No matter how carefully you shop, sometimes an item just doesn’t work out and needs returned. Uncertain how this process works at Ross or just want a few tips to make it go smoother? Continue reading below for a full guide that will take you through everything you need to know!
1. Learn What You Can (or Can’t) Return
Ross returns are far from the complicated, perhaps even unfair ones present at some competing brands. However, it’s important to recognize that they do utilize a refund verification system that puts some restrictions on what and how items can be returned for full money back. That makes it imperative you know exactly what’s okay to take back before ever stepping foot in the store.
Clothing, footwear, decor, toys － all of these are valid for return whereas used items and open software are not. Unlike what you might expect, fine jewelry, lingerie, and swimwear are valid for return, too. That is, provided they’re accompanied by original ticket.
2. Ensure Items Are In New Condition
It should go without saying, but if you’ve somehow changed an item you bought or are trying to slide something visibly worn across the store counter, don’t go in expecting your cash back. Those are (as explained before) prohibited from return.
Now, if you’re worried that sliding a shirt over your head for five seconds will keep your money held hostage, rest assured. Clothing can absolutely be tried on. It’s just that everything returned must be clearly brand new.
Refunds, store credit, or exchanges are only disallowed for truly used, worn, or altered goods. Ensure all possible returns are in new condition and this shouldn’t be an issue!
3. Keep All Tags On For Safety
Those of us here at Shoplito appreciate Ross for many reasons, but it’s certainly not for their crystal clear return policy. Their guidelines are distinctly lacking in details, one of them being what happens to purchases without tags.
While Ross doesn’t outright put them into the “can’t return” category, they don’t necessarily give them the go-ahead either. In fact, they don’t explicitly say anything about whether tagless items are fully accepted for return, given partial returns, accepted only within specific parameters, etc.
So, our suggestion? Keep all original tags attached to items until sure they’re not heading back to the store.
4. Try to Return Items Within 30 Days
All of us have been guilty of letting a purchase we planned to take back linger a little too long in our closet. You might want to think twice about doing that with any Ross items, though.
Ross’ policy states that returns with a receipt older than 30 days will not be refunded to the original payment form and can only be exchanged/given via store credit. That implies that older purchases can be taken back, which is a good thing. But it’s not specified how long past 30 days someone can return an item nor what all an older return would entail. We suspect that could get messy fast.
These aren’t the only inconveniences possible either. There’s also a five-day waiting period required for returns originally bought with a check. Best to just keep returns under 30 days and make the process smoother for everyone.
5. Have Your Receipt & ID On Hand
Part of Ross’ refund arrangement is that all returns are “subject to system verification,” which is why they ask shoppers to keep their receipts. But unlike a lot of other policy details, this one isn’t quite as quite as strict. Indeed, some returns can actually be accepted sans receipt, although according to Ross, there’s a limit to how many are allowed.
What that limit may be, we don’t know. What we do know is that not everything shares this same flexibility and there are select categories of merchandise that cannot be returned without a receipt present.
Valid picture ID (driver’s license, state-issued non-driver license, passport, or military identification, etc.) could be required for returns in certain scenarios, too. This appears to primarily apply to non-receipt returns but since the policy doesn’t say for certain, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
6. Be Mindful About Store Choice
One of the most convenient aspects of Ross’ return policy is that clothing, toys, and home goods can be returned at any store － even if it’s a different store than where your goods were originally purchased. However, there is one glaring exception: fine jewelry.
Fine jewelry returns are restricted to stores with a fine jewelry section. Unfortunately, not everywhere has that specific aisle. Uncertain if yours makes the cut? Always best to call ahead and simply ask. Your local Ross employees will be happy to help.
Returns can be tedious at the best of times but they can be made easier just by following a few simple steps. As long as you know what’s returnable, keep all your receipts, and stay mindful of Ross’ overall policies, you should have no problems leaving with both your cash and your calm!
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