What is a Restocking Fee? Avoid Extra Charges at Best Buy

Updated: February 2026 | Tech Shopping Guide

Have you ever returned a brand-new drone or a DSLR camera only to find out you didn't get a full refund? You likely ran into a Restocking Fee. At Best Buy, these fees can be as high as $45 or 15% of the purchase price.

1. Which Items Have Restocking Fees?

At Best Buy, restocking fees typically apply to "activatable" or high-end tech products, including:

• Cell phones (Standard fee is $45)
• Drones and DSLR Cameras
• Projectors and Rideables (Electric bikes/scooters)

2. Why Do They Charge This?

Retailers charge these fees because once a high-end tech item is opened, it cannot be sold as "new" again. They must test, repackage, and sell it as "Open-Box" at a discount. The fee helps cover that loss.

3. How to Avoid the Fee

The best way to avoid a restocking fee is to not open the box. If the factory seal is intact, Best Buy will not charge a fee. Additionally, if the product is defective, the fee is usually waived.

4. Membership Perks

If you are a My Best Buy Total or Plus member, you may have different terms. Always check your membership dashboard before making a big tech purchase.