If you’ve ever bought something that didn’t quite work out, you need to understand the Saks Fifth Ave return policy. Knowing the rules makes the process smooth and ensures you get your money back without any headaches.
This guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover time limits, condition requirements, and the steps for both online and in-store returns. You’ll also learn about exceptions for final sale items and how to handle returns without a receipt. Let’s get started.
Saks Fifth Ave Return Policy
The core return policy at Saks Fifth Avenue is designed to be customer-friendly. You have a generous window to make up your mind. Most items can be sent back for a full refund to your original payment method.
It’s important to act within the allowed timeframe. All tags should be attached and the item should be unworn. Keeping your receipt or packing slip is crucial for the fastest service.
Key Timeframes for Returns
Don’t wait too long to decide if an item is right for you. Saks has clear deadlines.
- Standard Returns: You have 30 days from the date of purchase to return most items for a refund.
- Store Card & SaksFirst Cardholders: If you used a Saks credit card, you get an extended period of 45 days to make a return.
- Holiday Season Extension: Purchases made between November 1st and December 31st can typically be returned until January 31st of the following year. Always double-check the current year’s policy.
Condition of Items
To get a full refund, your return must meet condition requirements. Saks needs to be able to resell the item as new.
- Tags Must Be Attached: All original manufacturer tags and labels should be on the item.
- Unworn & Unused: The item cannot show any signs of wear, damage, or alteration.
- Original Packaging: It’s best to return items with all original boxes, dust bags, and protective coverings, especially for shoes, handbags, and fine jewelry.
- Complete Sets: If you bought a set, like a fragrance with a lotion, all pieces must be returned together.
What Happens If an Item Is Damaged?
If your item arrived damaged or defective, contact Saks Customer Service immediately. Do not initiate a standard return. They will provide special instructions and often cover the cost of return shipping for these cases. You’ll usually get a replacement or full refund.
How to Return Online Purchases
Returning something you bought on Saks.com is straightforward. You have a couple of convenient options.
Option 1: Return by Mail
This is the most common method. Follow these steps:
- Locate your packing slip. The return form and a pre-paid return label are on the back. If you lost it, you can print a label from the “Order History” section of your Saks.com account.
- Complete the return form. Indicate your reason for the return.
- Securely pack the item in its original box or a sturdy shipping box. Attach the pre-paid label to the outside.
- Drop the package at any UPS location. Be sure to get a drop-off receipt for your records.
Refunds are processed once the return is received and inspected. It can take up to two billing cycles for the credit to appear on your original payment method.
Option 2: Return In-Store
This is often the fastest way to get your refund. You can return any Saks.com purchase to a physical Saks Fifth Avenue store.
- Bring the item, all original packaging, and your packing slip or receipt.
- Go to the Customer Service or Returns desk.
- A store associate will process your return. If you used a credit card, the refund is typically issued on the spot, and the credit posts in a few days.
How to Return In-Store Purchases
If you bought something at a Saks store, you should ideally return it to a store. Bring the item with all tags and your original receipt. The refund will be issued to your original form of payment. If you perfer to mail it, you can use a pre-paid label from the online portal, but in-store is quicker.
Returning Without a Receipt
Lost your receipt? It’s not necessarily a problem, but the process is different. Saks can often look up your purchase if you used a credit card, store card, or provided an email address at checkout.
If they cannot find the proof of purchase, your return may be accepted for store credit at the item’s current selling price. This price could be lower than what you originally paid, especially if the item is now on sale.
Exclusions and Final Sale Items
Not everything can be returned. Be aware of these exceptions before you buy.
- Final Sale Items: These are clearly marked at the time of purchase and cannot be returned or exchanged. This often applies to clearance merchandise, certain beauty products, and personalized items.
- Swimwear & Intimate Apparel: For hygiene reasons, these items usually require the original protective liner to be intact and untampered with.
- Special Orders & Customized Items: Made-to-order furniture, monogrammed goods, or altered clothing are typically final sale.
- Gift Cards: These are non-returnable.
Returning Gifted Items
If you received a gift from Saks, you can return it. You will need the gift receipt. Returns with a gift receipt are issued as a Saks Fifth Avenue merchandise credit. Without any receipt, the store may offer store credit at the current price, as mentioned earlier.
International Returns
If you are outside the United States, the return policy differs. International purchases are generally final sale and cannot be returned. It is essential to review the international shipping and return terms on Saks.com before placing an order from abroad.
Exchanges
Saks Fifth Avenue does not offer direct exchanges through the mail. The simplest way to “exchange” an item is to:
- Process a return for the item you don’t want.
- Place a new order for the correct size or color.
In a physical store, associates can of course help you with an exchange directly if the desired item is in stock.
Refund Methods and Timing
How you get your money back depends on how you paid and how you returned the item.
- Credit/Debit Card: Refunds are issued to the original card. It takes about 7-14 business days after the return is processed to see the credit on your statement.
- Saks Merchandise Credit: Issued for returns without a valid receipt or with a gift receipt. This credit is available immediately in-store or online.
- Cash or Check Purchases: In-store returns for cash purchases may be refunded in cash or via a check mailed from corporate, depending on the amount and store policy.
Tips for a Smooth Return Experience
Follow these tips to avoid any delays or issues.
- Act Quickly: Don’t miss the 30 or 45-day window.
- Keep Everything: Store receipts, packing slips, tags, and original boxes until you are sure you’re keeping the item.
- Inspect Items Upon Delivery: Check for damage right away and report it immediately.
- Use the Pre-Paid Label: For mail returns, using Saks’s label ensures the package is tracked and linked to your order.
- Consider In-Store for Speed: If you live near a Saks, an in-store return is the fastest path to a refund.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s what to do.
My Refund Hasn’t Appeared
First, check the return tracking to confirm Saks received it. If it was delivered over 10 business days ago, contact Customer Service at 1-877-551-7257 with your return tracking number and order details. They can investigate the status.
The Item Was Denied
If your return was denied due to condition or missing tags, Saks will contact you. They typically offer to ship the item back to you at your cost, or you can authorize them to donate it. To avoid this, always ensure items are in new condition.
I Bought It on Sale
Items purchased on sale are subject to the same return policy as full-price items, unless they are marked “Final Sale.” You will get a refund for the price you paid.
Contacting Customer Service
For complex issues, it’s best to call. Have your order number, receipt, and any relevant details ready. The general customer service number is 1-877-551-7257. You can also use the online chat feature on Saks.com for quicker questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the Saks return policy?
For most customers, it’s 30 days from purchase. Saks credit cardholders get 45 days. Holiday purchases often have an extended deadline until January 31st.
Can I return online purchases to a Saks Fifth Avenue store?
Yes, you can. This is often the fastest method. Just bring the item, original packaging, and your packing slip to the Customer Service desk.
What is Saks Fifth Avenue’s return policy on beauty products?
Opened beauty products are generally not returnable for health and safety reasons, unless they are defective. Unopened products in original seal can usually be returned within the standard timeframe.
Does Saks Fifth Avenue offer free return shipping?
Yes, Saks provides a pre-paid return shipping label with online orders. You can use this label to return items by mail at no cost to you.
What items are final sale at Saks?
Items marked “Final Sale” at checkout, along with gift cards, custom orders, and some intimate apparel, cannot be returned. Always check the product description before buying.
How do I return a gift from Saks?
Use the included gift receipt. The return will be issued as a Saks merchandise credit. Without a gift receipt, you may recieve store credit at the item’s current selling price.
How long do Saks refunds take?
After they receive your return, it takes about 10-14 business days for the refund to be posted to your original payment method. In-store refunds to a card are usually faster.
Understanding the Saks Fifth Ave return policy gives you confidence when you shop. By following the guidelines on time, condition, and procedure, you can ensure a seamless experience. Always keep your receipts and tags, and when in doubt, the in-store customer service team is there to help. Remember to check for any policy updates directly on the Saks website, as details can occasionally change.