Do you know what Free People return policy is? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.
Since its launch in Fall 2002, Free People has grown into a country-wide bohemian boutique famous for its cozy atmosphere and comfy but chic clothing.
Its expansion into virtual shopping has made it available worldwide. However, with expansion come complications, especially with returns.
In this article, we will break down what works and what doesn’t when it comes to Free People’s return policy.
5 Reasons Why Free People Return Policy Sucks
1. Only Specific Items Can Be Returned
Certain types of items or lines of items are not eligible for a return, regardless of circumstances or timing. Items from the Vintage Loves and Vintage Revival line cannot be returned to stores or to the warehouse.
Other vintage items or items bought from FP Mart can only be returned if specific sellers decide to make those items eligible. Otherwise, it is not possible.
E-gift and gift cards are not eligible for returns or exchanges at all. If you somehow managed to put the wrong amount of money on a gift card, you will likely have to go through a representative via email to resolve the issue, as you cannot simply request a refund.
2. In Store Returns Must Have The Receipt And Price Tags Attached
Any items that are returned in store must have the price tags still attached. You will also need the receipt.
If either is lost, then the items may no longer be accepted and refunded. Additionally, any returned items must be completely unused.
Beauty and Wellness products are only returnable at locations that also have Beauty and Wellness items. This means you will have to look up ahead of time whether or not the Free People boutique nearest you carry Beauty and Wellness products.
Otherwise, you may venture out to return these items only to be turned away.
3. The Return Policy Can Vary Depending On When And How You Purchased Items
Items bought in a Free People physical store have to be returned to a store and cannot be refunded online. FP Mart products can’t be returned in person at Free People physical stores or sent to Free People warehouses.
Additionally, FP Mart items may only be eligible for return if a prepaid return label is included with the packaged item.
Although items purchased online can be returned in stores, items bought in stores cannot be returned online. Products purchased at any independent boutiques or department stores have to be returned to the specific location it was purchased at.
Additionally, these boutiques and department stores may have their own return policies that may differ from Free People’s policy.
4. Many Items Are Only Returnable With Specific Conditions
While most clothes can be returned, swimwear and intimates can only be returned if they are unused and still have sanitary strips attached.
Even just removing the sanitary strips but never wearing these items could make it ineligible for a refund.
The same issue arises with returning any Beauty and Wellness products. Not only must they be unopened and unused, but they must also be in the original condition and packaging that you received them.
Certain items, such as oversized products or furniture, will require you to cover any shipping costs that may arise.
Even if you are able to get a full refund for these items, you will still find yourself spending some amount of money to ship the item back.
5. FP Mart Purchases Have A Separate Return Policy
As mentioned earlier, FP Mart items cannot be returned at any Free People physical stores. Additionally, they will not always be eligible for return. Only certain sellers and items will be refundable.
Despite being part of Free People, FP Mart operates under its own return policy, which can be confusing and frustrating if you try to return a FP Mart item at a Free People store.
Unlike Free People, FP Mart items are not currently eligible for exchanges. The system for contacting a seller or representative is also more of a hassle.
While Free People can be emailed or called, especially if there is a physical store near you, FP Mart customers will have to go through the messaging center.
5 Reasons Why Free People Return Policy Is Great
1. You Have 30 Days To Return Items For A Full Refund Or For Merchandise Credit
Free People’s time frame for returns with a full refund is quite generous. This will give you time to figure out if your items qualify for return and if so how and where to return them.
Items that are returned within 30 days will be fully refunded or fulfilled by merchandise credit.
This 30 day timeframe applies to all products, including Beauty and Wellness products, furniture, swimwear, and intimates.
The only exceptions to this are e-gift and gift cards and the Vintage Loves and Vintage Revival lines, which cannot be returned or exchanged.
2. Even After 30 Days, It Is Still Possible To Return Items For Credit
If you forget to return your items before the 30 days are up, it is still possible to return them. You may not get a full refund but you can get store credit instead.
FP Movement also fulfills this, despite their return policies being slightly different.
As long as clothing and Beauty and Wellness products follow the guidelines that make them eligible for a return, then you can still get store credit.
3. Large Items Like Furniture Are Eligible For Returns
Furniture and oversized products are still eligible for a refund for 30 days after delivery.
Unlike Beauty and Wellness products which have to be returned completely unopened and unused, furniture and oversized items will be accepted in like-new condition with the original packaging.
To start furniture or oversized item return, simply give Free People a call.
The one difference with furniture and oversized items is that after 30 days a return may not be guaranteed, even for store credit. At this point, replacements or refunds will only be allowed for items with manufacturing defects.
4. Gifts Can Be Refunded Or Exchanged
Free People has made it quite easy to return gifts. This process can be completed online via their website.
Simply fill out the Start a Return form and be sure to mark that the item in question was received as a gift. You can then select what email address to send the e-gift card to, which will be sent once the return is received.
Items that were purchased in store will need a gift receipt to be returned and have to be returned in a physical Free People store.
Gifts can then be either refunded for the price on the receipt, refunded as a merchandise credit, or exchanged for something else.
5. International Purchases Can Be Returned
The same parameters will apply to international returns. Items have to be unworn and unwashed to be eligible for return.
Any defective products can also be returned. International returns can be completed online, as currently there are no physical Free People stores located outside of the United States and Canada.
It is important to note that international returns can take up to a week and a half to be processed. This means you may not see a refund right away.
Additionally, duty must be prepaid for returned items and should be trackable and insured. COD returns are not accepted.
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FAQs
Are Free Movement and FP Mart party of Free People?
Although both Free Movement and FP Mart are part of Free People, their return policies are different from the basic return policy that Free People has. FP Mart in particular is noticeably different.
Can I return items using my own shipping method?
Yes, you can return items on your own with any trackable and insured shipping method. Duty must be prepaid for these returns.
Additionally, any returns made on your own will have a $5.95 fee deducted from the total refund amount.
Where can I Find the online return form?
On the footer of the Free People website is a link that says Start a Return. Once you click on that link, you will need to enter your order number and the billing zip code that was used to place the online order.
This is also the place where you can indicate that you are making a gift return by checking “this was a gift” on the form.
How can I contact Free People about returns?
You can call customer service at (800) 309-1500. This phone line is reachable 24 hours a day. You can also text this number as well.
The Free People website also has a chat option if you want to talk online with an associate. Lastly, you can send a DM to their Facebook or Twitter, @ FreePeople.
Conclusion
Although returns can become a complicated process depending on where and how you bought items, Free People’s return policy is decently fair.
It may take a careful reading of their website or contacting a representative, but overall they try to make different return options available as much as possible.