Lowe’s Return Policy: Cut Through the Crap…It’s Getting Worse
On the surface, the Lowe’s return policy seems pretty straight forward. But once you dig into it a little bit you realize it has some nuances to it that are worth knowing, especially if you shop at Lowe’s regularly. I originally wrote this article back in 2017, and unfortunately their policy has gotten much worse in recent years, especially with how they handle no-receipt returns and major appliance returns. Let’s break it all down.
How Many Return Days Does Lowe’s Give You?
90 days.
The Lowe’s return policy stipulates that you have 90 days to return items to their store.
What is the Return Policy on Major Appliances?
48 HOURS.
You only have 48 HOURS from time of delivery or pickup to return major appliances.
(NOTE: This is new as of early 2023, it used to be 30 days on appliances.)
The MAJOR exception to this is appliances returned in original, unopened, undamaged, and factory-sealed packaging, they still have 30 days.
So this got me wondering what qualifies as “Factory-Sealed Packaging” on a refrigerator that they take out of the box BEFORE they wheel it into your kitchen.
So I called Lowe’s and was told the following, “If you did not receive the refrigerator in a box, then you are not required to return it in a box. Do not worry about that. This only affects customers who throw the packaging away.”
Let me know in the comments if you’ve had a different experience on this new twist in their return policy.
See Also: Employees Tell Me 9 Clever Ways to Save at Lowe’s
Do You Need Your Receipt to Make a Return?
Yes.
This is where their return policy started changing FOR THE WORSE in mid-2023.
In the past, if you didn’t have your receipt, Lowe’s would attempt to use your credit card, MyLowe’s card, or phone number to find your order details and issue store credit.
Those days appear to be LONG GONE as I’ve personally had them refuse my return twice when I didn’t have my receipt and they couldn’t find my order.
The last time I tried this type of return they would NOT even attempt to look up my order and I was told that their return policy regarding no-receipt returns is changing and rolling out to all stores by early-2024.
I was told that they were getting hit hard by scammers trying to return stolen merchandise, or used products well past 90 days, and they have changed their return policy because of this.
It’s too bad that a small percentage of returners have ruined their once useful policy for the rest of us.
Note: As of January 2024, from talking to many Lowe’s shoppers, this new policy is still being rolled out nationwide and some stores still have the old return policy posted but are adhering to the “new” policy and not allowing ANY returns without a receipt.
Let me know in the comments if your local Lowe’s is adhering to the old or new policy regarding this issue.
HACK ALERT
When checking out, always opt to get a printed receipt and one sent to your email. Then create a “Lowe’s” folder in your email account and drag all your receipts into it so you can quickly retrieve a receipt when you need it.
See Also: Home Depot Return Policy: It’s Now Clearly Better Than Lowe’s
What If You Paid with Cash or a Check?
You will DEFINITELY need your receipt to get a refund or exchange if you use cash or a personal check.
The days of Lowe’s looking up your purchase with your phone number, or Lowe’s account, are long gone it appears.
Obviously this only applies to in-store purchases.
Are There Other Exceptions to the 90 Days?
Yes, there are quite a few exceptions and here they are…
Winter/Holiday Seasonal Items – Must be returned by December 31st of the same holiday season.
TVs and Electronics – 30 days. Does Lowe’s actually sell TVs?
Outdoor Power Equipment – 30 days.
Trailers – 30 days.
Air Conditioners and Evaporative Coolers – 30 days.
Water Heaters – 30 days.
Paint – 30 days.
Plants – 365 days. More on this below.
FYI: You can only return trailers to a Lowe’s store in the same state that you bought it.
Can I Return Used Outdoor Power Equipment?
If you bought a lawn mower, chain saw, weed eater, blower, pretty much anything that takes gasoline, I was told by a manager that you can return it within 30 days.
But you MUST drain all the gas from it before you bring it back and you MUST have the receipt.
What About Online Purchases?
The same 90-day return policy exists on purchases made via Lowes.com.
Most items bought online come with a prepaid shipping label which is WAY cool.
Just repackage the item with the original box, manual, and parts and send it back at no charge.
Or even easier, return the item to your local Lowe’s store if you have one in your area.
Unfortunately, when you return an item via the mail you’re out the original shipping charges (if any).
See Also: Lowe’s Employee Discount: What Is It? How Do I Get It?
Can You Return Items Bought In-Store via the Mail?
If taking items back to the store is not convenient, you can indeed return items via mail.
Because you won’t have a prepaid shipping label, you’ll have to call Lowe’s directly at 1-800-445-6937 to initiate the return process.
What About Defects That Happen After 90 Days?
You just might be eligible for some relief if your product/appliance has a manufacturer defect after your 90 day return window expires.
Just call Lowe’s at 1-888-77-LOWES to schedule a factory-certified service appointment.
If the repair is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty you won’t be charged a cent.
What’s the Return Policy on Plants?
1 year from date of purchase.
This 1-year “plant guarantee” does not include annuals or clearance plants.
Just bring the dead plant back along with your receipt and you’ll get your money back.
If you still have the plant’s original container bring that back too, it will make the return process much easier.
PRO TIP
When buying plants from Lowe’s, keep your receipt in a save place. When buying indoor plants, my favorite tip is to put it in a Ziploc bag and tape it to the bottom of the container so you’ll never lose it.
Gift Cards…Can You Return Them?
The only way you can return a lost or stolen gift card is by presenting the original receipt.
Once presented, Lowe’s will reissue a new gift card for the remaining balance.
See Also: Cabela’s Return Policy: Easy Ways to Make It Work For You
4 Lowe’s Return Policy Insider Hacks…
Here are some insider tips and hacks to make their return policy work best for you.
1. Major Appliances.
Always inspect them closely upon delivery. You have 2 days from date of delivery to call Lowe’s at 1-800-445-6937 to report any damage or missing parts.
2. Return Item When Competitor has Lower Price?
If you notice that a local competitor like Home Depot or Ace Hardware has the item you bought at a lower price, you can get a price-match without returning the item. Just bring in proof of the lower price and you’ll get cash back for the difference PLUS an extra 10%.
3. Double Dip Your Savings with Store Credit (Not a Return)
Shop online at Lowe’s.com, but first use my favorite cashback site TopCashBack as they’ll give you 5% back on your Lowe’s online purchase.
When you’re checking out online, choose “store pickup” then stop by your local Lowe’s and pick-up your order.
Next, walk around the store for a few minutes, then return to the customer service desk and ask for “store credit” as you changed your mind on the purchase.
Result? You’ll still score the 5% cashback and have store credit to use on your next purchase. Rinse and repeat.
4. Lowe’s vs. The Home Depot
Whose return policy is better?
From talking to store employees, it seems to come down to individual store managers and how they handle returns.
Some managers (at both retailers) are very willing to bend over backwards to keep the customer happy and accept a return on darn near any product, regardless of age or condition.
The takeaway here is to get familiar with both retailers in your area and figure out which store is more lenient on returns (ESPECIALLY RETURNS WITHOUT A RECEIPT) and take your business there.
5. Pay Attention When They Scan Your Stuff
When you’re checking out and have multiple items that are only slightly different (color, size, etc) make sure they scan each item individually.
If they try and take a shortcut and scan the same item repeatedly, thinking they’re all the same, it will be VERY difficult to try and return any of the items as the SKU won’t be on your receipt.
Ask the Reader: Do you have any tips to make the Lowe’s return policy even more useful? Let me know in the comments section below.
By Kyle James
