Return policy comparison · 2026
Dick's Sporting Goods vs Proviz
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Dick's Sporting Goods) and July 24, 2026 (Proviz)
Winner
Dick's Sporting Goods
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Proviz
C
2.1 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
Dick's Sporting Goods has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Proviz's C (2.1/5.0). 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.
Dick's Sporting GoodsProviz
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 | Proviz | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days | 21 days to register a return, then 14 more days to ship it back (35 days total) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - subsidized return fee charged |
| Restocking fee | None | None published |
| Return shipping | Free returns | Proviz charges a subsidized return fee to cover shipping and handling; not free |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Yes (holiday extension) | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom items, gift cards, firearms/ammo, hunting licenses, altered items, boats/watercraft | Items bought from third-party retailers must be returned to that retailer directly, not to Proviz |
| 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.
Proviz tip
Don't wait to register your return — the 21-day clock is just to start the process; once you register it, you get a separate 14-day shipping window, so registering late eats into your total time to actually send the item back.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Dick's Sporting Goods or Proviz?
Dick's Sporting Goods has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Proviz's C (2.1/5.0). 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 Dick's Sporting Goods's return window?
Dick's Sporting Goods's return window is 90 days.
What is Proviz's return window?
Proviz's return window is 21 days to register a return, then 14 more days to ship it back (35 days total).
Does Dick's Sporting Goods or Proviz offer free returns?
Dick's Sporting Goods: Yes (in-store). Proviz: No - subsidized return fee charged.