Carter’s Return Policy: A Complete Guide

Carter’s Return Policy ensures a hassle-free experience for parents and gift-givers alike. Customers have 90 days from the date of purchase to return most items, provided they are unworn, unwashed, and have original tags attached. Whether the purchase was made online or in-store, Carter’s allows returns with a receipt or packing slip for a full refund to the original payment method. For returns without a receipt, Carter’s typically offers merchandise credit at the item’s current selling price.

Online purchases can be returned by mail using the return shipping label provided, but a shipping fee may be deducted from the refund. In-store returns are free and often processed faster. Gift returns also receive merchandise credit, making it easy for recipients to choose something they prefer. While international orders follow different guidelines, Carter’s return policy overall is designed to prioritize convenience. For best results, keep receipts and return items promptly to ensure a smooth experience.

Return Time Frame and Receipt Requirements

Carter’s gives you 90 days to return your items, which is more than enough for most customers.

Key Points:

• Items must be returned within 90 days of purchase to receive a full refund to your original payment method.
• If you don’t have a receipt, Carter’s may still allow a return, but you’ll likely get merchandise credit based on the current selling price.
• For online purchases, the packing slip or confirmation email counts as proof of purchase.
• In-store purchases without a receipt require valid photo ID and are subject to manager approval.
• Returns made after 90 days or without receipts are handled at Carter’s discretion, and refunds may be issued as a gift card.

Keeping your receipt or order confirmation makes the process much easier and ensures you get your full refund. So if you’re unsure whether to hang on to those papers—definitely do.

Conditions for Return (Unworn, Unwashed, Tags On)

Carter’s is flexible, but your items need to meet basic return criteria to qualify.

Key Points:

• Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition.
• The tags must still be attached—removing them may result in denial of return.
• Items purchased as final sale are not eligible for return or exchange.
• Returned merchandise should be clean and free from odors like perfume or smoke.
• Returns of gift items follow the same condition requirements but often get refunded as merchandise credit.

Even if the item is brand new, Carter’s wants to ensure it’s resalable, which helps keep the policy fair. Always double-check before removing tags or tossing packaging if you’re not sure the item will fit or suit your child.

In-Store Return Process Explained

Returning Carter’s items in-store is the quickest and easiest method available.

Here’s what to do:

• Bring the original item, receipt, and valid ID (if you’re returning without proof of purchase).
• Visit any Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, or Skip Hop retail store.
• Returns are processed by store associates and usually take just a few minutes.
• If your item is eligible, you’ll get a refund to the original form of payment, a gift card, or an even exchange.
• For gifts or online purchases, staff may ask for order details to process returns accurately.

Carter’s encourages in-store returns because they’re efficient, personal, and free of return shipping hassles. Just make sure the items are in good condition and within the 90-day window for smooth processing.

Online Return by Mail Instructions

If returning in person isn’t an option, Carter’s lets you return by mail.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit carters.com/returns and enter your order number and billing ZIP code.
• Select the items you wish to return and print your prepaid return label.
• Pack the items securely and attach the label to your package.
• Drop the package at your nearest UPS location.

Online returns usually take 7–10 business days after Carter’s receives your items. Keep in mind, Carter’s does not provide free return shipping, and this cost may be deducted from your refund total unless the return is due to defective or wrong items.

Mailing is a solid option when you can’t make it to a store, but always weigh it against the shipping fee—especially for smaller purchases.

Return Shipping Fee and Deduction Details

Returning Carter’s products via mail isn’t free unless there’s a problem with the order.

What to know:

• Carter’s charges a $6 return shipping fee when you use their prepaid label.
• This fee is deducted from your refund, unless the return was due to:
  • A wrong item
  • A defective product
  • A processing error on Carter’s end
• You can avoid this fee by returning items in-store instead.
• If you choose your own shipping method (instead of their prepaid label), you won’t be charged a return label fee, but you’ll have to cover shipping yourself.

Always check whether your situation qualifies for free return shipping before choosing to mail it back. For most customers, in-store returns are the most cost-effective solution.

Refund Methods and Timeline

Once your return is approved, Carter’s processes your refund quickly, but exact timing varies by payment method.

Refund Breakdown:

• Original payment refunds (credit/debit card, PayPal, etc.) are issued within 5–7 business days after the return is processed.
• Returns made without a receipt or beyond the return window often result in a merchandise credit or gift card.
• Items returned in-store are refunded immediately to the original payment method.
• Refunds from mailed returns may take up to 2 weeks, including processing and bank clearing time.
• Gift returns are issued as Carter’s gift cards.

If you’re in a hurry to receive your money back, in-store returns offer the fastest turnaround. For online returns, just be patient—it may take a bit longer, but Carter’s system is reliable and trustworthy.

Policy for Returns Without a Receipt

Returning items to Carter’s without a receipt is still possible, but there are important limitations.

What You Need to Know:

• Carter’s accepts returns without a receipt, but you must show a valid government-issued photo ID.
• The return will be refunded as merchandise credit based on the current selling price of the item.
• For large return volumes or frequent no-receipt returns, Carter’s system may flag or limit future returns.
• If you purchased online but lost the packing slip, you can still access the order info via your email confirmation or Carter’s account history.

The key here is that you won’t get a refund to your original form of payment without proof of purchase. If you’re okay with a store credit, Carter’s will usually allow the return as long as the item is in new condition with tags. This is especially helpful for parents receiving items as gifts or bulk baby shower items without receipts attached.

Gift Returns and Merchandise Credit Info

Returning gifts at Carter’s is very common, especially for baby clothes—and they have a clear process.

Gift Return Basics:

• If you’re returning a gift, you’ll receive a Carter’s gift card or merchandise credit.
• The item must still meet the usual return criteria: unwashed, unworn, and tags attached.
• No gift receipt? Carter’s will refund the current price of the item, not the original price.
• If you do have a gift receipt, you’ll get full credit based on the gift’s purchase price.

Carter’s understands that baby gifts might not always be the right size or season, so their flexible gift return policy is great for parents. Just be prepared for store credit instead of cash back—and keep in mind that store credit can’t be redeemed for cash or applied to future online orders in some cases.

How to Make an Exchange at Carter’s

Exchanging items at Carter’s is quick, especially in-store.

Steps to Exchange:

• Visit a Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, or Skip Hop store with the original item and receipt.
• Items must be unused, with tags, and in original condition.
• You can exchange for a different size, color, or even a new product of equal value.
• If the new item costs more, you simply pay the difference.
• No receipt? You’ll receive merchandise credit toward the new item, based on the lowest recent sale price.

Carter’s staff make the exchange process smooth and parent-friendly. Whether you’re swapping for a bigger size or trying a different style, you’ll get fast, in-person help. If the item was a gift or bought online, bring any order details or packing slips you still have for faster service.

Returning or Exchanging Defective Items

Carter’s is known for quality, but if something’s defective, they’ll make it right.

Defective Item Policy:

• You can return damaged or defective items in-store or by mail—even if they’ve been washed or worn.
• Carter’s will typically offer a full refund or replacement, even without a receipt, depending on the issue.
• You may be asked to show proof of defect (photos or physical return).
• For online orders, contact Carter’s Customer Service to start the return and get a free shipping label.

Carter’s stands behind their products, so if a zipper breaks or a seam unravels unexpectedly, they’ll fix the issue fast. You’ll likely receive a replacement or store credit with no hassle—just make sure to report the problem as soon as possible after discovering it.

International Return Restrictions and Process

Carter’s does accept international returns, but there are added steps and restrictions to keep in mind.

Here’s How It Works:

• International orders cannot be returned in-store—they must be mailed back to the U.S. return facility.
• Customers are responsible for international return shipping costs, unless the item is defective or incorrect.
• Carter’s recommends using a trackable service when shipping from abroad.
• Refunds will be issued to the original method of payment, but may take longer to process due to international logistics.
• Some promotional or clearance items may be non-returnable from international addresses.

International customers should double-check sizing and order details before purchasing to avoid costly return shipping fees. While Carter’s aims to be fair globally, their return process is more complex for orders outside the U.S.—especially if receipts or invoices are missing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carter’s Return Policy

1. Can I return used clothes to Carter’s?
   Carter’s generally does not accept returns of used clothing unless the item is defective. For returns to be eligible, the clothes must be unwashed, unused, and have tags attached. Defective items, however, can be returned even if worn or washed.
2. How long do I have to return items to Carter’s?
   Carter’s allows 90 days for returns with a receipt for most items. For Target-owned brands like OshKosh and Up & Up, the window can be extended to 365 days. If you paid using a Target RedCard, you have 120 days to make the return.
3. Can I exchange items at Carter’s without a receipt?
   Yes, you can exchange items without a receipt, but you will receive merchandise credit based on the lowest selling price of the item at the time. Ensure the items are in unopened, unwashed, and unworn condition to qualify.
4. What happens if my gift didn’t come with a receipt?
   If you receive a gift from Carter’s without a receipt, you can still return the item by providing a gift receipt or using the order confirmation. The store will issue a gift card or merchandise credit based on the current selling price.
5. Does Carter’s accept returns on clearance items?
   Carter’s accepts returns on clearance items as long as the product is unworn, unwashed, and has tags attached. However, some final sale items may not be eligible for returns, so check the return policy on clearance items before purchasing.
6. Can I return items purchased from Carter’s online store?
   Yes, Carter’s allows online returns by mail. You’ll need to use a return label and cover the shipping cost unless the product is defective. Alternatively, you can return in-store if you have the packing slip or proof of purchase.

Conclusion on Carter’s Return Policy

Carter’s return policy is designed to make the shopping experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible for parents and gift-givers. The ability to return or exchange items within a 90-day window (or up to 365 days for some brands) ensures that customers have plenty of time to make decisions and find the right products. The process is straightforward for those with receipts, but Carter’s also offers flexibility for gift returns or returns without receipts, offering merchandise credit in those cases.

For defective products, Carter’s is accommodating and will usually accept returns or exchanges even if items are worn or washed. Their online return process also provides an easy way for shoppers to return items without the need to go in-store.