Finding the perfect item while shopping is a wonderful feeling, but sometimes that feeling fades once you get home. Maybe the dress doesn’t fit quite right, the color of the rug looks different in your living room, or you simply had a change of heart. When you shop at a department store, knowing the rules for bringing something back provides a significant sense of security and peace of mind. It allows you to shop with confidence, knowing that your purchase is protected if it doesn’t work out.
Navigating the specifics of any store’s rules can feel a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to walk you through the essential details you need to know about the Dillards return policy. Whether you’re a frequent shopper or considering your first purchase, having a clear picture of the process, timeframes, and any exceptions will make your shopping experience smoother and more enjoyable from start to finish.
What Is the Standard Dillards Return Policy?
At its core, the Dillards return policy is designed to be straightforward for most items. The general rule is that you have 60 days from the date of purchase to return or exchange an item. For a smooth process, it’s highly recommended that you bring your original receipt and the credit card used for the purchase. This helps the associates quickly locate your transaction and process the return efficiently.
Items should be in their original, saleable condition. This typically means they are unworn, unwashed, and have all original tags attached. For items that came in a box or with specific packaging, it’s a good idea to return them in that original packaging whenever possible. The goal is to return the item exactly as you received it, ensuring there are no hiccups when you’re at the counter.
Making a Return Without a Receipt
We’ve all been there—the receipt goes missing, or a well-meaning gift-giver forgets to include it. Don’t worry; Dillards can often still help. If you don’t have a receipt, the store may be able to look up your purchase using the credit card you used, your Dillards American Express card, or a Dillards Merchant Card. This is why using a card for purchases can be so helpful, as it creates a digital record.
If a lookup isn’t possible, Dillards may offer you a merchandise credit for the item’s current selling price. This credit can be used for future purchases in-store. It’s important to note that the price applied will be the lowest price the item has sold for recently, which might be different from what was originally paid, especially if the item has since gone on sale.
Special Considerations for Online Purchases
Returning something you bought on Dillards.com is just as simple. You have the same 60-day window from the date your order shipped. The easiest way to start the process is through your online account. You can generate a return label and packing slip directly from your order history. While you can take online purchases back to a physical Dillards store, using the provided return label ensures the process is tracked and handled correctly through their e-commerce system.
Remember to pack the items securely in their original packaging, if available, and include the return paperwork inside the box. This helps the warehouse team process your return quickly and accurately, getting your refund back to you without unnecessary delays.
Items That Have Different Return Rules
While the 60-day policy covers the vast majority of products in the store, there are a few important exceptions. Being aware of these can save you from a surprise at the returns desk.
Cosmetics and fragrances are a major category with a different rule. For health and safety reasons, all returns on cosmetics and fragrances must be made within 30 days of purchase. This is a standard practice across many retailers to ensure product integrity for all customers.
Other categories may also have specific guidelines. Items like special order furniture, clearance merchandise, and final sale items often have a “all sales are final” policy. It’s always a good practice to double-check your receipt or ask a sales associate at the time of purchase if you have any doubts about an item’s return eligibility.
How Refunds Are Processed
Once your return is accepted, how and when you get your money back depends on your original payment method. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the refund will typically be credited back to that same card. This process can take a few days to a full billing cycle to appear on your statement, depending on your bank’s policies.
For cash purchases, you will receive a cash refund. If you used a check, the store will likely issue a refund check from Dillards, which may be mailed to you or available for pickup after a clearance period. For returns without a receipt where you accept merchandise credit, you will receive a gift card that can be used like any other Dillards gift card on a future purchase.
Tips for a Smooth Return Experience
A little preparation can make your trip to the returns counter quick and hassle-free. First, always try to bring the original form of payment with you. This is the single biggest factor in a speedy refund. Second, keep the tags on and avoid removing them until you’re sure you’re keeping the item. Third, if you’re returning a gift, try to get the gift receipt from the giver, as this is designed specifically for returns and exchanges without revealing the purchase price.
Finally, if you have a large return or a particularly high-value item, you might consider calling the specific Dillards store ahead of your visit. This can give you peace of mind and confirm any specific procedures they might have in place.
Knowing the details of the Dillards return policy empowers you to shop with confidence. By keeping the 60-day window in mind, holding onto your receipts, and being aware of the special rules for cosmetics, you can ensure that every purchase is a risk-free decision. This knowledge turns the potential stress of a return into a simple, straightforward part of the shopping journey.