Stores that charge a flat fee for mail returns
| Store | Mail return cost | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Nordstrom Rack | $9.95 per prepaid label, taken from your refund | Return online orders in a Rack store |
| Dillard's | $9.95 for the Dillard's label | Return free at any Dillard's store (not Clearance Centers) |
| Macy's | $9.99 plus tax taken from your refund | Free for Star Rewards members; store returns are always free |
| Gap and Old Navy | $6 for nonmembers | Free for Encore members; store returns are free |
| American Eagle and Aerie | $5 per return | Free for Real Rewards Level 3 and credit cardmembers; store returns are free |
| PetSmart | A return shipping fee is deducted (amount not stated) | Return online orders in store for free |
Stores where you pay the postage
- Kohl's: you pay postage for mail returns, and shipping charges are not refunded.
- Ulta: you pay return shipping, and mailed returns that arrive after 60 days are sent back.
- Bath & Body Works: you pay return shipping; there are no prepaid labels.
- Hobby Lobby: you pay return shipping on online orders.
- Barnes & Noble: mail returns are at your cost; the packing slip is not a prepaid label.
Stores with free mail returns
- Nordstrom: free by mail with a prepaid USPS or FedEx label.
- Sephora: free by mail with the prepaid label for Sephora.com orders.
- Apple: online returns include a free carrier pickup.
How to avoid return shipping fees
- Return in store. It is free at every store above that has physical locations. Check that the store accepts online orders in store first: Gap and Old Navy, for example, only take their own brand.
- Join the free loyalty program before you return. At Macy's, Gap, Old Navy and American Eagle, membership changes the mail return cost.
- Keep the order email. Most stores accept it as proof of purchase in store.
Policies checked against each store's own pages on October 13, 2026. See each store page for sources.
