How long does the returns inspection take?
How long does the returns inspection take?
Most inspections complete within 24-48 hours after the brand receives your package. Refunds process 1-2 business days after passing.
Full timeline breakdown
Day 1-5: Shipping to brand warehouse
Your return travels from drop-off location to the brand's warehouse.
- Within same country: 2-3 business days
- Cross-border (within EU): 4-5 business days
- Remote areas: Add 1-2 days
Tracking: Use your return label tracking number to see when it arrives.
Day 6-7: Inspection
Brand receives package:
- Scanned into system → You get "return received" email
- Added to inspection queue
- Most inspections same-day or next-day
Why 24-48 hours? Brands batch-process returns. If your return arrives at 5pm Friday, inspection might not happen until Monday morning.
Day 7-8: Refund processing
If passed:
- Refund initiated within 1-2 business days
- Appears in your account 2-5 business days (depending on your bank)
If failed:
- Email with photos + your 3 options
- 7 days for you to respond
What slows down inspections?
Peak seasons
- January: Post-holiday returns spike
- September: Back-to-work bulk orders + sizing adjustments
- Black Friday aftermath: Late November/early December
During peaks, add 1-2 days to inspection timeline.
Weekends and holidays
Inspections only happen during brand warehouse operating hours:
- Weekdays: Normal processing
- Weekends: No inspections (most brands)
- EU holidays: Delays vary by country
Pro tip: Ship returns early in the week. A Monday shipment gets inspected faster than a Thursday shipment (which might not arrive until following Monday).
Complex items
Most returns: Quick visual check (5-10 minutes).
Take longer:
- Safety equipment (PPE) - Extra compliance verification
- Customized items (claimed defective) - Detailed quality assessment
- High-value items - Additional documentation
These might take 48-72 hours instead of 24-48.
Can I speed it up?
Not really. Inspection happens at brand warehouses on their schedule.
What you CAN control:
- Ship early in week (avoid weekend delays)
- Pack clearly (brands process well-packed returns faster)
- Include all accessories (missing items slow down inspection)
What if it's been longer than 48 hours?
First, check:
- Has the brand received it? Check tracking—might still be in transit
- Was it a weekend/holiday? Inspections pause
- Peak season? Add a few days
If genuinely delayed:
Contact us with your order ID. We'll chase the brand for an update.
Why delays happen:
- Package misrouted by carrier
- Brand warehouse staff shortage
- Item requires specialized inspection
We can't make inspections faster, but we can find out what's happening.
Refund timeline after passing
Once inspection passes:
- Day 1: Refund initiated
- Day 2-3: Appears as "pending" in your bank account
- Day 3-5: Fully cleared and available
Bank processing varies:
- Credit cards: 2-3 business days
- Debit cards: 3-5 business days
- PayPal/digital wallets: 1-2 business days
Questions?
Return stuck in limbo? Drop us a message with your order ID. We'll investigate.
Related articles:
- How does the returns inspection process work?
- When will I receive my refund?
- What if my return doesn't pass inspection?
Updated on: 06/11/2025
Thank you!