Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy back in February 2020, but it appears new owners are going to try to make a go-of-it. They just might try to live forever, or for at least the next 21 years. (Insert “dad joke” moans from my children) But in any case, it’s important to understand the Forever 21 return policy, especially as the store transitions to new owners and the inevitable policy change.

Forever 21 gives you 30 days from “shipped date” or 30 days from the date of your physical in-store purchase to get a refund or exchange.

Also, in-store purchases can be returned to any Forever 21 store as long as they’re in the country in which they were originally purchased.

Make sure you hold on to your receipt as Forever 21 has made it a requirement for a return.

PRO TIP: TAKE PICTURES OF ITEMS BEFORE AN ONLINE RETURN

I’ve talked to more than one Forever 21 shopper who has had trouble with their online return.

Whether it be the incorrect amount was refunded, or they claimed items items were worn when they were still in their original bag, you need to protect yourself.

The best way is to take clear pictures of the items you’re returning as visual proof of what you sent back and their condition. Then when you have an issue, and need to call or chat with them, you have pictures as proof of your return and it will be easier to state your case.

See Also: American Eagle Return Policy: Everything You NEED To Know

How To Get Your Receipt If You Lost It

For online purchases, you can access your order history and invoice via your online account with Forever 21.

Unfortunately as of this writing there is no way to lookup your order (or get your receipt) for in-store purchases.

Items Can’t Be “Worn”

Items must be unwashed, unworn, and show no damage.

This doesn’t mean you can’t try them on at-home, but be sure you don’t wear them for an extended period of time or you might have a hard time returning the item.

PRO TIP: BEWARE OF RETURN SHIPPING FEES

If you choose UPS as your return method, be aware that you’re going to be hit with a $5.99 fee that will be deducted from your refund.

If you decide to use your carrier of choice to make your return, you’re on the hook for any return shipping fees.

Avoid these shipping fees, if possible, by ALWAYS returning stuff to an actual Forever 21 store. 

Original Tags Need To Be Attached

The original tag must be attached according to their policy.

But I have it on good authority that they’ll still take back an item if you cut off the tag but didn’t wear or wash it.

Some Stuff CANNOT Be Returned

They include the following…

– Underwear: Stuck with them, make sure you grab the right size.

– Lingerie: Make sure it fits as you can’t return lingerie either.

– Earrings: Once you walk out with them in a bag (or on your ears) they are final sale.

– Body Piercings: This one kinda makes sense.

– Gift Cards/E-Gift Cards: These are final sale in order to prevent gift card fraud.

PRO TIP: DO NOT DROPOFF YOUR UPS RETURN AT A FOREVER 21 STORE

I had someone email about this so I thought it was worth including.

When making a return via UPS or your carrier of choice, you CANNOT drop off the box to be returned at a Forever 21 store.

They won’t accept it and it’s not going to get you your refund sooner. You have to actually mail it back the old fashioned way.

See Also: Amazon No Longer Offers 2-Day Prime Shipping (Here’s What To Do About It)

Always Opt to Return Online Items In-Store

Anything you buy from the Forever 21 website can be returned to one of their brick and mortar locations.

Just bring back the items with your invoice or order confirmation and they’ll happily help you out.

To return website purchases online visit their Returns Portal and follow the prompts, they make it really easy.

Also, you CANNOT return in-store purchases online. They’ll need to be taken back to a brick & mortar store for a return.

You Have 30 Days To Make An Exchange

Just take the item you want to exchange to any Forever 21 store within 30 days of purchase.

Item must be unworn and in new condition, with tags, for them to process the exchange.

It’s also important to note that exchanges can ONLY be done in-store, this includes exchanging items that were originally bought online.

See Also: Abercrombie Return Policy: We Make Sense of Their Policy

Ask the Reader: Do you have any experience with the Forever 21 return policy? Let me know the good, the bad, and the ugly.

By Kyle James

Photo Credit to 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)