Understanding the return policy before you shop can save you a lot of time and hassle later. If you’re wondering about the altar’d state return policy, you’ve come to the right place for a clear breakdown. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from time limits to condition requirements, so you can shop with confidence.
Knowing the rules helps you make better purchases and ensures a smooth experience if something doesn’t work out. We’ll cover the standard policy, exceptions for final sale items, how to process a return, and even some helpful tips for online orders. Let’s get started.
altar’d state return policy
The core altar’d state return policy is designed to be straightforward for customers. In general, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to return most items for a refund or exchange. The items must be in their original, unworn, and unwashed condition with all tags still attached. You’ll also need the original receipt or proof of purchase, which is crucial for processing.
This 30-day window applies to purchases made both in-store and online. It’s a good idea to initiate a return as soon as you know an item isn’t right for you, to avoid missing the deadline. Keeping your receipt safe is one of the most important steps for a hassle-free return.
What Items Are Final Sale?
Not everything can be returned. To avoid disappointment, it’s essential to know which items are considered final sale at altar’d state. These purchases are non-returnable and non-refundable.
* Earrings: For clear hygiene reasons, all earrings are final sale.
* Face Masks: Similarly, face masks cannot be returned.
* Swimwear: Swimwear is final sale unless the hygienic liner is intact and attached.
* Bodysuits: Bodysuits are final sale unless the hygienic liner is intact and attached.
* Altered Merchandise: Any item that has been altered, tailored, or damaged after purchase.
* Clearance & Special Promotion Items: Items marked as “Final Sale,” “Clearance,” or purchased during certain special promotions.
* Gift Cards: Gift cards cannot be returned or refunded for cash.
Always check the product description online or ask an associate in-store if you’re unsure about an item’s return status before buying.
Required Condition for Returns
For a return to be accepted, the item must meet specific condition criteria. This is standard for most clothing retailers and helps ensure the product can be resold.
The item must be:
1. Unworn and Unused: It should look exactly as it did when you bought it.
2. Unwashed: No signs of being laundered or having any odors.
3. With All Original Tags Attached: The main tag and any secondary tags should be fixed to the garment.
4. In Original Packaging: For accessories or special items, try to return them in the original dust bag or box.
5. With All Parts Included: If it came with a belt, extra buttons, or a liner, everything must be in the return.
If an item is returned in a condition that does not meet these standards, the store may refuse the return or offer a partial refund at their discretion.
How to Return an Online Purchase
Returning something you bought online is simple. You have two main options: by mail or in a physical store. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method.
Option 1: Return by Mail
This is convenient if you don’t live near an altar’d state store.
1. Log into your account on the altar’d state website and go to your order history.
2. Select the item(s) you wish to return and initiate the return process. You’ll receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
3. Print the provided prepaid return shipping label. Pack the items securely in their original packaging if possible.
4. Attach the label to the outside of your package and drop it off at the designated carrier (usually USPS or UPS). Keep your tracking number!
5. Once the return is received and inspected at the warehouse, your refund will be processed to your original payment method. This can take 7-14 business days to appear on your statement.
Option 2: Return In-Store
This is often the fastest way to get your refund or make an exchange.
1. Bring the item(s) you wish to return to any altar’d state retail location.
2. Have your original packing slip or the order confirmation email ready (digital is fine).
3. Present the items and your proof of purchase to a store associate. They will process the return for you right away.
4. If you paid with a card, the refund will go back to that card. If you used a gift card, a new gift card will be issued.
Remember, you cannot return online purchases to a Von Maur department store, even if altar’d state is sold there. You must use an official altar’d state boutique or the mail-in process.
How to Return an In-Store Purchase
If you bought something at a physical altar’d state location, the return process is direct.
1. Gather the item(s) and your original physical receipt. This is very important.
2. Visit any altar’d state store. You do not have to return it to the exact same location.
3. A store associate will check the items condition and your receipt.
4. Provided everything is in order, they will process your refund to the original form of payment. If you paid with cash, you’ll likely receive cash back. For card payments, it goes back on the card.
Without a receipt, the store may offer you store credit at the current selling price, but this is not guaranteed. It’s always best to keep your receipt.
Understanding Refunds and Exchanges
Knowing how and when you’ll get your money back is key part of the policy.
Refund Method:
Refunds are issued to the original form of payment. If you paid with a credit card, the refund goes back to that card. If you used a gift card, you will receive a new gift card. Processing times vary:
* In-Store Refunds: Appear on your card statement within 3-10 business days, depending on your bank.
* Online/Mail-In Refunds: Begin processing once the warehouse receives and inspects your return. Allow 7-14 business days for the credit to appear.
Exchanges:
Exchanges are generally easy, especially if done in-store. You can exchange an item for a different size, color, or a completely different product. If the new item costs more, you’ll pay the difference. If it costs less, you’ll receive a refund for the difference. For online exchanges, it’s often simpler to process a return and then place a new order to avoid extra shipping charges.
The Role of the Receipt
Your receipt or order confirmation is your proof of purchase. It contains the date, items, prices, and payment method—all vital information for the return system. Without it, the store may only offer you the lowest recent selling price as store credit, if they can accommodate the return at all. Always keep your receipt until you are sure you are keeping an item. Taking a photo of it with your phone is a great backup.
Special Considerations: Gifts and Damaged Items
The policy handles special cases like gifts and faulty merchandise.
Returning a Gift:
If you received an altar’d state item as a gift and need to return it, you’ll need a gift receipt. With a gift receipt, you can typically return the item for store credit or exchange it. Without any receipt, the options are very limited and subject to manager approval, often for store credit at the current price.
Damaged or Defective Items:
If you receive an item that is damaged, defective, or incorrect (wrong item shipped), contact altar’d state customer service immediately. They will make it right, usually by sending a prepaid label for you to return the faulty item and then shipping out a correct replacement. This is done outside of the standard 30-day return window, as it’s an error on their end.
Tips for a Smooth Return Experience
A little preparation can make the return process effortless.
* Act Quickly: Don’t let the 30 days slip away. Check fit and style soon after purchase.
* Keep Everything Together: Store the receipt with the item’s tags until you’re sure you’re keeping it.
* Try On Carefully: When trying on clothes at home, be mindful of makeup, deodorant, or jewelry that could snag or stain the fabric.
* Know the Final Sale List: Double-check before buying earrings, swim, or clearance items.
* Use Store Locator: If returning in-person, check the store hours online before you go.
Following these tips helps ensure your return is accepted without any issues, getting you your refund or new item as fast as possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sometimes returns are denied because of simple, avoidable errors.
* Removing Tags Before Being Sure: Once the main tag is off, the return is usually void.
* Washing or Wearing the Item: Even once can make it ineligible.
* Losing the Receipt: This is the number one cause of return complications.
* Missing the 30-Day Window: Mark your calendar if you’re on the fence about an item.
* Assuming All Items Are Returnable: Forgetting that earrings and swim are final sale.
Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and ensure you stay within the guidelines of the return policy.
Contacting Customer Service
If you have a unique situation or a question that isn’t covered here, reaching out to customer service is the best step. You can find their contact information on the official altar’d state website under “Contact Us” or “Help” pages. Be ready to provide your order number, receipt details, and a clear explanation of your issue. They are there to help resolve problems and answer your specific questions.
FAQ Section
How long is the altar’d state return policy?
The standard return period is 30 days from the date of purchase. Items must be in new condition with tags.
Can I return altar’d state items without a receipt?
It is difficult. Without a receipt, you may be offered store credit for the item’s current selling price, subject to manager approval. It is not guaranteed.
What is altar’d state’s return policy on sale items?
Items marked “Clearance” or “Final Sale” cannot be returned. Always check the product details before buying reduced-price merchandise.
Does altar’d state accept returns on online orders?
Yes, online orders can be returned within 30 days either by mail using a prepaid label or in any physical altar’d state store with your packing slip.
Are altar’d state returns free?
Returns by mail using the provided label are typically free. Returns in-store are always free of charge.
Can I return altar’d state at Von Maur?
No, you cannot. altar’d state items purchased online or at a standalone boutique must be returned to an altar’d state store or via their mail-in process, not to Von Maur department stores.
How long do altar’d state refunds take?
Refunds to a credit card can take 3-10 business days for in-store returns and 7-14 business days for online/mail-in returns after the item is received.
What items are non-returnable at altar’d state?
Earrings, face masks, swimwear and bodysuits (unless hygienic liner is intact), altered items, gift cards, and final sale/clearance merchandise cannot be returned.
Can you exchange at altar’d state?
Yes, exchanges for size, color, or a different item are accepted within the 30-day window, provided the item meets return conditions. In-store exchanges are instant.
What if my altar’d state item is defective?
If an item arrives damaged or faulty, contact customer service right away. They will provide instructions for a free return and replacement, outside the standard return window.
In summary, the altar’d state return policy is clear and customer-friendly, with a 30-day window for most items as long as they are in new condition with tags. The key is to be aware of the final sale exceptions, keep your receipt, and act within the timeframe. Whether you shop online or in their beautiful boutiques, understanding these guidelines ensures your shopping experience is positive and stress-free, even if a return becomes necessary.