Returns: The Good and the Bad
I wanted to do a review of my experiences with various stores and their return policies. Feel free to leave your experiences and other store's policies in the comments below!
Anthropologie - Amazing return policy, basically no time limit and they've never refused something. You can even have worn something and then decide it's just not for you and still return it. In addition, I've gone to the store and returned something that has since gone on sale only to re-buy it immediately at the lower price. Essentially a price adjustment. NO free returns shipping back online purchases, though. Score: 5/5
Nordstrom - Another amazing return policy, with basically no time limit. They work with you on a case-by-case basis. Free shipping and returns. Price adjustments and price matching are flexible as well. In addition, if you don't have a receipt they can easily look up your order. Score: 5/5
Asos - Not only do they have free returns (and shipping), they also allow you to print a new return label or packing slip if you lose yours. Returns are up to 28 days from receiving your order. Only downside is that it takes a while after shipping it back to get your refund. Score: 5/5
Forever 21 - While it is so easy to order from F21, returning is not so easy. If you purchase an item online and try to return it in-store, you only get store credit. In order to get a refund you have to mail it back, and they don't provide free return shipping. You have 30 days to return your items from the ship date, not the date you receive them. Score: 2/5
LOFT - You have 45 days to return items at LOFT. However, you cannot return "online only" items to store (such as shoes or swimsuits and certain clothing items). Another downside is that they don't have free return shipping. I have one very close to me so returning isn't a huge deal, but if I didn't have a store nearby I would get frustrated by all the return shipping charges. Score: 3/5
Victoria's Secret - I've only had great experiences returning items at Victoria's Secret. You get 90 days to return your items and basically anything is returnable (swim, sale, clearance, etc). It's better to return in store if you can because return shipping is not free. Score: 5/5
H&M - While we finally have online orders available in the US, one big downside is that you cannot return online orders in-store. You get 30 days to decide if you want to return the item. While a return label is included in your shipment, $5.95 is deducted from your refund to cover return shipping costs. Score: 2/5
Modcloth - What's interesting about their return policy is that you have two options: refund to your original form of payment without free return shipping, or store credit, free return shipping, and a bonus $5 store credit. If you shop there often, the latter option is definitely best, but for those who don't it can be an inconvenience. Exchanges are free no matter what, though! Score: 4/5
Other stores that have good return policies in my experience: Zara, Madewell, J Crew, Gap, Macy's, Urban Outfitters
