The present invention relates to relates to the management of virtual universe item returns. A method for in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: initiating a return of a item by a user in a virtual universe; granting control of the return of the item to a return agency, the return agency submitting a return request on behalf of the user to a vendor associated with the item; upon approval of the return request by the vendor, sending instructions to the user to destroy the item; and upon confirmation of the destruction of the item by the user, crediting the user for the return.