Deal
Last year, I calculated that I spent $234 on return shipping fees alone. Two hundred and thirty-four dollars! That's basically a designer bag or three new pairs of quality jeans that I literally shipped away into nothing. It was one of those moments where you stare at your credit card statement and wonder where your life went wrong.
The reality is that online fashion shopping has a dirty little secret: return shipping fees are quietly eating away at our budgets. With return rates for online fashion purchases hovering around 30-40%, most of us are getting hit with these fees regularly. But here's the thing – I've spent the last year figuring out how to game this system, and I'm about to share every trick I've learned.
The Real Cost of Fashion Returns
Before we dive into the hacks, let's talk numbers. The average return shipping fee ranges from $5-15 per package, but I've seen some luxury retailers charge as much as $25. If you're like most online fashion shoppers and return 2-3 items per month, you're looking at $120-540 annually just in return shipping costs.
I tracked my own returns for six months before implementing these strategies:
- January: $28 in return shipping (4 items)
- February: $15 in return shipping (2 items)
- March: $42 in return shipping (6 items – it was a bad month)
- April: $21 in return shipping (3 items)
- May: $18 in return shipping (2 items)
- June: $35 in return shipping (5 items)
That's $159 in six months, which would put me at over $300 annually. Absolutely ridiculous for what amounts to trying on clothes at home instead of in a fitting room.
The Credit Card Return Protection Goldmine
This is hands-down my favorite discovery. Several premium credit cards offer return protection that covers return shipping costs, and most cardholders have no idea this benefit exists.
I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which reimburses up to $500 per item and $1,000 per year for return shipping when merchants won't accept returns. But here's the insider trick: even when merchants DO accept returns but charge shipping, you can often get reimbursed if you frame it correctly.
Other cards with similar benefits include:
- American Express Platinum (up to $300 per item)
- Citi Prestige (up to $500 per item)
- Capital One Venture X (up to $250 per item)
The key is reading the fine print and understanding exactly how to file claims. I've successfully gotten $180 back this way in the past four months alone.
The Strategic Batch Return Method
Instead of returning items as you decide you don't want them, I've learned to batch my returns strategically. Here's how it works:
I keep a designated "maybe return" area in my closet and collect items over 2-3 weeks before making any return decisions. This serves two purposes: first, it lets me really think about whether I want to keep something, and second, it allows me to optimize my return shipping.
Pro tip: Many retailers charge the same return shipping fee whether you're sending back one item or five items in the same package. Always check the return policy for "per package" vs "per item" fees before shipping.
Last month, I saved $25 by batching four Zara returns into one package instead of sending them separately. The return shipping was $7.95 total instead of $7.95 × 4 = $31.80.
Free Return Shipping Programs You Didn't Know About
I've discovered that many retailers offer free return shipping programs, but they don't advertise them prominently. You have to dig for this information, and sometimes you have to qualify for them.
Here are some hidden gems I've found:
- Nordstrom: Completely free returns, no minimum purchase
- Zappos: Free returns on everything, 365-day window
- Amazon: Free returns on many fashion items to Whole Foods or Amazon lockers
- Target: Free returns in-store, even for online purchases
- Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic: Free returns to any store in their family
But here's where it gets interesting – some retailers offer "stealth" free return programs for loyal customers. I discovered that ASOS offers free returns if you've made more than three purchases in the past year, but this isn't mentioned anywhere obvious on their site. I found out by chatting with customer service.
The Store Pickup Return Hack
This is probably the most underutilized strategy I've discovered. Many retailers that charge for return shipping will allow you to return online purchases to their physical stores for free, even if the store is operated by a partner or franchise.
For example, I bought a jacket from Macy's online for $89. The return shipping would have been $9.95. Instead, I returned it to a Macy's store in the mall while I was there anyway, saving the shipping fee. This works for:
- Department stores (Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's)
- Chain retailers (H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters)
- Athletic brands (Nike, Adidas, Lululemon)
- Target, Walmart, and other big box stores
The key is checking the return policy specifically for "in-store returns of online purchases." Sometimes this option is buried in the fine print, but it's often there.
The Email Customer Service Secret
Here's something that works way more often than it should: emailing customer service to ask for a return shipping waiver. I've had about a 60% success rate with this strategy, especially if I'm a repeat customer or if there was any issue with the original order.
My template email goes something like this:
"Hi! I'm a longtime customer and need to return [item]. I noticed there's a return shipping fee, and I was wondering if there's any way to waive it since I've been shopping with you for [timeframe] and plan to make another purchase soon. Thanks so much!"
I've gotten return shipping waived from Revolve ($12), ASOS ($8), and even smaller boutiques. The worst they can say is no, but surprisingly often, they say yes.
Social Media Return Shipping Complaints
This feels slightly manipulative, but it works: posting about return shipping fees on social media can sometimes get them waived. I tweeted about a $15 return shipping fee from a mid-tier retailer, and their social media team reached out within hours to make it right.
The key is being polite but disappointed rather than angry. Something like: "Love the style at [brand], but $15 return shipping makes me think twice about ordering online 😕" works better than an angry rant.
The Loyalty Program Loophole
Many retailers offer free return shipping as a perk for their loyalty program members, but they don't always make this clear upfront. I've signed up for loyalty programs specifically for this benefit and found it's worth it if you shop that brand more than twice per year.
Some standouts:
- Sephora Beauty Insider: Free return shipping for all members
- Ulta Rewards: Free return shipping on online orders
- DSW VIP: Free return shipping after first purchase
Even if you never use the other loyalty perks, the return shipping savings alone can make these programs worthwhile.
Return Shipping Insurance: When It's Worth It
Some retailers offer return shipping insurance for a small fee (usually $2-5) that covers return shipping costs if you end up returning the item. This sounds counterintuitive – paying to potentially pay less – but it can work out if you're unsure about sizing or if you're ordering multiple sizes with the intention of keeping only one.
I used this strategy when ordering a $200 dress in two sizes from a boutique that charged $18 for return shipping. The insurance was $4, which meant I saved $14 when I returned the size that didn't fit.
Your Action Plan for Zero Return Shipping Fees
Start by auditing your credit cards for return protection benefits, then identify the retailers you shop most frequently and research their return policies thoroughly. Sign up for loyalty programs that offer free return shipping, and always batch your returns when possible. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask customer service for fee waivers – the worst they can say is no, but you'll be surprised how often they say yes. These strategies have saved me over $200 this year alone, and they'll work for you too.
