Dollar General Return Policy: Time to Muddle Through the Confusion

Updated October 6, 2022 by Kyle
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The return policy at Dollar General is REALLY confusing. Their website says one thing and their employees say something else. So after some digging, and a bunch of phone calls, I figured out what the real scoop is at DG. Hopefully this article will make your next Dollar General return a piece of cake. Here’s what you need to know…

Dollar General Return Policy: Time to Muddle Through the Confusion

 

How Many Return Days Does Dollar General Allow?

90 Days.

Dollar General gives shoppers 90 days to return items if they are not happy with it for any reason.

I called several Dollar General stores to verify this as I was VERY confused since the DG website says 30 days for “online returns” and I couldn’t find their “in-store policy” ANYWHERE.

Really confusing but I got to the bottom of it.

Several of the employees I talked to even said they take stuff back all the time that is over 90 days as long they can resell it. Good to know.

Do I Need My Receipt?

Yes, in order to get a full refund to your original form of payment you’ll want to hold on to that receipt.

See Also: The 22 Absolute Best Buys at Dollar General (Some Will Shock You)

What If I Lost My Receipt?

All hope is NOT lost.

You can still do an exchange for an item of equal or lesser value OR get store credit.

But you cannot get cash back without a receipt.

Any Exceptions to the 90 Days?

I called Dollar General to find out as I couldn’t find any information online.

Here are the return policy exceptions that I know about so far…

– Seasonal Merchandise – This stuff can only be exchanged for identical items. Think things like Christmas decor, Halloween stuff, and Easter goodies.

– Opened Electronics – Things like opened CDs, DVDs, and software can also only be exchanged for identical items.

Can I Return Opened Products?

While they recommend items come back in the original box “whenever possible” it doesn’t seem to be a deal breaker.

But items MUST be returned in good working condition along with all paperwork, accessories, and parts to get a full refund.

What About Returning Items Bought Online?

First of all, items bought on the Dollar General website CANNOT be returned in-store.

Likewise, items bought in-store CANNOT be returned online.

When making an online return locate your original packing slip as you’ll need it.

Specifically, the return form is located at the bottom of your packing slip and needs to be filled out and must accompany your return.

You’re on the hook for any return shipping charges unless the reason for the return is the fault of Dollar General.

If it is Dollar General’s fault, call them at 1-(877) 463-1553 and work it out with them directly.

Also, be aware that it could take up to 30 days of them receiving the product before you see a refund on your credit or debit card.

What About Returning Alcohol?

YES, you can return unopened alcoholic beverages to Dollar General, but ONLY to the location where they were purchased.

You must also have your receipt in-hand and you cannot do an exchange, only a refund.

What About Returning Cigarettes?

Dollar General does NOT accept returns on ANY tobacco products including cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

What Happens If I Try To Return Something Past 90 Days?

Your best bet is to make a “no-receipt” return and get store credit or an even exchange for your item.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the return policy at Dollar General?


By Kyle James

Photo credit to JJBers.

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Melissa

I am having an issue with DG. I am not one to complain, and I am always polite and patient. I’ve worked with public and understand how vile customers can be. Anytime something happens I usually chalk it up to a loss on my end, because my anxiety runs wild at the thought of trying to dispute an issue. I bought some items 2 days ago. I decided I did not have the extra money to spend. I went back the next day with my receipt and items I need to return which still have the stickers on them. I was told that the items went on clearance on the same day I was trying to return them. They said they could not give me a refund for what I had paid for the items. Basically they told me I can either take half of the money back or keep the items. I feel like that’s not right.my receipt has the price that I paid for the items on it.

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Sarah

I feel like that is theft on their end, essentially. I would call corporate.

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Kim

I am a store manager for DG and I can tell you that what they said was completely wrong. You had a receipt so they should have given you full price of what you paid. The person you spoke with most of either been still training and didn’t know or just overall misinformed next time something like that happens you should call Dollar General and have the district manager call you back he or she will fix the problem right away for you

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Joyce

Is there a lot of paperwork to complete when customers have returns? Just curious considering I’ve had a few different issues with my DG over trying to return things. First issue I had was an employee telling me that she was told by the manager to no longer accept ANY returns from ME period!? Note, I’d purchased the items within the previous 30 days & had my receipt and still was told no!?! No explanation, just no! I was so mad!! They’d just issued a full cash refund the previous week for a couple bday gifts my son received without having any receipts! I mean I was just going to exchange them for something else but the cashier asked if we wanted cash back so why not? Well I was not happy at all so I called the corporate office and she informed me that I could return something everyday if I wanted to, just as long as I had the original receipt! They also said I should’ve only received store credit for the amount of the exchange, which that I had already figured. Okay so since then I’ve had a few more returns without any kind of problem. Now I did always have my receipt’s for everything but I do know some of them were 30 days after the purchase date but it obviously didn’t matter since they issued a full refund every time on each return. Well now earlier tonight I tried returning something from April 15 but was told nothing past 30 days of purchase can be returned at all anymore!? Even with the original receipt!! Said they can’t even issue store credit!? What is the deal with this place!? Can someone please inform me whether or not that’s even true!? I’ve never heard of any refund policy like that anywhere else? I love DG products but I’ve almost had my fill of that place!! So aggravating!!

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Rita Mills

I understand the concept of what they are saying. I have had the same thing happen to me at other retail stores. Maybe they could offer you an exchange for merchandise for the amount that you spent? I know it stinks but there may not be anything you can do about it. You can try calling corporate but I would speak with the store manager first to see if they are willing to try to resolve the issue. Good luck.

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Unknown

Not true they must refund amount on dam reciepts. Always

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Tracy

I also tried returning Christmas lights that did not work. At first the manager tried telling me they only cost $6 and I bought two. My response was your right I did buy two, if you look at the receipt it clearly shows I bought two for $12 each. Her response umm no you paid $6 each, 6+6=12. I was like yep and 12+12=24, look to the right of the [email protected] and you will see I paid $24 for the two. I was told by the manager that I it is now on clearance and that is all she can return it for. This manager(Theresa) was very rude, when I told her that was not the policy when I worked for Dollar General she said the key word is worked. In the end I asked for corporates number and she told me she couldn’t give that out. So I stood right in the store and looked up the number and called. From what the gal I talked to there said I should have gotten refunded for the amount on the reciept

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Neisha

Do an update on returns for COVID. My husband recently bought the wrong $8 pillow and they refuse refund because of COVID. But I’m in Pa and here there are over 1m ppl with the vaccine and gov wolf still allows gatherings and open dining.. returning a pillow isn’t tht deep.. I’m upset because I have no use for this pillow and that $8 they refuse to give back just seems difficult and selfish on their end.. plus if it was a normal time they would’ve thrown away majority of the returns anyway!

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Rita Mills

I have learned it depends on the employee on duty when you try to return something. I have actually had to call corporate on two occasions because an employee in a store would not allow me to return an item. Because I refused to accept what I was told, I did end up getting my refunds. That being said, you shouldn’t have to fight in order to get a store to honor their policy.

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Kim

You are so right, at Dollar General we are all constantly told by corporate that customer service comes first and to do whatever you need to do to make the customer happy. There is no reason for anyone at Dollar General to argue with a customer when it comes to a refund unless it is alcohol or tobacco depending on state laws

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Unknown

Correct if they sale 8z they must absolutely return it with reciepts. For sure.

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Lesli Homrighausen

Everywhere I look,(including Dollar General’s website) says their return policy is not 90 days, but 30 days..although, I’m almost positive when I asked in person a while back, I was told 90 days. I guess , ‘Your mileage may vary.’.

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Unknown

90 days correct it tells that at the starting of this particular.. app

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Erica D Severin

I think as long as u have ur reciept t on the items I want to return it should be the customers decision on if they want it in a gift card cash or back on their card if I can’t return items I bought and I have my receipt and don’t have the option to get cash back if I choose then I probably won’t be a customer at DG any longer cause I have bought things then I no longer had the card for whatever reason and then I get stuck with a gift card when I needed my money back for a situation i was going through they are not about the customer

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Linda denmark

They tell me they can’t take anything back without a receipt. My grandson got something for his birthday and can’t use it. Someone else got it for him Dollar general is getting Where’s it is awful.

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Tammy

The website clearly says you CAN return without a receipt, but will get store credit. This is fine with me, however, I have been told by some stores that the new system will not let them do returns without a receipt anymore. I personally contacted corporate, but no one got back in touch.

I think something is wrong with the system, the screen (the one the customer can see), shows it is approved, then changes to “please wait, processing”, and then goes to “cannot process request” (all may not be exact wording), and then it just keeps looping between those 3 things.

And of course, the cashier can not return then. Another employee said the “store credit” cards do not work and they have to use an actual “gift card” instead.

All I know is corporate needs to fix whatever the issue is and be sure ALL stores and employees know what to do.

And clarify to customers, can you return without a receipt still with the new system? If not, I will quit shopping there, as I am bad with receipts and I know of no other store where you cannot return without a receipt.

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Tene cloud

I returned multiple items 3 different times and never RECIEVED any refund this was 3 weeks ago now are they going to give me back my money

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Jayo MF

Same here! Yesterday I returned some hair clippers that were already open. Should’ve paid more attention I know but it was one of them days….anyways when I check card online it says there was a $14 refund to my card but it never showed up in my account. I’m pretty pissed! I shop at DG every single day! I have honestly never had to return an item there before. But if something screwy went on with my little ass $14 and some change I bet you I’ll go get my $14 and some change worth of stuff. I’m in a bind right now and that $14 is my gas money to get to work. Now I’m about to walk to DG and whoever is in there this morning I’m sorry but…..you about to have a bad morning. I wouldn’t trip if it didn’t say it was refunded already ya know. Or if the damn money went were it was supposed to go. Somebody please give some insight on this BS before I do something stupid. Appreciate it thanks 🙏 o

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Lucreta Wilburn

I bought cough medicine and Advil because I had digital coupons. I went to a store I’m not fond of due to my sister sending for some items and that Dollar General is closest to her.

Anyway the items rang up more than label on shelf plus my digital coupons did not go through at the self check out I used. I attempted to return those items the next day and was told if you use self check out you have to return to store that also has self check out..OK.

While I waited for 20 minutes for the new key holder to attempt my refund she called for assistance regarding a food item I was also returning because it was labeled Buy 1 Get 1 50% off which is only reason for second box. I paid full price.

Anyway, she then tells me that medicine can NOT be returned…. I didn’t open box and I had receipt from day before. So I left with same items and No satisfaction at all.

I worked retail for many years and remember the number one rule is the customer is always right and I thought Dollar General’s motto was Customer Satisfaction ?!? I’m waiting to hear back regarding the no return of medicine as well as the price on shelf label is price customer pays. Perhaps things have changed that badly in last few years, I hope not.

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Jackie

If dollar general says that they can’t scan the receipt code, can they do a Manual return….they said they couldn’t.

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Betty

Thanks for the info. Tonight I took an item to return and the very rude girl said I only have 14 days to return anything. What a lie!! This was at the Pittsburg Tx store.

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Loki s

Item was a gift not sure if I can get store credit for a return

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Amy

So I have been told at 2 separate dollar generals now ( at different times ) that I had to take a return back to the store I purchased from they could only return items I bought at that store!! I even had a debit card with my name on it that was on the receipt to prove it was mine in case that was the issue I was still told. I’m sorry I can’t do it. You have to go back to that store!! Well here’s the issue with that. I do a lot of work out of town so sometimes I stop on my way here and or Weiland over somewhere working and buy stuff and they need to return it because I ever spent or there’s an issue with it and we’re not talking about another state. We’re just talking about a different county!! But I shop at dollar general daily sometimes multiple times in a day I dislike Walmart and avoid at all cost but I’m so ready to go back to Walmart because dollar general is getting just as bad with there wish washy ness on returns etc…. Can anyone tell me if they’ve had this experience I’ve been on hold with corporate for hours on end and got nobody yet!!

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Christy

Can something bought online be returned to the store. Say a case of glass vases. The color really can’t be determined until I see it. Our local store didn’t have the item for me to look at and check color.

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