SHEIN's return policy is clear, and while you'd usually need to return the item before getting a refund, there are a few exceptions highlighted in this policy that won't require you to return the item.
That said, let me show you when and how to actually get a refund without returning the purchased item to SHEIN.
When Can I Get a Refund on SHEIN Without Returning?
SHEIN's return policy strictly requires a return of the item you purchased before they'll review and issue a refund; that's how it works. However, there's a section in this same policy that says:
In certain cases, we reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to issue a refund for an item without the need of you to return the item.
Extract from SHEIN's return policy
This alone means there's a chance to get a refund for a purchased item without you having to return it.
Yeah, I know they've said they do this at their sole discretion, but what most people won't know is that there's actually a way to get your order favoured by this discretion.
How?
Well, I came up with two methods that actually did help me out with getting my refund from Temu without having to return the items, which a friend of mine used on a SHEIN order, and it did work.
1. The Item Shouldn't Be Worth $15 or More
So, for you to get a refund on SHEIN without returning the item, you need to make sure that the order you're requesting a refund for isn't more than $15 in value.
The value of the order do matters well, since any business always looks to make a profit off its sales. If SHEIN deems your order not valuable for a return, they'd simply refund your money without requiring you to return the item, especially if this is the free return for your first order.
Think of it: say, for example, you want a refund for an order worth $10. It'd be really costly for SHEIN to cover the entire shipping fee of about $7.99 for such an order. So they'd definitely have to refund you and let you keep the item.
This was what worked for me to get a refund for 3 orders I placed on Temu without having to return them, and when I shared it with a friend I mentioned earlier, he used it as well on SHEIN, and it worked well for him.
2. The Item Should Arrive Completely Damaged After Delivery
Damaged items will definitely need a refund, and if the photos you take of the item upon delivery can prove the severity of its damage, SHEIN wouldn't require you to return it because it'd be of no use to them. So they'll just have to process your refund after reviewing your request.
I have to say that this method will work well even for items worth $15 or more because SHEIN would consider the fact that, since this item has suffered serious damage, even you, the client, won't be able to use it so it so it simply becomes worthless to both parties and would have to be trashed.
How to Get a Refund on SHEIN Without Returning Items
Now that you know exactly what orders you can get a refund for without having to return the items, what else is left is the steps to take to initiate the process, which are as follows:
- Log in to your SHEIN account (it can be through the app or web).
- Go to the "My Orders" section and locate the item you want to return, then tap on "Order Details".
- Select "Return Items" and select all individual items you want to return while explaining a reason for the return, then tap "Next".
- On the next page, tap "Return Method" and choose your preferred logistics carrier for the return.
Don't worry, this is just the normal process to follow, and it is only after these steps that SHEIN would deem it unnecessary for you to return the item. - Finally, tap "Refund Method" to select your preferred refund method, then tap "Submit" to submit your refund request.
How to Get Refund on SHEIN for Missing Package
If your package went missing during shipping or delivery, you can immediately request a refund as soon as you learn about this, and SHEIN would only have to refund your money without requiring you to return the package since you didn't receive it in the first place.
Does SHEIN Accept Returns Without Original Packaging?
No, SHEIN won't process returns and refunds without the original packaging. If SHEIN requires you to return the item, you'll have to send the original and unused packaging.
Is SHEIN Return Free?
SHEIN returns are free, but only for your first return in your first order. It is a specific process because even returning an item you received in the first order after you've already made a first free return will incur a $7.99 fee that will be deducted from your refund. So to get a free return on SHEIN, just make sure that the return is actually your very first of your first order.
Final Thoughts
Getting a refund on SHEIN for your order without having to return the items is very possible, though tricky. You need to make sure that the items aren't worth $15 or more, and that it has incurred serious damage upon shipping or delivery. The lesser the item is in value, the less likely SHEIN would require you to return it, since it'd only cost them more, especially if it is your free return on your first order.
Using any of these methods should increase your chances of getting a refund without return; using both, if at all it is possible in your case, would definitely guarantee that the process would go well in your favor. This guide compiles all the information you need to make the process go smoothly, so you can always come back in case a step slipped your mind.
