POLICY OVERVIEW
Key Facts at a Glance
Policy Element | Details |
|---|
Standard Return Period | 30 days |
Shortened Return Period | 15 days (select products) |
Restocking Fee | None |
Same-Day Different Location Returns | Not permitted |
In-Store Purchase Return Method | Must return in-store |
RETURN PERIODS BY PRODUCT CATEGORY
15-Day Return Period Products
The following products must be returned within 15 calendar days of purchase:
- Desktops
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Processors
- Motherboards
- Drones
- Digital Cameras
- Video Cameras
- Projectors
- Cell Phones
- 3D Printers
- Microsoft Surface (no extensions available)
30-Day Return Period Products
All other products not listed above qualify for a 30-day return period.
EXTENDED RETURN PRIVILEGES
PriorityCare+ Membership
Benefit: Double the standard return period on eligible purchases
Example:
- 15-day products → 30 days
- 30-day products → 60 days
Exclusions: Microsoft Surface systems
Sign up: www.microcenter.com/site/service/priority-care.aspx
Micro Center Account (Free)
Benefit: Additional 14 days added to standard return period
Example:
- 15-day products → 29 days
- 30-day products → 44 days
Exclusions: Microsoft Surface systems
Cost: Free
Sign up: account.microcenter.com/auth/access
RETURN REQUIREMENTS
General Condition Requirements
All returns must include:
- Original condition with all packaging
- All manuals and documentation
- All accessories and cables
- Product in resalable condition
Assembled Items
Products that required assembly (such as 3D printers or custom systems) must be:
- Completely disassembled
- Returned to like-new condition
- Repacked in original box with all packaging materials
Note: If your 3D printer came with an included spool of filament, that spool is considered a consumable item and does not need to be returned.
Data Removal
Before returning any device, you must:
- Remove all personal data
- Unlink device from cloud services
- Disconnect from any paired devices
- Perform factory reset if applicable
Bundle Purchases
Bundle components are treated as a single purchase and:
- Cannot be returned individually
- Must include all components for return
- Exception: If one component is defective, that specific part can be exchanged if a suitable replacement is available
NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS
The following items cannot be returned:
Item | Exception/Notes |
|---|
Earbuds | Defective units eligible for exchange only |
Trading Card Games | No exceptions |
Opened Software (e.g., Microsoft Office) | Activation cards scanned at checkout are considered opened |
Electronic Software Downloads | No exceptions |
Point of Sale Activation Cards with dollar value | No exceptions |
Micro Center Gift Cards | Except as required by law |
Products with customer-induced damage | Example: Aerial drones with pilot error damage |
RETURN PROCESS
In-Store Returns
Step-by-Step Process:
- Optional but Recommended: Start your return in your online account using the return check-in tool to expedite the process
- Visit any Micro Center store checkout area
- Bring the following:
- Item(s) you'd like to return
- Original payment method
- All accessories, packaging, and materials
- Our team will assist with your return or exchange
Important Notes:
- You can return items to any Micro Center store (not just your original purchase location)
- Same-day returns or exchanges at a different store location are not eligible
- Refund total may vary slightly due to local sales tax differences between stores
Online Order Returns
For items purchased online:
Important: Items purchased in-store must be returned in person to a Micro Center location (no mail returns).
DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS
Coverage
Defective items can be returned within the applicable return period.
Options Available
You can choose to have the defective item:
- Repaired by our service team
- Exchanged for an identical product
- Refunded to your original payment method
Subject to product availability and standard return policy terms
Free Consultation
Not sure if your product is defective? Schedule a free consultation:
www.microcenter.com/site/service/free-service-consultation.aspx
EXCHANGES AND PRICE DIFFERENCES
How Price Differences Are Handled
New item costs less:
Difference is refunded to your original payment method
New item costs more:
Pay the difference using any accepted payment method
GPU Trade-In Program
Eligibility: GPUs purchased new from Micro Center
Benefit: Trade in for gift credit (available for immediate use)
Note: Values and eligibility vary based on current program terms listed on our website
REFUND PROCESSING TIMES
All refunds are issued to the original payment method. Processing times vary:
Payment Method | Processing Time |
|---|
Credit Cards | 3-7 business days (may take longer depending on card issuer) |
Debit Cards/Bank Transfers | 1-5 business days |
Checks | Up to 14 business days |
PROTECTION PLANS
Can Protection Plans Be Refunded?
Yes. You may request a refund at any time before the plan expires.
Refund Requirements
Visit your local Micro Center with:
- The protected item(s)
- Your receipt
- Your original payment method
Proration Policy
Returns made after the first 60 days of ownership will be prorated based on:
- Remaining term
- Plan conditions
SPECIAL CASES
Open-Box Items
Return Period: Same as new counterparts
Ubiquiti Products: Covered by a 90-day warranty (separate from return period)
Conditions: All standard return conditions still apply (complete packaging, original condition, etc.)
3D Printers
Disassembly Required: Yes
Condition: Like-new with original packaging and all accessories
Filament Note: The included filament spool is considered consumable and does not need to be returned
Assembled or Installed Items
Requirement: Uninstall and remove components before returning
Assistance Available: Yes - bring your full system to the store and speak with an associate
Service Fees: May apply depending on the level of assistance required and the system's condition
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. My product is defective or malfunctioning — can I return/exchange/repair it?
Answer: Yes. Defective items can be returned within the applicable return period. You can choose to have the item repaired, exchanged, or refunded, subject to product availability and our standard return policy terms.
2. How do I do an exchange or return in-store?
Answer: To expedite your in-store return or exchange, start your return in your online account using our return check-in tool. Visit your closest Micro Center store's checkout area with: the item(s) you'd like to return, your original method of payment, and any included accessories, packaging, and materials. Our in-store team will assist you with the return or exchange. If your purchase required assembly (e.g., systems, 3D printers, etc.), please disassemble it before your visit and pack it as close to the original condition as possible.
3. Can I exchange/upgrade/trade in to get a different product?
Answer: If your item is still within the return window, you may return it during that period. At that time, you can either exchange it for a different item, or receive a refund to your original payment method. We also offer a GPU trade-in program. Eligible GPUs purchased new from Micro Center can be traded in for gift credit, which is available for immediate use. Eligibility and values vary and are subject to current program terms listed on our website.
4. Can I return, exchange, or replace a single part from a bundle?
Answer: Individual bundle components cannot be returned without the other components present; bundles are treated as a single purchase.
Exception for defects: If one component is defective, we can exchange that specific defective part without requiring the full bundle, as long as we have a suitable replacement available.
5. Does Micro Center charge restocking fees?
Answer: No, we don't charge restocking fees.
6. Do I need to disassemble my 3D printer to return it?
Answer: Yes. Please: disassemble the 3D printer, ensure it is in like-new condition, and repack it in the original box with all original packaging, accessories, and included materials. If your printer came with an included spool of filament, that spool is considered a consumable item and does not need to be returned with the printer and accessories.
7. Can I cancel, return, or get a refund for a protection plan?
Answer: Yes. You may request a refund for a protection plan at any time before it expires by visiting your local Micro Center with: the protected item(s), your receipt, and your original method of payment. Returns on protection plans made after the first 60 days of ownership will be prorated based on the remaining term and plan conditions.
8. I missed the return window / my deadline passed — are there exceptions or extensions?
Answer: PriorityCare+ members receive double the standard return period on eligible purchases (Microsoft Surface systems excluded). Micro Center account holders receive an additional 14 days added to the standard return period (Microsoft Surface systems excluded).
9. What is the return policy for open-box items?
Answer: Open-box products have the same return period as their new counterparts. Ubiquiti open-box products are covered by a 90-day warranty. This warranty is separate from the product's return period. All other standard return conditions still apply (complete packaging, condition, etc.).
10. If purchased in-store, can I ship an item back / get a shipping label/return from far away or via mail?
Answer: Items purchased in-store must be returned in person to a Micro Center location.
11. Can I return an item at a different Micro Center location than where I purchased it?
Answer: Yes. Items originally purchased in-store can be returned to any Micro Center store, as long as they meet our standard return policy requirements. Please note that same-day returns or exchanges at a different store location are not eligible. Your refund total may vary slightly due to differences in local sales tax rates at the store where you return the item and the store where the item was originally purchased.
12. Can I return items that have been assembled, installed, or modified?
Answer: We ask that you uninstall or remove any components you wish to return before visiting the store and bring them in their original state with all original accessories and packaging, if available. If you would like assistance with removing these components from your system, please bring in the full system and speak with a store associate. Service fees may apply depending on the level of assistance required and the system's condition.
13. If I exchange for a different item, how is the price difference handled?
Answer: If you exchange for a different item, any price difference is handled at the time of exchange. If the new item costs less, the difference is refunded to your original payment method. If it costs more, you'll pay the difference using any accepted payment method.
14. How long do refunds take for different payment methods?
Answer: Refunds are issued to the original payment method and timing varies by type and your bank/issuer:
- Credit cards: typically 3–7 business days (can take longer depending on the card issuer)
- Debit/bank transfers: usually 1–5 business days
- Checks: up to 14 business days
