Party City Return Policy: 14 Days, Online Orders Only & Label Fee

Party City's current return policy is short and strict: it covers online orders from PartyCity.com, gives you 14 days from delivery ¹, and expects items back in sellable shape. Here's what qualifies, how to send a return and what happens with store pickup, Staples and DoorDash orders, based on Party City's own returns page. For other Party City guides, see the Party City store page.

How long do you have to return a Party City order?

You must request a return within 14 days of receiving your delivery ¹. The policy applies only to online orders made through PartyCity.com ¹. Returns that fall outside the policy, including returns outside the 14-day window, aren't refunded, and Party City emails you to explain why ¹. The 14-day deadline is for requesting the return; the policy doesn't set a separate date for the package to reach Party City's warehouse ¹.

Seasonal merchandise has a tighter cutoff. Items for holidays such as Easter, Halloween, Christmas and New Year's can be returned up to 7 days before the holiday ¹. If you're returning a costume or decorations, plan ahead rather than waiting until after the event.

What condition do items need to be in?

Every return has to meet all of these conditions ¹:

• New, unused and in saleable condition
• All original tags and labels attached
• In the original packaging
• With all original components and accessories
• Free from the smell of smoke, perfume or other odors, and from any signs of wear or use

Shoes must be unmarked (no scuffs), unworn and in new condition; Party City suggests trying them on indoors on carpet ¹. Party City decides at its sole discretion whether a returned item is saleable ¹.

Items you can return only if unopened

A long list of items qualifies for a return only in the unopened, original packaging, and they must not have been worn, used or altered in any way ¹. The list includes ¹:

• Sale or clearance items and final sale items
• Items or packaging in used condition
• Wigs, beards, facial hair and other artificial hair
• Headbands and hair accessories
• Contacts, eyelashes and cosmetics
• Prosthetic noses or chins, prosthetics, fangs or fake teeth
• Undergarments, socks and stockings
• Shoe covers, boot tops, slippers and similar footwear
• Cigarette holders
• Inflatable costumes and decor
• Pet costumes

How to send a return

1. Get a label. Email [email protected] with your order number to request a return label, which Party City emails to you ¹. If you use it, $8.99 is deducted from your refund ¹.
2. Or buy your own. You can ship with your own label instead; Party City recommends a tracked, insured service and keeping proof of postage until your refund arrives ¹.
3. Pack it securely. You're responsible for the condition of the goods until they reach Party City's warehouse, and return shipping costs are yours unless you use the tracked label service ¹.

Refunds and processing times

Your refund reflects only what you actually paid after any promotions or discounts ¹. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable ¹.

Returns are typically processed within 2 weeks of Party City receiving the item ¹. During the Halloween season, September through November, processing can take up to 4 weeks ¹.

If a return doesn't meet the policy, for example worn merchandise, items with odors or a late return, it won't be refunded, and you'll get an email explaining why ¹.

Store pickup, Staples and DoorDash orders

• Returning online orders in a store: Party City does not accept returns in stores for online purchases; in-store returns are up to each store and may not be honored ¹.
• Store Pickup orders: contact the Party City store where the order was placed ¹.
• Party City at Staples: call or visit the Staples location where you bought the items to see if they're eligible for a return or refund ¹.
• DoorDash local delivery: contact DoorDash directly at 1-833-380-5713; Party City's Customer Care team is separate from DoorDash ¹.

Defective or wrong items

If you receive a defective or incorrect item, contact Customer Service within 14 days of the original order date ¹. Party City says it will send replacement products or process a refund if you no longer need the item ¹.

Balloon quality guarantee

Party City guarantees balloons are inflated and inspected for visible defects right before pickup or delivery ¹. Check them on the spot if you can. If you find a problem after you leave or after the driver departs, you must contact Party City within 2 hours of pickup or delivery ¹. Include your order number, a description of the issue and, ideally, photos or a video ¹.

The guarantee covers immediate or rapid quality problems, not the natural, gradual deflation of balloons ¹. Damage after pickup, such as heat in a car, pets or sharp objects, isn't covered ¹.

Tips before you return

• Start your return as soon as the package arrives; 14 days from delivery goes fast ¹.
• Return seasonal items at least 7 days before the holiday ¹.
• Keep costumes and accessories sealed until you're sure you'll use them; many are returnable only unopened ¹.
• Compare the $8.99 label deduction with the cost of your own tracked label ¹.
• Watch your shipping address: a wrong address, refused delivery or return-to-sender package carries a $15.00 fee ¹.
• Browse more return policy guides.