Big 5 Sporting Goods Return Policy: A Simple Guide

Big 5 Sporting Goods is a popular place for everything from baseball bats to camping gear. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, they try to make returns pretty straightforward. But like many stores, there are a few important details you should know.

If you’re thinking about making a return—or just want to be prepared before you buy—this guide will walk you through exactly how Big 5 Sporting Goods return policy works.

Quick Policy Overview

Returning Items In-Store

If you’re near a Big 5 store, returning your purchase in person is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

What You’ll Need:

• Your receipt or the original packing slip (for online orders)
• The item in original condition
• A valid photo ID

What Happens Next:

• You’ll get your refund back to the same card or payment method you used.
• If you used a gift card, your refund will go to a new gift card—or be given as cash, if the law requires it.

If you don’t have your receipt, Big 5 might still take your return. But you’ll only get store credit, and it will be based on the lowest sale price the item has ever sold for. You’ll still need a photo ID.

Heads up: They may put a temporary hold on your store credit if they think the return might be fraudulent. If that happens by mistake, call Customer Service.

Returning Online Orders by Mail

Want to ship something back instead of heading to the store? You can—but only for online purchases. Items bought in-store can’t be returned by mail.

Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Mail-In Returns

1. Call Customer Service at (800) 898-2994 to request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA).
2. Make sure you ask for the RMA within 90 days of the delivery date.
3. Pack your item securely, using the original packaging if you can. Include all parts, accessories, and paperwork.
4. You’ll get a return shipping label by email. Print it and attach it to the box.
5. Drop the package off at any FedEx pickup location.

Important Notes:

• Return shipping isn’t free. Big 5 will deduct the current shipping and handling charges (including any surcharges for oversized items) from your refund.
• If you used a promo shipping rate for your order, the return shipping might be more expensive.
• Refunds are issued to the original payment method, usually within 30 days after Big 5 receives your return.
• If it was a gift, the refund still goes back to the original buyer.

Pro Tip: If you’re trying to save money on returns, return the item to a store instead. It’s free, and you skip the shipping fee.

Items That Can’t Be Returned

A few products are marked final sale and cannot be returned. According to Big 5:

• Firearms
• Ammunition

Also, certain categories like bats, eyewear, and air mattresses may have stricter return rules. For those, check their In-Store Return Exceptions Policy or ask at the store before buying.

Online Orders Returned In-Store

If you bought something online and want to return it at a store, you absolutely can.

Just bring:

• The original packing slip
• The item in its original condition
• The credit card you used, if possible

Even if you paid with PayPal or VisaCheckout, Big 5 will refund you in cash if you return it to a store.

Keep in mind: They won’t refund your shipping charges either way.

Refunds

Getting a refund from Big 5 Sporting Goods is pretty straightforward—as long as you follow the return rules and bring the right info.

How Refunds Are Issued

• Original Payment Method:
  Refunds are always sent back to the same form of payment you used. So if you paid with a credit card, that card will get the refund. If you used a gift card, they’ll load the money onto a new gift card—or pay you out in cash if required by law.
• Online Payment Services (Like PayPal or VisaCheckout):
  If you return your item in-store and paid with one of these services, you’ll get your refund in cash instead of back to your PayPal or Visa account.
• Gift Returns:
  If someone bought you a gift and you return it, the refund still goes back to the original buyer, not you. If you have a gift receipt, you’ll get store credit instead.

Refund Timing

• Refunds are processed within 30 days of Big 5 receiving your return.
• If you’re returning by mail, that 30-day clock starts after they receive the package, not when you ship it.
• In-store returns are usually quicker, since you get your refund right then and there.

Other Refund Tips

• Shipping charges are not refunded. Whether you paid for shipping originally or return something by mail, those fees come out of your own pocket.
• If you’re mailing something back, Big 5 will deduct return shipping costs from your refund total. To avoid that, use the in-store return option.

How to Contact Big 5 for Help

Have a question or need to start a return? Here’s how to reach Big 5 Customer Service:

📞 Phone: (800) 898-2994
🕗 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4PM (Pacific Time)

Need to find a store? Use their Store Locator Tool.

If you have any more questions about the returns, you can visit the return policy on their website.

Common Questions

Final Thoughts

Big 5 Sporting Goods keeps its return policy fairly straightforward. Just remember to hang on to your receipt, return things in their original condition, and choose in-store returns whenever possible to skip shipping costs.

If you ever feel unsure, don’t hesitate to call their support line—they’re pretty helpful. Happy shopping (and returning)!