Last Updated on October 23, 2023
Confused about Zara returns? Been there, done that – so here, I’m answering everything you need to know about sending Zara items back. There’s nothing more frustrating than ordering a piece of clothing only to find it doesn’t fit – but it gets even more frustrating when you’re not even sure how to return it. It should be easy, but it can be confusing the first time you do it. Luckily, I’ve been there more times than I’d care to admit, so I thought I’d share all my knowledge with you.
While I used to hate shopping on the Zara website, I’ve become a dab hand at navigating it over the years and subsequently, possibly buying too much – but I digress.
Using my previous experience, I’m answering everything you need to know about returning unwanted items, from how to find the nearest drop-off points, the returns period, whether they accept returns on sale items and much more. Please note however that we aren’t affiliated with Zara, so cannot help you with your Zara order. You’ll need to contact the brand directly.
If you’re looking for more information about your favourite brands, you may want to check out our guide to how to cancel a SHEIN order and get a refund.
How to return something to Zara
You can either return your Zara items online or in-store, depending on where you purchased them. You won’t be able to return an item you purchased in-store online, but it’s possible to return items bought online both by post and in-stores. All items must be in perfect condition to be accepted by Zara.
Can I return my Zara item without a tag?
According to Zara’s website, all items returned have to be be in their original condition and include all labels. That means if you tear the tag off, you won’t be able to return it.
Personally I’d say it’s worth trying though, as many brands do accept items without tags. Some items I’ve ordered from Zara have arrived without tags too.
How do I return my Zara product online?
If you bought something online, you need to log into your account and make a return request. If you ordered something as a guest user, you can request a refund by clicking on the link that appears in the emails Zara has sent you about the relevant order.
The brand will send you a label via email to stick on the return package and you can take it to a drop-off point to be posted. In some post offices, you can show a QR Code, and they will print the label for you but make sure your post office does this, as they have to have printing available to do so.
Drop point returns are only available for online purchases and are not valid for items purchased in-store.
How do I return my Zara product in-store?
If you purchased your item in-store, you’re able to return it at any Zara store in the same region as where you purchased it.
You’ll need to show your receipt, whether it’s on your phone or a physical receipt. You can return your order at any Zara store in the same market/region where you made the purchase. You only have to present the purchase receipt along with the items you wish to return. You can show it on the screen of your mobile device or print it out. You’re also able to return online purchases to stores, and you don’t need to make return requests online to do so. You can read more about Zara returns here.
Where can I drop off Zara returns?
On Zara’s website, it identifies post offices as ‘Drop-Off points’. This means your local post office. You can find your local post office by using Royal Mail’s Branch Finder here.
How long do I have to return something to Zara?
Zara accepts returns up to 30 days from the shipping date of your purchase if bought online, or the sale date if bought in-store. After this, the option to return your item will disappear from your account in Zara’s website.
Can I return an order after 30 days?
No. The return period is 30 days. After this, the return option will disappear online.
Can I return my Zara parcel at the post office?
Yes, Royal Mail post offices accept Zara returns. They can print off returns labels if you show them your QR code.
Does Zara have free returns?
Sadly, Zara has recently started charging for returns. On 3 May this year, the brand announced that they’d be charging £1.95 for every return. This means if you paid for your postage, it will cost you £5.90 altogether for a wasted order.
You’ll be charged the £1.95 when the refund is issued, as it’s deducted from your refund. If you want to avoid this, I recommend returning products in-store as you won’t be charged for this.
While Zara was one of the first to start charging for returns, they’re certainly not the only brand doing so. All Boohoo brands now charge £1.99 for returns, New Look charges £1.99, Next charges £2.50 and most recently, H&M has started charging £1.99 per return.
Why has Zara started charging for returns?
Nick Carroll, Mintel’s associate director of retail research, told the BBC that allowing free returns in-store encourages shoppers to return to physical stores. He added, “You also get the products back into shops quicker, which is more cost effective, and plus you have the possibility of impulse purchases once the shoppers are in the stores.”
Do I need a printer to send back my Zara order?
No. If you’re sending an item back via Royal Mail, you can show the QR code that was sent to your email to the assistant and they will print a label for you. This is also the same if sending back via Evri (formerly Hermes), but you need to make sure you click the right option.
Does Zara refund shipping cost?
Yes, but only for defective products. If you’re returning an item in pristine condition but perhaps isn’t in your size, you won’t be refunded for the product’s shipping cost when you return it.
Can I return at Zara without receipt?
According to Which, a retailer has ‘no legal obligation to give you your money back, should you return an item without a receipt. However, many stores will offer an exchange or credit note, so it’s always worth asking.’
In my experience, I have attempted to return a faulty Zara bag months after it broke and they were unable to do anything about it. While it was sold out, they couldn’t give me a gift card or credit note without a receipt, so it’s worth keeping yours safe.
Having said this, Zara’s website states that they will offer you a gift card as a gesture of good will if you return an item without a receipt. The gift card offered will be to the value of the current retail price of the item you’re returning, so if it’s very old or there has been a recent sale, this might be very low.
READ MORE: The Fashion Colours You’re Going To See Everywhere In 2023
Is it illegal to not give a receipt in the UK?
There is no legal obligation to give a receipt in the UK. However it’s worth getting an email receipt and storing them in a dedicated receipts folder, so if you later find the item you purchased to be faulty, you have proof of purchase.
Can I return sale items?
The same conditions apply to Zara sale items. You’re able to return them up to 30 days after purchase.
How long does Zara take to refund?
You should receive email confirmation of a return once it has been completed, and it takes up to 14 days for Zara to refund you.
How do I know if Zara received my return?
You will be notified through email if the return has been successful.
Does Zara refund money in-store?
If you take a Zara order back to your local store, they’ll be able to refund you back to your original payment method. They won’t be able to refund you in cash however.
READ MORE: How To Recreate Hailey Bieber’s Chocolate Glazed Donut Nails in 4 Simple Steps
Why has Zara given me a refund for some, not all of the items I returned?
This has happened to me on multiple occasions.
I spoke to customer services last time as I panicked, and they told me that the returns go to different departments, which work at different paces.
Whenever this has happened, I’ve later received another email confirming the return of the missed items, but if you haven’t received this a couple of days after receiving the original email, it’s worth chasing up.
Which items do Zara refuse to give refunds for?
Swimwear and underwear is accepted if it still has the hygiene sticker in tact, but for menswear and childrenswear, Zara won’t accept returns for underwear.
Customisable items and baby shower gift packs won’t be accepted either.
Does Zara do gift receipts?
Yes, you can ask for a gift receipt in both stores and online. If shopping in-store, you can ask the sales assistant while they’re putting through the sale. When shopping online, you need to add the items you want to buy to your basket and you’ll be given the option of selecting the gift receipt.
Please note that every item will be included in the gift receipt if shopping online, but if shopping in-store you can request just a few items to be included on the gift receipt.
How do I contact Zara’s customer services?
There are many ways to get in touch with Zara if you have a problem with your order or refund request.
You can either call Zara on 0800 030 4238, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 7.30pm, or Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
You can also chat to a customer service representative on live chat from this page.
How long do Zara’s orders take?
There are a few different delivery options when ordering from Zara. These vary depending on the region you order from, but the fastest delivery option is express delivery. This takes around one-two days, but during the pandemic, I’ve experienced delays with this.
Store deliveries take three to five days, while standard delivery takes around two to four days.
READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About When and How Often H&M Restock Online and In-Store
Which is the fastest shipping option?
Need an item to come quickly? Zara offers express delivery, which usually comes the following day, depending on where you’re ordering from. It’s safest to expect it to take one-two days.
Please note, we cannot help you with your Zara order as we’re not affiliated with the brand.
Struggling with ASOS returns? Here’s our handy guide for that too.
Does Zara reject returns?
According to their Terms & Conditions, Zara can refuse returns if the products are altered or have missing tags on the garment. For accessories and perfumes, they must be in their original condition and original packaging.
Another reason they can reject your return is that it didn’t meet the 30-day window. The brand will send you an email or return the package.
READ MORE: Everything There is To Know About ASOS Returns
Is Zara strict with returns?
Zara is strict about the condition of the products that can and cannot be returned. Different terms and conditions exist for specific items like underwear, swimwear, accessories, and other special packs.
Swimwear must be unworn and include the hygiene sticker, while underwear and bodysuits can’t be exchanged or returned. If you bought special packs, you must return them as a whole and not separately.
If you don’t follow these specific terms, they can reject your return.
Does Zara have extended returns?
Unfortunately, the brand doesn’t have a holiday return policy, so any purchase you make during the holidays falls under regular terms and conditions.
However, there are some cases you can negotiate for special consideration if you weren’t responded to promptly by customer service. This happens only rarely, though.
Can you return Zara perfume?
If you’re returning a perfume or candle to Zara, it must be in its original sealed packaging. One Reddit user explained how she took a sealed Zara perfume into a store to return, and even though it was sealed, a store assistant refused to take the return. Luckily when she spoke to the manager, she was then allowed to return it. If this happens to you, ask to speak to the manager of the store and show them the Zara returns conditions as listed.
When is the Zara sale?
The next big Zara sale will take place from Christmas Day, when the big winter sale will kick off. Zara usually offers around 70% off almost everything, making it a really good time to invest in winter warmers. However before then, Zara will offer discounts for Black Friday. This usually happens for one day only, with around 20% off.
