For over 90 years, Macy’s department stores have been an iconic destination for apparel, home furnishings, and gifts across family and lifestyle needs. But purchasing items without trying on clothing or testing products carries some risk. That’s why Macy’s offers a flexible hassle-free return policy.
This guide will outline Macy’s return policy details, procedures, timeframes, and best practices so you can exchange or refund items with confidence. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the Macy’s return process and tips for making exchanges smooth and fast. Read on to shop at Macy’s with peace of mind!
Overview of Macy's Return Policy
Macy’s offers flexible return options to ensure complete customer satisfaction:
- Most purchases can be returned within 180 days of original purchase date for a full refund or exchange. This provides ample evaluation time.
- To start a return, bring the item and receipt to any Macy’s store or contact customer service for mail-in instructions.
- Refunds are issued once received back in original condition and packaging. Funds disburse to original payment method.
- Clearance and final sale merchandise cannot be returned unless defective as indicated on receipts. Keeps pricing fair.
- Macy’s investigates and reserves the right to refuse excessive returns deemed potential fraud or abuse of the policy.
Understanding the broad policy parameters makes Macy’s returns smooth. Now let’s dive into specifics.
Macy’s was the first store to feature escalators. The flagship store in New York City installed the first wooden escalators in 1902, revolutionizing the shopping experience.
How to Start In-Store Returns at Macy's
Starting a return in a Macy’s store is simple:
- Bring the item with original tags and packaging to any store within 180 days of purchase. Have your receipt handy.
- Inform the customer service desk you’ll be returning the item and provide the reason – incorrect fit, changed mind, defective, etc.
- Select your refund type preference – original payment method, Macy’s gift card, or even exchange.
- The service associate will examine the merchandise then approve and process the return or exchange.
- Refunds credit back immediately to original form of payment once approved. Exchanges are swift.
For in-store purchases, on-the-spot returns are fast and convenient at Macy’s store locations.
Processing Mail-In Returns for Online Orders
To return e-commerce orders by mail:
- Log into your account at Macys.com and navigate to online Returns to start a return request.
- Choose the item(s) and enter return details like reason code and preferred refund method.
- Print the free prepaid return shipping label provided and affix to your sealed return package.
- Drop off your parcel at any UPS location or schedule a free at-home pickup.
- Once the return is received and inspected at the facility, allow 3-5 days for refund processing to original form of payment.
- Check order status online for updates. Receive email confirmations when the return is completed.
For online purchases, Macy’s handles return logistics stem-to-stern.
Macy's Return Timeframes and Windows
To allow adequate evaluation periods, Macy’s allows these return windows:
- 180 days – Standard window for returning most merchandise categories to stores or by mail.
- 2 years – Diamond-level Loyalty Program members get extended 2 year window as a perk.
- 30 days – Furniture must be returned assembled within 30 days per standard policy.
- Wedding orders – Gifts can return unopened within 180 days of wedding date.
- Holidays – Special extended holiday return windows offered from October to January.
- Gift receipts – Allow returns within 180 days of original purchase date, not gifting date.
Understanding return windows helps set expectations. Check receipts for details.
Reasons Customers Return Items to Macy's
There are many common reasons shoppers bring items back to Macy’s:
- Incorrect sizing – Being unable to try on apparel in-store means sizing discrepancies. Macy’s gladly accepts returns for exchanges in the right size.
- Quality issues – Merchandise arriving faulty, damaged, defective, or not as described warrants returns to swap for intact items.
- Didn’t like the style – For apparel or shoes that don’t flatter your figure or fulfill your style needs upon trying on at home.
- No longer needed – Returns allowed within the timeframe if you change your mind or already purchased duplicates.
- Better price found – Macy’s will price match if you find an identical product advertised cheaper elsewhere.
Knowing the reason aids the return process. Now let’s review Macy’s return policy itself.
Types of Items Eligible for Return
Macy’s allows returns and exchanges on most merchandise from their stores and Macys.com:
- Apparel – Clothing, shoes in new condition with all original tags still attached.
- Accessories – Wallets, jewelry, handbags, etc. in unused condition with original tags.
- Home goods – New bedding, kitchen items, decor in original packaging.
- Beauty – Unopened cosmetics, fragrances, skin care items.
- Furniture – Assembled mattresses, sofas, chairs within 30 day window.
- Electronics – Unopened small appliances, tech gadgets with all accessories and packaging.
Review Macy’s categories for any item-specific restrictions before returning. But thousands of products are eligible.
Receiving Refunds from Macy's
Once returned, Macy’s issues refunds via:
- Original payment method – By default, funds credit back to the original debit/credit card on file.
- Macy’s gift card – Returns can alternatively refund to a merchandise gift card for use at stores/online.
- In-store credit – Returns can issue as an immediate store credit on your Macy’s account to shop same day.
- Product exchange – For purchases with sizing or quality issues, Macy’s will directly swap for a replacement item.
- Check – Rarely, for large refunds, Macy’s may mail approved return refunds in check form.
Understanding available refund methods ensures you choose your preferred option upfront.
Potential Issues and Resolutions with Macy's Returns
While usually seamless, a few potential return hiccups can occur:
- Missing the 180 day window – Contact Macy’s courteously to review options if unique circumstance.
- Lost receipt – Have Macy’s lookup purchase via credit card details. Still returnable.
- Online shipping mishaps – Contact Macy’s if return delivery fails or package gets lost to reship labels.
- Refund method problems – To change payment type, visit in-store customer service for help.
- Items damaged en route – Take photos showing box condition and insured high-value returns in case issues arise.
With good records and communication, many return issues can be smoothly resolved. Macy’s aims to satisfy.
Making Informed Purchase Decisions to Reduce Returns
Customers can minimize unnecessary returns by:
- Accurately determining clothing sizes needed by measuring and consulting existing garments.
- Vetting fabric content and washing instructions carefully before purchase to understand care needed.
- Reading online product descriptions, dimensions, materials, and reviews thoroughly to vet items before purchase.
- Buying just what you need for the current season. Avoid speculative purchases for vague future use.
- Trying beauty items in store first whenever possible to prevent shade or skin mismatches.
- Comparing prices across retailers to ensure you get the best value before buying.
Being an informed shopper prevents the need for multiple rounds of returns. This benefits all.
“Macy’s is a place where you can find almost anything you need, but also where you can find things you didn’t even know you wanted.” – Anna Kendrick, actress and singer
Macy’s exceptionally flexible return policy spans broad categories with lengthy 180 day windows, multiple refund options, and free return shipping – all to ensure fully satisfied customers. By proactively understanding policies, diligently meeting guidelines, and promptly alerting Macy’s of any issues, returns become hassle-free experiences resulting in prompt refunds.
While convenient and consumer-friendly, relaxed policies impact behind-the-scenes operations. But Macy’s finds the trade-off worthwhile to deliver excellent shopping experiences. Feel confident every purchase has a risk-free trial period. So shop and explore Macy’s stress-free!
Tips for Easy, Smooth Macy's Returns
Follow best practices for seamless Macy’s returns and quick refunds:
- Keep all receipts, tags, and packaging together in one place to have handy if return needed.
- Return sooner than later – come prepared within 180 day window before time expires.
- Repackage items neatly in original shopping bags and boxes. Reattach tags and UPC codes for processing.
- Opt for free return shipping. Don’t pay out of pocket to ship back unless faster speed needed.
- Return in store when possible for fastest refund back to original payment method.
- If exchanging, select replacement at store when returning original to get instantly.
Proper preparation and understanding of Macy’s return policy sets you up for success.
FAQs About the Macy's Return Policy
What is Macy's return policy?
Macy’s accepts returns within 30 days on most items. They must have original tags attached and be in new condition. Free return shipping is offered on online purchases only.
Does Macy's allow returns without a receipt?
Macy’s does do returns without a receipt for store credit only. The credit amount will be the lowest selling price in the past 90 days which may be less than paid.
Can I return sale items to Macy's?
Yes, Macy’s accepts returns on sale items within 30 days for a full refund back to the original form of payment used at time of purchase.
How long do I have to return purchases to Macy's?
Most items can be returned within 30 days to Macy’s. Some exceptions are 7-14 days for watches, rugs, dresses and Apple products purchased there.
Does Macy's offer free return shipping?
Macy’s offers free return shipping using their prepaid label for online purchases only. In-store returns must be taken back to a Macy’s location.
Can I exchange Macy's items by mail?
No, Macy’s only allows exchanges to be done in-store for items originally purchased in-store. Online items must be returned then re-ordered.
How long does a Macy's return take to process?
Allow 1-3 business days after Macy’s receives the return for the refund to be processed fully. Mailed returns take longer to be delivered and processed.
What can't be returned to Macy's?
Non-returnable items include gift cards, final sale merchandise, used or worn items, and anything from Last Act clearance sections in store.
Does Macy’s refund original shipping fees?
Yes, specific items like jewelry have shorter windows, and mattresses have an extended 120-day window.
Does Macy's offer free return shipping?
No, Macy’s does not refund any original shipping fees when you return items. Only the cost of the merchandise will be refunded.
