Knowing the Ross Dress for Less return policy before you buy can save you time and hassle later. This guide explains everything you need to know about making returns and exchanges, so you can shop with confidence.
Ross Dress for Less Return Policy
The Ross return policy is designed to be straightforward, but it has specific rules you should understand. In general, Ross offers a 30-day return window for most items with a receipt. Returns without a receipt are subject to store approval and may be refunded as store credit at the lowest selling price. Let’s break down the key points to make your return process smooth.
What is the Return Timeframe?
You have 30 days from the date of purchase to return most items. The clock starts ticking on the day you buy the item. It’s a good idea to make returns as soon as you know something isn’t right.
Keeping your receipt is crucial for a full refund. After 30 days, returns are typically not accepted, so don’t let that deadline slip by.
What Items Can Be Returned?
Most merchandise from Ross can be returned within the 30-day period. This includes clothing, shoes, home decor, and kitchen items. Items must be in their original, unworn, and unwashed condition with all tags attached.
For a succesful return, the item should look just as it did when you bought it off the shelf.
What Items Are Final Sale?
Some items at Ross are marked as final sale and cannot be returned. Always check your receipt and the item’s tags for this information. Common final sale items include:
- Clearance merchandise with a special price tag.
- Items marked “As Is” or “Final Sale” on the receipt or tag.
- Opened cosmetics or fragrances.
- Swimwear if the hygienic liner has been removed.
What Do You Need for a Return?
To process your return quickly, you’ll need to bring a few things to the store. Having everything ready makes the process much faster for you and the store associate.
- The original receipt (this is the most important item).
- The item in its original condition with all tags attached.
- The original form of payment, if possible.
- A valid government-issued photo ID for returns without a receipt.
What Are the Refund Options?
How you get your money back depends on how you payed and if you have your receipt.
- With Receipt: You will receive a refund to your original payment method. Credit/debit card refunds can take a few business days to appear on your statement.
- Without Receipt: The return is at the store’s discretion. If approved, you will get store merchandise credit at the item’s lowest selling price. You will need to show a valid photo ID, which will be recorded in their system.
Can You Make Exchanges?
Ross does not offer direct exchanges. To get a different size or color, you need to process a return and then make a new purchase. This means you should ensure the item you want is in stock before returning your original item, as Ross’s inventory changes daily.
Step-by-Step Guide for a Standard Return (With Receipt)
- Gather the item, all original tags, and your receipt.
- Visit any Ross Dress for Less store. You do not have to return to the same store where you made the purchase.
- Go to the customer service or returns counter.
- Present the item and your receipt to the associate.
- The associate will inspect the item and process your refund to the original payment method.
Step-by-Step Guide for a Return Without a Receipt
- Ensure the item is in perfect, resellable condition with tags.
- Bring the item and a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) to a Ross store.
- The store associate will use your ID to look up the purchase or process a merchandise credit.
- If approved, you will recieve a store credit voucher for the item’s current selling price.
Returning Online Purchases
Ross Dress for Less does not currently have an online store for general merchandise. All purchases are made in physical stores, and all returns must be handled in-store as well. There is no option for mail-in returns.
Special Considerations for Different Products
Some product categories have additonal rules you should be aware of.
Electronics and Small Appliances
These items must be returned in their original packaging with all parts, manuals, and accessories. The 30-day rule is strictly enforced for electronics.
Furniture and Large Items
Due to size, it’s best to contact your local Ross store before attempting to return a large furniture item. You will need your receipt and all hardware.
Jewelry and Accessories
Jewelry should be returned with all protective packaging and certificates of authenticity if they were included. Check for any specific return tags on these items.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Ross Return Experience
- Always keep your receipt. Consider taking a photo of it with your phone as a backup.
- Inspect items carefully before you leave the store to avoid needing a return.
- Make returns early in the day and earlier in the week to avoid long lines.
- Understand that without a receipt, you are not guaranteed a return.
- Be polite and patient with store associates—they are there to help within the policy guidelines.
Common Reasons Returns Get Denied
To save yourself a trip, avoid these common pitfalls that lead to denied returns.
- The item is past the 30-day return window.
- It is missing the original tags or the tags have been cut.
- The item shows signs of wear, washing, or damage.
- It’s a final sale item (clearly marked on receipt or tag).
- You cannot provide a valid ID for a no-receipt return.
- The item was purchased at a Ross “dd’s DISCOUNTS” store (they have a separate return policy).
Ross Return Policy vs. Other Discount Retailers
It’s helpful to know how Ross compares. Their policy is fairly standard for off-price retailers, which often have stricter rules than full-price department stores.
- TJ Maxx/Marshalls: Similar 30-day policy with receipt, but they sometimes offer a longer window for store credit.
- Burlington: Also a 30-day policy, but they often require the original form of payment for card refunds.
- Nordstrom Rack: Generally has a more lenient return policy with no set time limit for many items.
Ross’s policy is most similar to TJ Maxx, focusing on a strict 30-day window to keep prices low.
What is dd’s DISCOUNTS?
dd’s DISCOUNTS is a sister store to Ross, offering similar deeply discounted merchandise. It is important to note that their return policy is separate. You cannot return items bought at dd’s DISCOUNTS to a Ross store, and vice versa. Always check your receipt to confirm which store chain you purchased from.
Contacting Ross Customer Service
If you have a unique situation or a question about a specific return, you can contact Ross corporate customer service. They can clarify policy details but cannot override a store manager’s decision. The best contact method is through the “Contact Us” form on the official Ross website. For immediate issues, speaking directly with the store manager at your local Ross is often the fastest solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How strict is the 30 day return policy at Ross?
Ross is generally quite strict about the 30-day return window. After 30 days, returns are almost always refused. The date is calculated from the purchase date on your receipt.
Can I return something to Ross without the tags?
Items returned without the original tags attached are unlikely to be accepted. The tags are proof the item hasn’t been worn and is in resellable condition.
Does Ross give cash back for returns?
If you paid with cash and have your receipt, you will likely recieve a cash refund. For card purchases, the refund goes back to the card. Returns without a receipt result in store credit, not cash.
What is Ross’s return policy for shoes?
Shoes must be returned unworn, with the original shoe box in good condition. The soles must be completely clean and free of any marks or dirt.
Can I return a gift to Ross without a receipt?
Returning a gift follows the standard no-receipt policy. You will need a valid ID, and if approved, you will get store credit for the item’s lowest recent selling price.
How long does it take for a Ross refund to appear on my card?
While Ross processes the refund immediately, it can take 3 to 10 business days for your bank or credit card company to show the credit on your statement. This timing is not controlled by Ross.
Can I return opened makeup to Ross?
Opened cosmetics, fragrances, or personal care items are usually considered final sale for health and safety reasons and cannot be returned. Unopened items with seals intact may be returnable with a receipt.
Understanding the Ross Dress for Less return policy helps you shop smarter. The key takeaways are simple: keep your receipt, make returns within 30 days, and ensure items are in perfect condition. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the great finds at Ross without any worry.