If you searched next returns, you’re probably trying to return something to Next (UK) and want a clear, step-by-step answer: how long you have, how to send it back, what it costs, and when you’ll get your money back.

Straight answer: In the UK, Next returns are usually available for 28 days from the day after delivery (or the day after store collection). Items should be new/unused and, where relevant, in original packaging. Returns made after the window are typically handled as a Late Returns eVoucher, not a refund back to the original payment method.

If you return after 28 days, Next typically issues a Late Returns eVoucher instead of refunding your original payment method.

Returning to a Next store is free, while many courier/post methods charge £2.50 per return/collection (usually deducted from your refund or added to your Next credit account).

How do Next returns work in the UK?

Most return questions come down to three things: your deadline, your return method, and how you paid.

1. Are you within the return window?
2. Which return route are you using? (store vs courier/post)
3. How did you pay? (card/PayPal vs NextPay/Pay in 3)

Once you’ve got those clear, the rest is just choosing the quickest and easiest route for your situation.

What is the 28-day return window and when does it start?

• 28 days is the standard window for change-of-mind returns.
• The clock usually starts:
  • The day after delivery (home delivery), or
  • The day after collection (if delivered to the store and you collect it).

Example: If your parcel arrives on Monday, your return countdown starts on Tuesday.

What condition do items need to be in?

For most change-of-mind returns, you should aim for:

• Unworn/unused condition
• Clean and resalable
• All tags/labels attached where possible
• Original packaging included when relevant (especially for items that came boxed or sealed)

A good rule of thumb is this: if it wouldn’t look as new on a shop floor, it may be delayed or refused during checks.

Are Next returns free in the UK?

Next returns in-store (free)

Returning to a Next store is typically free and is usually the simplest route. It’s also often the fastest way to trigger a refund.

Next returns by courier/post (£2.50 commonly)

Many courier/post returns come with a £2.50 charge per return/collection, typically applied per parcel/collection rather than per item. Depending on how you return, the fee is commonly:

• Deducted from your refund, or
• Added to your Next credit account (if you use one)

Note: Certain categories, especially bulky Home items or specialist products, can have different return arrangements, so always follow the options shown for your exact order in your Next account.

Here’s a quick comparison so you can pick the most convenient method without guessing:

Here’s how each return method works in practice

The best method depends on how quickly you want the refund and how convenient the drop-off is.

Next returns to a store (often the quickest overall)

Choose a store return if you want the simplest route and you’d like the refund process to start as quickly as possible.

Steps:

1. Pack the item neatly (ideally with tags and packaging).
2. Bring it to a Next store.
3. Bring any proof of purchase you have (delivery note, order email, or order details in your account).
4. Keep the store return receipt.

Store returns are usually the most straightforward because you avoid courier transit time, and the item can be checked in immediately.

If you paid using Next credit (e.g., NextPay/Pay in 3):

Your account is typically credited once the return is processed. If your account goes into credit and you need money sent back to a bank/payment method, you may need to request that through customer support, depending on the payment setup.

Next returns by post or courier (ParcelShop, Locker, or Home Collection)

Choose courier/post if you’d rather drop off (or book a collection) and you’re happy with the standard return fee that applies to many non-store methods.

The steps are very similar across drop-off, locker, and home collection:

1. Start the return in your Next account (or using the returns flow for your order).
2. Choose your method: drop-off, locker, or home collection.
3. Pack the items securely:
   • Use the original bag/box if possible.
   • Ensure items are protected and tidy.
4. Attach the returns label (or follow paperless/QR instructions).
5. Drop off/hand to the courier.
6. Keep tracking proof until the refund is complete.

Keep your tracking receipt or confirmation until the refund is fully completed; if anything goes missing or stalls, that proof matters.

Next returns via Royal Mail

Do this if: You prefer Royal Mail/Post Office drop-off.

In most cases, it looks like this:

1. Use the returns option shown in your Next account/returns flow.
2. If it directs you to a Royal Mail portal, create the return (print label or use a QR/paperless option if offered).
3. Pack the parcel and drop it at the Post Office or applicable Royal Mail point.
4. Keep the proof of posting.

What do you need for Next returns? (labels, packaging, and proof)

Most delays happen because of missing proof or packaging issues, so it’s worth getting these basics right.

Keep proof of return until your refund lands

Keep one of these until your refund is fully complete:

• Store return receipt
• Tracking receipt (ParcelShop/Post Office)
• Confirmation from locker drop-off
• Home collection proof

Packaging tips that help returns go through smoothly

Aim for:

• Items folded/neatly packed (avoid stuffing or damage)
• Shoeboxes protected in an outer bag/box (if you can)
• Old labels were covered/removed so the courier scans the correct label

If your item arrived in a clear inner bag (common for clothing), putting it back in that inner bag keeps it tidy for processing.

Lost your label? Here’s how to get a replacement

If you can’t find your label:

1. Log in to your Next account.
2. Go to the returns area and look for a replacement label option.
3. Choose email (instant) or post (slower).

This is often the quickest fix when you’re ready to return, but the paperwork has gone missing.

Next returns refunds: how long do they take?

Refund speed mainly depends on how you returned the parcel and your payment provider’s processing time.

Next returns refunds for in-store returns

• In-store returns are often processed the same day.
• Your bank/PayPal may still take additional time to show the refund in your app (this part is outside Next’s control).

Next returns refunds for courier/post returns

Courier/post returns usually follow this timeline:

1. Transit time to the returns centre (can be a few days).
2. Processing/scanning time once it arrives (often within a working day once received).
3. Payment provider posting time (bank/PayPal/card issuer timing varies).

Tracking can show “delivered” before the return is scanned and processed, so allow a little time for the returns centre to check it in.

Realistic refund timeline what you’ll usually experience

To set expectations, here’s what the refund timeline often looks like for store vs courier/post returns:

If a card refund can’t be located, ask support whether an ARN (Acquirer Reference Number) is available; some banks can trace refunds using it.

Next returns after 28 days: what happens?

If you miss the standard window, your outcome may change.

Late Next returns and the eVoucher outcome

For late returns, Next typically issues a Late Returns eVoucher instead of refunding your original payment method.

How long do you have to use the Late Returns eVoucher?

Late returns are usually issued as store credit with an expiry date, so it’s worth returning as soon as you can if you’re already outside the standard window.

What items can’t be returned to Next?

Some product types have stricter rules, especially where hygiene/seals are involved. Also, some store formats can have different windows.

Outlet/Clearance stores: shorter window

If you bought from a Next Outlet/Clearance store, the window can be shorter (commonly around 7 days for returns). If your receipt indicates Outlet/Clearance rules, follow those.

“I’m Not Perfect” style items (where offered)

Items sold as “fault-marked” or “imperfect” ranges may be non-returnable, so always check the tag/receipt wording if it looks like a special category. If you’re unsure, check the item category rules before sending it back, especially for outlet purchases and hygiene-sealed products.

Delivery fees, partial returns, and exchanges: common questions

Do you get delivery fees back?

This depends on:

• Whether you returned all items in the order or only some
• The exact delivery additional fees and the return reason

Many retailers refund some delivery charges only in specific circumstances (for example, if the entire order is returned or if the return is due to fault). If delivery fees matter for your order, check your order confirmation and the returns info shown in your returns flow.

Can you exchange instead of a refund?

In practice, many exchanges are handled like this:

• Return the unwanted item(s), then
• Place a new order for the replacement

This can be faster than waiting for an exchange process (and avoids delays if stock is low).

UK consumer rights: the quick version

Retail policies are one thing; UK consumer law is another.

Online orders: cancellation rights

For many online purchases, UK rules commonly include a cooling-off period (often 14 days to cancel after receiving goods, then another window to return after telling the seller). There are exceptions, but this is a useful baseline.

Faulty items: your rights are different to changed my mind returns

If something is faulty, incorrect, or not as described, you may have stronger rights than a standard change-of-mind return. In those cases:

• Be clear that the reason is faulty/incorrect
• Keep photos if relevant (damage, missing parts, wrong item)
• Keep packaging if it helps prove the issue

If you’re dealing with a fault, don’t let the process default into “change of mind” language unless that’s genuinely your reason.

Christmas returns at Next: do deadlines change?

Yes, many retailers (including Next) publish seasonal return deadlines around Christmas.

If your purchase is a gift or you bought it in the festive window:

• Check the current year’s Christmas returns policy dates
• Keep gift receipts/order confirmations where possible
• Return earlier rather than later to avoid peak-season delays

Troubleshooting Next returns: the fastest fixes if something goes wrong

If your return feels stuck, work through this quick check:

• Confirm whether it was a store return or a courier/post return (refund speed differs).
• Check whether a £2.50 return fee applies (it may reduce your expected refund).
• Confirm if you were within 28 days; if not, you may receive an eVoucher instead of a card refund.
• If tracking says delivered but no refund: allow time for returns-centre processing after delivery.
• If your bank can’t see the refund, ask whether an ARN is available for tracing.

How people talk about Next returns online

Can Next re-charge me for an item they already marked as lost and refunded me for, because it ended up being delivered days later? (England)
byu/FarSignificance7603 inLegalAdviceUK

Returns & refunds: which UK stores are the best—and worst—to deal with?
byu/LovieWeb inBuyersUK

Quick recap

• Next returns usually allow 28 days (from the day after delivery/collection) for change-of-mind returns in perfect condition.
• In-store returns are usually free and often the quickest.
• Many courier/post methods commonly charge £2.50 per return/collection.
• Refund time depends on the method: store is usually fastest; courier/post takes longer due to transit plus processing.
• If you miss the window, a Late Returns eVoucher is a common outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Next’s return policy in the UK?

You generally have 28 days from the day after delivery/collection to return unwanted items in perfect condition for a refund to your original payment method. Late returns may be issued as an eVoucher.

Can you return a Next online order to a Next store?

Yes, returning an online order to a Next store is a common option and is usually the simplest.

How long do Next refunds take?

Store returns are often processed quickly (sometimes same day). Courier/post returns usually take longer due to transit and returns-centre processing, plus bank/payment provider posting time.

Are Next returns free by post?

Many postal/courier methods commonly include a £2.50 charge per return/collection.

About this guide

This guide is written to be practical and complete: how the return window works, how fees typically apply, which method is easiest, and how to troubleshoot delays, so you can finish your return confidently without guesswork.