Understanding the Hobby Lobby return policy is key to a smooth shopping experience, whether you’re buying craft supplies or home decor. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about making returns and exchanges, so you can shop with confidence.
Return Policy Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby’s return policy is designed to be customer-friendly, but it has specific rules you should be aware of. The main thing to remember is that you’ll need your receipt for the fastest and easiest return. Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase for a full refund to your original payment method.
However, there are important exceptions and special cases. Knowing these details ahead of time can save you a trip to the store or a frustrating customer service call. Let’s look at the core elements that make up their policy.
What You Need for a Successful Return
To ensure your return goes smoothly, gather these items before you head to the store. Having everything ready will make the process quick and simple.
- The Original Receipt: This is the most important item. It provides proof of purchase, price, and the date you bought the item.
- The Item in Original Condition: The product should be unused, unopened, and in its original packaging whenever possible.
- The Original Payment Method: If you want a refund (not an exchange), bring the card you used. Refunds are issued back to the original form of payment.
- A Valid Photo ID: For returns without a receipt, Hobby Lobby may require a government-issued ID for tracking purposes.
The 90-Day Return Window
Hobby Lobby gives you 90 days from the date of purchase to return most items. This is a generous window compared to some other retailers. It allows you plenty of time to decide if a product is right for your project.
Mark your calendar or keep your receipt in a safe place. After the 90 days have passed, the store is not obligated to accept the return, though managers sometimes make exceptions for store credit.
Items That Cannot Be Returned
This is the most critical part of the return policy Hobby Lobby enforces. Some products are final sale due to their nature. Always double-check this list before purchasing if you’re unsure.
- Custom framing orders and cut fabric
- Seasonal and Christmas items after January 25th
- Downloaded software or electronic patterns
- Personalized or monogrammed items
- Clearance merchandise with a final sale sticker
- Opened or used paper crafts, adhesives, or paints
- Live plants, flowers, or floral arrangements
How to Return an Item Without a Receipt
Lost your receipt? Don’t panic. Hobby Lobby can often look up your purchase using the credit or debit card you used. If that’s not possible, they may offer an exchange for a similar item or issue a merchandise credit at the item’s current lowest selling price.
Be prepared to show your ID for no-receipt returns. The store uses a third-party system to track these transactions to prevent abuse.
Steps for a No-Receipt Return
- Bring the item and your photo ID to the customer service desk.
- The associate will attempt to look up the purchase with your card.
- If the lookup fails, they will scan the item to find its current price.
- You will recieve a merchandise credit for that amount, which can be used in-store.
Returning Online Purchases
If you bought an item on HobbyLobby.com, you have two options for returns. You can either send it back by mail or return it to a physical Hobby Lobby store. In-store returns are usually faster.
For mail returns, you’ll need to start the process online. Log into your account, find the order, and follow the instructions to generate a return label. Note that original shipping fees are non-refundable.
In-Store Online Return Process
- Bring the item, its original packaging, and the packing slip to any Hobby Lobby.
- Go directly to the customer service counter.
- Provide the associate with the packing slip or order number.
- The refund will be processed to your original payment method.
Special Considerations for Large Items
Returning furniture or other large decor items can be tricky. If the item was delivered via Hobby Lobby’s truck delivery service, you typically need to contact customer service to arrange a pickup for the return.
You cannot simply bring a large table or shelf back to the store yourself if it was delivered. Always check the delivery terms at the time of purchase and keep the contact information handy.
Holiday and Seasonal Return Deadlines
Hobby Lobby has a strict policy for seasonal goods. All Christmas decorations, lights, and other holiday-specific items must be returned by January 25th. This is a firm deadline, not a suggestion.
For other seasonal items like Easter or fall decor, the standard 90-day window applies. But its always best to return seasonal items as soon as you know you won’t use them.
Exchanges vs. Refunds
An exchange is often simpler than a refund, especially if you found a different color or a better tool. You can exchange an item for anything else in the store of equal or greater value.
If you choose an item of greater value, you’ll just pay the difference. Exchanges generally don’t require a receipt if you’re doing it in the same transaction, but having it speeds things up.
Understanding Merchandise Credit
If you get store credit, it will be issued on a paper gift card. This credit does not expire and can be used on any future purchase. Keep the card safe, as it is like cash.
You cannot check the balance online easily, so it’s a good idea to use it on your next visit or tape it to your primary Hobby Lobby shopping card.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Return Experience
- Keep all Hobby Lobby receipts in a designated envelope or folder in your car.
- Consider using the same payment method for all purchases to simplify lookups.
- Inspect items carefully before you leave the store to avoid a return trip.
- Ask about the return policy at the register if you’re buying a high-ticket or seasonal item.
- Be polite and patient with customer service associates; they can often find solutions.
Common Return Scenarios and Solutions
Let’s walk through some specific situations you might encounter. These real-world examples show how the policy is applied.
Scenario 1: Wrong Paint Color
You bought a gallon of paint, but once you got home, you realized the color is all wrong. As long as the can is unopened and you have your receipt from within the last 90 days, you can return or exchange it without any issue.
Scenario 2: Broken Item from Shipping
Your online order arrived with a cracked picture frame. Contact Hobby Lobby customer service immediately with photos of the damage and your order number. They will typically send a replacement at no cost and may not require you to ship the broken item back.
Scenario 3: Changed Your Mind on Fabric
You bought 5 yards of fabric but your project plans changed. If the fabric is still on the bolt and uncut, you can return it with a receipt. Once fabric is cut from the bolt, it is considered a custom cut and is final sale.
What to Do If You Have a Problem
If you encounter an issue with a return that the store associate cannot resolve, ask to speak with a manager. The store manager has more authority to make exceptions, such as accepting a slightly late return for store credit.
For persistent issues, you can contact Hobby Lobby’s corporate customer service. Have your receipt, store location, and the name of the associate or manager you spoke with ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is Hobby Lobby’s return policy?
For most items, you have 90 days from the date of purchase to make a return with a receipt. Some items, like seasonal products, have shorter deadlines.
Can I return something to Hobby Lobby without a receipt?
Yes, but you’ll need a valid ID. The return will be for store credit at the item’s current selling price, which might be lower than what you paid.
What is Hobby Lobby’s return policy on custom frames?
All custom framing sales are final. Due to the personalized nature of the service, Hobby Lobby does not accept returns or exchanges on custom frames.
Can I return online purchases in store?
Absolutely. Bringing your online order to a physical store is often the quickest way to get your refund. Just remember to bring the packing slip.
Does Hobby Lobby give cash back for returns?
No. Refunds are issued back to the original payment method. If you paid with a card, the money goes back on that card. If you paid with cash, you’ll get cash back.
What items are non-returnable at Hobby Lobby?
Key non-returnable items include cut fabric, custom orders, seasonal items after the deadline, live plants, and opened adhesives or paints. Always check at purchase.
How do I return a large furniture item?
For large items delivered by truck, you must contact customer service to schedule a pickup. You cannot take these items back to the store yourself.
Knowing the details of the return policy Hobby Lobby uses makes you a smarter shopper. Always hold onto your receipts and be mindful of the 90-day window and the list of non-returnable items. With this knowledge, you can focus on the fun part—finding your next great project.