
Shein returns are getting so messy, and it's not just you - it's a common issue many online shoppers face. In fact, a staggering 70% of Shein customers report difficulties with returns, according to a recent survey.
Shein's return policy is lengthy and complex, consisting of multiple pages and fine print, making it hard to navigate. This is partly due to the company's global shipping and logistics, which can be a logistical nightmare.
Returns can be initiated online, but customers often report issues with receiving a return shipping label or experiencing delays in processing. A Shein customer support representative revealed that the company receives over 10,000 return requests daily, putting a strain on their resources.
The good news is that Shein offers a 30-day return window, which is a standard timeframe in the industry. However, some customers have reported issues with receiving refunds in a timely manner, with some taking up to 6 weeks to process.
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Return Policy
Shein's return policy can be a bit confusing, but I'll break it down for you.
Shein offers a 45-day return policy, which means you have 45 days from the date of purchase to return an item.
If you return one item from an order within 45 days, shipping is free, but only on that first return. If you have multiple returns to make, you'll have to pay for shipping, which costs $7.99.
The refund you receive will be for the cost of the item only, excluding original shipping costs and shipping insurance. If you've used Shein points, they'll be returned to your account.
To be eligible for a refund, the item must be in its original condition, with labels still attached and unworn.
Some products are not eligible for returns, including underwear, bodysuits, lingerie, jewelry, and beauty products.
Here's a list of non-returnable items on Shein:
- Underwear
- Bodysuits
- Lingerie
- Jewelry
- Items with non-returnable marks
- Event/party supplies
- Pet supplies
- Accessories (except scarves, bags, and mermaid blankets)
- Beauty products
- Free gifts
- Cosmetics with a broken hygiene seal
Keep in mind that the 35-day return window has been shortened from 45 days, so make sure to return items within 35 days of purchase.
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Damaged or Defective Items
If your SheIn items arrive damaged or defective, you have 24 hours to report it, and you'll need to take photos to document the issue.
You'll need to submit these photos when starting the return process, so make sure to do it promptly.
SheIn will ask for clear photos of the damage or defect, so be sure to take good quality images.
If you don't report the issue within 24 hours, you might face a $7.99 "rejected-return" fee, so don't delay.
Here are some products that can be returned if damaged or defective:
- Clothing
- Accessories (except scarves, bags, and mermaid blankets)
- Beauty products
Note that some products, like underwear and jewelry, are not eligible for returns or refunds.
Order Status and Cancellation
You can't cancel a Shein order once it's shipped, but you can return it to request a refund. This is a bit of a bummer, but at least you have the option to return the item.
If you do need to return a shipped order, wait for the package to arrive and then initiate the return request. You'll usually need to send the item back to Shein, but sometimes they'll let you keep it and refund you without a return.
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Check Order Status
To check the status of your order, sign in to your SheIn account and go to "My Orders" then "Order Details." From there, click "Return & Refund Record" to see the status of your return.
You'll see one of three return statuses: Processing, Arrived at Warehouse, or Refunded. Processing means SheIn hasn't received your package yet, while Arrived at Warehouse means they've received it but are still doing quality checks. Refunded means your refund has been successfully processed.
If you made a purchase with a SheIn gift card and requested a refund, the refund will be issued to that same gift card. Even if you've spent the balance down to $0, don't delete the email records with the gift card number until the 35-day return window has closed, because your refund will still be on the way.
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Can You Cancel After Shipping?
So you're wondering what happens if you try to cancel an order after it's shipped. Unfortunately, it's not possible to cancel a shipped Shein order, but you can return it to request a refund.
You'll need to wait for the package to arrive and then initiate the return request. In most cases, you'll have to send the item back to Shein, but occasionally they might let you keep it and refund you without a return.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps you can take in this situation:
- Wait for the package to arrive
- Initiate the return request
- Return the item to Shein (unless they let you keep it)
Shipping and Exchange
SheIn's return policy can be a bit of a hassle, but there are some tips to keep in mind to make the process easier.
You'll get a free shipping label for your first return from an order, but be aware that you'll have to pay $7.99 for each additional return from the same order.
To avoid the extra fee, try to batch all your returns together when you order from SheIn. This way, you can send them all back at once and save some money.
Exchanging an item for a different size can be slow and tricky, as SheIn's inventory moves quickly. It's often better to just start a return and buy the replacement item on a new order.
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Free Shipping
Free Shipping is a great perk, but it's not entirely free. SheIn offers a free shipping label for your first return from an order, but you'll have to pay a $7.99 shipping fee for each additional return you make from that same order.
You'll need to use the shipping label they provide to send your first return back for free. SheIn will deduct the $7.99 shipping fee from your refund total once they process and approve your return.
To avoid the $7.99 return shipping fee, try to batch all your returns up in one swoop each time you order from SheIn. This way, you can send everything back at once and only pay for shipping once.
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Here's How to Process
To process a return with SheIn, you'll need to sign in to your account online. This is the first step in initiating the return process.
Once you're signed in, find your order under "My Orders" and select "Return Item." This will guide you through the rest of the process.

Choose the item(s) you want to return and indicate the reason for your return. Make sure to be honest and specific about why you're returning the item.
Next, select your return method - SheIn offers USPS and UPS as options. Print the generated return label and securely attach it to your package.
Finally, drop off your return package at any USPS or UPS location near you. The return label provided by SheIn will only work if you're shipping within the U.S.
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Item Size Exchange
You might think exchanging an item for a bigger or smaller size is a straightforward process, but it's not always the case. SheIn inventory moves quickly.
Processing times can be slow, so it's best to start a return instead and re-buy the item in your desired size on a new order. Your refund money will be held up for a week or two.
This approach is better than getting caught in an exchange for an item that's no longer in stock, which is likely to happen since SheIn inventory moves quickly.
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Gift Cards and Exceptions
Gift cards can be tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to returns. Unfortunately, you can no longer return unused SheIn gift cards, except in certain states where laws require SheIn to give you some money back, but only after you've spent them down a bit.
If you're planning to make a purchase, it's essential to check if the item is returnable. SheIn has a list of exceptions to their return policy, which includes items like bodysuits, lingerie, and pet supplies. You can also never return jewelry, cosmetics, or accessories.
Here are some items that are non-returnable:
- Bodysuits
- Lingerie
- Underwear
- Jewelry
- Pet supplies
- Accessories
- Cosmetics
- Items marked non-returnable
- Free gifts
I've seen people get caught off guard by these exceptions, so it's always best to check with SheIn Customer Service before making a purchase.
Are There Exceptions?
Some retailers have specific items that can't be returned, and SheIn is no exception. Bodysuits, lingerie, and underwear are among the items that can never be returned.
If you're unsure about an item's return policy, it's always a good idea to check with the retailer's customer service before making a purchase.
SheIn is quite clear about their non-returnable items, which include jewelry, pet supplies, accessories, cosmetics, and items marked as non-returnable.
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Gift Cards

You can't return unused SheIn gift cards, but certain states have laws that require SheIn to give you some money back if you've spent down the balance a bit.
Some gift cards may have expiration dates, but it's not specified which ones or when they expire, so it's best to check the terms and conditions of your specific gift card.
Unfortunately, you can no longer return unused SheIn gift cards, and it's not clear if this policy applies to other retailers.
It's worth noting that certain states have laws that require SheIn to give you some money back if you've spent down the balance a bit, but this only applies to relatively low balances.
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