Dick’s Sporting Goods Return Policy: Time to Cut Through the Crap
Having had three kids who’ve played different sports over the years, I’ve made many trips into my local Dick’s to buy cleats, baseball gloves, and basketball shoes to name a few. And guess what, I’ve also had to make many returns when the wrong size or item was purchased. So I’ve become quite accustomed to the Dick’s Sporting Goods return policy and the many “ins and outs” that come with it. So let’s break it all down so your next return is easy peasy.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Gives You 90 Days
Dick’s did have a 30-day return window, but extended it during COVID to give shoppers 60 more days to make returns and it has never gone back to 30 days.
The 90 days applies to both online and in-store purchases.
Dick’s will also take back clearance items within 90 days of purchase.
PRO TIP: HAVE LARGE FEET?
If you have large feet and find yourself having to order online because they never stock your size in-store, Dick’s is not a good option. This is especially true if you want to wear the shoes for a couple days to see if they’re comfortable. You’d be much better off ordering from Zappos or Amazon, who both have generous return polices when it comes to returning worn shoes. They’ll typically take them back no questions asked which makes for a much better shopping experience.
A Receipt Is Not Always Necessary
In many cases, you’re NOT out of luck if you lost your receipt.
For online purchases, you can use your email conformation as your receipt or you can VISIT HERE to start your online return.
For in-store purchases, call Dick’s at 1-877-846-9997 and they can locate your receipt for you by using your ScoreCard rewards account (if you have one), or in some cases they can use your credit card information to access your purchase history.
If all else fails, and your receipt can’t be located, you’ll be stuck with store credit for the lowest selling price of the item.
Be prepared to show a valid photo ID when making a “receipt-less” return.
See Also: 29 Clever Ways to Save on Sporting Goods at Dick’s
Sporting Equipment Can Be “Tested”
Dick’s realizes that in many cases athletes need to test out items before deciding if it’s right for them.
With this in mind, Dick’s will take back MOST sporting goods that have been tested out as long as they are in “clean and good condition”.
Some Things You Can’t Return to Dick’s
The following items can’t be returned:
– Ammunition
– Firearms
– Ammunition
– Hunting Bows
– Crossbows
– Black Powder
– Rifles/Muzzleloaders
– Gunpowder
– Primers
– Items Requiring Gasoline or Fuel
– Used Bikes
– Airbeds
– Custom and Special Order Items
– Autographed Collectibles & Memorabilia
– Topps Trading Cards
– Yeezy Shoes
– Gift Cards
See Also: Target Return Policy: Tips and Smart Hacks to Make It Work For You
Try To Bring Online Purchases To a Store
Just bring the item back to ANY Dick’s location with your invoice slip, or confirmation email, and get a full refund back to your original form of payment.
Can I Return Golf Clubs that I Played 18 Holes With?
I hit up a Dick’s live chat operator to ask this specific question, here’s what I was told…
Me: “Can I return golf clubs I played a round with that I don’t like?”
Chat Operator: “Yes, you can have this done. However, you may need to reach out to your local store to have this done.”
Me: “Why do I have to reach out to my local store?”
Chat Operator: “Due to this being used, the local store will need to examine this item as to if it’s acceptable to be returned.”
Me: “If they show some wear they reserve the right to refuse my return?”
Chat Operator: “They can. However, it’s most likely they would accept the return if it’s inside the 90 days return policy.”
Moral of the story: While your mileage may vary depending on the manager on-shift, just make sure you have your receipt and Dick’s should take your clubs back.
Can I Return a Pair of Running Shoes That I Tried?
Let’s face it, you’re only going to tell if you like a pair of running shoes after you take a jog in them.
But can you return them if they hurt your feet?
When researching this, I found that some runners had an issue with Dick’s when trying to make a return.
When I asked Dick’s directly, I was told, “In that case, it is at the manager’s discretion.”
PRO TIP: RETURNING USED/WORN SHOES
I hate this answer, but the correct answer is that your mileage will vary on this one. After talking to several Dick’s manager, it comes down to if they can resell the shoes. If the insoles do not look used, and they can clean the bottoms, they will take them back. Their “official” policy is that once they’ve been worn outside, they won’t take them back. But I was told they will work with you and they ask that you bring them back and let them take a look at them. This appears to be the only way to get a definitive answer on whether they’ll take the shoes back.
Curbside Returns Are Available
This started during COVID and is still an option at most Dick’s locations.
Once you get to the store, park in the curbside pickup spot and call the store and tell them you have arrived and give them your order number.
They’ll then come to you, take the item from your trunk, and send you an e-receipt as proof of your return.
It’s also worth noting that you can only make curbside returns for purchases made with a credit or debit card.
Original Packaging Missing?
Dick’s prefers that you have all originally packaging, but it does NOT appear to be a deal breaker.
See Also: Nike Return Policy: FINALLY Get ALL Your Questions Answered
Dick’s Will Pay Return Shipping Charges
Dick’s Sporting Goods will pay the shipping charges on almost all returns which is a nice feature.
But keep in mind that the original shipping charges will NOT be refunded.
What About Returning Something Bought With a Gift Card?
You’ll get a refund back to your gift card or eGift card.
If you don’t have your gift card anymore you’re asked to call Dick’s at 1-877-846-9997 or start a live chat session and they’ll send you a new gift card.
Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the return policy at Dick’s? Good, bad, or somewhere in-between?
By Kyle James
Photo credit to Mike Mozart.
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
Hi Kyle would you be able to reach out to me by call. I have an important question regarding about the return policy for DicksSportingGoods and in my situation it’s completely bizarre and I’m hoping you can help me out on it
Sure Bernard, email me at [email protected]
I just recently tried to return an item purchased a few days ago. My son purchased me a pair of tennis shoes in size 7.
I went back to exchange for an 8 and upon trying it on at home it was too big around the ankle.
We went back to return the shoes and was told that the store cannot do a refund in the original payment form but a gift card.
I asked why because i still had the original receipt to show thay the original payment was credit card. They said that that exchange receipt showed it was a gift card.
I said that i was not notified of this when i exchanged the item. At this time the store manager is involved and she said that due to a recent change in the system she cannot override and we would have to accept the refund in the form of a gift card. I said it was unacceptable as the original form of payment was a credit card transaction.
She called their customer service line and they backed her up. This is such a shady practice on Dick’s part. Customers should be notified at the time of the exchange if the exchange would result in gift card and not a full refund in the original payment form.
Very shady. Other stores i shopped at will notify me of this at the time of the exchange. Would not return but want to warn other shoppers of the shadiness.