Return Policy

Textbook Return Policy

Textbook sales, returns and buybacks are provided by the University Store's course materials partner and their return policy can be found here:

Carnegie Mellon Course Materials Return Policy

Please do Not ship/bring/return your books to the University Store directly as we will not be able to provide you with a refund.

General Merchandise Returns

Merchandise exchanges and refunds may be requested within thirty (30) days of purchase with the original receipt. Merchandise must be in new, unworn and resalable condition, unless defective, with the original tags attached. We reserve the right to offer store credit or partial refunds for items that do not meet these requirements. Shipping and handling charges and return mail charges may not be refundable.

Refunds will only be issued in the original form of payment. You must have the credit/debit card used for the original transaction at the time of return; otherwise, a store credit will be issued.

Merchandise purchased with gift certificates, store credit or returned with a gift receipt will be refunded in the form of a store credit. Gift Certificates are non-refundable. They cannot be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen. Gift Certificates cannot be redeemed for purchases made through the Tech Store.

Merchandise purchased with a university oracle string or ‘P’ card will be refunded to the same university account that made the original purchase; otherwise, store credit will be issued.

Merchandise purchased through our website maybe exchanged or returned in person or by mail, in accordance with this return policy. Shipping and handling fees may not be refundable.

The following merchandise is non-returnable: course packets, CDs, electronic media, electronic appliances, facial coverings, food, trade books, special order books, calculators, headphones, batteries, greeting cards, pad holders/portfolios, umbrellas, special ordered apparel & gift items, balsa wood, and building materials. Clearance sales are final, with the exception of size exchanges for identical merchandise. Merchandise sold exclusively at special events, outdoor sales, etc. may be non-returnable. Signage will be present.

Web Order Return Process

If your item was damaged during shipping, please contact us as soon as possible by email at [email protected] or by phone at 412-268-1032 so we can assist you promptly and resolve the issue.

Before You Return a Product

Before returning any items, please email [email protected] to notify us of your intention to return part or all of your order. Be sure to include your order number, which can be found on the packing slip included with your shipment.

Return Eligibility

To be eligible for a return or exchange, items must be accompanied by the original receipt or gift receipt, as well as a note stating your reason for the return or exchange. Missing documentation may delay or prevent your refund or exchange. Clothing must be unworn, in resalable condition, and have all original tags attached. All returns must be made within 30 days of purchase. We reserve the right to issue store credit or partial refunds for items that do not meet these return criteria.

How to Return or Exchange

Please clearly mark the outside of your package with “WEB ORDER RETURN – CLOTHING & GIFTS” along with your web order number. Include a copy of the original packing slip inside the package and indicate one of the following:

Return the item

Exchange for a different size (please specify size; if we are unable to fulfill the request, a sales associate will contact you)

Exchange for a different item (please include item number and size if applicable)

Ship your return to:

The Carnegie Mellon University Stores
5032 Forbes Avenue
Cohon University Center, LL77
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Once we receive the returned merchandise, we will process your request. You will receive a confirmation email with your return receipt or an update on your exchange. Any price difference will be billed to the credit card used for the original order, and no additional shipping fees will apply. Please do not write credit card information on your packing slip—our system securely encrypts card details for return processing. If there are any issues, we will contact you using the email address on your original order.

Please allow 2–4 weeks for return processing.

Tech Store Return Policy

All sales of technology merchandise are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges on any tech products, including but not limited to computers, monitors, iPads and iPods (all models), ink cartridges and toner, batteries, power supplies, software, headphones, and printers. We encourage you to carefully review all product details—such as model, version, platform, and compatibility—before completing your purchase.

If a product is defective or arrives DOA (Dead on Arrival), it will be handled in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty and return policy. Please refer to the warranty information included with your product for next steps.

Returns on Special Orders:

A Special Order is an order for a product placed per the users' specifications and is not normally stocked. All special orders must be prepaid in full and are non-refundable. Since we cannot take a deposit from a department, Departmental Special Orders cannot be cancelled once any cost has been incurred by the Tech Store, unless the department is willing to cover the incurred cost. Such costs may include the following: staff time, shipping expenses, manufacturer's restocking fee, etc. Departmental Special Orders must be made in person at the Tech Store or by email through Tech Store personnel. We reserve the right to refuse any return.

There will be a $50.00 service fee for updating Oracle Strings (Feeder Cost Transfer) from a previous Fiscal Year