Home Depot Return Policy: The In’s & Out’s To Make It Work For You
Due to nature of DIY projects, the Home Depot return policy is one of the most used return policies in existence. Because of that, it’s nice to know exactly how it works, what the exclusions are, how receipt-less returns work, and even some insider tips for success. Here’s everything you need to know to make returning stuff to the Home Depot a breeze.
What is the “Official” Home Depot Return Policy?
90 days.
You have a generous 90 days to return an item to the Home Depot if you’re not satisfied for any reason.
Are There Exceptions to the 90 Days?
Yes, there are.
These items all have a different time window for returns.
- Furniture – 30 days.
- Mattresses – 30 days.
- Area Rugs – 30 days.
- Generators – 30 days.
- Paint Sprayers – 30 days.
- Gas Powered Stuff & Tractors – 30 days.
- Consumer Electronics – 30 days.
- Purchases made with a Home Depot Credit Card – 365 days (more on this below)
I wasn’t aware that The Home Depot sold consumer electronics but I’m guessing they mean speakers, drones, WiFi extenders, and HDMI cables, many of which they sell online.
See Also: 7 Highly Clever Ways to Save Money at The Home Depot
What’s the Return Policy on Major Appliances?
48 hours.
Always carefully inspect the appliance upon delivery to your home and “refuse delivery” if the item is damaged or defective.
If you don’t inspect the appliance carefully, then later notice an issue, call Home Depot at (800) 455-3869 within 48 hours of delivery or pickup time and they’ll help you with a return.
This policy applies to refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, washers, dryers, and some microwaves.
Lowe’s has a similar policy in place on major appliances, and based on the comments, it’s not very popular with shoppers.
Can Items Be Opened or Used?
Officially, “No”. Unofficially, “Yes”.
If you still have the original packaging, receipt, and still within 90 days, you can return most opened or used items.
With used items, it often comes down to the amount of “wear & tear” the product shows and is typically handled on a case-by-case basis.
For example, if you bought a Wooster paintbrush and use it heavily for an entire weekend then decide to return it, you’re probably out of luck.
But if you only used the paintbrush for a couple minutes, weren’t happy with, and cleaned it thoroughly, you stand a really good chance of them taking it back.
This is especially true if you’re okay with store credit or an exchange.
What If I Lost My Receipt?
In the past, if you didn’t have your receipt the return desk would try to find your order in their system using the credit card or debit card you used to make the purchase.
But recently, in an effort to thwart shoplifters trying to turn a quick profit, the Home Depot is BUCKLING down hard on receipt-less returns.
My investigation into this started when I received a comment from a shopper who was told they could not return an item without a receipt because it was valued at over $50.
As of this writing, this is NOT stipulated anywhere on the Home Depot website but I have come to find out that the new policy is rolling out nationwide as we speak.
I spoke with a Home Depot assistant manager about this issue and he confirmed the over $50 without a receipt will typically be DENIED.
He added that they use a 3rd party system who tells the employee whether or not to accept the return and it’s now out of their hands.
He also gave the great tip of signing up for the free Pro Xtra Loyalty program as it tracks your purchases and receipts for you so this will NEVER be an issue.
What’s the Return Policy w/ the Home Depot Credit Card?
365 days.
If you make your purchase with your Home Depot or Pro Xtra credit card, you get a whopping 365 days to make your return, and your purchase history and receipts are tracked for easy retrieval.
I’ve been told that the 365 days applies to everything except the products listed directly below, as well as anything that runs on gasoline.
Beware that the card comes with a high interest rate (29.99% APR), but if you pay it off every month, the extended return policy could be worth its weight in gold.
What Stuff Can’t Be Returned?
The following items are not returnable to the Home Depot…
– Custom Tinted Paint – For this reason, make sure you see the color of the paint before you buy it.
You also can’t return any “Oops” paint that you buy at a discount.
– Custom Blinds – The only blinds that can be returned say “Guaranteed to Fit” on them.
– Utility Trailers
– Generators
– Gift Cards/Store Credits
– Product Samples
I’ll keep this list updated in case new items become non-returnable.
What If I Have Receipt But Lost the Box?
In most cases, yes, the Home Depot will take stuff back without the original box or packaging.
Your mileage may vary from store to store depending on the employee you encounter, but I have personally returned stuff without the box.
What About Online Returns?
Another really cool feature at the Home Depot is their online return system.
They actually allow you to return purchases made via their website via UPS, as well as products bought in-store.
This is a handy feature if you live a LONG distance from the nearest location, or you just have trouble making it in-store for whatever reason.
To see if your item is eligible for an online return, visit this page, and click on “Return Items”. (See image above)
Be prepared to pay the return shipping costs unless the reason for the return is an error by The Home Depot.
Are There Ever Any Restocking Fees?
The only items that might incur a restocking fee are Special Order returns or cancellations.
Be prepared to pay a 15% restocking fee on these items.
What About Returning Flowers or Plants?
According to Home Depot, they will unconditionally guarantee all tropical, house, and landscape plants (only perennials, trees, roses, and shrubs) for one year.
If your plant dies just bring whatever is left of it, the original pot it came in, and your receipt, and they’ll replace it or issue a refund.
If the plant is no longer available, a store credit will be issued.
The key here is perennials, trees, and shrubs.
They don’t offer a 1-year guarantee on annuals, but they still offer a 90 day return window.
Thanks to reader Gail who informed me that clearance plants (with yellow price sticker) are NOT returnable and are considered final sale.
Ask the Reader: Have you ever had trouble with the Home Depot return policy? How did it happen and what was the end result?
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
How can I return items which was delivered to my house because of the amount or weight couldn’t haul with my own car? Do they come out and pick it up from the house?
home depot is the worse place to buy appliances ….HATE MY NEW WASHER …keeps giving error codes doesn’t wash my clothes…they will not exchange ….
What about wood they cut for me at Home Depot? Can that be returned
No, you can’t return cut wood.
What if I bought a pneumatic nail gun with cash never used it still have the receipt but I’m 10 days past 90 day limit
DO NOT BUY MAJOR APPLIANCES FROM HOME DEPOT!!! They hide this from you before your order, but they do not honor ANY returns unless the product is defective. Amazing that Home Depot can get away with such an arrogant policy. If you but major appliances from Lowe’s or Sears, YES, with them, you have the option to return a purchase (if still in like new condition — of course). But with Home Depot, they don’t tell you about the no return policy in advance — and you’re stuck with it. BUYER BEWARE. (and SHAME on this blogger shill for not warning readers of this terrible policy)
What happens if its over 90 days i have hardi plank siding i no longer need.
The blogger did mention it. Does anybody read the whole thing before commenting anymore?
Mandi, you are rude, and I hope someone helps you as little as you seem to help others
Funny you would say that, the reason being, every time I returned/exchanged an item and the employee was a woman, they would find some reason not to respect their own policy. It’s not an attack on women just a bizarre reality.
Can i return a 1147.00 adder with out recipe or invoke that I bought online?
If you bought an item online you can still return it even if you don’t have your receipt. Say “I bought this item online but I don’t have my order number” they are able to look it up with either your phone number or name. Worse case scenario if they can’t they will just contact HomeDepot.com’s online services:)
I recently purchased a window air conditioner from Home Depot and it is awful. Can I return it? Bought in July 6, it was delivered July 10.
If you put it in the original packaging and bring a receipt, they should take it back. I once returned an AC after 40 days of using it because it never worked well.
Can I return a lawn mower? We are still within the thirty day timeframe, have the box and receipt, but, we’ve used it (only twice). We don’t like the way it cuts and don’t like the height adjustment options. Don’t think it is worth the price ($399) I’d like to know if they will take it back before we lug it all the way back.
Thank you!
Yes, they should definitely take it back. Make sure you clean it up and drain the fuel first.
Did they take it back?
Call the damn store and ask them.
I am on the banned return list and bought a ceiling fan and it doesn’t work right out of box. I paid cash and have my receipt. Reviews say this is common. Can I get my money back? Purchased less than a week ago!
What do you mean custom tinted if I buy a blue paint what would make it custom ?
If they have to mix it for you then it’s custom. If it’s a color they have on the shelf it’s not custom.
I bought an item with a credit card. I recently changed banks. I need to return that item, can I receive cash instead of the funds going back on the card because the card is no longer in service?
Unfortunately you will get store credit. You can only get cash back if you used your debit card.
Most people here seem to be honest and just had a minor lapse/issue with technicality of the return policy. Sometimes, if you buy another of the same item and open it up then set it next to the broken item, the working item makes the broken one jealous and it usually starts working.
**Just make sure to return the broken one in the box using the new receipt within the return policy. 🙂
For online orders shipped to store for pick up, is the Home Depot 90 day return window based on:
1) the date order was placed
2) the date they charged your credit card (most retailers do not charge your card until the order is actually fulfilled i.e. shipped)
3) the date you pickup the item in store
Example: Placed online order on 11/1/18. Received shipping confirmation email on 11/4/18. Received email confirmation that item is available for pick up on 11/8/18 (and picked up same day).
I ask because unlike in store purchases, technically the customer is losing out on a few days with online orders.
I have a 2 pack of Dewalt Lithium batteries no more original packaging, never been used, bought them 2 days ago. I want to return them for no reason.
What about shutters that are ordered a certain size and color? I recently ordered shutters and was told they can’t be returned because they are custom ordered. But now find that four of the shutters won’t fit my windows. I don’t see how they can’t be returned, as even though they are called “custom ordered”, I could only pick from two different sizes and then pick out a color. I’m sure someone else will want that particular size and color.