Macy’s is one of the most popular department stores in the US, with a fantastic selection of bespoke and designer clothes, cosmetics, and fragrances.
They sell perfume and Cologne from all of the major designers such as:
- Versace
- Tom Ford
- Dior
- Jimmy Choo
- Chanel
- Hermes and
- Diesel
If you’ve purchased a fragrance from Macy’s or you’ve had one gifted to you but you’re looking to make a return, then it’s important to get up to speed quickly with what you need to do.
Most companies have a limited returns window to act so we’ve looked at how long the returns window is, how to make a return, when to expect a refund, and much more.
We’ve even done a competitor comparison to see how Macy’s perfume return policy holds up against other stores in the marketplace.
Let’s dive in…
What is Macy’s Fragrance Return Policy? In Short
In short, Macy’s permits returns of perfume and Cologne for up to 30 days from purchase for either an exchange or refund. Shipping and delivery fees are not refundable, however.
This means you can return fragrances to Macy’s for any number of reasons such as:
- If your fragrance is an unwanted gift
- If you’ve ordered by mistake
- Duplicate orders
- If you’ve changed your mind
- If the fragrance has gone off or is defective in some way
Pretty much any reason is fine.
Can I Return Opened Bottles of Perfume and Cologne to Macy’s?
Macy’s official policy is that they will accept new or “gently used” fragrances.
In other words, using, say, 5% of the bottle is probably ok.
Using 50% and making a return is probably not ok.
The policy is designed to be used when you have a genuine need to make a return and shouldn’t be abused.
How to Return Perfume or Cologne to Macy’s
If you purchased your fragrance in-store, then it must be returned in-store. Unfortunately, you cannot use the mail-in returns process.
If you purchased the fragrance online at Macys.com then you can return it either in-store or using the online returns process.
To return in-store, simply take your fragrance to any of Macy’s stores with the box and receipt.
To initiate the online returns process then you need to Start A Return where you can either log in to start the return or use your order number and email or phone number.
You can then select the fragrance to return and print off the confirmation and shipping labels.
Once you have attached the labels to your fragrance you will then need to drop it at any of UPS’ drop-off locations.
Related Article:
Macy’s Gift Return policy
Will it Cost to Return a Fragrance to Macy’s?
No, Macy’s doesn’t charge for returns delivery as the UPS label is pre-paid.
There is also no re-stocking fee to pay like some companies charge.
However, you will not be refunded your original delivery charges if you make a return and ask for a refund. It will be for the cost of the fragrance only.
Do I Need a Receipt to Return a Fragrance to Macy’s?
Macy’s makes it clear that you should still be able to return your fragrance to them without a receipt but you will only be eligible for a refund of store credit for the cheapest price in the last 180 days.
If you ordered online then you will have received an invoice to the email address you inputted at the time of sale. So have a rummage through your inbox and it should be there.
If you do have a receipt then the card you originally used to make the purchase will be refunded.
If you have a gift receipt then you will receive a refund as store credit.
How Long Will it Take to Get a Refund?
Macy’s says to allow up to 10 business days from them receiving the fragrance for your return to be processed.
It will therefore take around 14-21 business days in our experience as you need to allow for shipping time, the 10 business days, and then time for the money to show back up in your account.
However, your mileage may vary depending on how fast your credit card or bank is at processing refunds.
How Does Macy’s Perfume and Cologne Returns Policy Measure Up?
If you’re thinking of returning a fragrance to Macy’s and buying elsewhere, or if you’re still shopping for the best deal, then it will be useful to see how some of Macy’s competitors’ returns policies compare.
We’ve taken a look at the market:
| Store | Returns Window |
| Costco | 100% satisfaction guarantee (return any time) |
| Dillard’s | 30 days |
| Walgreens | 30 days |
| Amazon | 30 days |
| Neiman Marcus | 30 days |
| Nordstrom | 100% satisfaction guarantee (return any time) |
| Sephora | 30 days for a refund 31-60 days for an exchange or store credit |
| Ulta | 60 days |
| Walmart | 90 days |
Final Thoughts
In summary, Macy’s offers a 30-day returns policy on its fragrances and even allows you to return perfumes or Colognes that have been gently used.
This is a fairly limited return policy and nowhere near as generous as that we’ve seen at Costco and Nordstrom, both of which allow you to return fragrances to them at any point, although their selection is somewhat limited.
With free returns and a great selection, Macy’s is a fantastic place to source your next fragrance.
