Ross Return Policy Guide (2025) | Refunds & Exchanges Explained
Buying something that doesn’t quite fit or look right when you get home is a common shopping experience. If you need to bring something back to Ross Dress for Less, understanding the rules first can save you a wasted trip.
The Ross return policy is generally straightforward, but it has strict rules regarding receipts, tags, and time limits. Because Ross operates as a discount "off-price" retailer with rapidly changing inventory, their policies differ slightly from standard department stores.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Ross return window, eligibility requirements, how to handle returns without a receipt, and what items are non-returnable.
Note: This information is verified as of November 2025. Policies may vary by specific store location.
Ross Return Policy Overview
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Window | 30 days from purchase date for a full refund. |
| Eligible Items | Must be unworn, unused, and unaltered with original tags attached. |
| Return Methods | In-store return only. (No mail-in or online returns). |
| Refund Methods | Original payment method (with receipt) or store credit. |
| Receipt Rules | Required for full refund. No receipt = store credit only (requires ID). |
| Non-returnable Items | Used items, final sale, swimwear w/o liner, opened beauty products. |
| Fees | No restocking or shipping fees. |
Return Window & Eligibility
To get your money back without hassle, you need to follow the timeline and condition rules strictly.
The 30-Day Rule
You have a return window of 30 days from the date on your receipt to return items for a full refund. If you return an item after 30 days, you will likely be offered store credit instead of a refund to your card.
- With Receipt (0–30 Days): Full refund to original payment method.
- With Receipt (30+ Days): Store credit only.
- No Receipt: Store credit only (requires valid ID).
Item Condition Requirements
Ross is strict about the condition of returned goods. To be eligible for a return, your items must be:
- Unworn, unused, and unaltered.
- Have the original tags still attached.
- Swimwear must have the hygienic liner intact.
If you bring back clothes that smell like perfume, smoke, or laundry detergent, the store manager has the right to deny the return.
How to Return Items to Ross
Unlike many other retailers, Ross Dress for Less does not sell clothing online. This means there is no "online return" process. Every return must be handled physically at a store.
In-Store Returns
Returning items in-store is the only way to process a refund or exchange.
- Locate your receipt: This ensures you get a full refund rather than store credit.
- Check your items: Ensure all original tags are attached and the item is clean.
- Bring valid ID: If you have lost your receipt, you must present a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) to be entered into their refund verification system.
- Visit Customer Service: Go to the returns/customer service desk at any Ross location.
- Complete the Return: The associate will inspect the items and process your refund or issue a store credit card.
Tip: Lines at Ross can be long. Try visiting in the morning on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Online and Mail-In Returns
Since Ross does not offer online shopping for home delivery, there is no mail-in return option. You cannot print a return label or ship items back to a warehouse. All merchandise must be returned to a physical store location.
Refund Methods & Processing Time
The way you get your money back depends entirely on whether you have your receipt and when you make the return.
Refunds with Receipt
If you return eligible items within 30 days with a receipt:
- Credit/Debit Card: Refund goes back to the card used.
- Cash: Refund is given in cash.
Refunds without Receipt (or Gift Receipt)
If you do not have a receipt, or if you have a gift receipt:
- You will receive store credit in the form of a gift card.
- For returns without a receipt, the credit amount will be the item's current selling price. If the item has gone on clearance, you will receive the lower clearance price.
Processing Time
Because returns are done in-person:
- Store Credit/Cash: Immediate.
- Card Refunds: The transaction is processed immediately by the store, but it may take 3–5 business days for the funds to appear in your bank account, depending on your bank's policies.
Exchange Policy
Ross does not have a formal "exchange" system where you swap an item by mail. Because inventory changes daily and varies by store, they cannot guarantee a specific item will be in stock.
If you want to exchange an item (e.g., for a different size):
- Bring the original item to the store and return it for a refund or credit.
- Go to the sales floor and find the new item you want.
- Purchase the new item separately.
Non-returnable or Restricted Items
Not everything bought at Ross can be returned. To maintain hygiene and safety standards, the following are generally considered non-returnable items:
- Used or Worn Clothing: Any signs of wear, washing, or damage.
- Items without Tags: If the tag has been cut off or reattached loosely.
- Fine Jewelry: Worn jewelry often cannot be returned.
- Swimwear: If the hygienic sanitary liner is removed or missing.
- Intimates: Used undergarments are not returnable for hygiene reasons.
- Opened Beauty Products: Makeup, perfumes, and skincare that have been opened or tested.
- Perishable Goods: Food items or snacks found near the checkout.
- Final Sale Items: Any item marked specifically as "Final Sale" on the receipt or tag.
Fees, Deductions & Exceptions
Ross is generally fee-free regarding returns, which is a major benefit for shoppers.
- Restocking Fees: Ross does not charge restocking fees.
- Return Shipping Fees: N/A (Since you cannot mail items back).
- Deductions: The only "deduction" occurs if you return an item without a receipt. You will be refunded the current selling price, which may be lower than what you originally paid if the item has since been marked down.
Holiday & Extended Return Policies
During the holiday season (typically November and December), many retailers extend their return windows.
- Official Policy: Ross does not permanently publish a specific holiday extension on their website.
- Common Practice: Historically, items purchased in late November through December may have a slightly longer window (often until late January) for returns.
- Action Step: Always ask the cashier about the holiday return policy at the time of purchase or check the bottom of your holiday receipt for specific dates.
Customer Support & Contact Information
If you have a complicated return or a dispute regarding a refund, it is best to speak with a store manager directly.
- In-Store Support: Visit the Customer Service desk at your local store.
- Store Locator: Use the Ross website to find the phone number for your nearest location.
- Best Practice: If you lost your receipt, call the store ahead of time to confirm their specific ID requirements for no-receipt returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return items to Ross without a receipt?
Yes, but with limitations. Returns without a receipt require a valid government-issued photo ID. You will receive a refund in the form of store credit only, usually at the item's current selling price. Ross tracks these returns and may deny them if you do them too frequently.
How long do I have to return items to Ross?
The standard return window is 30 days for a full refund to your original payment method. After 30 days, you can usually still return the item, but you will receive store credit instead.
Can I return used items to Ross?
No. Items must be unworn, unused, and unwashed with the original tags attached. If an item appears worn or damaged, the return will be denied.
Does Ross do price adjustments?
Generally, no. Because Ross sells inventory at significantly discounted prices, they do not offer price adjustments if an item goes on sale after you buy it.
Can I return jewelry to Ross?
Yes, but specific rules may apply. High-value jewelry or watches often must be returned with all original packaging and tags. Some locations may require a manager's approval for expensive jewelry returns.
What if I lost the tags but have the receipt?
It is much harder to return an item without tags, even with a receipt. The store needs the tag to scan the item back into inventory. However, if the item is clearly unworn and you have the receipt, a manager might approve the return, but it is not guaranteed.
Can I return online orders?
No. Ross does not sell merchandise online, so there are no online orders to return. All purchases and returns happen in physical stores.
How long does a refund take to process?
If you receive cash or store credit, it is immediate. If the refund is applied to your credit or debit card, it typically takes 3–5 business days for your bank to post the funds to your account.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by location. Always confirm details on the official Ross website or with your local store. Information verified November 2025.
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