Return policy comparison · 2026
Carter's vs PlanetBox
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Carter's) and July 24, 2026 (PlanetBox)
Winner
Carter's
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
PlanetBox
B-
2.7 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Carter's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against PlanetBox's B- (2.7/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free in-store; mail may cost versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Carter'sPlanetBox
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
| Carter's | PlanetBox | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days | 60 days (with Return Authorization Number) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - customer pays return shipping |
| Restocking fee | None | None published |
| Return shipping | Customer pays mail shipping | Customer pays to ship the item back; PlanetBox does not cover return shipping costs |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items, altered items, gift cards, opened personal care | Purchases from authorized retailers other than PlanetBox.com; warranty coverage excludes cosmetic damage, accidental damage, misuse, abuse, negligence, or loss/theft |
| Watch-out items | Standard 90-day window | Warranty claims limited to products purchased within the last 90 days on planetbox.com |
Carter's tip
Same family as OshKosh B'gosh — return items at either store. Items must be unworn with tags.
PlanetBox tip
Get a Return Authorization Number before you ship anything back — PlanetBox says refunds "cannot be guaranteed" without one, and processing can take 4-6 weeks, so this isn't a fast-refund brand if you're in a hurry.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Carter's or PlanetBox?
Carter's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against PlanetBox's B- (2.7/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free in-store; mail may cost versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Carter's's return window?
Carter's's return window is 90 days.
What is PlanetBox's return window?
PlanetBox's return window is 60 days (with Return Authorization Number).
Does Carter's or PlanetBox offer free returns?
Carter's: Yes (in-store). PlanetBox: No - customer pays return shipping.