Shopping at Crate and Barrel is a great experience, but sometimes things don’t work out as planned. Understanding the Crate and Barrel return policy before you buy gives you peace of mind. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from time limits to condition requirements, so you can shop with confidence.
Crate and Barrel Return Policy
The core Crate and Barrel return policy is designed to be straightforward for most items. You have 90 days from the date of purchase to return or exchange items that are in new, unused, and resalable condition. It’s important to have your proof of purchase, like your packing slip, receipt, or order number, ready when you initiate a return.
This policy applies to purchases made both online and in their physical stores. However, there are several important exceptions and special rules for certain product categories. These exceptions are crucial to understand to avoid any surprises later on.
What You Can Return Easily
Most standard merchandise falls under the 90-day window. This includes:
- Dinnerware, glassware, and flatware
- Cookware and kitchen tools
- Home decor like vases, frames, and candles
- Bar and entertaining accessories
- Many furniture items (with some specific conditions)
- Bedding and bath items (must be unopened in original packaging)
Items With Special Return Rules
Some products have different return timelines or conditions. Always check the product description online or ask in-store for details.
Furniture and Rugs
Large furniture and rugs purchased in-store or online also have a 90-day return period. They must be in pristine, unused condition. For large items, Crate and Barrel may arrange a pickup for a fee, which is deducted from your refund. It’s best to inspect furniture immediately upon delivery.
Custom and Special Order Items
This is a major exception. Custom upholstery, special order furniture, and monogrammed items are typically final sale and cannot be returned unless they arrive damaged or defective. Make sure you’re absolutely certain about custom choices before completing your order.
Clearance and Final Sale Items
Any item marked “Final Sale,” “As Is,” or purchased from a clearance section is not eligible for return or exchange. These sales are deeply discounted because they are non-returnable.
Opened Bedding and Bath
For hygiene reasons, bedding, bath towels, robes, and similar items must be unopened in their original packaging to be eligible for return. Once the plastic seal is broken, these items cannot be returned.
Holiday and Seasonal Extended Returns
Crate and Barrel often offers an extended return window for items purchased during the peak holiday season. Purchases made between November 1st and December 31st usually qualify for returns until January 31st of the following year. Always verify the current year’s holiday policy on their website, as dates can slightly shift.
Return Methods: In-Store vs. By Mail
You have two main options for sending something back. The easier method depends on what your returning and where you bought it.
Returning to a Physical Store
This is often the fastest way to get your refund. Bring the item, all its parts, and your proof of purchase to any Crate and Barrel or Crate and Kids store. The staff will process the return there. If you don’t have your receipt, they might can look it up with the credit card you used or your order number.
- Gather the item, original packaging, and all accessories.
- Find your receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation email.
- Take everything to your nearest store.
- A store associate will inspect the item and process your refund to the original payment method.
Returning by Mail (Online Purchases)
If you don’t live near a store, you can start a return through your online account. This process involves a few more steps.
- Log into your Crate and Barrel account online.
- Find the order containing the item you wish to return.
- Select the item and choose a reason for the return.
- Print the provided return label and packing slip.
- Securely package the item with all its parts and attach the label.
- Drop the package at the designated carrier (usually UPS).
Remember to keep your tracking number! Refunds for mail returns are processed after the warehouse receives and inspects the item, which can take 10-14 business days after they get the package.
Understanding Refunds and Credits
How you get your money back depends on how you paid and how you returned the item.
- Original Payment Method: Most refunds are issued back to the credit card, debit card, or PayPal account used for the original purchase. This can take 1-2 billing cycles to appear on your statement after the return is processed.
- Store Credit: If you return without a receipt, or if a significant amount of time has passed, you may be offered a merchandise credit at the current selling price. This is often issued as an e-gift card.
- Return Shipping Fees: For returns that are not due to a Crate and Barrel error (like a defective product), return shipping fees are usually deducted from your refund total for mail-in returns. In-store returns do not have this fee.
Exchanges Made Simple
If you want a different color or size, an exchange is usually the way to go. The fastest method is to process a return and then place a new order for the desired item. This ensures you get the new item quickly and at the current price. You can also request an exchange through customer service, but it may take longer as they wait to receive the original item before shipping the new one.
What to Do With Damaged or Defective Items
If your item arrives damaged or you discover a manufacturing defect, contact Crate and Barrel immediately. Do not initiate a standard return. For in-store purchases, take the item and receipt back to the store. For online orders, call Customer Service at 1-800-967-6696 or use the online chat. They will arrange a replacement or repair, and they will cover all shipping costs associated with the defective item.
Tips for a Smooth Return Experience
A little preparation makes the process hassle-free.
- Keep the Packaging: For at least the first 90 days, try to keep the original box and packaging materials, especially for fragile items or furniture.
- Save Your Receipts: File your physical receipts or create a dedicated email folder for online order confirmations. A photo on your phone is a good backup.
- Inspect Promptly: When your order arrives, open it right away and check for any damage or defects. The sooner you report an issue, easier it is to resolve.
- Understand Restocking Fees: While Crate and Barrel generally does not charge restocking fees for standard returns, large furniture pickups may incur a haul-away fee that is deducted from your refund.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the Crate and Barrel return period?
For most items, you have 90 days from the purchase date to make a return. Holiday purchases often have an extended deadline until January 31st.
Can I return a Crate and Barrel item without a receipt?
Yes, but it’s more complicated. They may try to look up the purchase with your credit card or order number. If they can’t verify the purchase, you might only receive store credit for the item’s current selling price, which could be lower than what you paid.
Does Crate and Barrel offer free returns?
Returns to a store are free. For returns shipped by mail, a shipping fee is usually deducted from your refund unless the return is due to their error or a defective product.
What is Crate and Barrel’s return policy on furniture?
Furniture must be returned within 90 days in new, unused condition. For large items, they can schedule a pickup for a fee. Custom order furniture is almost always final sale.
Can I return opened items?
It depends on the item. Products must be in resalable condition. For example, you can return a used lamp if it’s in perfect shape, but you cannot return opened bedding or bath linens due to hygiene reasons.
How do I start a Crate and Barrel online return?
Log into your account on their website, go to “My Orders,” select the item, and follow the prompts to generate a return label and instructions. You’ll need your order number from the confirmation email.
Where can I return Crate and Barrel items?
You can return items to any Crate and Barrel or Crate and Kids retail store. You can also return online purchases by mail using the provided return label.
How long do Crate and Barrel refunds take?
After they receive your return, it takes about 10-14 business days to process. The refund then must post to your original payment method, which can take another 3-10 business days depending on your bank.
Are Crate and Barrel outlet returns different?
Yes, items purchased at a Crate and Barrel Outlet are subject to a different, often more restrictive, policy. Outlet purchases are typically final sale, so be sure to check the specific policy at the outlet store before you buy.
What if I received a Crate and Barrel item as a gift?
Gift returns are possible with the gift receipt. This will typically result in the recipient receiving a merchandise credit or gift card for the item’s value. Without a gift receipt, the store may offer an exchange or credit at the current price.
Final Thoughts on Navigating Returns
Knowing the ins and outs of the Crate and Barrel return policy makes you a smarter shopper. The key takeaways are simple: keep your receipts, respect the 90-day window, and be aware of the important exceptions for custom, final sale, and hygiene-sensitive items. When in doubt, check the product details online or ask a sales associate before completing your purchase. With this knowledge, you can fill your home with items you love, knowing you have options if something isn’t quite right. A clear policy like this ultimately makes the shopping experience better for everyone.