Yankee Candle Return Policy: Complete Guide to Refunds & Exchanges
Buying a candle online can be tricky. Sometimes the scent isn't what you expected, or worse, the glass jar arrives broken. If you are looking for the Yankee Candle return policy, you have come to the right place. Whether you want to return a candle you just didn't like or need to exchange a damaged item, knowing the rules helps you get your money back faster.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Yankee Candle's process. We will explain the return window, how to handle broken glass, where to mail your items, and what fees you might have to pay. We have analyzed the official policy to give you the most accurate, up-to-date information for 2025 so you can make your return with confidence.
Overview of Yankee Candle Return Policy
Yankee Candle is known for having a very generous return policy, often referred to as their "Happiness Guarantee." The company wants you to love your fragrance, so they allow returns for almost any reason.
Here is the most important thing to know: You have a full year to decide.
Quick Policy Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Window | 1 year from the purchase date[1] |
| Condition Rules | You can return items even if you changed your mind or used them[1] |
| Return Methods | In-store (free) or Mail-in (you pay shipping)[1] |
| Refund Method | Original payment method (Card, PayPal, etc.)[1] |
| Receipts | Required (Store receipt or Order Confirmation Email)[1] |
| Restocking Fees | None |
Yankee Candle allows you to return items bought online to their physical stores, which is often the easiest way to handle a return. If you do not live near a store, you can mail items back, but you will need to cover the shipping cost yourself.
Return Window & Eligibility
Understanding the timeline and rules for eligibility is the first step to a successful return.
1-Year Return Window
Yankee Candle offers a standard return window of one year. This applies to:
- Online orders from yankeecandle.com.
- Purchases made at official Yankee Candle retail stores.
- WoodWick and Chesapeake Bay Candle products purchased through official Yankee Candle channels.
If you attempt to return an item after one year has passed, the store manager or customer service team may deny the return or offer a refund at the current lowest selling price, depending on the specific situation.
Condition of Items
Unlike clothing stores that require tags to be attached, Yankee Candle is much more flexible. Because scents are personal, you generally cannot tell if you like a candle until you burn it.
- Unused Items: Accepted for a full refund.
- Used/Burned Items: generally accepted if you are not satisfied with the quality or scent (Happiness Guarantee).
- Damaged Items: Accepted (see the specific section below for broken glass).
Receipt Requirements
To get a full refund to your original payment method, you must provide proof of purchase.
- In-Store: Keep your paper receipt.
- Online: You need your order confirmation email or the packing slip that came in the box.
- No Receipt: Returns without a receipt are difficult. You may only be eligible for an exchange or store credit at the current selling price, and a valid ID will likely be required.
How to Return Items to Yankee Candle
You have two main options for returning products: taking them to a store or mailing them back. The method you choose depends on whether you want to save money on shipping or save time driving.
Option 1: In-Store Returns (Free & Fastest)
This is the best option because it is free. You do not have to pay for shipping, and you get your refund immediately.
- Locate a Store: Find your nearest Yankee Candle location. Note that you cannot return items to third-party retailers (like Target or Walmart) if you bought them from Yankee Candle directly.
- Gather Documents: Bring your original receipt or print out your order confirmation email.
- Bring the Card: You must have the credit or debit card you used to make the purchase.
- Visit the Register: A store associate will inspect the item and process the refund to your card.
Option 2: Online Returns by Mail
If you cannot get to a store, you can mail your return. However, please note that you are responsible for return shipping costs. Yankee Candle does not provide free return labels for standard returns (like changing your mind).
Step-by-Step Mail-In Process:
- Prepare the Package: Place the item securely in a box. Since candles are fragile, use plenty of bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage during transit.
-
Include Documentation: Put the return form (from the bottom of your packing slip) inside the box. If you lost the slip, include a note with your:
- Full Name
- Order Number
- Address
- Phone Number
- Reason for Return
- Address the Package: For standard returns (Jar candles, WoodWick, accessories), mail to: > Yankee Candle Company > Returns & Exchanges > 3419 Ritner Highway > Newville, PA 17241
-
Ship It: Take the package to a carrier like UPS, FedEx, or USPS.
- Tip: Get a tracking number. Yankee Candle suggests insuring the package because they are not responsible if it gets lost or broken on the way back to them.
Option 3: Returning Personalized Candles
If you ordered a customized candle with a personal photo or message, the return address is different. You can still return these items if you are not happy with them.
Mail Personalized Candles to:
Yankee Candle Returns 1 Plain Road South Deerfield, MA 01373
Do not send standard items to this address, or your refund could be delayed.
Refund Methods & Processing Time
Once you have handed over your return, you are probably wondering when you will see your money.
How You Will Be Refunded
Yankee Candle refunds money to the original payment method.
- Credit/Debit Cards: The money goes back to the card used.
- PayPal: Refunds are credited to the PayPal account associated with the original email address.
- Gift Cards: If you paid with a gift card, you will typically receive a replacement gift card or store credit.
Refund Timeline
The official policy does not state an exact number of days for processing, but we can estimate based on standard retail practices:
- In-Store: Immediate processing (funds usually appear in 3–5 business days depending on your bank).
- Mail-In: Allow time for the package to arrive at the warehouse (3–7 days) plus processing time.
- Total Time: Expect to see your refund within 10 to 14 business days after mailing your package.
Note: Return shipping fees are not refunded. If you paid $10 to ship the item back, that money is gone. You will only be refunded the purchase price of the item and taxes.
Exchange Policy
If you liked the candle but just picked the wrong scent, an exchange might be better than a refund.
In-Store Exchanges
This is very simple. Bring your unloved candle to the store with your receipt. Pick out a new one of the same value. The associate will swap them out. If the new candle costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you get a partial refund.
Mail-In Exchanges
You can exchange items by mail, but it takes longer.
- Follow the mail-in steps listed above.
- On your note inside the box, write clearly that you want an exchange.
- List the specific item name and item number you want as a replacement.
- Shipping Benefit: While you have to pay to ship the unwanted item back, Yankee Candle will usually pay the shipping cost to send the new item to you.
Damaged or Defective Items
Did your candle arrive shattered? Did it have a manufacturing defect like "tunneling" (where it burns straight down the middle)?
Do not mail broken glass.
Yankee Candle has a self-service portal for this specific issue.
- Take Photos: Snap a clear picture of the broken item or the defect.
- Find Your Order Info: Have your order number and billing zip code ready.
- Go Online: Visit the "Contact Us" or "Returns" page on YankeeCandle.com.
- Submit a Claim: Look for the link to "Returns" or "Damaged Items." You can often process this entirely online without mailing anything back.
- Contact Support: If the online form doesn't work, start a Live Chat or call them. They will typically send a replacement immediately without making you touch broken glass.
Non-returnable or Restricted Items
While Yankee Candle is generous, there are some limits to what they accept.
- Third-Party Purchases: You cannot return candles bought at Target, Amazon, Walmart, or Kohl's to Yankee Candle directly. You must follow the return policy of the store where you bought it.
- Gift Cards: Gift cards are generally non-returnable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
- Empty Jars: You cannot burn a candle all the way to the bottom and then try to return the empty glass jar. The "Happiness Guarantee" implies you tried the product and were dissatisfied, not that you used the entire product.
- Clearance Items: Some items marked as "Final Sale" at outlet locations may not be eligible for return. Always check your receipt.
Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
Nobody likes hidden fees. Here is a breakdown of costs you might encounter.
Return Shipping Fees
This is the most significant cost. Yankee Candle does not offer free return shipping labels for standard returns.
- You must pay UPS, FedEx, or USPS rates.
- Shipping a heavy glass jar candle can cost $10–$15 or more depending on weight and distance.
- Tip: If you have a local store nearby, always return in person to avoid this fee.
Restocking Fees
Good news: Yankee Candle does not charge a restocking fee. You will receive the full value of the product back, provided you have your receipt.
Original Shipping Charges
If you paid for shipping on your original order (e.g., you paid $5.99 to have it sent to your house), that original shipping cost is usually not refunded unless the item was defective or Yankee Candle made a mistake.
Holiday & Extended Return Policies
Yankee Candle does not typically publish a specific "Holiday Return Policy" because their standard policy is already one year.
Most stores offer extended returns during the holidays (e.g., return by January 31st), but since Yankee Candle already gives you 365 days, you are well-covered for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts.
Gift Returns: If you received a candle as a gift, returning it can be tricky if you do not have the receipt.
- With Gift Receipt: You can exchange it or get store credit.
- Without Receipt: It is up to the store manager. You may be offered an exchange for the current selling price of the item. Be aware that seasonal scents often go on sale after the holidays, so the "current selling price" might be very low.
Customer Support & Contact Information
If you have a complicated return or need help with a damaged order, the customer service team is very helpful.
Yankee Candle Customer Service:
- Phone: 1-877-803-6890
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm EST.
- Live Chat: Available on the website (look for the chat bubble in the corner).
- Mailing Address (For General Correspondence, NOT Returns): 4110 Premier Drive High Point, NC 27265
Best Practice: Before you call, have your order number ready. If you are calling about a broken item, take a photo beforehand in case they ask you to email it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the most common questions shoppers ask about returning their candles.
Can I return items to Yankee Candle without a receipt?
It is difficult but possible. If you do not have a receipt or order confirmation, the return is subject to approval. If approved, you will likely receive store credit or an exchange valued at the item's current lowest selling price. You will need to provide a valid photo ID.
How long does a refund from Yankee Candle take?
For in-store returns, the refund is processed immediately but may take 3–5 business days to appear on your bank statement. For mail-in returns, allow about 10–14 business days-this covers shipping time plus processing time at their warehouse.
Can I return online orders in-store at Yankee Candle?
Yes! Returning online orders to a physical store is the best way to avoid return shipping fees. Bring your order confirmation email (on your phone is fine) and the credit card you used for the purchase.
Does Yankee Candle pay for return shipping?
No. For standard returns (e.g., you didn't like the scent), the customer is responsible for return shipping costs. However, if the item arrived damaged or defective, contact customer support first-they may replace it without requiring you to pay for shipping.
Can I return a burned candle?
Yes. Under the "Happiness Guarantee," you can return a candle even if you have burned it, provided you are returning it because you are not satisfied with the quality or fragrance. However, you cannot return a completely empty jar.
How do I return a damaged or wrong item?
Do not mail broken glass! If your item arrived damaged, go to the Yankee Candle website and use the self-service contact form or call 1-877-803-6890. They will usually send a replacement or issue a refund after you provide proof of damage (like a photo).
Can I return a personalized candle?
Yes. Personalized photo candles can be returned if you are not satisfied. Note that these must be mailed to a specific address in South Deerfield, MA (listed in the "How to Return" section above) and not the standard returns center in Pennsylvania.
Does Yankee Candle accept returns from other stores?
No. Items purchased at third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Bed Bath & Beyond must be returned to those specific stores according to their own return policies. Yankee Candle stores only accept returns for items bought directly from them.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by location. Always confirm details on the official Yankee Candle website or with your local store. Information verified December 2025.
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