How to return items on SHEIN: An easy guide for SA shoppers
Since SHEIN reached South African shores in 2020, fashionistas have taken full advantage of the affordable e-commerce site. If you are unhappy with your purchase for whatever reason, you can return items via your local post office, with the process only taking a few working days.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Returning items on SHEIN is a quick, simple process
- Returned items are first checked by the company before a refund is given
- The refund time for SHEIN items is up to five working days
- How to get a refund on SHEIN without returning items
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the SHEIN return policy?
- How much does it cost to return an item to SHEIN?
- What happens to returned SHEIN orders?
- How can customers get a refund from SHEIN customs?
- What causes a customer's refund not to reflect in their bank account?
- How can customers contact SHEIN's customer service in South Africa?
- Wrapping up
Key takeaways
- Returning something from SHEIN is a quick and easy process, with customers needing to visit their local post office.
- Returned items on SHEIN must have their original packaging, as per the company's returns policy.
- The process only takes a few working days, but third-party factors may extend the process.
Returning items on SHEIN is a quick, simple process
Customers who are unsatisfied with their items can return them by following these simple steps:
- Step 1: Visit the SHEIN website, log in to your account, and find the specific order you wish to return.
- Step 2: Confirm your return online by selecting the 'Return item' and providing your reason, along with uploading supporting photos of the item.
- Step 3: Repackage your items in their original packaging, as part of the returns policy.
- Step 4: Upon receiving return instructions following the logged return, go to your local post office to send the item back.
- Step 5: Once SHEIN has processed the return, a refund will be given via your SHEIN wallet or the relevant payment method used.
Source: UGC
Returned items are first checked by the company before a refund is given
All logged returns are checked by the company, which determines whether the reasoning and uploaded images are just cause for a refund. These items must be unworn, unwashed and undamaged, with no alterations and all original tags still attached.
The refund time for SHEIN items is up to five working days
The refund time can take between one and five business days, depending on the method used. If the refund is going into your original payment/bank account, it may take up to five days.
If it is refunded into your SHEIN wallet, it will likely show up within 24 hours. The refund can only be used for future SHEIN purchases once placed in the wallet, and cannot be sent back to your bank account.
How to get a refund on SHEIN without returning items
There are instances where SHEIN may inform customers attempting to return an item that sending it back is not necessary for a refund. These items are usually defective or low-cost items that are of less value than the international shipping costs.
Frequently asked questions
Knowing how to efficiently return SHEIN South Africa items makes the e-commerce experience much easier for customers. However, understanding the relevant return policies along with other essential information on the company avoids unnecessary delays or confusion.
Source: UGC
What is the SHEIN return policy?
Customers have 30 days to return any purchased items, subject to terms and conditions. Non-refundable items include:
- Selected clothing and accessories: These include lingerie, underwear, bodysuits, jewellery, party and event supplies, DIY supplies, pet supplies, and accessories (excluding bags, scarves, and mermaid blankets).
- Cosmetics: The item may not be returned if the seal is broken.
- Clearly-marked items: Some items are marked as non-refundable before purchase.
- Customised items: Any cancellations or refunds for customised items will not be supported.
- Free gifts: This depends on the item's status at the time of finalising your order and payment.
A SHEIN return without the original packaging will not be accepted. Therefore, customers are advised to keep their original packaging until they are sure they are confident that they are satisfied with their purchase.
How much does it cost to return an item to SHEIN?
A customer's first SHEIN exchange or refund is usually free. However, they are responsible for all future return shipping costs, valued at R80 per return request. There are some instances where a refund of the item is not necessary, subject to terms and conditions.
What happens to returned SHEIN orders?
If you are one of those curious individuals who wonder what the company does with items rejected by customers, each undergoes a process where an inspection determines the outcome. The inspection decides whether a refund is valid and whether the item can be resold or must be disposed of.
Source: UGC
How can customers get a refund from SHEIN customs?
The SHEIN refund process does not include customs fees, which are non-refundable.
What causes a customer's refund not to reflect in their bank account?
Customers who have logged a complaint but have not received their refunds within five working days are advised to double-check what method they have chosen for their refund. If they have not selected a refund method in advance, the company may send the money to their SHEIN wallets by default.
Source: UGC
How can customers contact SHEIN's customer service in South Africa?
The e-commerce service does not have a customer care centre that can be contacted through a call or email. It offers an online ticket submission system which is resolved within 24 hours. Customers can also use the online chatbot system for advice and assistance in real time.
Wrapping up
Knowing how to return items on SHEIN beforehand gives the company's customers the advantage of saving time and effort from struggling through the process without prior information. Customers may even find a stroke of luck and get to keep their items while still being given a refund.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
READ ALSO: Amazon shipping to South Africa: Everything you need to know
Briefly.co.za wrote an article about another e-commerce website, Amazon. Amazon is also an international brand that became immensely popular once it touched down in South Africa in May of 2024.
Since then, Amazon South Africa has steadily become one of the country's most used e-commerce websites. Standard shipping to South Africa takes between seven and 14 business days, and expedited shipping takes between three and seven business days.
Source: Briefly News
