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.
Their “Official” Return Policy is 90 Days
You have a generous 90 days to return an item to the Home Depot if you’re not satisfied for any reason.
Some Exceptions to the 90 Days
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.
PRO TIP: RETURN A DAMAGED ITEM WITHOUT A RECEIPT
Even if you don’t have a receipt, Home Depot will often still issue store credit for damaged or defective items.
Ensure the damage is evident (e.g., broken part, malfunction, or defect). Clean the item if it’s dusty or dirty to make it more presentable.
Even if you don’t have the receipt, bringing in the original box, user manual, or tags (if applicable) helps establish that the item was purchased at Home Depot.
Visit the returns desk and politely explain that the item is damaged or defective and that you don’t have the receipt.
For example, say: “I purchased this item recently, but I don’t have the receipt anymore. Unfortunately, it’s defective. Is there any way I can receive store credit?” If you paid with a card, offer the last four digits or suggest that they check your account if you’re a Home Depot Pro Xtra member.
If the associate at the returns desk is hesitant, ask (politely) to speak with a manager. Store managers have the authority to approve returns or issue store credit even if the system flags it as non-returnable.
Don’t be afraid to emphasize your loyalty as a customer by saying: “I shop here regularly and really appreciate how Home Depot supports customers. I’d be grateful if there’s anything you can do to help me resolve this.”
See Also: 7 Highly Clever Ways to Save Money at The Home Depot
Return Policy on Major Appliances is Only 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.
PRO TIP: EXCHANGE PAINT FOR FREE
Having personally worked in the paint department, I know that if a can of paint isn’t mixed quite right (even custom-tinted paint), employees are trained to offer to remix it or provide a new can for free as a goodwill gesture.
Instances where this is an option for customers include when the paint doesn’t match the original sample, the formula or base paint is clearly incorrect, and if the customer is a frequent paint buyer.
This by no-means is an officially advertised policy but is a common practice at most Home Depot locations.
Options If You Lost Your 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.
365-Day Policy w/ the Home Depot Credit Card
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.
PRO TIP: SPECIAL ALLOWANCES FOR CONTRACTORS
If you’re a contractor or frequent buyer, Home Depot often makes special allowances, such as accepting returns for slightly used tools or extended deadlines for bulk orders, especially if you’re a Pro Xtra member.
Also, if you overbuy materials like tile, wood, or hardware for a project, keep them clean and unused. Home Depot typically allows you to return these items even in partial amounts (e.g., half a box of tiles).
Some 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.
Lost the Box But Have Your Receipt
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.
Online Returns Work A Little Different
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.
2 Things Have Restocking Fees
The only items that might incur a restocking fee are Special Order returns and cancellations.
Be prepared to pay a 15% restocking fee on these items.
1-Year Policy on Flowers or Plants
According to Home Depot, they’ll 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)
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.
What about if you ordered a custom door and realized after that it’s not going to allow a storm door to accompany it? Can you return a special order door?
I’d call and ask but I’m guessing not.
I bought some hip/ridge cap shingles from HD, and asked if I could return a partial package since I only needed a few more to finish the job. I only wanted like $25 store credit on the $55 total price, and it seems that other customers would appreciate being able to buy only enough for their project without so much waste. This does not seem to be addressed by their return policy as summarized above, and I think I am being reasonable. So I plan to buy more than $500 of materials in the near future, and I’ll be taking my business from now on to Lowes or 84 Lumber.
Wow people are dumb
What about a tankless water heater? The box says not to return it to the store but call an 800 number.
What if my husband buy something there and he want me to return it can I return it. .
Yes, just bring the receipt with you.
Can I return items such as joist hangers and post holders? They come unboxed and are sold individually.The carpenters who built my add on/addition purchased more than they used,and I just discovered the extras under my house.The project was done in April , and the receipts are God knows where.There is at least $150 worth of these hangers left with the stickers still intact. Will Home Depot take them back and refund the cost to me,without a receipt?
It’s worth a shot to try and return them and plead your case…but you’re beyond the # of allowed return days.
You can likely return them for store credit even if they are beyond the 90 days. We had a similar situation. Our remodel sub contractors purchased a lot of extra materials and didnt keep the receipts. The key is you need to clean the items as best you can, which makes the return easier and if you have a huge amount maybe split it in half and take the rest to another HD location.
how about third party orders? What about if you ordered a door and it is badly damaged all over with dents and chips broken from the molding when they pit nails in the molding and when you asked for no dead bolt and even though none was in the door they still put an extra hole in the side section where the latch thing goes in and then the door is not square when inside looking at the door you see a huge long crack where you see daylight. They tell me I have to deal with their third party and the Home Depot refused the special order door and refused me a refund and I contacted them right away after they had it delivered to me with photos. I can’t find anything on line where it tells people they are out of luck if you can’t deal with the vendor. The vendors info on line states if they give a refund you only get the amount they were given so Home Depot keeps the rest for themselves.
What if i am past the 90 days, can i get store credit with a reciept?
Bought a tool at HD using my debit card & $8.00 store card. Found it cheaper, same day, at another store. Tried to return tool to HD with receipt, same day, DENIED by TRE that HD uses. Even store manager could not override. Sueing TRE & HD, it’s not about the money, it’s about store policy & my GOOD NAME.
Regarding perennials, they will do the return but must have the pot that it was sold in (although now empty), and the receipt.
I have been denied returns for store credit now for over 8 years and Ive called the number they gave me a couple times to try and resolve this issue to no avail…They always say they will either take care of it or return my call, neither ever happened. The only thing i can think of that may be a problem is about 10 years ago I was in a Home Depot getting material for a job ( many different Items) and I had forgotten my gloves so I grabbed a pair off the rack and put them on with the intention of paying for them at checkout. It took me probably an hour or more to collect everything I needed and proceeded to the checkout counter. I paid for all the items in my cart (over $900.00) and started loading the material into my truck. A manager then approached me and asked me to come back into the store…Dumbfounded and in a hurry I wanted to know why and he advised me the gloves I was still wearing were not paid for and he informed me he could either call the cops or allow me to have my picture taken and an in store report made. I argued with this guy that it was simply an oversight but he refused to even allow me to pay for the gloves at that time. I went ahead and allowed him to take my picture fully intending on taking this matter up with Higher management or corporate. This guy kept the gloves and I left pretty embarrassed and Pissed off to say the least! Common sense would tell him that I just spent over 900.;00 in his store why would i need to steal a 9.99 pair of gloves??? In any event, since then I have not been able to return anything without receipt. Anybody have any answers for me please?