Society6 Return Policy: Step-by-Step Guide, Fees & Refund Rules
Shopping online for custom artwork, home decor, and apparel is convenient, but sizing issues, color variations, or shipping damage can happen. If your recent order did not turn out as expected, understanding the Society6 return policy will save you both time and unnecessary fees.
Because Society6 is an online marketplace featuring independent artists, every item is printed on demand after you place an order. The Society6 return policy offers a standard 60-day return window from your delivery date, a self-service online return portal, and a streamlined replacement process if an item arrives broken or misprinted.
This updated 2026 guide breaks down everything you need to know about returning items to Society6, including how return fees work, step-by-step instructions for guest checkouts, how to execute an exchange, and how to get a replacement for damaged goods without mailing them back.
Overview of the Society6 Return Policy
Society6 operates 100% online and does not have brick-and-mortar stores. All returns must be requested online and shipped back to their distribution warehouse. Because items are custom manufactured upon order, preference returns (such as choosing the wrong size or changing your mind) require the buyer to cover return shipping costs. However, Society6 waives shipping fees completely if your item arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect.
Society6 Return Policy Overview
| Policy Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Window | 60 days from carrier delivery date |
| Eligible Items | Unused, unwashed merchandise in original packaging |
| Return Methods | Mail-in only via self-service portal (No physical stores) |
| Refund Methods | Original payment method or store credit |
| Non-Returnable Items | Digital products, e-Gift Cards, final sale clearance, washed apparel |
| Restocking Fee | $0 |
| Return Shipping Fee | Customer pays for preference returns; Free for damaged/defective items |
| Exchanges | Direct exchanges not offered (Return for refund + reorder) |
Return Window & Eligibility Requirements
Standard Return Window
The standard return window for Society6 is 60 days from the date your package is marked as delivered by the carrier. The 60-day timer begins on the day of delivery-shipping and transit times prior to delivery do not count against your limit.
Online vs. In-Store Return Windows
Society6 is an e-commerce platform and does not maintain physical retail store locations. As a result, there are no separate in-store policies. All purchases made on Society6.com fall under the single, unified 60-day online return framework.
What Items Qualify for Returns
Most products sold on Society6 qualify for a return within the 60-day window, including:
- Art prints, canvas prints, and framed artwork
- Tapestries, throw pillows, and rugs
- Bedding, duvet covers, and bath towels
- Unworn t-shirts, hoodies, and apparel
- Tech accessories (phone cases, laptop sleeves)
- Oversized home decor and furniture (credenzas, bar carts, side tables)
Conditions for Accepted Returns
To receive a full refund, items must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Unused Condition: Apparel must be unworn, unwashed, and free of stains, pet hair, or odors. Home goods and prints must show no signs of display wear or modification.
- Original Packaging: Items must be packed with original product tags and protective packaging intact.
- Proof of Purchase: You must provide your original Order Confirmation Number and the email address used during checkout.
How to Return Items to Society6
In-Store Return Process
In-store returns are not available. You cannot drop off return packages at third-party retail shops, shipping hubs, or artist studios. All returns must go through the official online portal.
Online Return Process
To start a standard return, follow these simple steps on your phone or computer:
- Go to the Society6 Help Center (
support.society6.com) and click Return an Item. - Enter your Order Number and the Email Address associated with the purchase.
- Select the specific item(s) you wish to return from your order history.
- Pick a return reason from the drop-down menu (e.g., changed mind, ordered wrong size, color mismatch).
- Submit your request to generate your return authorization and shipping label.
Mail-In Return Process
Once your request is submitted, prepare your box for mail-in carrier drop-off:
- Place the item securely inside its original container or a sturdy shipping box.
- Insert the generated Return Authorization Slip inside the box (this step prevents processing time delays at the warehouse).
- Seal the box firmly with packaging tape.
- Attach the generated shipping label to the outside of the package, covering any old shipping labels.
- Drop off the package at the designated postal carrier location (USPS, UPS, or FedEx as listed on your shipping label).
Return Label Instructions & Guest Checkout
If you completed your purchase using guest checkout without creating an account, you can still process a return. Visit the online return portal, enter your Order ID and email address from your purchase confirmation receipt, and the system will pull up your order.
Print the generated return shipping label directly from your browser or save it as a PDF to print later.
How to Handle Damaged, Defective, or Wrong Items
(The Photo Proof Shortcut)
If your order arrives damaged (such as a cracked glass frame, chipped ceramic mug, or torn canvas) or has a manufacturing defect, do not mail the package back. Society6 offers a simplified resolution process for damaged goods:
- Open the online support portal within 60 days of delivery.
- Select Damaged or Defective Item as your return reason.
- Upload clear photos showing the damaged product, the printed artwork area, and the shipping packaging with the tracking label.
- Submit the claim.
Once verified by customer service, Society6 will ship a free replacement or process a full refund without requiring you to pack and ship the broken item back.
Refund Methods & Processing Time
Refund Methods
Depending on your preference during the return request, your refund will be issued via:
- Original Payment Method: Refunded directly back to your original credit card, debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Klarna account.
- Store Credit: Issued immediately as an e-gift code sent to your email address. Choosing store credit is often the fastest route if you intend to reorder a different item immediately.
Return Delivered to Warehouse ➔ Inspection (2–3 Days) ➔ Refund Approved ➔ Bank Posting (5–10 Days)
Processing Time Breakdown
- Package Transit: Takes 3 to 7 business days for the carrier to deliver your package to the return warehouse.
- Warehouse Inspection: Takes 2 to 3 business days after arrival for staff to inspect the item condition.
- Financial Posting Time: Takes 5 to 10 business days for your financial institution to post the refund method balance back to your account statement.
When Refunds May Be Denied
Society6 reserves the right to deny a refund if:
- The item is returned past the 60-day limit.
- Apparel shows clear signs of being worn, washed, or altered.
- The package is missing the Return Authorization Slip and cannot be identified by warehouse staff.
Society6 Exchange Policy
Due to custom print-on-demand production lines, Society6 does not offer traditional direct exchanges. If you bought a t-shirt that is too small or decided you want a different frame color, you cannot submit an exchange ticket for a direct swap.
The Return & Reorder Method
To exchange an item, use the simple return-and-reorder process:
- Initiate an online return for the original item through the help portal.
- Choose Store Credit as your preferred refund option for faster payout.
- Once your return is scanned by the carrier or approved by support, use your store credit or original payment method to place a brand-new order on Society6.com for the preferred size or design.
For shoppers comparing customizable print outlets, reviewing custom printing return policies can help you evaluate production timelines before submitting a replacement order.
Non-Returnable or Restricted Items
The following items are final sale and strictly fall under non-returnable items unless they arrive damaged or defective:
- e-Gift Cards and physical gift cards
- Digital Art Downloads and digital media products
- Items marked Final Sale or Clearout at checkout
- Used, laundered, worn, or altered merchandise
- Bulk custom art orders created with custom dimensions or corporate branding
Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
Return Shipping Costs
For preference returns (e.g., changing your decor theme, ordering the wrong size, or simply not liking the artwork in person), the customer is responsible for return shipping costs. Society6 generates a prepaid shipping label through the portal, but the exact cost of that label will be deducted directly from your final refund balance.
Restocking Fees
Society6 charges $0 restocking fees. You will never be charged a fee for warehouse restocking or repackaging.
Fee Waiver Exceptions
All return shipping label fees are waived ($0 cost to you) if:
- The item arrived physically damaged or broken.
- The artwork print quality is defective (e.g., misaligned colors, heavy blurring).
- You received the wrong item, size, or design due to a fulfillment mistake.
Holiday & Extended Return Policies
Society6 updates its policy every winter to support gift buyers during the holiday season.
- Holiday Policy Details: Any order placed between November 1 and December 31 is eligible for return through January 31 of the following year, or 60 days from delivery, whichever gives you more time.
- Gift Returns: If you received a gift from Society6 and wish to return it, you can request a return for store credit by providing the original Order Number and the purchaser's name to customer support.
Customer Support & Contact Information
Because Society6 does not operate a direct phone call line, all return requests and customer service inquiries must be handled digitally.
-
Self-Service Support Portal:
support.society6.com - Live Chat Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST (accessible via the chat bubble icon on the help site).
- 24/7 Support Ticket: Submit a digital request form anytime via the Help Center.
Pro-Tip: Have your Order Number, Email Address, and clear photos of your item (if damaged) ready before contacting support to speed up your approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return items to Society6 without an account?
Yes. You can return an item ordered as a guest by opening the help portal at support.society6.com and entering your Order Number and Email Address from your original confirmation receipt.
What should I do if my Society6 item arrives damaged?
Do not ship the item back. Take clear photos of the damage, the packaging, and the shipping label, then upload them through the online return portal. Society6 will issue a free replacement or full refund without requiring a physical return.
Does Society6 offer free returns?
No, Society6 does not offer free returns for preference returns (such as ordering the wrong size or changing your mind). Return shipping costs are deducted from your final refund. However, return shipping is 100% free if the product arrived damaged, defective, or incorrect.
How long does a refund from Society6 take?
Once your return package arrives at the warehouse, inspection takes 2 to 3 business days. After approval, it takes 5 to 10 business days for your bank or credit card company to post the funds back to your account.
Can I exchange a Society6 shirt for a different size?
Society6 does not perform direct exchanges. You must return the original shirt for a refund or store credit and then place a new order online for the correct size.
Does Society6 charge a restocking fee?
No. Society6 does not charge restocking fees on any returned items.
Can I cancel my Society6 order before it ships to avoid a return?
Order cancellation is only possible within a short window (usually 1 to 2 hours after placing the order) before the item enters production. Once production begins on print-on-demand items, the order cannot be canceled and must be processed as a standard return after delivery.
How are international returns handled at Society6?
International customers have the same 60-day window to return items. However, international buyers must pay all return postage fees, and original customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are non-refundable.
Can I return a gift to Society6 for store credit?
Yes, as long as you have the original Order Number. Contact customer support through the portal to request a gift return, and the refund will be sent to you as an e-gift store credit code without notifying the buyer.
Do I need to return oversized furniture in its original packaging?
Yes. Oversized items like credenzas, bar carts, and side tables must be repackaged in their original shipping boxes with protective inserts. Return shipping fees for large furniture items can be high, so ensure all measurements are verified prior to purchasing.
Final Thoughts & Shopping Tips
Navigating the Society6 return policy is straightforward once you know the rules of a print-on-demand marketplace. Keep your 60-day return window in mind, check product dimensions carefully before buying apparel or furniture, and always take photos immediately if a package arrives damaged to bypass shipping items back.
Before making purchases across other online marketplaces, check out our guide to the Etsy return policy guide or read our breakdown of the Poshmark return policy guide to compare return rules across popular sites.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time. Always confirm current details directly on the official Society6 website or via support.society6.com. Information verified 2026.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for quick access to the latest return policy updates and search TheReturnGuide.com before your next online order!
