refund) |
| Restocking fee | None | None beyond the $9.00 return shipping fee |
| Return shipping | Free returns | $9.00 return shipping fee deducted from your refund or store credit on all eligible returns |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Software (opened), gift cards, technology items opened (varies), custom print jobs | Custom-made bags (all sales final, no returns or exchanges), items marked Final Sale |
| Watch-out items | Electronics 14 days, technology shorter | — |
Office Depot / OfficeMax tip
30 days for most items but technology/electronics have shorter 14-day window.
Timbuk2 tip
The custom bag builder is fun but locks you in completely - once you design and order a custom Timbuk2 bag, there's no returning or exchanging it no matter what.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Office Depot / OfficeMax or Timbuk2?
Office Depot / OfficeMax has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (3.9/5.0) against Timbuk2's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Office Depot / OfficeMax's return window?
Office Depot / OfficeMax's return window is 30 days.
What is Timbuk2's return window?
Timbuk2's return window is 30 days (ready-made items only).
Does Office Depot / OfficeMax or Timbuk2 offer free returns?
Office Depot / OfficeMax: Yes (in-store). Timbuk2: No - $9.00 fee (deducted from refund).