SHEIN Returns Policy Simplified: The Only Guide You Need
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As an online-only store, you don’t have the option to try before you buy when shopping on SHEIN.
That’s why it’s vital to understand their return policy inside out to figure out what you can do when a purchase doesn’t satisfy you.
In this article, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about SHEIN’s return policy.
Consider this your policy simple explainer – I’ll answer all your questions so you can keep the purchases you love and return what you don’t without any worries.
Let’s get started!
The Basics of the SHEIN Return Policy
Before anything else, you need to understand the core terms and conditions of the SHEIN return policy. Let’s quickly go over the basics you need to know:
SHEIN Return Window
You can return your SHEIN purchases within 35 days of ordering. However, you need to know that the 35-day countdown starts the day you place your order, not when you receive it.
After the 35-day window, SHEIN won’t accept returns. Unfortunately, there’s no exception to this.
Here, it’s worth mentioning that this return policy doesn’t apply to SHEIN Exchange resale purchases. Items sold on this platform are considered final sales and not eligible for return.
Requirements to Return an Item to SHEIN
You’ll, of course, need a receipt for your purchases to return them. But this isn’t a big deal; it’s easy to access your receipts online.
As SHEIN requires you to create an account for shopping on their website, your order history is stored in your online account. Simply sign in to access all your order receipts and details.
Besides the receipt, your SHEIN returns must include the original tags and packaging. So, don’t toss any of that until you decide whether you’ll return any item.
Returning a Defective or Damaged Item
If your SHEIN items arrive damaged or defective, it’s crucial to report this issue within 24 hours of receiving your package.
To document the problem, snap some photos right away, clearly showing the defects or damage.
When submitting a return request, the company will ask you to include photos showing the issues of your items.
That said, if you don’t promptly report the damage and try returning the items later, SHEIN may hit you with a $7.99 rejected return fee. Ouch.
Exceptions to the SHEIN Return Policy
SHEIN’s return policy also comes with its limitations. Some things are excluded from returns under the policy. Here’s a list of non-returnable items:
- Bodysuits
- Pet supplies
- Accessories
- Free gifts
- Cosmetics
- Lingerie
- Underwear
- Jewelry
- Stuff marked non-returnable
If you’re unsure whether an item is returnable, I recommend you ask SHEIN customer service before ordering it.
Can You Return Used Items to SHEIN?
In most cases, you can‘t return used items to SHEIN. This means you should never remove tags before deciding whether you’ll keep or return an item. Tags must be attached to returns to be accepted.
In addition, if your item has a hygiene sticker, leave it on since SHEIN won’t take back the return without it. Returns also mustn’t have stains, tears, or signs of wear. As such, be super careful when first trying things on.
Can You Return a Sale or Clearance Item to SHEIN?
Yes, you can return SHEIN sale and clearance items unless the product page specifically labels it “non-returnable.”
The discounted price doesn’t affect the return policy.
Can You Return a SHEIN Gift Card?
Unfortunately, you can’t return unused SHEIN gift cards. The company policy states that gift cards are non-refundable.
Can You Get a Refund for Items Purchased With a Gift Card?
Yes, you can receive a refund for an item purchased using a gift card. In this case, SHEIN will send the refund to the same gift card you used.
So, even if your card balance hits $0, don’t delete the gift card details from your records until after the 35-day return window. Who knows, you might need to request a return at any time.
Are SHEIN Returns Really Free?
SHEIN’s returns are free only for the first return request from an order. In this instance, the company will generate a free prepaid shipping label to print and affix to your package.
However, any additional returns from the same order will cost you a $7.99 shipping fee. SHEIN deducts this fee from your refund amount after approving the return.
Here’s the good news: you can avoid the $7.99 return shipping charge with a simple trick. Just bundle all the returns from one order in a single batch, if possible, and you can return it free of charge.
How Do You Return an Item to SHEIN?
Here, we come to the action time. Let’s walk through the steps to request and process a SHEIN return:
- Sign into your SHEIN account and go to “My Orders.” Find the order with the item to return and click “Order Details.”
- Select “Return Item,” choose the item(s), indicate the return reason, and click “Next Step.”
- Pick the refund method.
- Choose the return method – either USPS or UPS. Use the return label or QR code SHEIN provides. The label and code only work for U.S. returns.
- Securely pack the return in original packaging if possible and tape the label on the outside.
- Drop off at your nearest USPS or UPS location based on the method.
- Be sure to use the right label or code for each return item. Don’t mix them up!
How to Generate a SHEIN Return Label
You can access your return label from the website or mobile app within seconds.
The following are the steps to do so:
- Find the order with the returned item in ‘My Orders’ in your account.
- Click ‘Order Details’ and then ‘Return & Refund Record.’
- Click ‘Details’ and ‘Save the Label’ to view and download the label.
Does SHEIN Give a Full Refund?
SHEIN provides full refunds on eligible returned items, but they never refund original shipping costs, if there were any.
They may also deduct the return shipping fees from the refund amount if the return request isn’t the first in a single order.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Refund from SHEIN?
Once SHEIN gets your return at their facility, they’ll issue the refund within approximately seven business days, give or take. However, tack on 3-5 extra days for shipping before it reaches SHEIN facilities.
While SHEIN processes the refund in about a week, it could take longer for the money to hit your account, depending on your bank. This is especially probable for credit or debit card purchases.
How Do You Receive Your Refund?
SHEIN provides two refund options you can choose between when submitting your return request. Here they are:
- Sending the refund to your original payment method
- Receiving the refund as SHEIN Wallet store credit so you can use the refund on future purchases
How to Check Your SHEIN Return Status
After submitting your return request, you definitely want to check where your return is and when you’ll get your money back. Let me tell you how to find this info:
- Sign into your SHEIN account.
- Go to “My Orders” then “Order Details”
- Select “Return & Refund Record”
When you arrive at the “Return & Refund Record” page, you’ll see one of these statuses:
- Processing: This means the return is in progress but not yet received
- Arrived at Warehouse: SHEIN got your return and is reviewing
- Refunded: SHEIN has processed your refund, and they’re about to hit your account.
Can You Exchange SHEIN Items?
Yes, SHEIN allows exchange, yet this process can be ridiculously slow. Plus, the company’s inventory moves fast. So, by the time they get your exchange request and try to grab the replacement product, it could be out of stock.
That is why I’d recommend just returning and repurchasing items you want in different sizes or colors instead of waiting for an exchange.
Your refund will be briefly tied up, but this is better than chasing an exchange that can’t be fulfilled!
How Do You Contact SHEIN Support Service for Returns?
You can contact SHEIN customer service through live chat or by submitting a ticket on their website. Still, be sure to catch them between 6 am and midnight Pacific Time.
Unfortunately, they don’t offer customer support via phone.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it – everything you need to know about SHEIN returns and refund policy.
As covered, SHEIN allows returns within 35 days of when you place the order. Most products are returnable. In addition, damaged items need to be reported within the first 24 hours of receiving the order.
You can expect to receive your refunds within approximately seven business days after SHEIN gets your return. Now, you can shop their trendy selection without any worries!
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