Screwfix Return Policy : 30-Day Money Back Guarantee Explained

Screwfix is popular with both tradespeople and DIYers partly because it’s quick and easy to take things back when a job changes or a product isn’t quite right. They offer a clear 30-day money back guarantee on most items, along with separate protection for faulty goods and refurbished products.

This guide walks through how the Screwfix return policy works in the UK, how to return items bought in store or online, what condition products must be in, and what happens if something is faulty rather than just unwanted.

Key Points at a Glance

30-day money back guarantee on most products – for change of mind returns.
Items must usually be unused, in saleable condition, in original packaging, with all parts.
Returns can be made to any Screwfix store or by post/courier for online orders.
Proof of purchase (invoice, order confirmation, or account details) is normally required.
Faulty or misdescribed items are covered by your consumer rights and Screwfix’s own warranties.
Refurbished products have the same 30-day money back guarantee as new items.

The 30-Day Money Back Guarantee

Screwfix’s headline promise is a 30-day money back guarantee. If you buy something and then realise you no longer need it, or chose the wrong size or type, you can usually return it within 30 days for a refund.

Conditions for Change-of-Mind Returns

For standard “I don’t need this after all” returns, Screwfix expects that:

The item is returned within 30 days of purchase or delivery.
The product is unused and in saleable condition.
It is in the original packaging, with all component parts, manuals and accessories.
You include or show proof of purchase – usually your invoice, order confirmation or Screwfix account details.

If those conditions are met, Screwfix will normally give you a full refund to your original payment method. Their guidance also makes clear that your statutory rights are not affected by this guarantee.

Refurbished Items

Screwfix also sells a range of refurbished products on selected ranges. These carry the same 30-day money back guarantee as new items, so you are not taking on extra risk just because you went for a refurbished bargain.

Where and How to Return Items

How you return something to Screwfix depends on how you bought it and what is easiest for you.

1. Returning Items to a Screwfix Store

For many customers, the simplest route is to take items back to a local branch.

You can usually return most products to any Screwfix store in the UK.
Bring the item, in original packaging and condition, plus your invoice or order number.
Head to the counter, explain whether you want a refund or an exchange, and staff will check the item and process it.
If approved, refunds to card are usually processed immediately at the till (your bank may take a few days to show the money).

Store returns are often the fastest way to get an item swapped or your money back, especially if you pass Screwfix regularly as part of your work or commute.

2. Returning Items by Post or Courier

If you ordered online and can’t easily get to a store, you can send items back instead.

Fill in the returns section on your dispatch note or returns form (if supplied).
Pack the product securely, ideally in the original box and outer packaging.
Include the invoice or a note with your order number, name and contact details so Screwfix can match the parcel to your account.
Use the postage method instructed by Screwfix. For lighter items, there may be a Freepost option, while heavier or bulky items may require you to contact Screwfix for a returns address or a collection.
Always get proof of posting and tracking from your carrier.

Once the item is received and checked, Screwfix issues a refund to your original payment method. Allow for transit time plus a few working days for processing.

Orders, Cancellations and Distance-Selling Rights

When you order from Screwfix online or by phone, you benefit from both their 30-day money back guarantee and your normal distance-selling rights under consumer law.

Screwfix’s own terms allow you to cancel your order and return items within 30 days of delivery, which is more generous than the basic 14-day legal minimum in many cases.
To cancel, you should let Screwfix know within the 30-day period and then return the goods promptly.
Items must be kept in good condition while in your possession and sent back securely packaged.
Standard delivery charges may be refundable when you cancel the whole order within the stated time frame; premium delivery surcharges usually are not.

For click & collect orders placed online but collected in store, Screwfix generally treats them in line with the same 30-day money back guarantee, as long as you have proof of purchase and the goods are unused and saleable.

Faulty, Damaged or Incorrect Items

The 30-day guarantee is designed for change-of-mind returns. If an item is faulty, damaged, or not what you ordered, you have stronger protection under consumer law and Screwfix’s own policies.

If Your Item Is Faulty or Not as Described

Contact Screwfix or visit a store as soon as you notice the problem.
Bring or provide:
- Your invoice or order number, and
- A description (and ideally photos) of the fault or damage.
Within the first 30 days of purchase/delivery, you usually have the right to reject faulty goods and receive a full refund, or you can accept a repair or replacement.
After 30 days, Screwfix may arrange a repair or replacement first under the product warranty; if this cannot fix the problem, a refund or partial refund may be offered.

Many power tools and electrical items are covered by manufacturer warranties that run for 1–3 years or longer. Screwfix will either handle the process directly or advise you how to claim under the manufacturer’s warranty if that’s faster.

If the Wrong Item Was Sent

Check your delivery note against what you received.
If something is missing or incorrect, contact Screwfix quickly with your order details.
They will usually arrange a free return or collection of the wrong item and send out the correct one or issue a refund.

Condition Requirements and Exclusions

Screwfix’s policy is built on a simple idea: if they can put the item back on the shelf and sell it again as new, a 30-day money back guarantee is available. If not, the return is handled under fault/warranty rules instead.

Items Must Be Saleable for Change-of-Mind Returns

No obvious signs of use (for example, paint on a brush, drill dust on a tool, worn soles on boots).
All components, fixings, manuals and accessories must be included.
Original packaging should be present and in reasonable condition.
Security seals and tamper-evident packaging should be intact where relevant.

If an item has been used to the point where it can no longer be sold as new, Screwfix may refuse a change-of-mind refund. However, if you believe the item is faulty or “not fit for purpose”, staff can still assess it under the faulty-goods rules.

Items That May Have Special Rules

Some types of products are subject to extra restrictions for safety, hygiene or legal reasons. These often include:

Certain personal protective equipment (for example, respirators, earplugs) once packaging is opened.
Items containing flammable liquids, fuels or gas, where special handling is needed.
Custom-cut or made-to-measure goods (such as cable cut to length), which may not be returnable unless faulty.

The Screwfix website and order documents will normally flag any specific exclusions or special rules for a particular item, so it’s always worth checking the product page or your paperwork if you are unsure.

Returns Without Proof of Purchase

For a smooth refund, Screwfix expects some form of proof of purchase. That could be:

Your printed or emailed invoice.
Your order confirmation email.
Your Screwfix account details if you ordered while logged in.

Without proof of purchase, returns can be much harder. Store staff may be able to look up some transactions using your account details or card, but this isn’t always possible, and a refund may be refused or limited to an exchange at the current selling price at the manager’s discretion.

Refund Methods and Timelines

When Screwfix accepts a return and approves a refund:

Refunds are normally made to the original method of payment:
- Card purchases back to the same card.
- PayPal or other digital payments back to the same account.
- Account customers credited to their Screwfix trade account.
In-store refunds to card are processed straight away, though banks typically take 3–5 working days to show the money.
Postal or courier returns are refunded after the goods arrive and are checked, so you should allow for:
- Transit time to the Screwfix returns centre, plus
- A few working days for processing and bank handling.

If you don’t see a refund within a reasonable time, it’s wise to first check your bank or card statement, then contact Screwfix with your order and return details for an update.

Quick FAQ: Screwfix Returns

How long do I have to return something to Screwfix?
For most items, you have 30 days from purchase or delivery under their money back guarantee, as long as the item is unused and saleable.
Can I return something I’ve used once?
Not under the standard 30-day money back guarantee, because returns should be unused. If you believe the product is faulty or unfit for purpose, you can still ask staff to assess it under the faulty-goods rules.
Do I have to return things to the store I bought them from?
No – most items can be taken back to any Screwfix store. For online orders, you can also use postal or courier returns if that is easier.
Will Screwfix refund my delivery costs?
For change-of-mind returns, they will usually refund the item price but not any extra paid for premium delivery. For cancelled distance orders or faulty goods, the basic delivery charge may be refunded in line with consumer law and their terms.
Are my legal rights affected by the 30-day guarantee?
No. The 30-day money back guarantee sits in addition to your statutory rights, which protect you for faulty or misdescribed goods and give you minimum cancellation rights for most online orders.

Summary

Screwfix’s return policy is designed to be straightforward: if you change your mind within 30 days and the product is unused and saleable, you can get your money back with minimal hassle. If something is faulty, not as described or goes wrong sooner than it should, your consumer rights and product warranties give you extra protection. Keep your paperwork, keep items in good condition until you’re sure you’re keeping them, and either visit a local store or follow the postal instructions, and Screwfix returns are normally quick and painless.