Return policy comparison · 2026
Callaway Apparel vs Dick's Sporting Goods
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Callaway Apparel) and April 17, 2026 (Dick's Sporting Goods)
Callaway Apparel
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
Dick's Sporting Goods
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
Dick's Sporting Goods has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Callaway Apparel's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 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.
Callaway ApparelDick's Sporting Goods
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
| Callaway Apparel | Dick's Sporting Goods | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (unwashed, unworn, undamaged, original packaging) | ✓ 90 days |
| Free returns | No - $6.00 fee deducted | ✓ Yes (in-store) |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | $6.00 flat fee deducted from refund for prepaid label; shipping/handling charges not refunded | Free returns |
| Holiday extension | — | ✓ Yes (holiday extension) |
| Non-returnable | — | Custom items, gift cards, firearms/ammo, hunting licenses, altered items, boats/watercraft |
| Watch-out items | — | Fitness equipment may require assembly reversal |
Callaway Apparel tip
Exchanges waive the return shipping fee if you reference both the original and new order numbers, so exchanging is cheaper than returning for a refund; refund processing can take up to 3 weeks after the item is mailed back.
Dick's Sporting Goods tip
90 days with receipt. Shoes should be lightly worn if at all. Golf Galaxy items follow similar policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Callaway Apparel or Dick's Sporting Goods?
Dick's Sporting Goods has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Callaway Apparel's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Callaway Apparel's return window?
Callaway Apparel's return window is 30 days (unwashed, unworn, undamaged, original packaging).
What is Dick's Sporting Goods's return window?
Dick's Sporting Goods's return window is 90 days.
Does Callaway Apparel or Dick's Sporting Goods offer free returns?
Callaway Apparel: No - $6.00 fee deducted. Dick's Sporting Goods: Yes (in-store).