North Face Return Policy: Simplified
Confused about The North Face return policy? Learn all the details about refunds, exchanges, and warranties in this easy guide!
The North Face is a leading American brand known for high-performance outdoor clothing, footwear, and gear trusted by adventurers worldwide.
If you’ve ever bought something from The North Face and wondered about their return policy, you’re in the right place! This article explains everything step by step, about the North Face Return Policy. Let’s get started!
North Face Return Policy Overview
Below is a summary of the key aspects of their return policy for U.S. customers.
| POLICY DETAIL | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW |
|---|---|
| Return Window | You have 30 days from the date of purchase to return eligible items. |
| Item Condition | Must be unused, unwashed, unaltered. |
| Where You Can Return | 1. By Mail (online purchases) 2. In-Store at The North Face retail locations (except items purchased with PayPal, Klarna, or Apple Pay – these must be mailed). Note: In-store purchases cannot be returned online. |
| Proof Needed | Order number or order confirmation email. Without proof : Exchange only at lowest selling price, subject to store management approval. |
| Refund Method | To your original payment method. Credit card refunds require the same card and cardholder present. Otherwise: store credit. Gift card/reward refunds: refunded as gift card via email. |
| Processing Time | Refund issued after inspection at the Distribution Center. Confirmation email sent when refund is initiated. |
| Free Returns? | Not stated as universally free – depends on method chosen. FedEx Office will print labels for free if you select QR code option. |
| Major Exclusions | – Items showing wear & tear, washing, or alterations. – PayPal, Klarna & Apple Pay orders: mail-only returns. – Warranty claims have product-specific rules. – Returns from unauthorized sellers generally rejected. |
| Warranty Coverage | – Limited Lifetime Warranty: Most products. – 1-Year Warranty: Footwear & The North Face Renewed. Covers manufacturer defects only – excludes normal wear, misuse, neglect, alterations, and unauthorized repairs. |
| Special Services | Buckle replacement available – email Warranty Dept. with photo and description. |
| USA-Only | Warranty & return program applies to U.S. (and Canada for warranty). |
How to return an item bought online
Returning items online is easy. Follow these steps:
- Start the return
- If you have an account or are an XPLR Pass™ member: Log in and go to Order Details.
- If you’re a guest or received the item as a gift: have your order number and the purchaser’s last name ready, then visit Order Status to begin.
- Process the return on the site
- Choose the item(s) you want to return.
- Pick a reason for the return.
- Pick your return method (label, QR code, drop-off, etc.).
- Package it
- Reuse the original box or bag if you can – they ask customers to reduce waste.
- Print your return label and attach it. If you don’t have a printer, choose the QR code return method -FedEx Office locations can print that for you free. USPS locations cannot print labels or package items for you (but you can buy packing materials there).
- Ship / drop off
- Drop the package at the location you selected when making the return.
- Refund
- After the Distribution Center receives and checks your package, your refund will be processed and you’ll get an email confirmation when it’s initiated.
Reprinting labels & no-printer help
- If you just finished processing a return you should get an email with a link to reprint the label.
- If you can’t find that email, sign in to your account and check your returns history to reprint
Returning in a North Face store
- Online purchases can be returned at North Face retail stores within 30 days of purchase.
- Not eligible: Online orders paid with PayPal, Klarna, or Apple Pay cannot be returned in store.
- You must bring your order number or order confirmation email to make the in-store return.
- If you don’t have receipts or order details, the store may only offer a merchandise exchange at the lowest selling price and that’s up to store management.
- If the original purchase used a credit card, a refund will only be given if the authorized cardholder is present with the same card. If not, the store can issue store credit.
- After the store completes the return, a refund is initiated and a confirmation email will be sent.
Exchanges
- The North Face does not offer online exchanges.
- If you want to exchange an online order, bring it to any The North Face store or outlet to exchange in person.
Returning Gifts
If you received a gift from The North Face but need to send it back, the process is pretty simple.
- Step 1: Ask the gift giver for the order number and their last name.
- Step 2: Go to the Order Status page on The North Face website and enter those details to start the return.
- Step 3: If you don’t have the order information, reach out to The North Face customer service for help.
This way, you can still return the item even if you weren’t the one who made the purchase.
Refunds
- Refunds go back to the original form of payment. If you used a gift card or rewards, you will receive a gift card via email instead.
- The policy states refund is processed after the Distribution Center receives and reviews the package; you will get an email confirmation when the refund is initiated.
Warranty Information
Limited Lifetime Warranty (most branded products)
- Covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the product’s practical, reasonably expected lifetime. Footwear and Renewed items are excluded from the lifetime warranty.
- If a covered item fails from a manufacturing defect, The North Face will repair or replace it at their discretion. Items must be original, unaltered, and unmodified to qualify. Proof of purchase may be required.
- What’s not covered: normal wear and tear (fading, seam tape deterioration), damage from misuse (rips, burns, holes), improper care, excessive use, altered items, items not bought from The North Face or an authorized seller, or unauthorized repairs.
- Warranty coverage is for the original owner and is nontransferable (unless local law says otherwise). The warranty is intended to cover the product’s practical lifetime, not the user’s lifetime.
One-Year Warranty
- Footwear and The North Face Renewed items have a one-year warranty for manufacturing defects after purchase.
How to make a warranty claim (easy steps)
- Submit the online claims form. Have photos of the damaged product ready.
- They usually respond within 5–7 business days after you submit the claim. Proof of purchase may be requested.
- If covered: they may replace, repair, or issue a gift card. Replacements and gift cards are issued after The North Face receives the defective item at their warehouse. If repaired, typical repair time is 2–3 weeks after the warehouse receives it (can be up to 8 weeks during peak times).
- If not covered: they may offer a paid repair option. For more help, email US_Warranty@thenorthface.com or call (855) 500-8639.
Special Services: Replacement Buckles
If your buckle is broken or missing, you can request a free replacement:
- Email US_Warranty@thenorthface.com.
- Include your name, address, a photo of the product, and a description/picture of the buckle.
How to contact The North Face for help
Need help? Here are the ways to contact customer service:
- Online Chat: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST; Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM CST.
- Phone Support: Call or text (888) 863-1968 during the same hours.
- Contact Form: Available on The North Face website.
- Warranty email: US_Warranty@thenorthface.com (for warranty questions, repairs, replacement buckles).
Common Questions
Pro tips for hassle-free returns
- Save the order confirmation email. I always keep it in a folder – it makes returns so much faster.
- If you have no printer, pick the QR code option and swing by a FedEx Office – they’ll print the label for free. USPS can’t print labels.
- Bring the card used for purchase for in-store refunds if you paid with a credit card. If the cardholder can’t come, expect store credit instead.
- Take photos of damaged gear before shipping for warranty claims. The warranty team asks for photos on the claims form.
Final Thoughts
The North Face return policy is fairly straightforward once you know the key rules – 30 days to send back unused, unwashed, unaltered items, proof of purchase for smooth refunds, and a few payment-method exceptions for in-store returns. While free returns aren’t guaranteed, options like FedEx QR code label printing make the process easier. Their warranty program also adds peace of mind, with lifetime coverage on most gear and a year for footwear and Renewed items.
If you keep your receipts, return items quickly, and follow their packaging and proof guidelines, you’ll have a smooth experience – whether you’re swapping a size, sending back a gift, or getting a repair for your favorite jacket.
Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official North Face website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting North Face Customer Service directly is the best resource.
