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restocking fee

A restocking fee is a charge that a seller requires from a buyer when purchased goods are returned and accepted back.

In plain English

It is an amount the seller requires from the buyer as part of taking a returned purchase back. A return can be accepted and still include this required charge.

In context

Here, it refers to a charge that may be applied as a deduction when a seller accepts returned goods back.

Situation
Requesting returns, exchanges, refunds, replacements, and store credit
What it communicates
Names a possible deduction applied to some accepted returns.

Meaning limits

The term by itself does not say whether the charge applies in a particular case or how much it is.

Examples

“The seller took the mixer back but still charged the buyer a restocking fee.”

Core meaning

“A restocking fee was taken off the refund when the coffee maker was returned.”

In context