Return policy comparison · 2026
Online Fabric Store vs StewMac
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Online Fabric Store
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
Winner
StewMac
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
StewMac has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Online Fabric Store's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Online Fabric StoreStewMac
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
| Online Fabric Store | StewMac | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (uncut, unaltered) | ✓ 365 days (unaltered, unused) |
| Free returns | No - customer pays return shipping | ✓ Yes (members) |
| Restocking fee | 25% on returned wallpaper only (must be unopened in original plastic packaging) | ✓ None published |
| Return shipping | Customer pays; a return authorization number is required; original shipping fee is not refunded unless OFS made an error | Standard customers pay return shipping; StewMAX members get free return shipping (prepaid domestic label, international costs reimbursed on receipt) |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | 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 | Consumables (sandpaper, finishes, glue, polishes, cleaners), started kits requiring assembly or finishing (pedal, amp, or guitar kits - these get gift cards or replacements instead), altered or worked items |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
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.
StewMac tip
Tonewood has to come back completely untouched - no sanding, cutting, or shaping - so don't start a guitar build until you're sure you're keeping the wood.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Online Fabric Store or StewMac?
StewMac has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Online Fabric Store's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is Online Fabric Store's return window?
Online Fabric Store's return window is 30 days (uncut, unaltered).
What is StewMac's return window?
StewMac's return window is 365 days (unaltered, unused).
Does Online Fabric Store or StewMac offer free returns?
Online Fabric Store: No - customer pays return shipping. StewMac: Yes (members).