The Michaels return policy details are worth knowing if you’re into arts and crafts. Having grown up in a “craftsy” home, I know how expensive supplies can be. I also know that it’s common to overbuy in case of emergencies or to save a possible trip later. Thus the need to return stuff arises frequently, at least it did for my Mom when I was a kid. I breakdown the Michaels policy, including info that you won’t find anywhere, literally anywhere.

You get exactly 60 days to make a return to Michaels, down from 180 days that they offered for years.

Their pretty darn generous return policy has definitely gotten a little stricter.

Credit card purchases go back on your card, and debit card purchases will be refunded in cash.

After 60 days, Michaels will give you store credit for the full purchase price.

PRO TIP: MICHAELS DOESN’T ALLOW ONLINE EXCHANGES

Oddly enough, Michaels does NOT allow exchanges when you purchase items from their website.

The workaround is simply to return the item in-store and re-buy it. This is also a smart idea when the price of an item drops. You might as well get the lower price, especially on significant purchases.

Keep this in mind when you walk in the store as you’ll want to head straight towards a register and not wander back to the product you want to exchange your item for.

By doing this, you’ll save time and reduce potential hassles.

Options Without Receipt or Past Your 60 Days

You’re probably NOT out of luck.

In most cases, Michaels can look up your purchase and refund your money.

They’ll try to use your credit card, debit card, or rewards number to find it.

If they CAN’T find any evidence of your purchase, Michaels will give you store credit for the lowest price in the past 90 days.

If this happens to you, be prepared to show a valid photo I.D. which is used for fraud prevention and refund authorization.

Here Are the Exceptions to the 60 Days

– Clearance Items – Effective November of 2022, all clearance items are considered FINAL SALE and not returnable or exchangeable.

– Cricut Products – Items MUST be unopened, have a valid receipt, and you can only get an exchange.

From commenter Allan, if your Cricut machine stops working you’re going to have to deal with the manufacturer, not Michaels. Even if it’s a brand new item and you just got it home.

– Gift Cards & Prepaid Cards – These are NOT returnable or exchangeable.

– Items Returned Without a Receipt That Are Now Clearance – Unfortunately, if the item in question has moved to “clearance” within Michaels inventory system you’re not eligible for a refund of ANY kind.

– Custom Framing – You have 14 days from the date you pick up your custom framing to have it reworked to your satisfaction. You must bring them back to the same Michaels location where original work was performed.

– Tutorial Classes – Classes are refundable up to the date when the class is set to start. Refunds must be done in-store only.

See Also: Save 15% Off at Michaels If You’re a Teacher – Here’s How

Can Items Be Opened or Used?

For the most part, NO.

Items need to be in their unused original packaging to be returnable.

The only exception to this policy involves items that are defective. They’ll take those back in used or opened condition.

PRO TIP: WHAT’S CONSIDERED DEFECTIVE?

“Defective items” is a bit of subjective term, as some items may not look defective or damaged, unless you’re a painter, DIY craft expert, or art school teacher.

Use this to your advantage and if the product does not meet your criteria in ANY way, return it to Michaels and explain the problem.

You stand a really good chance of them letting you return it for a full refund.

See Also: Etsy Return Policy: Finally…Here’s Exactly How It Works

Return Online Purchases In-Store If Possible

You can return items within 60 days via the mail or at your local Michaels brick & mortar location.

If you want to return items bought online via the mail you’ll need to call them at 1-800-MICHAELS.

A rep will walk you through the process.

You’ll Be Hit With Return Shipping Charges

If the item is NOT defective you’ll be charged for return shipping fees.

Avoid this fate by returning the item to your local Michaels location.

If the item IS defective, then Michaels will pay for the return shipping.

PRO TIP: TRY TO GET RETURN SHIPPING FEES WAIVED

I’m definitely not suggesting you lie, but I’ve been told that Michaels is fairly lenient on what shoppers consider “defective”.

So if there is something you don’t like about the product, perhaps it doesn’t work as you think it should, call it defective and you stand a great chance of getting the return shipping fees waived.

See Also: Target Return Policy: Smart Hacks Worth Taking Advantage Of

Ask the Reader: Have you ever had issues with the return policy at Michaels? What happened and how was it resolved?

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)