Return policy comparison · 2026
Dick's Sporting Goods vs SWOLY
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Dick's Sporting Goods) and July 24, 2026 (SWOLY)
Winner
Dick's Sporting Goods
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
SWOLY
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
Dick's Sporting Goods has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against SWOLY's B+ (3.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Dick's Sporting GoodsSWOLY
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 | SWOLY | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days | 30 days (from purchase, original packaging) |
| Free returns | Yes (in-store) | Yes |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Free returns | Fully covered by SWOLY (prepaid return label emailed) |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Yes (holiday extension) | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom items, gift cards, firearms/ammo, hunting licenses, altered items, boats/watercraft | Gift cards, products purchased from unauthorized retailers |
| 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.
SWOLY tip
SWOLY accepts used items back within the 30-day window even if you just changed your mind - unusual for fitness gear, where most brands require unused condition.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Dick's Sporting Goods or SWOLY?
Dick's Sporting Goods has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against SWOLY's B+ (3.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is Dick's Sporting Goods's return window?
Dick's Sporting Goods's return window is 90 days.
What is SWOLY's return window?
SWOLY's return window is 30 days (from purchase, original packaging).
Does Dick's Sporting Goods or SWOLY offer free returns?
Dick's Sporting Goods: Yes (in-store). SWOLY: Yes.