Shopping at Dillard’s is a great experience, but sometimes an item just doesn’t work out. Understanding the return policy at Dillard’s is key to a stress-free shopping trip, whether you buy in-store or online. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from time limits to condition requirements, so you can shop with total confidence.
Return Policy at Dillard’s
The core Return Policy at Dillard’s is designed to be customer-friendly. In most cases, you can return items you’re not satisfied with for a refund or exchange. The specifics, however, depend on what you bought, how you paid, and how long ago the purchase was made. Knowing these details ahead of time saves you a trip to the store or a hassle with customer service.
Standard Return Timeframe
Dillard’s offers a generous return window. For most items, you have 180 days from the date of purchase to make a return. This is much longer than many other department stores. It gives you plenty of time to decide if a clothing item fits right after alterations or if a home decor piece works in your space.
- The 180-day period applies to purchases made both in Dillard’s stores and on their official website.
- The clock starts on the date your order was shipped or the date on your in-store receipt.
- Always keep your original receipt or packing slip, as it is the easiest way to process your return.
Items With Special Return Conditions
Not every product follows the standard six-month rule. Some categories have shorter return periods or different conditions. It’s important to check these before you buy.
Cosmetics & Fragrances
For health and safety reasons, Dillard’s has a strict policy on opened cosmetics and fragrances. Generally, these items can only be returned if they are unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. If you have a allergic reaction to a product, it’s best to contact your local store manager directly to discuss a possible exception.
Final Sale & Clearance Items
Merchandise marked as “Final Sale” or purchased from a clearance rack is typically not eligible for return or refund. These sales are usually final. Always double-check the price tag or online listing for any final sale notations before completing your purchase.
Special Orders & Custom Items
Items that are special-ordered, customized, or monogrammed cannot be returned unless they are defective or there was an error on Dillard’s part. This includes furniture ordered in a specific fabric or clothing that has been altered by Dillard’s for you.
Required Condition for Returns
To qualify for a refund or exchange, your item must be in like-new condition. This means:
- All original tags must be attached and intact.
- The item should be unworn, unwashed, and free of any stains, odors, or damage.
- It must be returned with all parts, accessories, and original packaging (like shoe boxes, dust bags, or electronics boxes).
Returns that don’t meet these condition requirements may be refused or subject to a refurbishing fee at Dillard’s discretion.
How to Return an In-Store Purchase
Returning something you bought at a physical Dillard’s location is straightforward. Just follow these steps.
- Gather Your Items: Bring the item, all its parts, and the original receipt to any Dillard’s store. You don’t have to return it to the same store you bought it from.
- Visit the Customer Service Desk: Go to the counter, usually located near the store entrance. A sales associate will assist you.
- Present Your Payment Method: If you paid with a credit card, bring that same card. For cash or check purchases, have your ID ready for a cash refund.
- Choose Your Refund Method: The refund will generally be issued back to your original form of payment. If that’s not possible, you may receive a Dillard’s merchandise credit.
How to Return an Online Purchase
You have two main options for returning items bought on Dillard’s website: by mail or in a store.
Option 1: Return by Mail
- Initiate the Return Online: Log into your Dillard’s account and go to your order history. Select the item(s) you wish to return and follow the prompts to generate a return authorization and a prepaid shipping label.
- Pack the Item Securely: Place the item in its original packaging, if possible, and seal it in a shipping box. Attach the provided label to the outside.
- Drop Off the Package: Take the package to a designated carrier drop-off location (like UPS or USPS). Keep your drop-off receipt until the return is processed.
- Wait for the Refund: Once the return is received and inspected at the Dillard’s warehouse, your refund will be issued. This can take up to 10-14 business days to appear on your account statement.
Option 2: Return in Store
This is often the fastest way. Simply bring the online item, its packing slip (which serves as your receipt), and your ID to any Dillard’s store. The customer service team will handle the return directly, and you’ll often get your refund on the spot.
Understanding Refund Methods & Timing
How you get your money back depends on how you paid and where you make the return.
- Credit/Debit Card: Refunds are issued back to the original card. Processing can take 3-10 business days after the return is approved, depending on your bank.
- Dillard’s Credit Card: The refund will be credited to your Dillard’s account statement.
- Cash or Check: You will recieve a cash refund for in-store returns with a valid ID. For mail returns, a check will be mailed to you, which can take several weeks.
- Gift Card/Merchandise Credit: If you don’t have a receipt, or if it’s past 180 days, you will likely receive a merchandise credit for the item’s current selling price.
What If You Lost Your Receipt?
Don’t panic if you can’t find your receipt. Dillard’s can often look up your purchase using the credit card you used, your Dillard’s account number, or the gift card number. If they can verify the purchase, they will process the return for the current selling price, which may be lower than what you paid, issued as a merchandise credit.
Dillard’s Return Policy on Large Items
For large items like furniture or mattresses, the process is different. You usually need to contact Dillard’s directly to arrange a pickup or return. There may be restocking fees involved, especially for bulky items. Always review the specific policy on the product page before buying big-ticket items.
International Returns
Dillard’s does not typically ship to international addresses directly, but if you purchased an item while visiting the US, you can usually return it by mail. You will be responsible for any international shipping costs and customs fees, and the refund will be issued in US dollars. It’s a good idea to contact their customer service before attempting an international return.
Tips for a Smooth Return Experience
- Act within the 180-day window to ensure eligibility.
- Keep all tags on and items in pristine condition until you’re sure you’re keeping them.
- Always include the original packing slip when returning by mail.
- For in-store returns, bringing the original payment method speeds things up.
- Consider returning online purchases in-store for an instant refund.
- Check the weather before you buy seasonal items; the 180-day clock starts at purchase, not when the season begins.
Common Questions & Scenarios
Here are answers to some specific situations you might encounter.
Q: Can I return a wedding dress?
A: Wedding gowns purchased at Dillard’s are subject to special rules. They often must be returned within a shorter period, like 30 days, and must be in unworn, unaltered condition with all tags. Check the specific gown’s details at time of purchase.
Q: What if my item is defective?
A: Dillard’s stands behind the quality of its merchandise. If an item is defective (e.g., a seam unravels, a zipper breaks), you can return it even after the 180-day period for an exchange, repair, or refund. Just bring it back with your proof of purchase.
Q: Does Dillard’s offer price adjustments?
A: Yes, Dillard’s will honor a price adjustment if an item you purchased goes on sale within 7 days of your purchase date. You must have your original receipt and the item must still be in stock at the sale price. This does not apply to clearance or special promotion items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is Dillard’s return policy?
For most items, Dillard’s return policy gives you 180 days from the date of purchase to make a return.
Can I return online purchases to a Dillard’s store?
Yes, you can return items bought on Dillard’s website to any physical Dillard’s store for faster processing. Just bring the item and packing slip.
What is Dillard’s return policy without a receipt?
Without a receipt, Dillard’s may look up the purchase with your card or account. If verified, you’ll get a merchandise credit for the item’s current price. It’s not gauranteed, so keeping your receipt is best.
Are Dillard’s cosmetics returnable?
Opened cosmetics and fragrances generally cannot be returned unless there is a defect. Unopened items in original packaging can be returned within the standard 180 days.
Does Dillard’s have a return policy for shoes?
Shoes follow the standard 180-day return policy but must be in unworn condition with the original box and all packaging.
Is there a return fee at Dillard’s?
Dillard’s does not charge a general return fee. However, for large or special-order items, or returns that are not in like-new condition, fees may apply.
Final Thoughts on Navigating Returns
The Return Policy at Dillard’s is generally quite flexible, especially with its 180-day window. The key to a hassle-free experience is to keep your receipts, leave tags on items until your certain, and understand the excpetions for cosmetics and final sale goods. Whether you prefer the convenience of a mail return or the immediacy of an in-store transaction, knowing the rules puts you in control. With this knowledge, you can shop at Dillard’s knowing that if something isn’t quite right, you have a clear path to a solution.