Shopping at Five Below is a great way to find trendy and affordable products, from electronics and home décor to toys, beauty products, and more. However, there may be times when a purchase doesn’t meet your expectations or is defective, making it necessary to return the item. Understanding Five Below’s return policy in 2025 is essential for a smooth experience when requesting a refund or exchange. Whether you are returning an item bought in-store or online, knowing the key rules, time limits, and exceptions can save you time and frustration. This article will cover everything you need to know about returning items to Five Below, including eligibility, refund options, exceptions, and frequently asked questions.
General Return Policy: How It Works
Five Below has a straightforward return policy designed to ensure customer satisfaction. If you are unhappy with your purchase, you can return most items within 14 days from the date of purchase for a refund or exchange. However, you must provide a valid receipt, and the item should be in its original condition with packaging intact.
For in-store purchases, simply bring the item along with the receipt to any Five Below location. If you made an online purchase, you must return the item through mail by following the instructions provided on Five Below’s website. Some restrictions apply depending on the product type and condition, which we will discuss in later sections.
How to Return an Item to a Five Below Store
Returning an item to a physical Five Below store is the fastest and easiest way to process a return. Here are the steps to follow:
- Bring the item and receipt – Make sure you have the original receipt that shows the purchase date and price. Without a receipt, the return may not be accepted.
- Ensure the item is in its original condition – The product must be unused, with tags and original packaging. Opened or damaged items may not qualify for a return.
- Visit any Five Below location – Returns can be processed at any store, not just the one where the item was purchased.
- Choose between a refund or exchange – If the item qualifies for a return, you can either receive a refund in the original form of payment or exchange it for another product of equal value.
If you do not have a receipt, Five Below may offer store credit at the lowest selling price of the item. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the store’s discretion.
Returning an Online Purchase: What You Need to Know
If you purchased an item from Five Below’s website and need to return it, the process is slightly different from in-store returns. Follow these steps for a hassle-free return:
- Check the return eligibility – Online purchases must be returned within 14 days of receiving the order.
- Prepare the item for return – The product should be unused and in its original packaging.
- Initiate the return request – Visit Five Below’s website and navigate to the return section. You may need to fill out a return request form or contact customer service.
- Pack the item securely – Use the original packaging if possible and include a copy of your order confirmation or receipt inside the package.
- Ship the item back – Five Below does not provide free return shipping, so customers are responsible for mailing costs unless the return is due to a defective or incorrect item.
Once the return is processed, you will receive a refund to the original payment method within a few business days. If an exchange is required, you may need to place a new order separately.
What Items Cannot Be Returned?
While most Five Below products can be returned, there are exceptions. Some items are non-returnable or may have different return conditions, including:
- Final sale or clearance items – These are marked as non-returnable at the time of purchase.
- Gift cards – All gift card sales are final and cannot be refunded or exchanged.
- Personal care and beauty products – Due to hygiene concerns, certain items like face masks, cosmetics, and bath products may not be eligible for returns once opened.
- Electronics – Some electronic items may have a different return policy, especially if they have been opened or used. Check the store’s guidelines before purchasing.
Always check the return policy for specific items at the time of purchase to avoid inconvenience.
Refund Options: How Will You Get Your Money Back?
Five Below offers different refund methods based on how the item was purchased and returned:
- Credit/debit card purchases – Refunds will be credited back to the original payment method. Processing times may take a few days, depending on your bank.
- Cash purchases – If you paid with cash, you will receive a cash refund when returning the item in-store.
- Store credit – If you do not have a receipt or the item is not eligible for a regular refund, you may receive store credit instead of a cash refund.
- Online refunds – If you return an online purchase by mail, the refund will be issued to your original payment method. Shipping fees are usually non-refundable unless the return is due to a Five Below error.
Can You Exchange an Item Instead of Returning It?
Yes! Five Below allows exchanges if you prefer to swap your item for a different one instead of getting a refund. Exchanges are processed in-store, and the item must be in original condition with proof of purchase. If the new item costs more, you will need to pay the price difference. If it costs less, the difference will be refunded according to the original payment method.
Online orders, however, cannot be exchanged—only refunds are provided. If you need a different item, you must place a new order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I return an item to Five Below without a receipt?
A: Returns without a receipt are not guaranteed but may be accepted for store credit at the lowest sale price. The decision is at the store’s discretion.
Q2: How long does it take to get a refund?
A: Refunds for in-store purchases are processed immediately. Online refunds can take a few days to reflect in your bank account.
Q3: Does Five Below accept returns after 14 days?
A: No, all returns must be completed within 14 days of purchase or delivery.
Q4: Can I return opened electronics?
A: It depends on the item. Some electronics may not be eligible for returns if they have been used. Check with customer service for details.
Q5: Are shipping fees refundable?
A: No, shipping fees for online returns are not refundable unless the item was incorrect or defective.
Conclusion
Five Below offers a customer-friendly return policy, allowing most items to be returned within 14 days for a refund or exchange. However, it’s crucial to keep your receipt and ensure the item is in its original condition. While store returns are easy and quick, online returns require additional steps and may incur shipping costs. Certain items, such as clearance products, gift cards, and used personal care items, are not eligible for returns. By understanding Five Below’s return policy in 2025, you can shop with confidence and handle any returns smoothly if necessary.
