Sports and outdoor gear are the kind of stuff people get excited about. Hiking boots, soccer cleats, yoga mats, camping stoves, it all signals movement, activity, ambition. But when it doesn’t fit right, work right, or hold up like it should, the excitement fades fast. That’s where your return policy comes in.
Whether your customer is a weekend trail runner, a kid’s soccer parent, or someone prepping for a three-day hike, they need to know that if the gear disappoints, they’re not stuck with it. Sometimes, customers simply change their minds about a purchase, and a clear return policy helps address these situations. And you, as a seller, need to protect your inventory, your margins, and your sanity.
Let’s talk about how to write a return policy that works for this unpredictable but super passionate category.
What Is a Sports & Outdoor Return Policy?
A sports and outdoor return policy outlines how your customers can send back apparel, equipment, accessories, or gear they purchased if something’s not right. Think of it as a game plan: it sets the rules for eligibility, condition, refund timing, and responsibility. It’s important for customers to understand the details of your policy, such as return timeframes, product restrictions, and exceptions, to ensure a smooth experience. And because many of these items get used quickly, sometimes right out of the box, your policy needs to account for both wear and tear and trial runs.
Before making a purchase, customers should review the return policy details to ensure they are aware of any specific requirements or restrictions.
This category can be tricky. Shoes hit the dirt fast. Tents get pitched before tags come off. And return requests don’t always wait for a clean outcome. Your job? Be clear about what’s acceptable, fair about what’s not, and transparent about every step in between. Make sure customers understand the return process to avoid confusion. Customers should choose the return method that best fits their needs to ensure a smooth process.
What Should Your Return Policy Include?
1. Return Window
Start with how long customers have to return something. The sweet spot for most sports and outdoor retailers is 30 to 60 days. Shorter if you’re worried about seasonal gear abuse. Longer if you want to show confidence in your product. It’s important to clearly state the return time period so customers know exactly how much time they have to make a return.
Example: “Items may be returned within 45 days of purchase if they are in new or gently used condition.”
If you allow light use and still take returns, say so. It builds trust and encourages people to try you risk-free.
Be sure to track the time since each purchase so customers can ensure they are still within the allowed return window.
Additionally, customers should be aware of any exceptions or special conditions that may apply to the return window.
2. Product Condition Guidelines
This is big. Are you accepting scuffed cleats? A tent that was set up once? What about a yoga mat that smells like lavender oil?
Be specific:
New and unused: always accepted.
Gently used: accepted within limits, if clean and functional.
Heavily used, damaged, or stained: not eligible.
For footwear and apparel, make note of items being returned in like-new condition with tags, unless you allow trials. Customers should ensure their items meet these condition guidelines before initiating a return.
3. Proof of Purchase
Standard stuff. Ask for an order confirmation, receipt, or account email—having the receipt found makes the process much smoother.
Many brands also allow gift returns, and having a gift receipt allows for straightforward returns and full store credit or exchanges.
For returns without proof of purchase valued over a certain amount (often $50), a valid ID may be required to process the return and issue store credit.
It’s important to keep your receipts, whether digital or physical, as having them on hand streamlines the return process and helps avoid issues with returns, exchanges, or warranty claims.
Digitizing your receipts or keeping them well organized can improve the efficiency and success of the return process.
4. Packaging and Components
Make it clear whether items must be returned in the original packaging. For high-ticket items, think bikes, GPS units, or hydration packs, mention any included manuals, cords, or accessory parts.
If you sell gear in sets, like hiking bundles or home gym kits, specify whether partial returns are accepted. In most cases, they’re not.
5. Return Shipping
This is a pain point, especially for heavier gear. Answer the important questions:
Who pays for return shipping?
Do you provide prepaid labels?
Are returns free only for damaged or defective items?
Many outdoor brands offer free returns for members or loyalty customers, while others pass the cost on for non-defective returns.
6. Refunds and Store Credit
Make your refund timeline clear. Most companies refund to the original payment method after receiving and inspecting the item. If no proof of purchase is provided, the refund may be based on the item's lowest selling price within a recent time frame, such as the last 60 or 90 days. Store credit is often an option, too, and a good one if you want to preserve revenue from returns initiated after the standard window.
Also, make a note of exceptions. For example: “Used gear may be returned for store credit only, unless the product is defective.”
7. Exclusions and Final Sale Items
Let’s be honest: there are some things nobody wants back. Swimsuits, opened energy supplements, climbing ropes, mouthguards, and ammunition all fall under hygiene, safety, or regulatory exclusions.
Also exclude:
Customized or engraved equipment
Clearance or final sale items
Ammunition
Items returned after excessive use
Always list exclusions in plain language, not legal jargon. Your customers will thank you.
Real-World Return Policy Examples
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods offers a well-rounded return policy that reflects both in-store and online dynamics. Dick’s return policy covers both in-store return and online purchase returns, giving customers options for returning items. Dick's makes receipt processing and customer service straightforward, allowing for digital receipt uploads and efficient support. Dick’s Sporting Goods is known for its comprehensive return policy, which includes clear guidelines for both online and in-store returns. Understanding Dick’s return policy is crucial for hassle-free returns, especially if you encounter issues like sizing, defects, or a change of mind. Customers can visit a store to return online purchases for added convenience. When returning items in store, be sure to bring your receipt and original packaging to help ensure a smooth process. You can receive refunds to your original payment method or store credit, depending on the circumstances. Dick’s Sporting Goods allows returning most purchases within the 90-day window, but some exceptions apply. Reviewing Dick’s return policy before making a purchase can help avoid surprises.
90-day return window
Items must be in new or unused condition, with tags and receipt
Opened products like electronics or firearms may have shorter windows
Return shipping is not free unless the item is defective
Exchange is available during the holiday return window or for gift returns, allowing you to swap for a different size, color, or model
To return items to Dick’s Sporting Goods, follow these steps: bring your item, receipt, and original packaging to the store; visit the customer service desk; and complete the return or exchange process. For online returns, initiate the return through your account and ship the item back as instructed. Be sure to follow each step to ensure a smooth experience. Additionally, some items may have special procedures or exceptions, so check the details before returning. Read the full return policy on Dick’s website for the most up-to-date information. If an error occurs during the online return process, contact customer support for assistance.
REI
REI is known for its co-op member benefits, and its return policy reflects that.
365-day return window for members
90 days for non-members
Used gear is accepted as long as it didn’t fail from excessive wear
Returns can be made online or in-store
REI’s policy is designed to promote trust, especially among outdoor enthusiasts who are testing gear in real-world conditions.
Backcountry
Backcountry has a tiered system:
New, unused gear: returnable within 30 days for a full refund
Used gear: returnable within 30 days for store credit
Free return shipping is only available on exchanges or damaged items
It’s a smart middle ground that encourages customers to try gear without making it too easy to abuse the system.
Tips for Building Customer Trust
Use the Word “Trial” When It Applies
If you’re selling gear that needs to be tested, say so. A “30-day trial” policy, even if only for store credit, builds goodwill and reduces decision fatigue.
Set Expectations on Wear
Make your policy friendly, but be honest. “Used but clean and functional” is a fair standard. Customers appreciate knowing where the line is.
Reward Loyalty With Flexibility
Offering free returns or longer windows for repeat buyers, subscribers, or members is a win-win. They feel valued. You reduce acquisition costs.
Show Off Your Support
Mention how easy it is to reach support. Offer live chat, fast response times, or self-serve return portals, along with a variety of customer support services available to assist with returns. Ease is more important than generosity in many cases.
For a more personalized experience, customers can also adjust their preferences or notification settings within the return portal.
Final Thoughts
A return policy in this category needs to work hard. It has to account for impulse buyers, hardcore athletes, gift givers, and people who just need a new water bottle for spin class. Most items are eligible for return under a well-structured policy, with certain exceptions, providing flexibility and convenience for customers.
The best sports and outdoor return policies are:
Clear but not cold
Structured but not inflexible
Friendly but not naive
Whether you’re a niche gear shop or a growing brand selling everything from fishing poles to foam rollers, your return policy isn’t just a safeguard; it’s part of your brand story. Make it count.
Want Your Return Policy Hosted on ShippinGenius?
The ShippinGenius ecommerce return template is a great starting point for organizing your return policy, but the top Shopify brands host their return policy pages on ShippinGenius for a reason:
Professionally formatted, SEO-optimized pages
Indexed by Google for discoverability
Trusted by shoppers and search engines alike
Want your return policy listed on ShippinGenius.com alongside top brands like Allbirds, Bombas, and Brooklinen? Request a Listing.
Please note that due to GDPR regulations, our website may be unavailable in your region. If the website is currently unavailable, it may be because of GDPR regulations our website must comply with, resulting in regional restrictions. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return outdoor gear after using it?
Sometimes, yes. Brands like REI and Backcountry allow lightly used returns, especially if the product didn’t meet expectations. But abuse it, and you’ll probably be denied. Always return items clean and in working condition.
Do I have to return all items in a bundle?
Generally, yes. Most retailers do not allow partial returns on sets or gear kits. If you bought a 5-piece camp kitchen bundle, they expect it back as a full unit, not just the frying pan.
Are swimsuits or base layers returnable?
Due to hygiene concerns, items like swimsuits, underlayers, and compression gear are often final sale if the hygiene seal is broken or the item has been worn. Check the product detail page for exceptions.
How long does it take to get my refund?
Most brands process refunds within 5 to 10 business days after the returned item is received and inspected. Some will send store credit faster, especially if it’s through an automated return portal.
What if my gear broke during the first use?
That usually qualifies as a defective product return, which is typically covered by the store's return policy or manufacturer warranty, and most brands will cover the cost of replacement or refund. Reach out with photos, order number, and a quick description of what happened.