Return policy comparison · 2026
DSW vs Paul Fredrick
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (DSW) and July 24, 2026 (Paul Fredrick)
Winner
DSW
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Paul Fredrick
B
3.0 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
DSW has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Paul Fredrick's B (3.0/5.0). It wins 2 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.
DSWPaul Fredrick
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
| DSW | Paul Fredrick | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 90 days | 90 days (original condition, pro-rated after that) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - $9.99 return label fee (deducted from refund, waivable) |
| Restocking fee | None | None published, but a pro-rated refund (not full price) applies to items returned after 90 days in original condition |
| Return shipping | Free mail returns for VIP members | A $9.99 fee is deducted from your refund when using Paul Fredrick's own return label; the fee is waived if you choose store credit or purchased Shipping + Returns Protection at checkout. |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Yes (holiday extension) | — |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items, worn shoes showing significant use | Monogrammed shirts, altered pants and other altered items, engraved cufflinks, final-sale and customized items |
| Watch-out items | Standard 90-day window | Shoes must be returned unworn and in original condition only |
DSW tip
VIP members tracked automatically. Shoes can be lightly worn.
Paul Fredrick tip
Opting for store credit instead of a cash refund skips the $9.99 label fee entirely — worth doing if you know you'll order from them again.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, DSW or Paul Fredrick?
DSW has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Paul Fredrick's B (3.0/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is DSW's return window?
DSW's return window is 90 days.
What is Paul Fredrick's return window?
Paul Fredrick's return window is 90 days (original condition, pro-rated after that).
Does DSW or Paul Fredrick offer free returns?
DSW: Yes (in-store). Paul Fredrick: No - $9.99 return label fee (deducted from refund, waivable).