Cabela’s Return Policy: Here’s How It Actually Works

January 12, 2023 by Kyle James
Updated: October 2, 2024

From hunting, fishing, camping gear, and more, Cabela’s is your place to get all kinds of outdoor gear. However, with virtually anything you buy either in-store or online these days, it’s always good to know the store’s return policy in case you second-guess your purchase. Fortunately, Cabela’s return policy offers a fairly long return window and standard return requirements, making it fairly simple for customers, but there are some nuisances to be aware of, especially when buying guns and firearms.

Cabela's Return Policy: Here's How It Actually Works

How Many Return Days are Allowed by Cabela’s?

60 days.

Cabela’s allows you up to 60 days after purchase to be able to return items with valid proof of purchase.

Does Cabela’s Require My Receipt to Make a Return?

Yes and no.

You do need a receipt/valid proof of purchase to guarantee the full refund of your order.

However, you can still potentially make a return in-store without a receipt, you just may not get the full amount you paid for the item.

Items returned without a receipt at Cabela’s will be processed at the lowest sale price of that given item.

Plus, you will only be able to exchange the item of the same product or receive in-store credit in the form of a gift card.

Cabela’s also has the right to not accept returns made without a receipt if they feel you’re abusing their return policy or if they think you’re trying to return stolen merchandise.

PRO TIP: RETURN STUFF TO BASS PRO SHOPS

Did you know that you can return Cabela’s items to Bass Pro Shops? You sure can. You can also return Bass Pro Shops purchases to your local Cabela’s which could be a handy “return hack” depending on where you live.

Can I Get Merchandise Credit if I Lose My Receipt?

Potentially.

If you lost your receipt, you can still try to return your order in-store to receive merchandise credit.

That being said, Cabela’s does have the right to decline your return request without valid proof of purchase.

See Also: Dick’s Sporting Goods Return Policy: Time to Understand How It Works

What I.D. Do I Need to Show if I Make a Return Without a Receipt?

A valid government photo ID.

You may be asked to show a valid government photo ID when making a return at Cabela’s without a receipt.

They will track your “receipt-less” return using your ID and reserve the right to decline your return if you try and to return to many items without proof of purchase.

PRO TIP: CABELA’S REFUND TAKING TOO LONG?

For whatever reason, it can take a long time for Cabela’s to give you your refund on online returns, like up to 3 months. This is NOT acceptable. If it takes longer than a month, you should call and require them to give you an immediate gift card in the amount of the refund if they can’t process it immediately. From experience you stand a good chance of them honoring this. As a last resort, call your credit card company and file a claim, this should light a fire under Cabela’s butt and force them to process your return quickly.

Can I Return Firearms to Cabela’s?

No.

All firearm sales are final at Cabela’s.

This includes black powder firearms, Primers, Reloading Lead, Brass or Bullets.

But…if they sell you a fully functioning gun, and you take it to the range, and it will not eject a shell or casing or will not perform basic functions, THEY TYPICALLY WILL exchange it.

According to this former Cabela’s employee, “If the guy on the floor won’t budge ask to talk to a manager, they’ll have to clear the return anyways.”

Make sure you fully test the firearm within 30 days of purchase as it will be MUCH more difficult to exchange the gun after 30 days.

If Cabela’s holds their ground and will not take back your firearm, have them service the gun and fix the problem at the VERY LEAST.

Can I Cancel My Firearm Order Before I Take Possession?

Yes.

If you chose “Site to Store” when buying your gun online, you can still cancel your order.

Just call the Cabela’s store where you were planning on picking up the gun and they’ll cancel your order.

The firearm has not been transferred to your possession and your order can be easily cancelled.

Be aware that you might be hit with a $25 cancellation fee.

What About Returning Ammo to Cabela’s?

Nope.

Ammo that you CANNOT return to Cabela’s includes shotgun shells, primers, reloading lead, brass, and bullets.

See Also: Costco Return Policy: 12 Things You Gotta Know

Any Other Items That Are NOT Returnable?

Yes.

Certain items are not returnable at Cabela’s and they include the following:

– Gasoline-powered items and drones that have been used.

– Custom order products (i.e. custom furniture).

– Any product that’s been altered.

– Bargain cave items.

– Tree Stands

– Mouth Calls

If by chance you receive a defective product, you can contact customer service and explain your situation to potentially get a refund and waive the shipping fees to ship back the product.

Can I Return an Online Purchase to a Cabela’s Store?

Yes.

You can return an online purchase to a Cabela store.

Be sure to bring your original receipt or order number along with a form of photo ID.

How Do I Make an Online Return?

If you are looking to make a Cabela’s online return, here are some simple steps to follow:

1. To print out a prepaid shipping label to make a return for Bass Pro Shop orders, click HERE. For Cabela’s orders, click HERE.

2. Fill out the form and print out your shipping label.

3. Place return items securely in a package and attach your shipping label.

4. Mail the package.

ONLINE PURCHASES USING PAYPAL

Beware using PayPal as your payment method when shopping the Cabela’s website. If you try and make a return, you’ll be stuck with either a Cabela’s gift card or an even exchange.

Who Pays the Return Shipping Fees?

If you received a defective product, the shipping fees can be waived (just be sure to contact customer service).

However, if you are simply returning an item for whatever reason, you (the customer) are responsible for paying the shipping fees.

While the shipping label is prepaid, the shipping fees will be deducted from the total amount you get back from making your return.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the return policy at Cabela’s? Am I missing any important points or tips? Let me know in the comments.


By Kyle James

Photo credit to: daveynin

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