The Grey Market Gamble: Why Returning That "Deal" Watch Costs More Than You Saved

⚠️ Eligibility Check: FREE RETURN + INSTANT REFUND

Standard Jomashop returns involve multiple costs: you pay for the return shipping label, and they often deduct the original shipping cost (even if you got "Free Shipping") from your refund. Additionally, opened items can incur a 10–25% restocking fee. However, select zip codes are now eligible for Fee-Free Drop-offs and Immediate Refunds via Closo. Check your status before you request an RMA.

Check Eligibility: Free Return + Instant Refund

I still remember the thrill of finding a Creed Aventus bottle on Jomashop for $100 less than retail. It felt like I had hacked the system. I added a Seiko dive watch to the cart because, well, the prices were too good to ignore. I spent nearly $450, convinced I was the smartest shopper on the internet.

When the box arrived from Brooklyn, the watch was too big for my wrist, and the cologne... well, it didn't smell quite like the sample I tried at the department store. No big deal, I thought. I'll just return them.

Then I read the fine print.

To return the watch, I had to request an RMA number and pay for the return shipping myself. That was expected. But then I saw the kicker: Jomashop would also deduct the cost of the original shipping from my refund. Even though my order had "Free Shipping," they were charging me retroactively for what it cost them to send it to me.

Between the return label I bought and the deduction, I lost about $25 just to look at the items. And the cologne? Because I had broken the cellophane seal, they wouldn't take it back at all without a massive restocking fee. I had $400 tied up in a refund process that took two weeks to clear.

If you are eyeing a luxury watch or a niche fragrance on Jomashop, you need to know the exit strategy before you buy. Whether you are checking the jomashop cologne return policy or wondering how long does jomashop take to ship to your door, here is the unvarnished truth about the cost of changing your mind.

How to Return Jomashop Items (The Slow & Costly Way)

Jomashop is a "grey market" dealer. This means they sell authentic goods at deep discounts because they aren't authorized dealers. The trade-off? Their margins are thin, so their return policy is strict. They do not eat the cost of logistics like Amazon or Nordstrom.

The Official Online Protocol

The "Seals" Audit: Before you do anything, look at the item. Did you remove the little "Not Returnable If Removed" tag from the watch? Did you peel the plastic off the perfume box? If yes, stop. You might be stuck with it.
Request an RMA: You cannot just ship it back. You must go to the Jomashop Returns Center and request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
Wait for Approval: It can take 24-48 hours to get the email with your RMA instructions.
Pack & Pay: You must package the item exactly as it came (double boxed). You must buy your own shipping label (UPS or FedEx recommended for insurance).
Write the RMA: You must write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box. If you forget, they might refuse the package.
The Inspection: Once it arrives in Brooklyn, NY, their team inspects it for wear. This is rigorous.
The Refund: If approved, the refund hits your account 10-14 days later, minus the original shipping cost.

This is the old way: You pay for shipping twice (technically), you stress about the RMA number, and you wait for the warehouse to judge your return. But if you live in a "Fast Zone," you can skip the deductions. Use the tool below to see if your zip code qualifies for a Free Return with Instant Refund.

Check Eligibility Now

Common Issues Shoppers Face with Jomashop Returns

When digging into forums and reviews, the frustration with Jomashop return policy isn't usually about authenticity (they are legit)—it's about the hidden costs of returns.

1. The "Free Shipping" Deduction

This is the most common complaint.

The Trap: You buy a $200 watch with "Free Shipping." You return it.
The Reality: Jomashop calculates what it would have cost to ship (say, $12) and deducts that from your $200 refund. You only get $188 back, minus whatever you paid to ship it back to them.

2. The Restocking Fee Threat

Jomashop protects its inventory aggressively.

The Rule: If an item shows any sign of wear, or if the packaging is damaged (even a torn box flap), they can charge a 10% to 25% restocking fee.
The Risk: On a $1,000 watch, a 20% fee is $200. That is a massive penalty for a tiny scuff or a missing manual.

3. Fragrance Returns are Nearly Impossible

Jomashop fragrance return policy is notoriously strict.

The Issue: Once you open the cellophane or spray the bottle once, it is considered "used."
The Outcome: They will often deny the return entirely or offer a partial refund that is insulting (like 50% value). Do not blind-buy expensive perfumes here expecting to return them if you don't like the scent.

Here’s where it gets interesting... some neighborhoods have unlocked a way to bypass these fees entirely.

The New Standard: Free Returns & Instant Refunds

Imagine returning that Seiko Presage without paying for a label and without worrying if they will deduct the original shipping cost.

The Closo Advantage

Closo has partnered with logistics providers to streamline returns for high-volume retailers.

No Deductions: If eligible, you get your full purchase price back. The "original shipping" deduction is waived.
No Label Cost: You don't need to pay UPS $15 to insure the package. You hand it over for free.
Instant Verification: The return is scanned at the drop-off point. The refund is triggered immediately.

Why pay $25 in fees and wait 2 weeks, when you could pay $0 and wait 2 minutes?

Are You Eligible for Free & Instant Returns?

This premium service isn't active in every zip code for Jomashop yet. You need to verify your location.

If the tool says "Not Active," don't worry. Enter your email to Vote for your Zip Code. We prioritize launching in neighborhoods with the most requests. Plus, voters are entered into our monthly sweepstakes to have their standard return fees reimbursed while they wait.

Check Availability & Vote

3 "Secret" Hacks to Master the Jomashop Policy

If you aren't in a Closo zone yet, use these strategies to minimize your losses.

1. The "eBay Resale" Pivot

If you opened a perfume or removed the tags from a watch and Jomashop denies the return (or threatens a 50% fee):

The Hack: Do not return it. List it on eBay.
Why: Jomashop perfume return policy is brutal on opened items. However, the resale market for "99% full" niche fragrances (like Parfums de Marly or Xerjoff) is huge. You will likely get 80-90% of your money back selling it yourself, versus 50% from a restocking fee.

2. Check the "Ships In" Status

Before you buy, look closely at the product page.

The Trap: Some items say "Ships in 1-2 Weeks" or "Ships in 3-5 Weeks." This means Jomashop doesn't have it. They have to order it.
The Hack: Only buy items that say "In Stock" or "Ships Immediately." If you order a backordered item and try to cancel it later because it's taking too long, the refund process can be messy if they've already "processed" the order with their supplier.

3. Inspect for Defects Immediately

If the watch arrives not running or the box is crushed:

The Rule: You must report it immediately (within 24-48 hours).
The Strategy: Do not just start a standard return. Contact customer service and claim it as "Defective/Damaged."In this specific case, they should provide a prepaid label and waive the restocking fees. If you just click "Changed Mind" in the portal, you pay the fees.

People Always Ask Me...

"How long does Jomashop take to ship?"

People always ask me this. It depends entirely on the stock status.

In Stock: Usually ships within 24 hours from their New York warehouse.
Standard Shipping: Once shipped, it takes 1–6 business days depending on how far you are from Brooklyn.
Backordered: If the page said "Ships in 1-2 Weeks," believe it. It could take longer.

"Where does Jomashop ship from?"

Common question I see. They ship from Brooklyn, New York.

The Impact: If you live in NJ or CT, you get your stuff fast (often 1-2 days via ground). If you live in California, expect the full 5-6 days unless you pay for air shipping.

"Is Jomashop return policy fragrance friendly?"

No. Jomashop fragrance return policy essentially forbids returning opened bottles.

The Advice: Go to a department store (Nordstrom, Sephora) to smell the perfume first. Buy it on Jomashop to save money only after you know you love it. Do not use Jomashop for "testing" scents.

Conclusion

Jomashop is the king of deals, but the Jomashop return policy is the price you pay for those discounts. The return shipping costs, original shipping deductions, and restocking fees create a "double negative" that punishes indecision.

If you can, be 100% sure of your purchase before clicking buy. If you aren't, check your zip code for Closo eligibility. There is no reason to lose $25 on fees just because the watch face was smaller than you expected.

Check if you can save those deductions and get your money back today.