The DSW return policy is turning lots of heads these days and NOT in a good way. Their return policy use to be AWESOME and compare very favorably to Zappos policy. But those days are long gone, especially in terms of online returns as they now charge you $8.50 unless you’re a VIP member and buy from them frequently throughout the year. Here’s everything you need to know including stuff you won’t find posted anywhere else.

How Many Return Days Does DSW Allow?

90 days…NO questions asked.

Just bring your “unworn” shoes (more on this below) back to a DSW location with your receipt and original box and they’ll take care of you.

They’ll either give you an exchange, or refund your money back to your original form of payment (including PayPal).

What Happens After 90 Days?

Not a problem, usually.

Bring your shoes back in and they’ll give you store credit that can be used online or in-store.

The same goes for online purchases. Just mail back your order with the return shipping label (included in your package) and they’ll give you merchandise credit but you’ll have to pay a $8.50 return shipping fee (more on this later).

See Also: 17 Stores That Let You Return Used Items for a Full Refund

PRO TIP: DSW EXCHANGES ARE KINDA DIFFERENT

When making an exchange after 60 days, any price difference (in your favor) will be refunded to you on a DSW gift card. Before 60 days, you’ll get the price difference refunded to you on your original form of payment. Not a huge deal, but definitely worth noting.

Also, when making an exchange, the item needs to be exactly the same except for the size or color. Otherwise you’ll need to return the item then rebuy a different item.

What If I Lost My DSW Receipt?

Fortunately, you still have an option.

You can bring your item into the store and get a merchandise credit to be used on your next purchase.

Be aware that since DSW does NOT have evidence of the amount you paid, so you’ll have to settle for the current price of the shoes, boots, or sandals.

They track your returns via a valid I.D. which includes your driver’s license, passport, military ID, or state issued photo ID card.

As is the case with most retailers these days, DSW tracks your returns in order to prevent fraud and reserves the right to say, “No return for you” if you make too many receipt-less returns.

What About Returning or Exchanging Shoes I Bought on DSW.com?

This is where the DSW policy has gotten much WORSE in recent years.

DSW use to let shoppers return or exchange everything for FREE. Those days are long gone.

Nowadays, if you’re not a DSW VIP Gold or Elite member you’re gonna have to pay $8.50 to ship back items.

To qualify for these membership levels, you need to spend $200 and $500 respectively.

The good news is the $8.50 only needs to be paid once and you can ship back multiple items in the same box if needed.

PRO TIP: RETURNS WHEN DSW REWARD POINTS WERE USED

When returning an item that was bought using DSW Reward points, you WILL get those reward points back to your account which is nice.

But if you used a coupon on the purchase, you WON’T be able to reuse it on your next purchase. Also, DSW will only refund you on the amount you actually paid, regardless of whether a coupon was used.

See Also: Nike Return Policy: We Answer Questions Even Phil Knight Can’t

Can I Wear the Shoes Before Returning Them?

I also asked the DSW employee this question and was surprised by the answer as their policy states that shoes must be “unworn”.

The employee told me the following, “We will take them back if you have worn them lightly (as far as testing them out.) We just won’t accept a worn pair if that makes sense. As far as a defective pair, we would certainly make that right for you!”

So I read that to mean that you can wear the shoes in your home all day long to test them out, and still return them for free.

Wear them outside for an extended period of time and scuff the soles and they might not take them back.

PRO TIP: DID YOU PAY WITH PAYPAL?

If you paid with PayPal and need to make an exchange, ALWAYS opt to make the exchange in-store. DSW told me that they can’t do an online exchange when PayPal was used, you’d have to return and rebuy a different item which is a hassle.

Also, if you paid with a gift card and PayPal, and need to make a return, your money will get refunded to you in the form of a DSW gift card.

What If I’m Returning a Gift?

When returning a gift, be aware that you’ll have to settle for merchandise credit to be used toward a future purchase.

Also, when returning something bought with a DSW Rewards certificate you’ll be refunded only the final purchase price.

If you’re returning a gift via the mail (that was originally bought on DSW.com) be aware that you won’t get merchandise credit as the money will go back to the original form of payment.

See Also: Temu Return Policy: They Let You Keep Some Stuff Which is Crazy

What About Canadian Orders?

You cannot return orders made at a DSW Canada store or website to a U.S. store or website.

You must visit www.dswcanada.ca or contact a DSW Canada store to make an exchange or return happen.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the DSW return policy?

By Kyle James

Photo by Mike Mozart.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)