Shein Return, Exchange & Refund Policy Explained

Last Updated on May 17, 2022 by Laura Ritterman

Shein is one of the most famous online retailers catering predominantly to women across the world. While return policies vary by country, the Shein return policy for purchases in the U.S. is fairly straightforward. Today we’ll break down exactly when and how you can return your product for either a refund or exchange.

Online purchases can be hit or miss, especially when it comes to clothes. Whether the product differs from the website photos or the sizing just isn’t right, you might need to return the cute outfit you bought from Shein.

This guide breaks down how to get a refund/exchange at Shein and how long it takes. Plus, learn which products are non-returnable.

What is the Shein Return Policy?

Shein accepts returns by mail within 45 days of your purchase date. The first return on your order is free. The original shipping fee and insurance are non-refundable.

Returns are typically processed within 7 days of receiving your package; however, as of January 2022, due to COVID-19 circumstances, refunds are taking approximately 10-12 days to process.

Shein accepts returned items that are unworn, unwashed, undamaged, and have the original tags/packaging attached and hygiene sticker intact. Keep reading below to see which items are not accepted for return.

Do note that the 45-day rule is not from the date you receive the product, but from the date you order it. Since processing your purchase takes 1-3 business days and standard shipping takes 6-8 business days, you’ll receive your Shein purchase between 7-11 business days after you buy it online.

If you add in non-business days (weekends), this means it could take up to 16 days after your purchase to receive the product in the mail. Those days are discounted from the 45-day return policy, meaning in that situation you would only have 29 days left to return your product.

Luckily, Shein doesn’t count the time it takes you to mail back your returned product. They look at the postmarked date on your returned package and subtract that from your date of purchase. If it’s less than 45 days, your return will be processed smoothly.

Shein Return Policy
Return Period	45 Days from ordering
Return Method	Online or by mail
Exchange Period	45 Days
Exchange Method	Online or by mail
Refund Period	10-12 business days
Refund Method	Original Method of Payment

How to Return a Shein Product

To initiate your return, sign in to your Shein account. Click on “My Orders” and then the “Return Item” button next to the order you would like to return.

Select the items for return and your reason, then submit. You should then be able to print the return label off of the website. Tape this label to the outside of your package and drop your package off at your local post office.

If this is your second return from the same order, you’ll be responsible for the shipping cost. You can use a Shein-provided shipping label, which will deduct a $7.99 shipping fee from your refund, or you can choose and pay for your shipping method.

Shein Exchange Policy

If your item is too big or small, you may want to exchange it for a different size. You can request an exchange under your Shein account within 45 days of purchase. An exchange will be issued if your requested item is in stock. If not, you can request a refund.

Shein Refund Policy

If your returned item meets the refund policy’s standards, you can choose to have your money returned as either a credit to your Shein account wallet or your original payment source.

Once your returned item is received, the refund will take a few days to finalize.

• Shein wallet: within 24 hours
• Paypal: 1-5 business days
• Credit/debit card: 4-14 business days

How Strict Is the Shein Return Policy?

Returned products must be unworn, unwashed, undamaged, and have the original tags/packaging attached and hygiene sticker intact. Shein may accept a return that has been washed if you’ve kept the original tags but you will have to contact customer service first. Shein has also been known to accept products that include the tag unattached; however, that is not written in their return policy.

Shein does not accept the following returns:

• Bodysuits
• Lingerie
• Jewelry
• Beauty products
• Underwear
• Event/party supplies
• Pet supplies
• Accessories (except scarves, bags, and mermaid blankets)
• Cosmetics that have a broken hygiene seal
• Items with non-returnable marks
• Free gifts

FAQs

Does Shein Accept Returns After 30 Days?

Yes, Shein accepts returns up to 45 days after purchase. This includes processing and shipping time, so your returned item must be postmarked no later than 45 days from the day you paid for the item on the Shein site.

What Items Cannot Be Returned to Shein?

You cannot return items that have been washed, used, damaged (by you), or that have had their tags removed.

Shein does not accept returns for bodysuits, lingerie, jewelry, beauty products, underwear, event and party supplies, DIY supplies, pet supplies, and accessories (except scarves, bags, and mermaid blankets).

Does Shein Have Free Returns?

Yes, the first return on your order is free. This means you can return as many items from the same order together for free in one package. Refunds do not include the original shipping fee and insurance cost.

Who Pays the Return Shipping Charge?

Shein will pay for your first return on an order. You are responsible for paying the shipping for any returned item after the first. You can use Shein’s printable shipping label, which deducts $7.99 from your refund, or pay for your own shipping method.

How Long Do Shein Refunds Take?

Shein refunds take 7 days to process upon receiving your product. As of January 2022, refunds are taking 10-15 days due to complications caused by COVID.

Can I Return Items on Sale?

Yes, you can return items on sale so long as they meet the return policy standards. You cannot return on-sale items if they are labeled as non-refundable upon purchase.

Can I Return Shein Products After Use?

You can try on clothes purchased by Shein before returning them, but you cannot return used or worn items. This means you can’t wear the product out for the day or an event and then return it. Keep the tags and stickers on the product when trying it on.

Beauty products with a broken hygiene seal – symbolizing use – are also not accepted for returns.

See Also: Princess Polly Return Policy

Conclusion

Shein returns are simple and direct. You have 45 days from the time of purchase to postmark and mail your return. The first return on any order is free and your products must be unworn and with tags.

If you’re unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can get a refund or exchange so long as your item is not on the non-returnable list above.