At first glance the JCPenney return policy looks pretty awesome, but when you start to look a little closer you notice that there are MANY exceptions that shoppers need to be aware of. Not only will I break down these exceptions, but I’ll answer all your burning return policy questions and even give you an insider hack for those who lost their JCPenney receipt. I hope this information helps.

How Many Return Days Does JCPenney Offer?

60 days.

JCPenney use to offer NO time limit on returns but recently went to a still fairly generous 60 day policy.

What If I Don’t Have My Receipt?

If you lost your JCPenney receipt, you’re NOT out of luck.

You can still return items but will have to settle for the lowest advertised price in the past 45 days.

You can’t get a cash refund and will instead receive store credit to be used on a future JCP purchase.

Be prepared to show a valid I.D. as they’ll track your return history to avoid any misuse of their fairly generous return policy.

What If I Don’t Have the Original Packaging?

I called JCP and asked.

I used the example of a Keurig coffee maker that I had for a week, decided I didn’t like, BUT threw away the original box.

I was told “YES”, bring it back in and they would let me return it.

See Also: The Walmart Return Policy Finally Explained In a Way You Can Understand

Are There Any Exceptions to This?

Yes, there are quite a few items that have a time limit on returns.

Here are the most notable.

Levi’s – I tried exchanging a pair of Levi jeans, with my receipt, but the tags were removed, and I was stonewalled. No exchange for me. I was told that Levi’s cannot be exchanged or returned at JCP without their original tags still on them.

Fine Jewelry – 60 days with a receipt. Also worth noting that watches must be unworn.

Smart Watches/Fitness Trackers – 10 days with a receipt and they must be unworn and you must have a receipt.

Body Jewelry – All sales are final.

Special Occasion Dresses – No time limit but dresses must be unworn with green return tag still on them.

Furniture – You have 30 days to return furniture and you must report damage or defects within 48 hours of delivery. Call them at 1-800-442-7902 to start your return. Also note that you’ll be hit with a 15% restocking fee and $85 pick-up fee.

Electronics – You have 30 days to return electronics and you must report damage or defects within 48 hours of delivery.

Major Appliances – 48 hours from time of delivery and you MUST have your receipt.

Mattresses – They give you 120 days from date of delivery to return your mattress. You’ll be hit with a 15% restocking fee, but your pickup fill will be waived if you select a different mattress. If you don’t select a different mattress you’ll be hit with a 15% restocking fee and a $85 pickup fee. Do NOT bring your mattress back to the store, they will not accept it. Call them at 1-800-442-7902 to start your return.

Custom Blinds & Drapes – Order must be cancelled within 24 hours of initial purchase. There is NO refund available after that since the items are custom made. 

In-Home Window Treatments – You must request a refund within 3 days of original contract date. 

Home Services – Includes things like flooring and counter-tops. You have 3 business days from your order date to request a refund. 

Salon Items – 60 days and you must have a valid receipt. 

Sephora Products – 60 Days with a receipt, if beyond 60 days you’ll get store credit. If you don’t have your receipt they may be able to “look up” your purchase if you have a Beauty Insider account.

Optical – Custom made eyewear comes with a 24 hour return policy. You can also exchange eyewear within 60 days, if not satisfied, for glasses of equal or lesser value.

Portrait – 60 days with a valid receipt.

See Also: Victoria’s Secret Return Policy: Time To Make Some Sense Of It

Can Items Be Used or Worn?

The short answer is DEPENDS and often falls on the discretion of the store manager.

If items are gently worn, you stand a good chance of returning the items.

If you buy a blouse, spill wine on it, then try to return it you might have a hard time returning it unless there is something wrong with the blouse that is not your fault.

The same can be said for items missing their original tags and packaging…your mileage will vary.

Can I Return Items to ANY JCP Store?

Yes, you don’t have to return to the store where you made the original purchase.

You can return your items to any JCPenney store in the United States.

Are There Any Items That CAN’T Be Returned?

Yes, there is indeed some stuff you CAN’T return to JCPenney and here they are.

• Gift Cards
• Monogrammed Items
• Personalized Items
• Altered Items
• Body Jewelry
• Perishable Foods

Everything else JCP sells is returnable.

What About Returning a Gift?

You can return items with a gift receipt BUT you can’t get cash for them.

You will have to settle for store credit or an even exchange.

Also, you’ll get the price of the item that’s listed on the actual gift receipt.

If you don’t have the gift receipt you’ll get the lowest listed price within the past 45 days.

See Also: Macy’s Return Policy: All The Facts As We Know Them

Does JCPenney Have a Holiday Return Policy?

Yes.

For items bought after October 15th, you can return them with a normal receipt or gift receipt all the way until January 15th.

Can I Return a Swimsuit That’s Been Worn Once?

No, you can only return swimsuits if they are new with the tag still attached.

Can I Return Online Purchases In-Store?

Yes, absolutely.

When you buy anything from the JCPenney website, you can definitely return it to your local brick and mortar location.

This is obviously the quickest and easiest way to make a return.

When Making a Return via the Mail, Who Pays the Shipping?

Unfortunately, you will.

The biggest negative with their return policy is that you’ll be on the hook for the $8 return delivery fee.

If you don’t have a JCP in your area, and you need to return via UPS, you’ll need to use the “Return & Exchange” UPS form that came with your package to process your return.

The $8 is a flat fee and you can return as many items as you want in a single box and only pay the fee once.

JCPenney claims this fee is “significantly discounted” to make us somehow feel better about paying it, but I’ve  talked to many shoppers who tell me it’s made them VERY hesitant to shop their website.

Time will tell, but I think it’s a sign that JCPenney is struggling and may not be around much longer, despite their “Revival Plan”.

Hack Alert: Did You Lose Your JCP Receipt?

Ask an Associate to Look Up Your Purchase.

Apparently, according to the JCP Facebook page, you can ask an associate to use your credit card to look up your previous purchases.

I’m guessing your mileage may vary as some associates might not know how to do this…but it’s worth a shot.

If the associate looks at you kinda funny, ask if a manager can do it for you.

Ask the Reader: Have you made a return recently at JCPenney? Was it an easy process or a total pain in the butt? Let me know!

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.