restocking fee
ree-STOK-ing fee
/ˌriːˈstɒkɪŋ fiː/
A charge levied by a seller upon a customer when merchandise is returned for a refund.
Common in electronics or furniture, intended to cover the cost of inspecting and repackaging the item.
The story behind the word. A modern compound term. It describes the labor required to put an item back into the 'stock' or inventory of the warehouse.
Word relationships
- free returns: Returning an item without any penalty or charge.
Commonly confused with
- shipping fee: Shipping fee is the cost of transport; restocking fee is the cost of processing the return.
Collocations
- charge a restocking fee
- waive the restocking fee
- standard restocking fee
Example sentences
- "Be careful when opening the box; if you return this laptop, there is a 15% restocking fee." Buying a high-end camera.
Memory hook
RESTOCKING is a RE-SHOCKING fee you didn't expect. Return penalty.
When not to use
Do not use if the return is free of charge.
Fun facts
- Many states in the US require restocking fees to be clearly disclosed at the time of purchase to be legally enforceable.
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