Return policy comparison · 2026
Dick's Sporting Goods vs HOVSCO
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Dick's Sporting Goods) and July 24, 2026 (HOVSCO)
Winner
Dick's Sporting Goods
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
HOVSCO
D+
1.1 / 5.0 · Poor
The verdict
Dick's Sporting Goods has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against HOVSCO's D+ (1.1/5.0). It wins 4 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.
Dick's Sporting GoodsHOVSCO
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
| Dick's Sporting Goods | HOVSCO | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days | 15 days (like-new condition, under 10 miles on odometer) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | Up to 20% restocking or handling fee if a return is shipped back without prior authorization |
| Return shipping | Free returns | For non-quality-issue returns: $100 per e-bike or e-scooter, $50 per e-bike battery, $10 per accessory (baskets, racks); quality-issue/defective returns within the window get a free prepaid return label |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Yes (holiday extension) | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom items, gift cards, firearms/ammo, hunting licenses, altered items, boats/watercraft | Products bought from unauthorized resellers, items with human-caused damage, special orders, gift cards, giveaways or free items |
| Watch-out items | Fitness equipment may require assembly reversal | — |
Dick's Sporting Goods tip
90 days with receipt. Shoes should be lightly worn if at all. Golf Galaxy items follow similar policy.
HOVSCO tip
Ride it under 10 miles and keep every accessory - HOVSCO checks the odometer and requires the original packaging and all contents (battery, charger, keys, tools) for a return to qualify.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Dick's Sporting Goods or HOVSCO?
Dick's Sporting Goods has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against HOVSCO's D+ (1.1/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Dick's Sporting Goods's return window?
Dick's Sporting Goods's return window is 90 days.
What is HOVSCO's return window?
HOVSCO's return window is 15 days (like-new condition, under 10 miles on odometer).
Does Dick's Sporting Goods or HOVSCO offer free returns?
Dick's Sporting Goods: Yes (in-store). HOVSCO: No - fee deducted.