Lowe’s Employee Discount: How to Qualify and Other Tidbits

Updated October 14, 2024 by Kyle James
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If you stumbled upon this article you’re either already working at Lowe’s or considering applying. And…you’re VERY smart to wonder exactly how the Lowe’s employee discount works so you can make an informed employment decision. Here’s everything we know so far, please let me know if I need to add any nuggets of information to this article.

Lowe's Employee Discount: How to Qualify and Other Tidbits

Lowe’s Offer a 10% Employee Discount

Yes, they offer a decent 10% employee discount which you use via your Employee I.D. card both in-store and online.

Also, as a “Christmas Bonus” they’ll give employees a 20% discount the week or two before Christmas which is really cool. The 20% discount often hits in May as well. 

This is WAY better then The Home Depot, who does NOT currently offer an employee discount per say.

PRO TIP: BUY APPLIANCES WITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT

Yes, your employee discount works on major appliances sold at Lowe’s. The short periods when you get a 20% discount is a great time to buy a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven. I’m surprised Lowe’s doesn’t exclude appliances as their profit margin on these is usually only 10-15%. So when you use your 20% discount, Lowe’s is actually losing money on the transaction.

You Qualify For the Discount on Day One

The really cool thing about their employee discount is that you qualify for it on DAY ONE of employment.

This is a nice change from other retailers that often require you to work 30-90 days before you get the discount.

See Also: Lowe’s Price Match Policy: 11 Things You NEED To Know to Save

Full-Timers and Part-Timers are Eligible

Both full-time and part-time employees get the employee discount.

Corporate employees also qualify for the same 10% discount.

There is NO Yearly Maximum Discount

As an employee, you’re allowed to use your discount as often as you’d like.

YOU CANNOT STACK YOUR DISCOUNT WITH A LOWE’S CREDIT CARD

As you probably know, you get a 5% discount on everything you buy with a Lowe’s credit card. I recently asked a Lowe’s cashier if employees could use a Lowe’s credit card in addition to their 10% employee discount to get a 15% discount. She immediately said, “Nope, I wish, but employees can’t stack their discount that way”.

No Products Are Excluded

No, the discount can be used throughout the entire store.

See Also: Lowe’s Return Policy: Make It Work For You

Your Spouse Can Also Use the Discount

Besides the employee, only their spouse can get the discount.

Extended family members and children do not qualify.

But you can obviously make purchases for friends and family and have them reimburse you but DON’T abuse this as you might get caught and fired which Target is notorious for.

The Discount Can Also Be Used at Lowes.com

The employee discount can also be used on Lowes.com.

You’ll be given an employee discount I.D. card which you can use to shop online and score your 10% off.

Black Friday Deals are Fair Game

The employee discount is good EVERY day of the year that Lowe’s is open.

So even if the price is greatly reduced on Black Friday, you can still stack your 10% discount on top of ALL ongoing promotions.

Employees Can Stack With Their Military Discount

If you served in the military, and work at Lowe’s, you can stack both your employee discount and their military discount on your purchase.

This equates to a 20% discount which is pretty stellar.

Lowe’s Offers Other Employee Deals

Via the Lowe’s Associate Discount Program, they offer an online portal that helps you save on travel, entertainment, fitness, and other cool categories.

Popular discounts include 50% off hotels, 40% off movie tickets, and even 30% off auto insurance premiums.

Does Home Depot Also Offer an Employee Discount?

No.

Home Depot has never offered a traditional employee discount, but they do offer a Success Sharing program that gets workers a $75-$220 bonus a couple times a year depending on how well the store does meeting sales goals.

Ask the Reader: Did I miss anything when it comes to the employee discount at Lowe’s? Let me know in the comments below, thanks.


By Kyle James

The PetSmart Return Policy: Time to Answer ALL of Your Questions

Updated August 23, 2024 by Kyle James
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Having written about return policies for the past few years, the one thing I’ve learned is that no two policies are created equal. And right on cue the PetSmart return policy is no different and actually has a few facets to it that are real head scratchers. Let’s break it all down so your next PetSmart return is a little bit easier.

PetSmart Return Policy: Time to Answer ALL Your Questions

How Many Return Days Does PetSmart Allow?

60 Days.

PetSmart allow you to return items for up to 60 days after the date of purchase.

Can I Return an Animal that Dies After Purchase?

First of all, if an animal you bought within the last 14 days looks sick, call PetSmart IMMEDIATELY and let them know, you stand a good chance of them taking it back.

But even if the animal is NOT sick, you can return it within 14 days of purchase, this includes if the animal dies while in your care.

What About Returning Dead Fish?

Yes, you have 14 days to return a dead fish.

While kinda gross, you’ll need to bring back the dead fish as proof.

Also, some PetSmart locations will ask you to bring back a water sample and could deny your return if your water tests “unacceptable for fish”.

PRO TIP

There’s no official PetSmart policy (that I can find) on needing to bring-in a water sample. So if your local PetSmart requires it, you might want to buy your fish from a different store in your town.

Can I Return Opened Pet Food?

Let’s say you bought a 50 pound bag of dog food only to have Fido turn his nose up to it.

Surprisingly, PetSmart WILL let you exchange the pet food for a different brand.

If you opened the bag you have 14 days to return it with your receipt. (Thanks to employee Jess for this information)

If the food is unopened you can exchange it (with your receipt) within 60 days of purchase.

Note: I called my local PetSmart and spoke to the manager to verify this information.

See Also: These 17 Stores That Let You Return Used Items for a Full Refund

Can I Return Online Purchases In-Store?

Yes.

If you live near a PetSmart store, this is the BEST way to make a return, otherwise you’ll be on the hook for the return shipping charges.

Any Exceptions to the 60 Return Days?

Yes, there are several to be aware of:

– Prescription Pet Medications: PetSmart does NOT allow returns or exchanges for these.

– Electronic Items: Must have receipt to make a return if price is over $10. Think training collars, electric fencing and specialized training items.

– Grooming Equipment: Must have receipt if the value is over $10.

– Pumps and Filters: Also need valid receipt if the value is over $10.

– Non-Prescription Medications/Vitamins: Must have receipt if price is above $10.

See Also: The Chewy Return Policy: It’s Like REALLY Good

Can I Make a Return When I Paid With a Check?

Yes, you can make a return if you originally paid with a check.

Just be aware that you’ll get a merchandise return card, or cash, but not until a 10-day waiting period from the date of original sale has passed.

What If I Lost My PetSmart Receipt?

Not all hope is lost if you lose your receipt.

Specifically, if you’re a member of their Pet Rewards program they can look up your purchase history using your phone number.

Otherwise you can bring back the product with your valid photo I.D. and they’ll give you lowest sale price in the form of a “merchandise return card” which can be used for a future purchase.

See Also: All the Stores That Allow You to Return Items Without a Receipt

Can I Return Items Bought With PayPal?

Yes, you can return items bought via PayPal.

But your refund will not go back to your PayPal account, instead you’re stuck with merchandise credit.

Alternatively, debit card purchases will be refunded as cash.

Head scratcher #2: So you can get a cash refund with debit card purchases but not PayPal…what the heck is the difference?

What Happens To My “Treat Points” When I Make a Return?

If you make a return in which “Treat Points” were used you will NOT get those points back when you return the item.

PetSmart will also “deduct the points earned from the original transaction”.

Can I Return Live Animals?

Yes.

If you’ve ever walked around a PetSmart store you know they sell critters like snakes, iguanas, mice, rats, hamsters, and other cool creatures.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to return one of these animals you have 14 days from date of purchase to do so.

Along with the animal, you’ll need to bring back your original receipt and any paperwork they gave you.

Also, it’s worth noting that you must return the animal to the store where you originally purchased it.

What About Returning Clearance Items?

Yes, you can return clearance items within 60 days of purchase.

See Also: The Petco Return Policy: Can You Return Pet Food and Dead Animals?

How Do I Start an Online Return?

First, you’ll need to locate your packing slip and fill out the return section at the bottom.

Next, you’ll need to call PetSmart at 1-888-839-9638 and get yourself a return authorization number (RMA).

At this point they will email you a shipping label so you can pack up the item and ship it back via FedEx.

Be sure to write the RMA number on the outside of the box to avoid any confusion.

It could take up to 30 days for your return to be processed which seems REALLY long compared to other retailers. (head-scratcher #3)

Also, you’re on the hook for the return shipping charges unless the reason for the return is the fault of PetSmart.

For this reason, it’s WAY better to make your return in-store and avoid these charges altogether.

What To Do If My Online Order Shows Up Damaged?

PetSmart asks you to call them at 1-888-839-9638 within 30 days and they’ll take care of the issue.

Make sure you have your order number handy as well as the item number which is on your invoice slip.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the PetSmart return policy? Good, bad , or indifferent…let me know in the comments.


By Kyle James

The Best Employee Discounts at Fast Food Restaurants

Updated September 12, 2024 by Kyle James
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It you found this page you either work at a fast food joint and want to know what their employee discount is, or you’re thinking of applying and looking for the best employee discount out there. Well, you’ve come to the right place as I’ll answer all of your questions so you can start scoring some free, or highly discounted, food and drinks. Let’s break it all down.

The Best Employee Discounts at Fast Food Restaurants

Chipotle

I might get a job here just for the great Chipotle employee discount.

You’ll score a free burrito during every shift that you work…yes please.

Plus, on your days off, you can still come in and score a 50% discount on food and drinks.

In-N-Out Burger

As an employee at In-N-Out you’ll get 15% off at the company store and FREE meals on the days you work.

This is for BOTH full-time and part-time workers which is pretty awesome.

I wonder if this includes a double-double “animal style” or just stuff from their regular menu? Anybody know?

See Also: The Ultimate In-N-Out Secret Menu (Some of Which Will Save You Money)

Starbucks

Baristas score a Starbucks employee discount good for 30% off drinks and food.

Employees also get a free drink (even stuff from their secret menu) along with food of their choice when they go on their lunch break.

I’ve also been told that employees score 1 free pound of coffee every week.

If you’re not a coffee drinker you can opt for tea or a K-cup pack if you wish.

Sonic Drive-In

FREE DRINKS for employees who work at corporate locations…yep, you read that correctly, now go apply.

It should be noted that this policy varies at franchise stores.

Also, according to this site, if a food order gets screwed up, the manager will usually let you chow down on it.

Subway

As a general rule of thumb you’ll score a free sub at Subway when you work at least 5 hours.

On the days you don’t work, most locations will still give you a 25% Subway employee discount on food and drinks.

Disclaimer: The Subway employee discount can vary by location as most are independently owned.

Five Guys Burgers

Five Guys will give you a free meal for every shift you work.

Come in on your day off and you’ll still score a cool 50% discount which ain’t too shabby.

Try one of these crazy good burgers from the Five Guys secret menu too.

Be careful as those free meals can be hell on your waist size….trust me on this one.

Dutch Bros Coffee

If you’ve never been to a Dutch Bros you’re missing out as it appears the employees are having a GREAT time inside the coffee “hut” sorta building thingee.

Maybe it’s because the employees are all wired up on free drinks which they get with every shift.

They also score 30% off on Dutch gear and products from the Dutch Store.

See Also: 80+ Drinks From the Amazing Dutch Bros Secret Menu

McDonald’s

Once you work for Mickey D’s for 1-month you’ll get an Employee Discount Card.

This card will get you a McDonald’s employee discount along with a slew of other retailers.

Aside from their employee discount card, you’ll get a 30% discount on the days you don’t work and 50% on the days you do work.

Burger King

Burger King hands out a generous 50% discount on food on the days you work.

Most locations will also give you a FREE meal if you come in for your shift early or have to stay late.

You’ll also score a free soda on the days you work.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

The KFC employee discount allows for one free meal for every 6+ hour shift.

I was also told that you get 50% off on the days you’re not scheduled to work.

See Also: The KFC Secret Menu Will Make You Salute the Colonel

Taco Bell

You’ll score a 50% discount as a Taco Bell employee.

PLUS, all immediate family members will also score 50% off Taco Bell employee discount which is pretty cool.

It’s also widely known that you’ll get free meals during your actual shift.

Wendy’s

The employee discount at Wendy’s is 50%, even when you’re not on the clock.

Managers apparently get a completely free meal when working.

If you love a square burger this could be a great place to work.

Carl’s Jr/Hardees

Employees get a 50% off discount when working, even on their big ol’ juicy Angus Thickburgers.

When you’re not on shift, you can still come in and get a 25% discount.

Chick fil A

This one depends on the franchise owner, but most Chick fil A employee discounts will get you a free meal when they work at least 4 hours.

If you come in on your day off, you’ll still typically get a 50% discount on your food.

See Also: The Chick-Fil-A Secret Menu: Fun Ways to Spice Up Your Next Meal

Jack In The Box

Jack In The Box offers a 50% employee discount on the days you work (up to $10).

No discount on the days you aren’t scheduled.

But you will get free drinks and snacks while actually working.

Ask the Reader: Do you work at any of these restaurants and have more updated information on their employee discount? Please let me know in the comments and I’ll be sure to keep this article updated.


By Kyle James