Return policy comparison · 2026
BuildASign vs StewMac
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (BuildASign) and July 24, 2026 (StewMac)
BuildASign
B
3.0 / 5.0 · Good
Winner
StewMac
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
StewMac has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against BuildASign's B (3.0/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
BuildASignStewMac
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
| BuildASign | StewMac | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 90 days (manufacturing defects only) | ✓ 365 days (unaltered, unused) |
| Free returns | No - defect-only replacement/credit/refund | ✓ Yes (members) |
| Restocking fee | — | None published |
| Return shipping | — | Standard customers pay return shipping; StewMAX members get free return shipping (prepaid domestic label, international costs reimbursed on receipt) |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | Products are custom-made and sold for novelty purposes only; no general satisfaction return, only manufacturing-defect claims within 90 days | Consumables (sandpaper, finishes, glue, polishes, cleaners), started kits requiring assembly or finishing (pedal, amp, or guitar kits - these get gift cards or replacements instead), altered or worked items |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
BuildASign tip
BuildASign products are custom-printed, so there is no standard buyer's-remorse return window at all - your only recourse is a manufacturing-defect claim within 90 days, and the company decides at its sole discretion whether a defect qualifies, so photograph any issue immediately upon delivery.
StewMac tip
Tonewood has to come back completely untouched - no sanding, cutting, or shaping - so don't start a guitar build until you're sure you're keeping the wood.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, BuildASign or StewMac?
StewMac has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against BuildASign's B (3.0/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is BuildASign's return window?
BuildASign's return window is 90 days (manufacturing defects only).
What is StewMac's return window?
StewMac's return window is 365 days (unaltered, unused).
Does BuildASign or StewMac offer free returns?
BuildASign: No - defect-only replacement/credit/refund. StewMac: Yes (members).