Return policy comparison · 2026
Michaels vs Online Fabric Store
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Michaels) and July 24, 2026 (Online Fabric Store)
Winner
Michaels
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
Online Fabric Store
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
Michaels has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Online Fabric Store's C- (1.4/5.0). 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.
MichaelsOnline Fabric Store
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
| Michaels | Online Fabric Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 180 days | 30 days (uncut, unaltered) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - customer pays return shipping |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | 25% on returned wallpaper only (must be unopened in original plastic packaging) |
| Return shipping | Customer pays mail shipping | Customer pays; a return authorization number is required; original shipping fee is not refunded unless OFS made an error |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom framing, cut fabric, seasonal items after season, gift cards | Aerosols, clearance items, fabric and wallpaper samples, and fabric from designer lines including ABBEYSHEA, Baker Lifestyle, Beacon Hill, Brunschwig & Fils, Clarke & Clarke, Cole & Son, Fabricut, Gastón y Daniela, GP & J Baker, JF Fabrics, Kravet, Lee Jofa, Lee Jofa Modern, Mitchell, Mulberry, Pindler & Pindler, Threads, Toray, Trend, and Ultrafabrics |
| Watch-out items | Seasonal items expire with season | — |
Michaels tip
Generous 180-day window with receipt. Custom framing and cut fabric non-returnable.
Online Fabric Store tip
Order a swatch before committing to yardage — designer-brand fabrics like Kravet and Lee Jofa can't be returned at all, and once any fabric is cut, washed, or marked it's considered non-salable and gets sent back to you with no refund.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Michaels or Online Fabric Store?
Michaels has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Online Fabric Store's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Michaels's return window?
Michaels's return window is 180 days.
What is Online Fabric Store's return window?
Online Fabric Store's return window is 30 days (uncut, unaltered).
Does Michaels or Online Fabric Store offer free returns?
Michaels: Yes (in-store). Online Fabric Store: No - customer pays return shipping.