House of CB Return Policy: Returns, Refunds, and Exchanges
Buying a luxury dress or tailored corset is an exciting investment, but formalwear fit can be tricky. When an outfit does not fit quite right or meet your expectations, understanding the House of CB return policy is essential to avoid unwanted surprises. Because House of CB garments are high-end statement pieces, the brand enforces very strict inspection rules and precise deadlines.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the House of CB return policy, including the tiered return window, the crucial security ribbon rule, shipping fee deductions, exchange steps, and how to return online or in-store orders. All information has been verified for 2026 to help you navigate your return smoothly.
Overview of the House of CB Return Policy
House of CB uses a two-tiered return timeline based on when your package arrives at their warehouse. If your return is delivered back within 14 days of delivery, you receive a refund to your original payment method. If your package arrives between days 15 and 28, you receive store credit. Returns sent after 28 days are not accepted.
Beyond the calendar limits, House of CB is known throughout the fashion industry for its strict garment inspection. Every returned item must be unworn, free of any makeup, fake tan, or fragrance marks, and must retain its large red or black security ribbon intact.
House of CB Return Policy Quick Facts
| Feature | Policy Terms (Verified 2026) |
|---|---|
| Full Refund Window | Within 14 calendar days from delivery |
| Store Credit Window | 15 to 28 calendar days from delivery |
| Absolute Cut-Off | Returns arriving after 28 days are rejected |
| Security Ribbon Requirement | Large red/black tag must be uncut and intact |
| Return Shipping Fee | Deducted from refund (~$10.99 USD / £4.50 GBP / €8.00 EUR) |
| Refund Method | Original payment (1–14 days) or Store Credit (15–28 days) |
| Exchanges | Free size and color exchanges available via the online portal |
| Inspection Checks | Manual checks for self-tan, foundation, deodorant, and perfume |
| Hygiene-Restricted Items | Lingerie, adhesive bras, earrings, and unsealed beauty items |
Return Window & Eligibility Requirements
Understanding the return window is the most important part of returning an item to House of CB. The brand calculates deadlines strictly from the date tracking confirms delivery to your door.
[Package Delivered to You]
│
├─── Days 1 to 14 ───► Full Refund to Original Payment Method
│
├─── Days 15 to 28 ───► Digital Store Credit (Valid for 12 Months)
│
└─── Day 29+ ───► Return Rejected (Package Sent Back at Customer Expense)
Standard Return Window
- Days 1 to 14 (Full Refund): If your parcel reaches the House of CB return depot within 14 days of your initial delivery, you qualify for a complete refund to your original payment method (minus the return label cost).
- Days 15 to 28 (Store Credit): If your return is scanned in at the warehouse between 15 and 28 days post-delivery, your refund method will be an electronic gift card sent via email.
- After 28 Days: The return period closes permanently. Items received past 28 days are rejected and mailed back to you at your expense.
Online vs. In-Store Return Windows
- Online Purchases: The timeline starts the exact day the courier delivers your package.
- Standalone Flagship Stores: If you bought your item at an official House of CB flagship boutique (such as in London or Los Angeles), you generally have a 14-day window for an in-store return to receive an exchange or store credit with your receipt.
- Department Store Concessions (Nordstrom & Selfridges): If you purchased House of CB items inside a third-party department store, you must follow that department store’s specific return rules. You cannot mail items bought at Nordstrom or Selfridges to the House of CB website warehouse, nor can you return direct website orders to a department store concession.
What Items Qualify for Returns
- Full-price ready-to-wear dresses, corsets, trousers, jumpsuits, and footwear.
- Standard sale items that are not explicitly marked as "Final Sale" at checkout.
- Swimwear that still has the clear protective hygiene liner firmly attached.
The "Golden Rule": Security Ribbon and Tag Conditions
House of CB attaches a large, highly visible security ribbon (usually bright red or black) printed with warnings such as "Do Not Remove."
To protect your refund:
- Never cut or remove the security ribbon. If this ribbon is cut, untied, pinned, or reattached in any way, the item becomes immediately non-refundable.
- Leave designer swing tags attached. All original brand labels, size tags, and barcode strings must remain attached to the garment.
- Try on garments carefully. Wear minimal or no makeup, avoid fresh self-tanner, and be careful with deodorant. The warehouse team manually inspects seams, collars, and underarms. Any trace of foundation, fake tan streak, or heavy perfume odor will cause your return to fail inspection.
- Include original accessories. Return the garment inside its original designer box, garment bag, dust cover, and hanger whenever applicable.
How to Return Items to House of CB
Returning items is straightforward if you follow the right steps. House of CB uses an automated digital system for returns.
[Start Online Portal] ──► [Select Items & Reason] ──► [Print Return Label] ──► [Courier Drop-Off]
Online Return Process
An online return must be started through the brand's dedicated digital portal:
- Visit the official House of CB Returns Portal on their website.
- Enter your Order Number (e.g.,
#CB123456) and your delivery ZIP/Postal Code or email address. - Select the items you want to send back.
- Choose whether you want a Refund (if within 14 days), Store Credit, or a Size Exchange.
- Select your reason for the return (e.g., fit, style, sizing).
- Confirm your submission to generate your prepaid shipping label and packing slip.
Mail-In Return Process
- Pack the items safely: Fold the garment neatly and wrap it in the original tissue paper or garment sleeve. Place it inside the original House of CB box or a sturdy mailing satchel.
- Include paperwork: Place your printed return packing slip inside the package with the clothes.
- Seal the package: Make sure the box is securely taped so it does not open during transit.
Return Label Instructions
- Download and print the prepaid courier label generated by the portal (such as DHL, UPS, USPS, or Royal Mail depending on your country).
- Attach the return label flat to the outside of the parcel, covering or removing any old shipping barcodes.
- Bring the package to the designated carrier drop-off location.
- Always ask for a physical drop-off receipt. Keep this receipt until your refund is fully cleared, as it acts as your proof of postage date.
In-Store Return Process
If you live near a standalone House of CB flagship boutique, you can visit the store in person:
- Bring the unworn garment with all designer tags and the security ribbon fully intact.
- Bring your physical store receipt or digital order invoice on your smartphone.
- The store associate will check the condition of the garment on site.
- In-store returns typically receive store credit or an immediate product exchange.
Refund Methods & Processing Time
Once your package arrives back at the regional distribution facility, it undergoes manual quality checks before any money is released.
- Warehouse Inspection Time: It takes approximately 5 to 10 business days for the return team to open the parcel, evaluate the garment, and approve the return.
- Banking Processing Time: Once approved, refunds sent to credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal typically take 3 to 5 business days to appear on your bank statement.
- Store Credit Issuance: If your return qualified for store credit, a digital voucher code will be emailed to you within 24 to 48 hours of inspection approval. These codes are valid for 12 months.
- Buy Now, Pay Later Services (Klarna / Afterpay): If you paid with a split-payment service, House of CB will adjust your balance or refund payments made directly through that provider platform.
Package Arrives at Warehouse ──► Inspection (5–10 Business Days) ──► Bank Posting (3–5 Business Days)
Why Refunds Get Denied
House of CB will reject a return if:
- The red security ribbon has been cut, altered, or re-tied.
- The item shows signs of makeup, fake tan streaks, deodorant marks, or body odor.
- The item smells strongly of perfume or laundry detergent.
- The package arrives after the 28-day window has expired.
- The clear hygiene strip is missing from swimwear.
If your return is rejected, customer service will notify you, and you will be charged a shipping fee to have the item mailed back to your address.
House of CB Exchange Policy
If you love your outfit but simply need a different size or color, using the brand's exchange policy is often faster and more cost-effective than requesting a refund and placing a separate order.
How to Complete a Size Exchange
- Open the online returns portal using your order details.
- Select the item you need to swap and choose Exchange.
- Choose your desired replacement size or alternate colorway from available live stock.
- Print your prepaid return label and mail back your original garment within the standard return window.
- Once carrier tracking shows your returned item is in transit, the fulfillment center prepares and ships your new replacement piece.
Note: Exchanges depend on stock availability. If your requested size sells out before your return is scanned, you will receive a refund or store credit according to standard timeline rules.
Items That Cannot Be Returned
To maintain strict health, safety, and hygiene standards, several product categories fall under the non-returnable items list:
- Lingerie & Undergarments: Shapewear, underwear, thongs, adhesive bras, and silicone nipple covers are strictly final sale.
- Compromised Swimwear: Bikinis and one-piece swimsuits returned without the original protective hygiene sticker or with a torn seal cannot be accepted.
- Pierced Jewelry: Earrings and body jewelry cannot be returned due to international hygiene regulations.
- Beauty & Fragrance: Perfumes, body mists, self-tanning drops, and cosmetics cannot be returned if the outer packaging or cellophane seal is broken.
- Items Without Security Ribbons: Any garment returned without the red security ribbon firmly attached.
- Clearance / Archive Final Sale: Garments purchased from specific outlet sales marked explicitly as "Final Sale" at checkout.
- Gift Cards: Digital e-gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash.
If you are comparing policies across popular dress brands, review our guides for the Oh Polly return policy, the Club L London return policy, and the Meshki return policy.
Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
While some brands offer free return labels, House of CB requires shoppers to cover return postage costs.
Return Shipping Deductions by Country
When you create a prepaid mailing label inside the official returns portal, the shipping cost is automatically deducted from your total refund:
| Country / Region | Approximate Return Fee | Return Method |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ~$10.99 USD | Prepaid portal label (DHL / USPS / UPS) |
| United Kingdom | ~£4.50 GBP | Prepaid portal label (Royal Mail / Evri) |
| European Union | ~€8.00 EUR | Prepaid portal label (Local postal partner) |
| Australia | ~$15.00 AUD | Prepaid portal label / Tracked courier |
| Rest of World | Customer pays carrier directly | Customer-arranged tracked courier |
- Original Delivery Charges: Outbound shipping fees paid when you first placed the order are non-refundable.
- Restocking Fees: House of CB does not charge a separate restocking fee as long as the garment passes inspection.
- Defective or Damaged Exceptions: If your dress arrives with a broken zipper, pulled thread, or fabric flaw, you do not have to pay return fees. You must contact support within 24 to 48 hours of package delivery and provide clear photographs of the damage before sending it back.
Holiday and Extended Return Policies
House of CB typically runs a seasonal holiday return policy for shoppers buying gifts during the winter holiday season.
- Eligibility Period: Orders placed between mid-November and December 24 generally qualify for extended terms.
- Extended Deadline: Eligible holiday purchases can be returned through mid-January.
- Refund Type: Holiday returns sent back in January are usually issued as digital store credit or product exchanges rather than refunds to the original payment method.
- Condition Rules Still Apply: Extended timelines do not waive garment condition standards. All security tags and hygienic liners must remain completely intact.
Customer Support & Contact Information
If you run into an issue with your return, need to report a damaged item, or have questions about tracking, customer support is available through several channels:
- Live Chat: Accessible 24/7 directly on the official House of CB website (look for the chat bubble icon in the lower corner of the Help Center).
- Online Contact Form: Submit an inquiry via the customer care contact portal on their website. Typical email response times range from 12 to 24 hours.
- Support Email: Reach customer service directly at [email protected].
Tips for Faster Customer Support
- Always provide your Order Number (e.g.,
#CB123456) in the subject line. - If you are reporting a damaged item, attach clear, well-lit photos showing the flaw, the overall dress, and the attached security ribbon.
- Have your return tracking number ready if your package was already dropped off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a House of CB dress if I cut off the red security ribbon?
No. Cutting, removing, or reattaching the security ribbon immediately voids your return eligibility. House of CB will reject the item and charge you a shipping fee to mail it back to you.
What is the return window for a full refund?
You have 14 calendar days from the date of package delivery for your return to reach the warehouse to receive a full refund to your original payment method. Returns arriving between days 15 and 28 receive store credit.
Are return shipping labels free for House of CB?
No. Return postage is not free. When using the House of CB online returns portal, the shipping fee (around $10.99 USD in the US or £4.50 GBP in the UK) is automatically deducted from your refund.
Can I return an online House of CB order to Nordstrom or Selfridges?
No. Website orders placed on houseofcb.com cannot be returned to third-party department store concessions like Nordstrom or Selfridges. They must be sent back using the online return portal.
How long does it take to get a refund from House of CB?
The total processing time is generally 8 to 15 business days. This includes 5 to 10 business days for warehouse inspection and 3 to 5 business days for your bank to post the funds.
What should I do if my garment arrives damaged?
Contact customer support within 24 to 48 hours of delivery. Send your order number and clear photos of the defect before mailing the package back so you are not charged return shipping fees.
Can I return House of CB items without a receipt?
For online orders, your order number and delivery email address act as your digital proof of purchase. House of CB cannot accept no-receipt returns for in-store purchases without a verified transaction record.
Can I return sale or clearance items?
Standard sale items are eligible for return within 14 days for a refund or within 28 days for store credit, as long as tags are intact. Items specifically designated as "Final Sale" or purchased during special archive clearance events cannot be returned.
Will House of CB accept a return with deodorant or perfume scents?
No. Every returned garment is manually inspected. Items containing deodorant smudges, foundation, self-tanner residue, or fragrance odors will fail inspection and be returned to the customer.
Does House of CB refund international customs duties and taxes?
No. House of CB does not refund import duties or government taxes paid during checkout or upon delivery. To recover these fees, you must file an import duty refund claim directly with your local customs authority.
Summary of Return Guidelines
To guarantee your return goes through smoothly, keep these key points in mind:
- Keep the security ribbon attached: Never cut the red or black ribbon while trying on the garment.
- Watch the calendar: Send your return back immediately to ensure it reaches the warehouse within the 14-day full refund window or the 28-day store credit window.
- Be careful with makeup and tanning lotion: Wear minimal cosmetics while trying on luxury fabrics to avoid stains.
- Always get a drop-off receipt: Retain proof of postage from the carrier until your money is back in your account.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by country or shopping location. Always confirm the latest return details on the official House of CB website before sending back items. Information verified for 2026.
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