Return policy comparison · 2026
Billabong vs DSW
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Billabong) and April 17, 2026 (DSW)
Billabong
C
1.9 / 5.0 · Mediocre
Winner
DSW
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
DSW has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Billabong's C (1.9/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
BillabongDSW
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Billabong | DSW | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days from delivery (unused, unworn, tags attached) | ✓ 90 days |
| Free returns | No - $3.50 mail fee (or decline and pay $10 restocking fee deducted from refund) | ✓ Yes (in-store) |
| Restocking fee | $10 (US, if not using prepaid label) / $20 (Canada) | ✓ None |
| Return shipping | $3.50 prepaid label option; declining incurs $10 restocking fee deducted from refund (US); Canada $20 restocking fee, no prepaid option | Free mail returns for VIP members |
| Holiday extension | Orders placed in the Nov 18 - Dec 25 window typically get 45 days to return (2026 dates not yet confirmed) | Yes (holiday extension) |
| Non-returnable | Final Sale items (marked at checkout) | Final sale items, worn shoes showing significant use |
| Watch-out items | — | Standard 90-day window |
Billabong tip
Paying the small $3.50 prepaid label fee is usually cheaper than declining it, since declining triggers a flat $10 restocking fee deducted from your refund; free size exchanges are limited to one per item per transaction, so pick carefully.
DSW tip
VIP members tracked automatically. Shoes can be lightly worn.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Billabong or DSW?
DSW has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Billabong's C (1.9/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Billabong's return window?
Billabong's return window is 30 days from delivery (unused, unworn, tags attached).
What is DSW's return window?
DSW's return window is 90 days.
Does Billabong or DSW offer free returns?
Billabong: No - $3.50 mail fee (or decline and pay $10 restocking fee deducted from refund). DSW: Yes (in-store).