Blick Art Return Policy

If you’ve ever bought art supplies that didn’t quite work for your project, you know how important a good return policy is. Understanding the Blick Art return policy can save you time, money, and frustration, ensuring you get exactly what you need for your creative work. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about returning items to Blick, from time limits to condition requirements, so you can shop with total confidence.

The core Blick Art return policy is designed to be artist-friendly. In most cases, you can return items in new, unused condition within 60 days of purchase for a full refund to your original payment method. This generous window gives you ample time to test materials and decide if they’re right for you. However, specific rules apply to different product categories, and some items cannot be returned at all, which we’ll detail below.

What You Can Return to Blick

Most products from Blick Art Materials are eligible for return. This includes a wide range of items that are crucial for artists of all levels.

Unused canvases, papers, and boards
Unopened tubes of paint, jars of medium, and ink bottles
Brushes, palette knives, and other tools with original packaging
Books and magazines in like-new condition
Easels, furniture, and lighting that is reassembled in its original packaging
Electronics and digital equipment (like light pads or printers) with all accessories

What You Cannot Return

For health, safety, and copyright reasons, some items are final sale. It’s important to check this list before purchasing.

Custom-cut materials (e.g., mat board, glass, foam board).
Digital downloads, software, and online course subscriptions.
Opened or used chemicals, aerosols, and hazardous materials.
Personal hygiene items, like respirator filters.
Special order and clearance items marked as “Final Sale.”
Opened multimedia or software.

Condition Requirements for Returns

To recieve a refund, your item must meet specific condition criteria. The general rule is that it must be resalable as new.

New & Unused: No signs of wear, marks, or damage.
Original Packaging: All boxes, sleeves, and protective materials should be included.
All Parts Present: For kits or electronics, every single component and manual must be in the box.
Tags Attached: For apparel or items with tags, they must still be fixed to the product.

Step-by-Step Return Process

Returning an item to Blick is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your return is processed quickly.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

You’ll need your order number and the email address used for the purchase. This info is on your packing slip and confirmation email. If you can’t find it, customer service can help locate your order.

Step 2: Initiate the Return

You have two main options to start a return:

Online: Log into your Blick account, go to “Order History,” select the item, and follow the prompts to generate a return authorization and prepaid shipping label.
In-Store: Bring the item, its packaging, and your receipt (or packing slip) to any Blick retail location. This is often the fastest method for a refund.

Step 3: Package the Item Securely

Place the item in its original box, then put that box inside a sturdy shipping carton. Use adequate padding. Attach the provided return label clearly on the outside. If returning in store, just bring everything as is.

Step 4: Ship or Drop Off

For mailed returns, drop the package off at the designated carrier (UPS or USPS). Keep your tracking number! For in-store returns, a staff member will inspect the item and process your refund right away.

Step 5: Receive Your Refund

Refunds are issued to the original payment method once the return is received and inspected. Credit card refunds typically take 5-10 business days to appear on your statement. In-store returns usually result in an immediate refund to your card or cash.

Understanding Refunds and Exchanges

Blick aims to process refunds as soon as the returned item arrives at their warehouse. The type of refund depends on how and when you return the item.

Standard Refund: Back to your credit/debit card, PayPal, or original payment method.
Store Credit: Sometimes offered for returns without a receipt or after 60 days, issued as Blick Rewards or a gift card.
Exchanges: For a different size or color, it’s often fastest to process a return and then place a new order. In-store exchanges are simpler and can be done on the spot.

Special Considerations for Different Products

Canvas, Paper, and Surfaces

These must be in pristine, unbent condition with no stretcher bar dents or surface marks. Original plastic wrapping is ideal. A rolled canvas that has been unrolled and re-rolled may not be accepted.

Paints, Inks, and Mediums

Containers must be completely sealed. Any sign of a broken safety seal or dried product around the cap can void the return. This is for the safety of all customers.

Brushes and Tools

Bristles cannot be splayed, and ferrules must be tight. Tools like palette knives cannot show any signs of use, such as paint residue or bending.

Large Equipment and Furniture

Items like easels or drafting tables may require you to contact customer service for a special return authorization. You are often responsible for return shipping costs on these large items, which can be substantial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the Blick return period?
The standard return period is 60 days from the date of purchase for most items.

Can I return items to a Blick store if I bought them online?
Yes, you can. Bring the item, all packaging, and your receipt or packing slip to any Blick Art Materials store for a quick return.

What if I lost my receipt?
If you used a credit card or have an account, Blick can often look up your purchase. Otherwise, you may recieve store credit for the current selling price.

Does Blick offer return shipping for free?
Blick provides a prepaid return label for online returns, but the cost of return shipping is typically deducted from your refund amount unless the return is due to a Blick error or defective product.

What is the policy on defective or damaged items?
Contact Blick customer service immediately if an item arrives damaged or is defective. They will usually send a replacement quickly and provide a prepaid label to return the faulty item at no cost to you.

Can I return a used or opened item?
Generally, no. Items must be new and unused. Exceptions are rarely made unless the product is malfunctioning or was damaged upon arrival.

How do I check my return status?
Use the tracking number from your return shipment. Blick will also usually send an email notification once your return is processed and the refund is initiated.

Tips for a Smooth Return Experience

A little preparation makes the return process effortless. Here are some best practices gathered from customer experiences.

Keep Packaging: Hold onto boxes and packing materials for at least the first 60 days, especially for expensive or fragile items.
Test Promptly: Don’t let supplies sit on a shelf. Test new paints, markers, or tools soon after they arrive within the return window.
Read Product Details: Before buying, always check the product description for any special notes like “final sale” or “non-returnable.”
Take Photos: If your item arrives damaged, take clear photos of the packaging and the product before you contact customer service.

Blick’s Warranty Information

Separate from the return policy, some Blick-branded products and major equipment come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This covers defects in materials or workmanship for a specified period, often one year or more. Warranty claims are handled directly through Blick’s customer service and may require different procedures than a standard return.

Comparing Blick’s Policy to Other Art Stores

Blick’s 60-day policy is generally more generous than many competitors, who often standardize on 30 days. Their acceptance of in-store returns for online orders is also a major convenience that not all retailers offer. However, their strict condition requirements for returns, especially on opened items, is fairly standard across the art supply industry due to the nature of the products.

Contacting Blick Customer Service

If you have a unique situation or questions, reaching out to Blick’s team is easy. They are known for being helpful and artist-focused.

Phone: Call 1-800-828-4548 during business hours.
Email: Use the contact form on their website for less urgent inquiries.
Live Chat: Available on Blick.com during daytime hours.
Social Media: They are responsive on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Knowing the details of the Blick Art return policy empowers you to make purchases without worry. By following the condition guidelines and time frames, you can ensure a positive experience. Always double-check the rules for specific items before you buy, and when in doubt, the friendly staff at your local Blick store or the customer service team are there to help clarify. With this knowledge, you can focus on what really matters: creating your art.