GOAT is a global digital marketplace for authenticated sneakers, apparel, and accessories, connecting buyers with a vast network of sellers. Because it operates as a consignment and peer-to-peer marketplace, its return policies are restrictive compared to traditional retail stores. Understanding which items are eligible for return and the process for initiating a request is necessary.
Understanding GOAT’s Standard Return Mechanism
Standard returns are accepted for eligible items when a buyer changes their mind or has a sizing issue, but the outcome is limited to store credit. For US customers, a return request must be initiated within 14 days of receiving the item. The item must remain in the exact condition it was shipped: unworn, undamaged, and with all original tags and packaging intact.
Any refund issued under the Standard Return process is provided as GOAT Credit, usable only for future purchases on the platform. This credit is not the full purchase price. It is subject to deductions for a return processing fee, equal to 15% of the item’s price, plus the costs associated with shipping to and from the buyer. Once approved, the item must be shipped back and received by GOAT within the specified timeframe for inspection.
Purchases That Are Always Final Sale
Many purchases on the platform are designated as final sale and are ineligible for any form of return or exchange. Items listed as “Final Sale” on the checkout page are excluded from the standard return policy. This restriction also applies to purchases of special items, such as those marked as Vintage, Sample, ID, Custom, Defect, or Pre-Release, which are considered unique or specialized goods.
All purchases of used items, except those from the GOAT Clean collection, are considered final sale. Items bought through an auction or stored in GOAT Storage are also non-returnable. A purchase becomes final sale the moment a buyer removes the verification or authenticity tag attached to the item. Additionally, any item shipped to a freight forwarder or a delivery address in the People’s Republic of China is not eligible for return.
Special Return Rules for Apparel and GOAT Clean
While many high-value sneakers are subject to final sale restrictions, certain product categories remain eligible for a Standard Return. Apparel and accessories are generally returnable, provided they meet the condition requirements of being unwashed, unworn, and having all original tags attached. Items purchased from the “GOAT Clean” section, which consists of professionally cleaned and graded used sneakers, are also eligible for return.
These categories follow the Standard Return policy. The refund is issued as GOAT Credit, not a cash refund to the original payment method. The 14-day window for initiating a return request applies to these eligible items for US buyers. The credit issued will have the return processing fee and shipping costs deducted before being added to the buyer’s account.
Step-by-Step Guide to Processing a Return
The process begins by logging into the GOAT app or website and navigating to the Orders section to find the item you wish to return. If the item is eligible, a “Request Return” option will appear, which must be selected within the 14-day window of receiving the order. After submitting the request, you will receive authorization, a prepaid shipping label, and a packing slip.
The physical return package must be prepared carefully. Ensure the item is placed back in its original packaging, such as the shoe box, which must remain undamaged. Include the provided return label and packing slip inside the shipment. The entire package should then be securely enclosed in an outer shipping box to protect the original packaging from transit damage.
Once the prepaid label is received, the item must be dropped off with the designated carrier within three business days. GOAT will receive the package and begin an evaluation process that can take up to seven business days. The item is inspected to confirm it is in the same condition as when it was shipped. Any sign of wear or alteration will lead to the rejection of the return request. Upon approval, the GOAT Credit, minus all applicable fees, is applied to your account.
What to Do If the Item is Flawed or Inauthentic
A claim that an item is flawed, damaged, or inauthentic falls under the Buyer Protection Policy, which is a different procedure than a Standard Return. This policy covers situations where the item received is incorrect, fails to match the description, or is deemed inauthentic. The deadline to report such issues is 14 days from the date of receipt, but contact GOAT support immediately upon discovering a discrepancy.
Claims of inauthenticity or damage generally lead to a full refund back to the original payment method, rather than store credit. To initiate this claim, contact GOAT Assist through the app and provide photographic evidence of the flaw or the reasons for questioning authenticity. The platform will conduct an investigation to validate the claim against its verification standards. If the item is confirmed to be inauthentic or significantly flawed, GOAT will approve the return and issue the full refund to the original form of payment.