Adore Me Return Policy: What You Need to Know

Returning something you bought online can feel like a guessing game. You dig through the website, find the policy page, and then realize every retailer does things a little differently. The Adore Me Return Policy is one of those that looks simple on the surface but has a few twists that trip people up.

If you don’t know which member type you are or which box you’re returning from, you could miss the window or end up paying a fee you didn’t expect.

As of 2026, Adore Me operates two separate return tracks depending on whether you’re a VIP member or a guest shopper. The rules around deadlines, fees, and refund types shift depending on which path you’re on. This guide breaks down every decision point so you can figure out exactly what to do in your situation.

Quick Answer

Adore Me gives you 30 days from delivery to return items. VIP members get free returns. Guest shoppers pay a $6.95 fee.

VIP first-time buyers have a shorter 14-day window for their first box. Refunds go back to your original payment if you’re a guest. VIP members usually receive store credit.

Items must be unworn with tags and hygiene stickers intact.

VIP vs Guest: Which Set of Return Rules Applies to You?

The first thing you need to know is your membership status. Adore Me runs a subscription-based VIP program, but you can also shop as a one-time guest without signing up. The return rules are different for each.

How to check your status

Log into your Adore Me account. Look at your account settings or order history. If you see a VIP membership badge or a monthly credit amount, you’re a VIP member.

If you checked out without creating an account or selected guest checkout, you’re a guest shopper.

What changes based on status

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:

If you’re a VIP member, you get free return shipping on every return after the first box. That’s a solid perk if you order frequently. The trade-off is that your refund comes back as store credit rather than cash, unless you specifically request a refund to your card within certain conditions.

If you’re a guest shopper, you pay a flat $6.95 return fee. That gets taken out of your refund automatically. The upside is you get your money back to your original payment method without any store credit hassle.

What if you used a promo or free trial

Adore Me sometimes runs promotions where new customers get a discounted first box. Those items fall under the first-box rules even if you later become a VIP. The return window for that first order is only 14 days, not 30.

Missing that window means you’re stuck with the items.

Decision point: Check your order date and your member status before doing anything else. That single piece of information tells you which set of rules to follow.

The 30 Day Window vs the 14 Day Window (First Box Trap)

This is where most mistakes happen. Adore Me has two different return windows that apply to the same account depending on which order you’re returning.

Standard 30-day window

Every order you place after your first box gives you 30 days from the delivery date. That’s pretty generous compared to many online retailers. The clock starts ticking the day the package lands on your doorstep.

Not the day you ordered. Not the day it shipped. Delivery date.

First box 14-day window

Here’s the catch. Your very first order as a new VIP member has a shorter window: 14 days from delivery. Adore Me calls this the first box or introductory box.

The idea is that you’re trying the membership, and if it’s not for you, you need to act fast.

Why this trips people up: Many shoppers assume the 30-day rule applies to every purchase. They put the items aside, try them on later, and then realize they’re past the deadline. By then, the return window has closed, and the items become yours to keep.

How to find your delivery date

Check your shipping confirmation email or your order history on the Adore Me website. The tracking information shows the date the package was delivered. Count 14 days from that date if it’s your first box.

Count 30 days for everything else.

What if the 14th day falls on a weekend or holiday

Adore Me counts calendar days, not business days. If day 14 lands on a Sunday, you still have until the end of that day to request the return. We recommend not waiting until the last minute.

Submit the return request at least a day or two early to avoid any system delays.

Decision point: If you’re returning your first VIP box, you have exactly 14 days from delivery. Put a reminder in your phone the day the package arrives. If it’s any other order, you have the full 30 days.

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Return on Adore Me

Once you know your status and your window, the process itself is straightforward. Here’s the exact workflow from start to finish.

Step 1: Log into your account

Go to the Adore Me website and sign in. If you checked out as a guest, you’ll need to use the guest return portal. Look for the Returns link in the footer or under your account menu.

Step 2: Find the order with the items you want to return

In your order history, click on the specific order number. You’ll see each item listed. Select the ones you want to send back.

You can return some items and keep others in the same order.

Step 3: Choose your reason and resolution

A drop-down menu asks why you’re returning each item. Options usually include size issues, fit problems, not as expected, or defect. Pick the one that fits.

Then choose whether you want a refund or an exchange.

If you select a defect, Adore Me may ask for a photo. Keep your phone handy.

Step 4: Generate and print the return label

After you submit the request, Adore Me provides a prepaid return shipping label. VIP members get it free. Guest shoppers see the $6.95 fee added to their refund summary.

Print the label and the packing slip included in the email.

Step 5: Pack the items correctly

Place each item back in its original packaging if you have it. Make sure all tags are still attached. Bras should not be worn.

Panties must have the hygiene sticker intact. If that sticker is removed, the return can be denied.

Step 6: Drop off the package

Take the package to the carrier specified on the label. Usually it’s USPS or UPS. Get a receipt or tracking confirmation.

Keep that until the refund is processed.

What if you lost the return label

You can log back into your account and reprint the label. The return authorization number stays the same. You don’t need to submit a new request.

Return or Exchange: Which Path Gets You What You Want Faster

After you decide to send something back, you have two choices: a refund or an exchange. They follow different paths.

Refund path

A refund means you get your money back or store credit depending on your status. The process takes about 5 to 10 business days after the warehouse receives your return. Then another 2 to 5 business days for the refund to show up on your card.

Best for: When you don’t want the item at all. Maybe the fit is wrong and you don’t love the style. Or you ordered something that didn’t work for your needs.

Exchange path

An exchange lets you swap the item for a different size or color. You don’t need to place a new order. Adore Me ships the replacement after they receive your return and check it in.

That adds a few extra days to the timeline.

Best for: When you love the item but need a size up or down, or a different color. Exchanges are especially useful for bras, where sizing can vary between styles.

Which one is faster

A refund is faster. The exchange route adds the time for warehouse processing, then picking and shipping the replacement. If you’re in a hurry, get the refund and place a new order separately.

That way the new order ships immediately instead of waiting for your return to be processed.

Can you change your mind after submitting

Once you submit a return request, you can cancel it before the package ships. After that, you’re locked in. If you requested an exchange but later want a refund, contact customer service.

They may be able to switch it if the return hasn’t been processed yet.

Decision point: If you need the item quickly, choose refund and reorder. If you’re not in a rush and want to avoid paying again, choose exchange.

Refund to Card vs Store Credit: What Happens After You Return

Here’s where the path splits again. The type of refund you receive depends entirely on your membership status and sometimes the specific item you’re returning.

Guest shoppers get cash back

If you checked out as a guest or non-member, your refund goes back to the original payment method. That means your credit card or PayPal account gets the money. No store credit.

No gift card. Just cash back to where it came from.

Adore Me processes these refunds within 5 to 10 business days after the warehouse receives your return. Then your card issuer takes another 2 to 5 business days to post it. You’ll see the full purchase price minus the $6.95 return fee.

VIP members usually get store credit

This is the most common point of confusion for VIP members. When you return items as a VIP, Adore Me automatically issues store credit by default. That credit goes into your Adore Me account and can be used on future purchases.

The store credit typically expires 12 months from the date it’s issued. Check your account to see the exact expiration date. It shows up as a balance in your wallet or rewards section.

Can VIP members get a refund to their card

Yes, but there are conditions. If you return items within the 30 day window and you haven’t used your monthly credit for that period, you can request a refund to your original payment method. Contact customer service to make that request.

However, if you’ve already used your monthly VIP credit for that cycle, the return is processed as store credit only. Adore Me treats the credit as already spent, so they can’t refund cash for an item that was essentially free.

What about items bought with store credit

If you used store credit to purchase something, the refund goes back as store credit. That’s true regardless of your membership status. You can’t convert store credit into cash through a return.

How to check what you’ll receive

Before you submit the return, look at the refund summary in the return portal. It tells you whether the refund will go to your card or to store credit. If you’re a VIP and want cash, reach out to support before finalizing the return.

Decision point: Guest shoppers always get card refunds. VIP members get store credit unless they proactively request a card refund and meet the conditions. Know which outcome you want before you click submit.

Free Return vs $6.95 Fee: When You Pay and When You Don’t

Return shipping costs are another area where VIP and guest shoppers diverge. The difference is simple once you know your status.

VIP members return for free

Every return you initiate as a VIP member includes a free prepaid return label. There’s no deduction from your refund. No fee added to your account.

The label is generated automatically when you submit the return request.

After your first box, all subsequent returns are free. That first box return is also free if you’re within the 14 day window. So VIP members essentially never pay for return shipping.

Guest shoppers pay $6.95

If you’re a guest or non-member, a $6.95 return fee gets deducted from your refund. The fee covers the cost of the prepaid return label and handling. You don’t pay upfront.

It just shows up as a line item on your refund summary.

Adore Me’s website states this fee clearly during the return process. You’ll see the estimated refund amount with the fee already subtracted before you confirm the return.

Does the fee apply to exchanges

No. If you choose an exchange instead of a refund, the $6.95 fee is waived. That applies to both VIP and guest shoppers.

Exchanges involve sending a replacement item, so Adore Me absorbs the shipping cost on both sides.

What about defective or wrong items

If you received a defective product or the wrong item entirely, contact customer service before initiating the return. Adore Me typically covers return shipping for manufacturer defects and may waive the $6.95 fee for guest shoppers.

Keep photos of the defect and any packaging that shows the issue. Customer service will provide specific instructions. Don’t just use the standard return portal for defect claims.

Are there any other fees

No restocking fees. No hidden charges. The only cost you might see is the $6.95 return shipping fee for guest shoppers.

VIP members pay nothing.

Decision point: If you’re a guest and the $6.95 fee bothers you, consider exchanging instead of refunding. That saves you the fee entirely.

Items That Can’t Be Returned (Final Sale and Hygiene Rules)

Not everything you buy from Adore Me is eligible for return. Certain categories and conditions make items final sale or non-returnable.

Final sale and clearance items

Any item marked as Final Sale or purchased from the clearance section cannot be returned or exchanged. The product page will clearly label these items. The shopping cart also shows a warning before you complete the purchase.

Adore Me uses final sale pricing to clear out seasonal inventory or limited stock. The trade-off is a lower price with zero return options. Read the product description carefully before buying.

Panties with removed hygiene stickers

This is the most common reason for return rejection. Adore Me ships bras and panties with hygiene stickers or seals. If you remove that sticker, the item is considered used and cannot be returned.

The rule applies even if you only tried the item on over your own underwear. Once the sticker is gone, so is your chance for a refund. Leave the sticker in place until you’re sure you want to keep the item.

Worn or washed items

Adore Me requires all returned items to be unworn and unwashed. Bras that show signs of wear, such as stretched elastic, deodorant marks, or fabric pilling, will be rejected. Same goes for swimwear, sleepwear, and loungewear.

If the warehouse team finds evidence of wear, they will deny the return and send the item back to you. You lose both the item and any refund.

Items from the first VIP box after 14 days

This isn’t a product category, but a timing restriction. If you miss the 14 day window for your first VIP box, those items become yours permanently. They cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstances.

Gift cards

Gift cards purchased from Adore Me are non-returnable and non-refundable. Once you buy one, the value is yours to use. You cannot cash it out or return it for a refund.

What if I received a damaged item

Damaged items are returnable, but you need to follow the defect process. Contact customer service immediately. Do not wear or wash the item.

Take photos of the damage and any packaging. Adore Me will provide a prepaid return label and issue a full refund or replacement.

Decision point: Before you buy, check whether the item is labeled Final Sale. After you receive it, keep all tags and hygiene stickers intact until you’re sure. Those two habits prevent most return problems.

Common Return Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

We’ve seen the same issues come up again and again in customer feedback and forum discussions. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Missing the return window

This is mistake number one. You have 30 days from delivery for most orders, but only 14 days for your first VIP box. People assume all orders have the same deadline.

They don’t.

Set a calendar reminder the day your package arrives. Count 14 days for the first box. Count 30 for everything else.

Submit the return request before the last day. Don’t wait until midnight on the deadline.

Removing hygiene stickers

The little round sticker on panties is not just decoration. It’s a hygiene seal. Once removed, the item cannot be returned.

Adore Me’s policy is strict on this for obvious sanitary reasons.

Try on panties over your own underwear if you need to check size. Leave the sticker in place. If the sticker falls off accidentally, contact customer service and explain the situation.

They may make an exception, but don’t count on it.

Returning items without tags

All items must have original tags attached. Bras, swimwear, and sleepwear all come with hang tags. If you cut them off, the return is invalid.

Keep tags on until you decide to keep the item.

Including items from different orders in one package

Each return request generates a specific return authorization number. That number is tied to a specific order. If you pack items from two different orders in one box, the warehouse may reject the entire return or only process one order’s items.

Always return items from separate orders in separate packages with separate labels. It’s more work, but it prevents delays and confusion.

Assuming shipping costs are refunded

Your original shipping charge is not refundable. Even if you return everything in the order, you don’t get the shipping fee back. That’s standard practice across most online retailers, but it catches people off guard.

The only exception is if the item arrived damaged or was the wrong product. In those cases, Adore Me may refund the original shipping cost as a courtesy.

Using the wrong carrier

Your return label specifies which carrier to use. Usually it’s USPS or UPS. If you drop the package at the wrong carrier, it may not get scanned into the system.

That delays processing and could lead to your return being lost.

Always check the label. Drop at the correct carrier. Get a receipt with a tracking number.

Forgetting the packing slip

The return email includes a packing slip that lists the items you’re returning. Include it inside the box. Without it, the warehouse has to guess which items belong to which return.

That slows down processing.

If you lose the packing slip, you can reprint it from your account. Don’t skip this step.

Decision point: Review this list before you pack your return. Check off each item as you go. One missed step can cost you the entire refund.

Refund Timeline: How Long Before You See the Money

Once your package is in the mail, the waiting game begins. Here’s what to expect at each stage.

Stage 1: Transit to warehouse

Your package takes 2 to 5 days to reach Adore Me’s warehouse, depending on your location and the carrier. The tracking number on your return label shows you exactly where it is. Keep an eye on it.

Stage 2: Warehouse processing

After the package arrives, Adore Me’s team inspects the items. This takes up to 10 business days. They check for tags, hygiene stickers, signs of wear, and item condition.

If everything passes, the refund is initiated.

If the warehouse rejects an item, you get a notification explaining why. The rejected item may be returned to you or disposed of depending on the reason.

Stage 3: Refund issuance

Once the inspection is complete, Adore Me issues the refund. For guest shoppers, that means submitting the refund to your payment processor. For VIP members, it means adding store credit to your account.

Stage 4: Payment processing

Your bank or credit card company takes additional time to post the refund. Debit cards typically process faster than credit cards. PayPal refunds can show up within hours.

Here’s a typical timeline:

Total expected time

Most refunds complete within 10 to 15 business days from the day you dropped off the package. That’s about two to three weeks. Store credit for VIP members shows up faster because there’s no bank processing step.

What if it takes longer

If more than 15 business days pass and you haven’t seen the refund, start with tracking. Make sure the package was delivered. Then check your Adore Me account for any notifications about issues with the return.

If everything looks clean, contact customer service. Have your order number, return authorization number, and tracking number ready. They can see exactly where the process stalled.

Can you speed it up

Not really. The warehouse inspection is the slowest step and there’s no way to skip it. You can help by making sure your return is packed correctly with all tags and stickers intact.

A clean return passes inspection faster. A problematic one gets flagged and might take longer.

Decision point: If you need the money back quickly, drop the package at the carrier as soon as you get the label. Every day you delay adds a day to the timeline. Also, if you’re a guest, factor the $6.95 fee into your expected refund amount.

Customer Support Information

If you run into issues, Adore Me offers several ways to get help.

Contact methods

Email: You can reach Adore Me’s customer service team through the contact form on their website. Response times vary, but most inquiries get a reply within 24 to 48 hours.

Live chat: The website offers a live chat feature during business hours. This is the fastest way to get a quick answer. Look for the chat icon in the bottom corner of the page.

Phone: Adore Me does not prominently list a phone number for customer service. Most communication happens through email or chat.

What to have ready

Before you contact support, gather these details:

• Your order number
• Your return authorization number (if you already started a return)
• The tracking number for your return package
• A description of the issue

Having this information ready speeds up the process significantly.

When to contact support

Contact customer service in these situations:

• You received a damaged or wrong item
• Your return was rejected and you believe it was an error
• You want to request a card refund as a VIP member
• Your refund is taking longer than 15 business days
• You need help with a gift return

About This Guide

ReturnPolicys.com independently researches publicly available policy information to help consumers understand return, refund, and exchange processes. We are not affiliated with Adore Me or any of the companies mentioned unless clearly stated. Store policies may change over time.

We recommend verifying the current policy on the official Adore Me website before initiating a return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return Adore Me items after the return window

No. Once the 30 day window or 14 day window for your first VIP box passes, returns are no longer accepted. The system blocks late requests.

Contact customer service if you have an extreme circumstance, but don’t expect an exception.

How long does Adore Me take to refund

Most refunds complete within 10 to 15 business days from the day you drop off the package. That includes transit time, warehouse inspection, and bank processing. Store credit for VIP members shows up faster, often within a few days of the warehouse receiving your return.

Can I return opened products

Yes, as long as the product is unworn and has all tags and hygiene stickers attached. Opening the package to try on the item is fine. Wearing it or removing stickers is not.

Bras can be tried on over a shirt. Panties should stay sealed.

Can online orders be returned in stores

No. Adore Me is an online only retailer. There are no physical store locations where you can drop off returns.

All returns must be shipped back using the prepaid label provided in your return request.

Does Adore Me offer free returns

VIP members get free returns on all orders after their first box. Guest shoppers pay a $6.95 return fee deducted from their refund. If you choose an exchange instead of a refund, that fee is waived regardless of your membership status.

Can I exchange instead of refund

Yes. Adore Me supports exchanges for size or color on eligible items. You select the exchange option during the return process.

The replacement ships after the warehouse receives and inspects your return. Exchanges take longer than refunds but avoid the $6.95 fee.

What happens if my return is rejected

Adore Me sends you a notification explaining why. Common reasons include missing tags, removed hygiene stickers, or signs of wear. Rejected items may be returned to you at your expense or disposed of.

Contact customer service if you believe the rejection was an error.

Can I return a gift I received from Adore Me

Yes, but the process depends on who placed the order. If the giver bought it from your registry or with your account, you can return it yourself. If they checked out as a guest, you’ll need their order number or you can contact customer service for help.

Does Adore Me refund original shipping costs

No. Original shipping charges are non refundable. That applies even if you return every item in the order.

The only exception is if the item arrived damaged or the wrong product was sent. In those cases, reach out to customer service.

Can I cancel a return request after submitting it

Yes, as long as the package hasn’t shipped yet. Go to your account, find the return, and cancel it. Once the package is in transit, you cannot stop it.

You’ll have to wait for it to be processed and then contact support if you want to change the resolution.

Final Decision Guide: Choose Your Best Return Path

You now have all the pieces. Let’s put them together into a simple decision guide based on your specific situation.

Scenario 1: You are a VIP member returning your first box

Check the delivery date. You have exactly 14 days from that date. If you’re inside the window, start the return.

You get free shipping. Your refund comes as store credit unless you request a card refund before using your monthly credit. Choose a refund if you don’t plan to buy more.

Choose an exchange if you want a different size.

If you’re past 14 days: You cannot return these items. They are yours permanently.

Scenario 2: You are a VIP member returning a subsequent box

You have the full 30 days. Returns are free. You will receive store credit by default.

If you want a card refund, contact support before submitting the return and confirm you haven’t used your monthly credit. Exchanges are also free and avoid the credit issue entirely.

Scenario 3: You are a guest shopper returning an order

You have 30 days. You pay a $6.95 fee deducted from your refund. Your refund goes back to your original payment method.

If you want to avoid the fee, choose an exchange instead. Make sure all tags and hygiene stickers are intact.

Scenario 4: You received a damaged or wrong item

Do not use the standard return portal. Contact customer service directly. Take photos of the damage or the incorrect item.

They will provide a prepaid return label and arrange a full refund or replacement. Original shipping may also be refunded.

Scenario 5: You want to exchange an item

Select the exchange option during the return process. Pick the size or color you want. The replacement ships after your return is inspected.

This takes longer than a refund, but it’s free for everyone. If you’re in a hurry, get a refund and place a new order separately.

Quick reference table

One last reminder. Store policies can change. Adore Me updates its terms periodically.

Before you pack up your return, visit the official Adore Me website and review the current return policy page. Our research is accurate as of 2026, but confirm the details for your specific order. A quick check saves you from surprises.