DSW Return Policy: Everything You Should Know

If you’re shopping at DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse)—whether online or in‑store—it’s smart to know exactly how their return policy works. While DSW offers a reasonably generous window for returns, the real story lies in the details: the item condition, the membership level you’re at, how you purchased, how you return, and what exceptions apply. Let’s walk through all the important pieces so you can approach your purchase with peace of mind and avoid surprises.

✅ The Basic Return Time‐Frame

For most purchases at DSW, the standard return window is up to 90 days from the original purchase date (or in some cases from the shipping date) for items that meet the eligibility conditions. This applies to unworn, undamaged merchandise that has proof of purchase. Beyond that window, your options may change—store credit instead of refund, or a return may be at the discretion of the store.

Note: Some information also indicates a 60‑day or 90‑day window. The official DSW site mentions “most unworn, undamaged or defective merchandise for a refund or exchange within 60 days of purchase.” However, other credible overviews note 90 days. To be safe, treat 90 days as the standard unless you’re a specific member tier (see below).

📦 How to Return Your Item

Whether you bought online or in store, you have a couple of ways to make the return. The method you choose can affect timing, convenience and any potential fees.

In‑Store Return

If you purchased the item in one of DSW’s physical stores, you can bring the merchandise back to any DSW location (in the same country) with your original receipt or proof of purchase. The item must be in acceptable condition (unworn/undamaged) for refund to original payment or exchange (depending on timing). The store associates will assist you at the customer service or checkout desk.

Online Purchase Return (Mail Back or In‑Store Drop Off)

If you bought the item via DSW.com (or app), you can return by mail or sometimes drop off at a store (depending on policies). The typical steps:

Log into your DSW account (or use guest return option) and go to your order history.
Select the item(s) you wish to return and indicate reason.
DSW may provide a prepaid shipping label if eligible; otherwise you might be responsible for return shipping cost.
Pack the item securely (including original packaging, box, tags, etc.) and drop it off at the designated carrier or store.
Once DSW receives and inspects the item, they process your refund or issue store credit/exchange, depending on condition and timing.

Shipping time and how long refund shows up on your card can vary—expect several business days after the product is received back.

🛠 Conditions & Eligibility to Meet

Having a generous return window is great—though you’ll still want to make sure you meet the eligibility conditions below so your return is accepted without issue.

Item condition. The product must be unworn (or unused), undamaged, with original packaging intact (including box if applicable), tags still attached, and in resalable condition. Items showing heavy wear, outdoor use, missing parts, or major damage may be refused or accepted only for store credit.
Proof of purchase. Having your original sales receipt or packing slip/order confirmation helps a lot. If you don’t have it, returns may still be allowed—but often only as store credit at current selling price rather than full refund.
Return within the allowed time‑frame. If you return within the standard window (90 days or whatever applies for your situation) you’re eligible for full refund to original payment method (assuming condition met). If you’re beyond that window you may still return, but likely as store credit only, or subject to store discretion.
Final sale / non‑returnable items. Some items may be clearly marked “FINAL SALE” (especially clearance or deeply discounted items) and are not eligible for change‑of‑mind returns. Others—like certain personal care items or specialty products—may have stricter rules. Always check the label or ask at purchase.
Return method matches purchase region. Returns must follow the policy for the country of purchase. If you ordered from one country’s DSW site, you may not necessarily be able to return in another country’s store.

🎖 Membership & Extended Return Benefits

DSW has a tiered loyalty program (VIP Club, VIP Gold, VIP Elite) that grants additional return and shipping benefits for frequent shoppers. Here’s how the membership tiers affect returns:

For standard shoppers (non‑VIP or VIP Club), you follow the basic return window (about 90 days) and shipping fees for online returns may apply.
For VIP Gold members (achieved by spending a certain threshold), you may receive free return shipping for online orders, and extended time to return.
For VIP Elite members (highest tier), you may enjoy an extended return window—some sources indicate up to 365 days—and free shipping/return. These extra perks are part of the loyalty program.

In effect: if you’re a frequent DSW shopper and have reached VIP Elite, you treat the return policy with far more flexibility. But if you’re a typical customer without those perks, the standard windows and conditions apply firmly.

💳 How Refunds, Exchanges & Store Credit Work

Once your return is accepted, here’s what to expect in terms of what you’ll receive and how it works:

Refund to original payment method. If you return within the standard window, meet item‑condition and have proof of purchase, you’ll usually receive a refund to the original form of payment (credit card, debit card, etc.).
Store credit or merchandise credit. If you return after the standard window (but still within policy) or you lack receipt, or you bought a clearance/final sale item, you may only receive store credit (a gift card or account credit) rather than cash refund.
Return shipping cost. For online purchases returned by mail, unless you qualify for free return shipping (as a VIP Gold/Elite or using special label), you may be charged a return shipping fee (for example $8.50) which is deducted from your refund. If you go in‑store, shipping cost doesn’t apply.
Processing time. After DSW receives your return and completes processing, refunds can take several business days to appear back on your card (plus additional time depending on your bank). If you’re getting store credit, it may be issued more quickly.

📋 Common Scenarios & How They Work

It helps to see how the policy works in real life. Here are some typical situations:

Scenario A: You purchase a pair of boots in store on March 1. You decide on March 15 they don’t fit. You bring them back March 16, with your receipt, unworn, box intact. This is within 90 days—eligible for refund to your card.

Scenario B: You buy sneakers online on April 1, they arrive April 3. You try them on inside, find them uncomfortable, and initiate a mail return on April 20. You print the label, ship them back by April 25. DSW receives them April 28—still well within return window. Refund to card is processed after inspection.

Scenario C: You purchased sandals on May 1 but only decide to return them on August 15 (more than 90 days). Condition is good, receipt available. DSW may accept the return but issue store credit only rather than refund to card (or may limit based on membership).

Scenario D: You purchase a deeply discounted pair in “Final Sale” on June 1 and later decide you don’t want them. Because the item was marked Final Sale, you may not be eligible for a standard return for change‑of‑mind. Only defects or manufacturer faults might qualify.

🧠 Smart Tips for Smoother Returns

To make your return process as easy and stress‑free as possible, here are some practical tips:

Keep your tags and original box/packaging intact. Even if you try shoes at home, don’t wear them outside or scuff them. If you might return them, treat them as “like new” condition.
Try on indoors and test quickly. Once you’re sure you’ll keep an item, fine. But if you’re unsure, test it soon, while it’s fresh and unworn. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of wear or damage.
Keep your receipt or order confirmation email. Take a photo or scan it so you have proof. Without it you may only get store credit.
If you bought online, consider returning in store. If you have a nearby DSW store and the item is eligible, returning in store may avoid any shipping fee and may be processed faster.
Check your membership tier. If you’re a VIP Gold or Elite member, you may get perks like free return shipping or extended return window—take full advantage. If you’re not, act more quickly and expect standard terms.
Watch for “Final Sale” labels. These items typically cannot be returned for change of mind—so if you buy one, decide carefully.
If mailing back, keep tracking and proof of drop‑off. You are responsible for the item until DSW receives it; using a trackable carrier helps avoid disputes.

🔍 Why This Policy Matters for You

Having this knowledge allows you to shop more confidently at DSW. Here’s why it matters:

You’ll know how long you have to decide whether you’ll keep the item—up to 90 days for many purchases is more generous than many other retailers.
You’ll avoid surprises like expected refunds that turn into only store credit because you missed a condition or window.
You’ll make smarter decisions about buying clearance or final‑sale items, realizing those often cannot be returned for change of mind.
You’ll get maximum value from your membership tier if you’re a frequent shopper—taking advantage of extended windows or free returns.

🎯 Final Thoughts

In short: DSW offers a solid return policy—typically up to 90 days for returns if conditions are met—which gives you a comfortable window to decide whether your purchase works. Still, “comfortable” doesn’t mean unlimited. You’ll still need to watch the condition of the item, keep your receipt or order confirmation, act inside the time frame, and be aware of whether the item was marked “final sale.” If you’re a VIP Gold or Elite member, you may gain further flexibility (free return shipping, longer windows). If you follow the rules outlined above, your return experience at DSW should be smooth, straightforward and hassle‑free.

So go ahead, shop confidently—and if you decide something doesn’t work out, you now know exactly what to expect when returning at DSW.