Known for its hipster-chic fashion and dorm decor, Urban Outfitters caters to young, style-savvy shoppers. But purchasing the latest fashion trends online does carry some sizing risk. That’s why Urban Outfitters offers flexible return policies to give customers peace of mind.
This guide outlines Urban Outfitters’ return policy details including time-frames, processes, locations, and more. You’ll learn how to easily exchange or refund items that don’t meet expectations. Read on for stress-free UO shopping.
Overview of the Urban Outfitters Return Policy
Urban Outfitters offers flexible return options to ensure satisfied customers:
- Most unopened items can be returned within 30 days of original purchase. Allows ample quick trial time.
- To start a return, bring the item and receipt to any store location. For online purchases, contact customer service for return shipping.
- Refunds are issued once received back in original condition and packaging. Funds disburse to original payment method.
- Final sale items cannot be returned unless defective. Keeps discounted pricing fair for all.
- Urban Outfitters investigates and reserves right to limit excessive returns deemed potential abuse of this policy.
Urban Outfitters makes returns easy so customers can shop with confidence. Now let’s look at the specifics.
Urban Outfitters was founded by Richard Hayne, Scott Belair, and Judy Wicks in 1970 as a small retail store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, selling mostly secondhand clothing. The company now has over 200 stores worldwide and has expanded beyond clothing to include home goods, accessories, and even a record label.
Starting In-Store Returns at Urban Outfitters
Launching a return or exchange at an Urban Outfitters store involves:
- Bring the item with original tags and packaging within 30 days of purchase. Have receipt ready.
- Provide the reason for return at customer service desk – incorrect fit, defective item, changed mind etc.
- Select refund type preference – back to original payment, UO gift card, or swap item.
- The team member examines merchandise then approves and processes the return or exchange on the spot.
- Once approved, refunds issue immediately and exchanges happen quickly.
In-store returns provide fast, same-day resolution for maximum convenience.
Processing Mail-In Returns for Online Orders
Returning UrbanOutfitters.com purchases by mail works like this:
- Log into your account and visit Purchase History to start a return request within 30 days.
- Select the item(s) you need to return and provide details like reason for return and preferred refund method.
- Print the free prepaid return shipping label and affix to your securely packed return parcel.
- Drop off your package at any UPS location or schedule a free at-home pickup.
- Once received and inspected at the returns facility, allow 1 week for refund processing to original payment method.
- Check your account for status updates and confirmation emails.
The mail-in process is straightforward. Urban Outfitters handles the logistics.
Urban Outfitters' Return Time-frames and Windows
To allow adequate time to evaluate purchases, Urban Outfitters permits these return windows:
- 30 days – Standard window for returning most items to stores or by mail.
- 1 year – For Urban Outfitters credit card holders. Having their card extends the window.
- Online orders – Return window based on original order date, not shipping or delivery date.
- Sale items – Sale merchandise is still returnable within 30 days of purchase.
- Gift returns – Gifts can be returned within 30 days of the order date, not gifting date.
Check receipts for return windows to avoid surprises. Urban Outfitters aims to be reasonable within guidelines.
Reasons Customers Return Items to Urban Outfitters
There are a few common reasons shoppers bring items back to Urban Outfitters:
- Sizing issues – Being unable to try on in-store means fit uncertainties. Urban Outfitters gladly allows sizing exchanges.
- Quality problems – Damaged, defective, or poor quality merchandise warrants returns to swap for satisfactory items.
- Style dislikes – Returns allowed if an item ordered doesn’t flatter or fulfill needs upon arrival and trying on.
- No longer needed – Buyer’s remorse sets in, or events requiring purchases are cancelled.
- Better price found – Urban Outfitters price matches select online and retail competitors if identical items are found cheaper.
Knowing the “why” behind a return starts you out well informed.
Types of Items Eligible for Return at Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters allows returns and exchanges on most merchandise bought through their stores and website including:
- Apparel – Clothing, shoes in new condition with original tags still attached.
- Accessories – Handbags, sunglasses, hats, jewelry. Unused with tags.
- Home goods – New, unused bedding, dorm decor, furniture. Must be in original packaging.
- Beauty – Unopened cosmetics, skincare, hair care products.
- Electronics – Unopened mini fridges, speakers, tech accessories. With all original parts and packaging.
Check for category-specific restrictions, but thousands of products are eligible.
Receiving Refunds from Urban Outfitters
Once returned, Urban Outfitters swiftly processes refunds via:
- Original payment method – By default, funds credit back to the original debit/credit card used on the purchase.
- UO gift card – Returns can alternatively refund to an Urban Outfitters merchandise credit to spend in-store/online.
- Store credit – Returns can issue as immediate spendable credit on your UO profile to shop same day.
- Product exchange – For sizing, defects or damage, UO will directly swap for a replacement.
- Check – Rarely, for large refunds, UO may issue approved return amounts via check.
Understand UO’s return reimbursement methods to request your preference upfront.
Potential Issues and Resolutions with Returns
While usually seamless, a few potential return issues can arise:
- Missing 30 day window – If unique circumstance, contact UO courteously to review options.
- No receipt – Urban Outfitters can look up past purchases by card details. Still returnable.
- Online shipping mishaps – Contact UO if return delivery fails or package gets lost to reship labels.
- Wrong refund method – To change payment type, visit UO customer service in-store.
- Items damaged en route – Take photos of box condition and insure high-value returns in case issues arise.
With good records and persistence, many UO return issues can be resolved smoothly.
“I love shopping at Urban Outfitters for their unique and edgy styles. It’s always been a go-to for me.” – Hailey Bieber, model
Tips for Hassle-Free Returns and Exchanges
Follow these tips and best practices for easy Urban Outfitters returns and exchanges:
- Keep all tags and labels attached to items when possible. Don’t remove until you’re certain to keep.
- Return in original packaging when feasible – especially important for intimates and swimwear.
- Re-box items in their original shipping box for online returns to avoid damage.
- Bring your receipt or look up your purchase online before returning in-store without it.
- Know the 30 day policy and return/exchange before it closes! No returns allowed after.
- Print the online return shipping label or grab an in-store label to affix right away.
Following these tips will make the Urban Outfitters return and exchange process fast and easy. You’ll get your refund or swap items quickly when you adhere to the policies.
FAQs About the Urban Outfitters Return Policy
What is Urban Outfitters' return policy?
Urban Outfitters accepts returns within 30 days of purchase date. Items must be new and unused with tags attached. Free return shipping offered online. Gift cards and final sale excluded.
Does Urban Outfitters allow returns without a receipt?
Urban Outfitters does do returns without a receipt but frequent returns without receipts can result in being banned. Having the receipt gets a refund, no receipt gets store credit.
Can I return sale items to Urban Outfitters?
Yes, regular sale items can be returned within 30 days for refund. Exceptions are merchandise ending in $0.95 which are final sale and non-returnable.
How long do I have to return Urban Outfitters purchases?
You have 30 days from shipment date to return items to Urban Outfitters. Some holiday extensions may apply. Note it takes 14 days for processing mailed returns.
Does Urban Outfitters offer free return shipping?
Urban Outfitters offers free return shipping using their label within 30 days. A $5 deduction applies though. After 30 days, returns must be shipped at customer’s expense.
What can't be returned to Urban Outfitters?
Non-returnable items include gift cards, final sale merchandise, customized furniture, used or worn items, and sale items ending in $0.95.
How do I return Urban Outfitters furniture?
Furniture must be returned by contacting Urban Outfitters directly. Most furniture items can only be returned by shipping, not in-store. Expect restocking fees to apply.
Does Urban Outfitters refund original shipping fees?
No, Urban Outfitters does not refund any original shipping fees on orders. Only the cost of the merchandise itself will be refunded.