Dollar Tree is NOT your ordinary store. Because of their insanely low prices, are returns even allowed? Turns out you’re not the only one wondering that. I’m still scratching my head as I got very conflicting answers to that question. Grab some Tylenol (or a beer) and I’ll explain what I discovered.

Their Return Policy Is Shaky to Say the Least

Their website says you CAN do an in-store return and get your money back, but most store employees say “NO, an exchange only”.

The actual answer is “maybe” and it’s left up to the individual store manager.

It’s kind of messy folks, but I guess we should expect that from a dollar store. More on this below…

PRO TIP: DOLLAR TREE WEBSITE IS WRONG

The Dollar Tree website currently says that “a refund will be issued in the original form of payment”.

This is not the policy at every store. I called a dozen Dollar Tree stores and 10 of them told me “exchange only”.

After telling them about what their website says, several of the managers told me that they would give me my money back if that’s what their website said.

So if you really need your money back, bring this information to their attention and you stand a good chance of them complying.

Gotta Hold On To That Receipt Folks

Unfortunately, you cannot make a return without a receipt.

But…see my “Pro Tip” below as you still stand a good chance of being able to do an exchange if you don’t have your receipt.

PRO TIP: RECEIPT-LESS RETURNS

I was recently in my local Dollar Tree and the person in front of me was trying to get an exchange without a receipt.

She was very polite about it and the manager on shift granted the exchange.

When I got to the front of the line, I asked if that was standard policy and the manager told me they’ll usually do it if the items being exchanged is still in-stock and it’s a reasonable amount of items.

Use this information to your advantage if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Tips To Make an Even Exchange

You can make an exchange for ANY unopened item at Dollar Tree.

Just bring the item back, with your original receipt in-hand, to any Dollar Tree location.

I cannot find any official time restriction on the exchange, but you stand a much better chance of the exchange going smoothly if it’s been less than 30 days as they’ll typically still be able to sell the item you’re exchanging.

PRO TIP: EXACT EXCHANGE NOT REQUIRED

Since everything is the same price at Dollar Tree, you can exchange an item for ALMOST ANYTHING else in the store.

I spoke with a manager about this and she told me that the exchange can be for anything with the same price that is NOT a food item.

See Also: Dollar Tree Raising Prices: Why?…PLUS Some Hacks to Save

No “Official” Time Limit on Exchanges or Returns

There website does NOT mention any time limit on doing an exchange or a “possible” return.

Also, you are not limited to making just one exchange per visit. So if you bought 3 toys and have your original receipt, you can exchange all 3 of them if you wish.

Many shoppers online claim that Dollar Tree has a 30-day exchange policy but I cannot find this information posted anywhere on the Dollar Tree website.

See Also: The Walmart Return Policy Explained So YOU Can Understand It

Defective Item? Get an Even Exchange

If for whatever reason you buy a product and then it ends up being broken or defective, you can still exchange that item at Dollar Tree.

But you cannot get a straight refund for the item.

Just remember to keep the item within its original packaging, bring your original receipt, and exchange the item within 30 days of purchase.

Tips to Return an Online Purchase

For online purchases, you CANNOT make a return and all sales are FINAL unless item arrives damaged.

If this happens to you, call them at 1-877-530-TREE and speak to a representative about getting a return authorization and they’ll also send out a replacement product.

How To Get an Exchange on Items Bought With a Coupon

Technically, you can exchange a Dollar Tree item even if you bought it using a coupon.

However, this can be considered coupon fraud against the manufacturer.

Therefore, try not to get into the habit of using coupons and then exchanging the item.

See Also: 20 Slick Ways to Save Money at Dollar Tree

Other “Dollar Stores” Have a Different Policy

All Dollar stores do not hold the same return policy as Dollar Tree.

So, if you absolutely hate the idea of only being able to exchange items, you’re in luck.

Family Dollar and Dollar General have arguably far better return policies than Dollar Tree.

The Family Dollar return policy allows you to make exchanges or refunds for up to 30 days with your original receipt on hand.

And, at Dollar General, it’s even better.

You can make a return on most of their items within a 90-day return window.

So, if you think that Dollar Tree’s return policy is absolutely terrible you can always shop at these other Dollar stores.

Plus, it’s worth noting there may be even some slight variation among certain Dollar Tree locations when it comes to their return policy that you should be aware of.

Specifically, when it comes to exchanging seasonal items.

For example, while most Dollar Tree stores have that same exchange-only rule, there may be some restrictions when it comes to exchanging seasonal items.

When in doubt, consider calling your Dollar Tree beforehand and ask if they’ll let you exchange seasonal items.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the Dollar Tree return policy? Good, bad or indifferent?

By Kyle James

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)