Williams Sonoma Return Policy: Complete Guide for Kitchen & Home Shoppers

Williams Sonoma is a go-to place for cookware, small appliances, gourmet food, and beautiful pieces for the kitchen and home. But many of these items aren’t cheap, and some are large or fragile. Before you commit to a mixer, cookware set, or custom piece, it helps to understand how the Williams Sonoma return policy works.

This guide explains the current return rules in clear, simple language: how long you have, which items qualify, what’s final sale, how to return online and in-store purchases, and what to expect with refunds and fees.

Williams Sonoma Return Policy at a Glance

For most shoppers in the United States, the core Williams Sonoma policy looks like this:

Most eligible items: Returnable within 30 days of receiving your order.
Quick Ship upholstery: Returnable within about 7 days of delivery.
Refund type: Refund of the merchandise value (product price), not including delivery fees.
Proof of purchase required: Original receipt, order confirmation, packing slip, or gift receipt.
Condition: Items must be new, unused, and in saleable condition.

There are important exceptions, especially for personalized items, custom pieces, food, and final sale merchandise. We’ll walk through those next.

Return Timeframes by Category

Most Non-Furniture Items (Standard Purchases)

Most regular items fall into a simple rule: you have 30 days from receipt to return them, as long as they are unused and you have proof of purchase. This usually includes:

Cookware and bakeware
Kitchen tools and gadgets
Small appliances (mixers, blenders, toasters, etc.), if not used
Tabletop items: dinnerware, glassware, flatware
Linens, towels, and table linens
Home décor, candles, and accessories

If you simply change your mind, pick the wrong color, or decide something doesn’t work for your space, you can usually return it within that 30-day window under the standard policy.

Furniture and Quick Ship Upholstery

Furniture and upholstery follow tighter rules because of cost and shipping:

In-stock furniture: Often returnable within around 30 days of delivery in new condition.
Quick Ship upholstery: Typically must be returned within about 7 days of delivery.
Custom or “Made-to-Order” pieces: Usually non-returnable once production has started.

For furniture, Williams Sonoma may arrange pickup through a delivery partner. Return shipping or pickup fees can be deducted from your refund, and some regions or lines may charge a restocking fee for furniture returns.

Mattresses

Mattresses sold by Williams Sonoma and its sister brands come with stricter rules. While details can vary by model and region, a common pattern is:

Return allowed within a defined period.
Return shipping fee applies, often a set amount for mattress returns.

Always read the product description and terms for your specific mattress, because the return shipping fee can be significant and is usually non-refundable.

Gourmet Food & Perishable Items

Williams Sonoma is well-known for gourmet food, pantry items, and seasonal treats (think chocolates, sauces, gift baskets, and baking mixes). Because of health and safety rules, perishable food items are usually not returnable once shipped, except when they arrive damaged, spoiled, or incorrect.

If a food item arrives in poor condition, contact customer service right away. They may offer a replacement or credit rather than a standard return.

Holiday & Seasonal Merchandise

Holiday-themed products and end-of-season sale items may have stricter terms. Some are treated like regular merchandise with the 30-day return window, while others are marked as final sale. Final sale items cannot be returned unless they arrive damaged or defective.

When you see deep discounts, look closely for “final sale” language in the product listing or on your receipt.

Condition Requirements for Returns

To qualify for a refund, your item needs to be in a state that Williams Sonoma can reasonably resell. In general, that means:

The item is new, unused, and unwashed.
All parts and accessories are included (lids, attachments, cords, manuals, etc.).
Original packaging is included whenever possible, especially for appliances and fragile goods.
There are no signs of wear, stains, odors, or damage caused after delivery.

Small appliances are a key example: if you take a mixer out of the box, plug it in, and use it extensively, it may no longer qualify for a regular return unless there’s a clear defect. Always check the manual and look over the item before you decide whether to keep it.

Proof of Purchase: What Counts?

Williams Sonoma requires proof of purchase for returns and exchanges. Acceptable forms usually include:

Original in-store receipt
Online order confirmation (printed or on your phone)
Packing slip included with shipped orders
Gift receipt
Registry record, if it came from a wedding or gift registry

Without proof of purchase, the store may not be able to process your return or may only offer store credit at the current selling price, if anything at all. For high-value products like stand mixers or cookware sets, keep your receipt in a safe spot until you’re sure you’re keeping the item.

Items You Usually Cannot Return

Some categories are generally non-returnable, except in cases of damage, defect, or incorrect shipment. These often include:

Monogrammed or personalized items
Made-to-order or custom products (such as custom furniture, custom rugs, and fabric-by-the-yard)
Perishable or gourmet food once shipped, unless defective or spoiled
Final sale items clearly marked as such
Gift cards
Items damaged through normal wear and tear or misuse

If you are ordering something with monogramming, unique finishes, or custom measurements, assume it cannot be returned unless the item arrives with a clear manufacturing issue.

How to Return Williams Sonoma Purchases

1. Returning Items In Store

For many customers, returning to a physical Williams Sonoma store is the easiest route, especially for smaller items.

Bring the item, packaging, and proof of purchase.
Visit the customer service counter or checkout.
Staff will inspect the item and confirm it is within the allowed return window.
If approved, your refund is usually processed back to the original form of payment.

Online orders can often be returned in store, but not every item qualifies (for example, some oversized or special-order items). If in doubt, call ahead with your order number.

2. Returning by Mail (Online Orders)

If visiting a store isn’t practical, you can typically mail your return back:

Log into your Williams Sonoma account or look up your order online.
Start a return request and follow the steps to generate a return label, if available.
Repack the item securely with padding, including the packing slip or return form.
Drop the package at the designated carrier and keep the tracking number until your refund is processed.

When Williams Sonoma provides a prepaid label, the cost of return shipping is usually deducted from your refund unless the return is due to a mistake or damaged item.

3. Furniture & Large Item Returns

For furniture, large appliances, or bulky décor, shipping them back yourself is not realistic. In those cases:

Contact customer service to request a furniture or freight return.
They will schedule a pickup window with a delivery partner.
Make sure the item is in good condition, accessible, and properly protected for pickup.
A pickup fee or return freight charge is typically deducted from your refund for change-of-mind returns.

If the piece arrived damaged or the wrong item was delivered, let them know immediately and provide photos. Damaged deliveries are usually handled differently than standard returns, and in many cases the extra fees are waived.

Refunds: How They’re Issued

Once Williams Sonoma receives your return and inspects it, they process your refund:

Credit or debit card: Refund goes back to the same card, subject to your bank’s processing time.
Gift card purchases: Refund generally goes back as store credit or onto a gift card.
Gift receipt: Refund is typically issued as a merchandise credit rather than cash.
Cash purchases in-store: Larger refunds may be issued as a mailed payment instead of cash at the register, depending on local rules.

Processing times can vary, but it’s common for refunds to appear on your account several business days after Williams Sonoma has logged the return.

Shipping Fees, Restocking, and Price Adjustments

There are a few extra money-related details to keep in mind:

Original delivery fees are usually not refunded for simple change-of-mind returns.
Return shipping or pickup fees may be deducted from your refund on mail and freight returns.
Certain regions or product lines may charge a restocking fee on furniture returns; local policies apply.
Williams Sonoma may offer price adjustments within a short period (for example, if an item goes on sale shortly after you purchase it). This usually requires proof of purchase and must be requested within a set number of days.

Check your receipt or confirmation email for any note about price adjustments and deadlines, especially during major sale events.

Gift & Registry Returns

Williams Sonoma gifts, especially from wedding registries, are very common. If you are returning a gift:

Try to bring or provide the gift receipt or registry details.
Refunds for gifts are usually issued as merchandise credit (store credit), not cash.
The item must still fall within the general 30-day window and be in unused condition.

Registry items sometimes have extra flexibility, but final sale, personalized, or custom pieces remain non-returnable even if they were gifts.

International Differences (Canada, Australia & Others)

Williams Sonoma operates in multiple countries, and while the basic idea is similar—returns on eligible items for a refund of the merchandise value within a fixed window—specific terms can change by region.

Canada: Policies are close to U.S. rules, with similar 30-day windows and the same general exclusions for custom, monogrammed, and final sale items. Delivery fees are typically non-refundable.
Australia: Commonly offers 30 days for most items and about 7 days for furniture from delivery, with a restocking fee on furniture returns and delivery charges excluded from refunds.
Other global sites: Return eligibility and timeframes can vary, and some regions may restrict certain categories more tightly, especially bulky furniture or food products.

If you’re shopping through a local Williams Sonoma site outside the U.S., always read the “Returns” page for that country to confirm the exact rules.

Practical Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

Inspect items right away. Open boxes, check for damage, and test moving parts soon after delivery.
Keep packaging for a little while. Boxes, inserts, and manuals make returns and exchanges easier.
Save receipts and emails. Create a folder for big purchases and keep order confirmations handy.
Watch for “final sale” and “made-to-order” labels. Assume these items cannot be returned unless defective.
Measure carefully for furniture and large appliances. Make sure pieces will fit through doors, hallways, and into your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to return something to Williams Sonoma?

Most eligible items can be returned within 30 days of receiving your order. Many Quick Ship upholstery items have a shorter window, around 7 days from delivery. Custom, personalized, and final sale items are usually not returnable.

Can I return online orders to a Williams Sonoma store?

In many cases, yes. Most standard-size items purchased online can be returned to a store with proof of purchase. Oversized, freight, or special-order items may need to go back through arranged pickup instead.

Do I get my shipping costs back?

Usually, no. Standard delivery charges are not refunded on change-of-mind returns, and return shipping or pickup fees may also be deducted from your refund. If the item arrives damaged or incorrect, those fees are more likely to be covered by Williams Sonoma.

What if my item is damaged or defective?

Contact customer service as soon as you notice a problem and provide photos if possible. They will typically repair, replace, or refund defective or damaged items and may waive return shipping or pickup fees in those cases.

Can I return food items?

Perishable food is normally not returnable due to safety rules. However, if a food item arrives spoiled, melted, broken, or otherwise unusable, reach out to customer service promptly. They may offer a replacement or credit.

Summary

Williams Sonoma’s return policy is fairly simple once you know the key points: 30 days for most items, a shorter window for certain upholstery and furniture, and clear exceptions for custom, personalized, perishable, and final sale products. If you hang onto your receipts, inspect items quickly, and pay attention to those special labels, you can shop for cookware, appliances, and home goods with confidence—and handle returns smoothly if something doesn’t work out.