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)
I tried returning a houseplant today due to illness. This is after I purchase $300 worth of plants from them. I have returned one two years ago and they accepted it, now they do not.The associate made sure to make it clear to me that they do not accept returns or exchanges on houseplants. They do not get credit for them. Bellingham, MA. I will not be buying plants from them anymore.
I bought s Milwaukee grinder, used it almost every day gor a month.the paddle switch btoke off. Took ot nacl tp home depot, because they ssid it had a 90 day fill replacement warranty.they gave me sivh a hard time. Luckily i had taken a picture of the receipt. And they still wouldn’t do. it. The fat angry bitch at the register. Kept try to that depart. Said they had 4 in stock. But the a-hole on that department wouldn’t give me one. So she tells me they don’t have anymore. You had just told me you had 4.so then they start saying…… Oh it looks very used !! …….i replied , isn’t that why you buy a tool to usr it ? Or to put it on a shelf snd look at it ? So i got really pissed off at the fat angry bitch at the register . and they finally gave me a new one
She acted like it was coming out of her pocket or something… Bottom line is don’t ever buy a tool from home depot !!! It not worth the aggravation !!! I NEVER WILL AGAIN !!! TAKE MY BUSINESS ELSE WHERE…. AND YOU SHOULD TOO ?
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Wondering if you can return product ,with receipt to a different province? Bought in BC going to Alberta?
Yes, that is not a problem.
Can ply wood that home depot cut themselves be returned ?
Not if you requested the cut. They definitely won’t return it. I’ve asked them to cut plywood several times and every time they made sure and nicely tell me (for by own good) that once they cut it for me it can’t be returned/refunded/exchanged. I do believe they were being kind making sure I knew their policy before they cut the plywood.
How about a gas powered weed trimmer that I used? I have the receipt, and just bought it only two days ago and would be fine with store credit (bought it with a debit card) I do have the original packaging but now that it’s assembled it won’t fit back in the box. It’s a mower style string trimmer with wheels, not a handheld weed eater.
Every time I make a large purchase there I ask the cashier if I can return the particular item I’m buying and they always say ‘yes just make sure and keep the receipt.’ And if I pay with a card they say ‘sure you can, and even if you lose the receipt we can look it up using your credit card info’ And they almost always state their return policy statement of ‘you can return an item if you’re not satisfied for any reason’ I asked before this purchase and was told yes.
Which begs the question of returning something used like I am…I spent $300 for it with the full intention of being extremely satisfied, otherwise I wouldn’t spend $300 on it, but as much as I wanted to like it I can’t stand it. How would I know that I would be unsatisfied with if it just sat in a box? Using it was the only way to find out I was unsatisfied. Before I used it I would have said I was satisfied, using it was what changed my mind.
So if they refuse to return a used item, it sort of contradicts their policy, or at least makes the policy very misleading because it’s a given that the only way you could know if you’re satisfied or not is by using it to find out. Hope they take it back, I’d hate to get stuck with it.
I fully intended to keep it, I even purchased the protection plan with it. Anyone have any experience with a similar type return?
Does the return have to be at the same store it was purchased?
No, unless it’s a special order, then it does.
Hi Everyone.
I have run into an issue with Home Depot’s return policy. Tuesday I attempted to return a drill set and buy a more expensive one and was denied.
Home Depot uses a third party service called The Retail Equation (TRE) which uses an algorithm to flag “suspicious” returns.
I made the origional purchase with a Home Depot gift card and store credit from earlier returns. I had all my receipts documenting my purchase.
I asked a manager to explain the reason for the denial and he said once the return is denied by TRE there is nothing Home Depot can do.I had one return this year with the receipt for $7.48!
I am a homeowner and a long time customer who has spent thousands of dollars at Home Depot over thirty years.
Numerous calls to both Home Depot in Georgia and TRE in California have gotten nowhere.
Any ideas or suggestions how I solve this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I had the same problem, file a small claims and then they will respond.
Lowes is where I shop now
Home depot is fruad. No were does it say with out receipt you are not allowed to get nothing at all bo store credit nothing . Today I went to home depot in Flowery branch ga sign says without receipt u gwt store credit . But the refuse and corporate said they no longer do return with out receipt but cannot show written prove . They said to me we can do what we and go what against what our sign said. Isn’t that a lawsuit
Same here. Christmas gift. Tried to return for store credit. Denied. Called TRE, they were nice enough but they hated ‘their own policy’. They told me to use my Passport, no good either. 25 years buying there as a Contractor. $50000+ a year spent there. I WILL NEVER SHOP AT HOME DEPOT AGAIN!!! Here I come Lowes…
The problem is the store credit – am going through it now and just talked with THD resolution and TRE. If you return something bought with store credit, it will be DENIED even though there is NO disclaimer on your receipt, that no-one told you when you accepted the store credit that you would not be able to return items purchased with it, that the people at the return counter could not tell you that is why your return was denied, and that the website says “Returns for purchases made with a Store Credit or gift card will be refunded as a Store Credit. Registration of Store Credit may be required. Please bring a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo identification for registration.”
After reading some of the replies here I’m getting a bit nervous about getting refused for a exchange or a refund. I bought a large bbq online and it was shipped. When it arrived I took it out of the box and the doors were dented in. Yet the shipping box looked fine. I contacted the company and they eventually sent new doors. The doors came 6 days later and I set up the grill. But the gas did not go through the burners. So after numerous emails and a new hose, it still didn’t work. They recommend me to take it back to home depot for an exchange or a refund. But there is no mention in the return policy about bbqs and i don’t have the box it came in. Any thoughts?
I have same issue. By the time the manufacturer sent me the part that I thought would make it work then only to learn it still doesn’t work correctly, I am over 30 days. Were you able to return your item? If so, how long after the date of purchase was it?
You CAN absolutely return your bbq in store for a full refund. It was a .com order so just bring it in with the receipt. If you are told no just request an ASM
I just successfully returned a battery operated string trimmer. I gave the man the receipt, he got a new one of the shelf for me, for a nice exchange. I’m a happy camper. What happens if my new string trimmer goes wrong as well. I never got a new receipt.
Hi there, can I return a 6 day old electric water heater?
I just called Home Depot’s Major Appliance line and the rep told me that I could take mine back to the store because it was purchased there instead of online. Did you have any luck with your return?
Hello! I bought a toshiba floor a/c and it is horrible! It wont even cool my bedroom! I have the receipt and everything but i threw the box away because for $329.00 why would i think it wouldn’t work. Am i able to return it for an LG which is what i already have….?
Anyone else experiencing the latest problem with Home Depot… when looking at your online order page there is no Return Items button on ANY of your orders that are still within the return period? Since it’s impossible to initiate the return from the website AND since they’ve done away with online chat (tough luck if you’re deaf/mute/etc and can’t telephone them), the ONLY option (for those that can) is to call and sit on perpetual hold listening to them repeat the same message every 30 seconds and (unlike every other major retailer’s phone system) it doesn’t provide an estimated hold time. You just have keep waiting and waiting with no idea how much longer you need to keep waiting! It’s like they’ve abandoned common sense and are doing everything possible to make it so difficult to return anything that maybe they think you’ll just give up and they’ll avoid some returns. But all it does is make me give up on shopping at Home Depot.
Yes. Exactly. I purchased hundreds of dollars worth of supplies. only after reading the return policy. I only need to return 2 items amounting to $25, but there are no Return Items buttons on any of my many purchases, though they are well within the return period. I don’t want to go to the store to return right now. I also don’t want to be waiting on the phone line hearing that message repeat over and over again, ad infinitum. I will not be ordering from Home Depot again.
You don’t want to return it to the store and you don’t want to call them about the return. Looks like the items are yours to keep now.
If you need to call store when the voice starts asking what you are calling about just dial 101 and you will be directed to an Assistant Store Manager.
Yes, I know for sure. HD, Lowes and Walmart have had a 1 year ‘guarantee’ on all plants, shrubs, etc. (excluding annuals) for several years now. It’s not noted, but, this policy does not apply to items on Clearance. Not ‘Sale’, but clearly marked down for the last time on ‘Clearance’ and it must have the Yellow sticker with the clearance price. I had a problem with 1 front end manager who refused to take back several fruit trees I bought on sale. One call to Corporate in front of her (and after she gave Corporate a hard time refusing to speak to the rep ‘in front of customers’) she reluctantly reimbursed my purchase.
I have exercised my right to this several times and recently a comment was made “wow, almost to the day” with a sarcastic attitude. Purchase was May 2019 and I returned within a day or 2 of the 1 year mark this May, 2020. I said ‘this is the guarantee. 1 year’. Not sure why she was unhappy. It’s the policy and she can take it up with the store manager or Corporate.
It is posted on their website (as well as in their stores in NJ):
https://www.homedepot.com/c/Return_Policy
What I was NOT aware of was their ‘Exclusive Grow a Garden Guarantee’. When buying Bonnie plants and a Miracle Gro product, you CAN return vegetable plants that crap out before the end of the season!
I will note that I was told on more than one occasion by employees from each of these stores that I must retain and return the original nursery pot. Easy enough. Speaking of, I have $500+ in small evergreens to dig up and return this week. These shrubs came with a case of ‘bag worm’ that really did a number on them.
What number did you use to call corporate? Their usual 800 number?
I tried to return two 5 gallon bucket of Henry’s roofing tar and I was denied. I paid cash for them and as far as the receipt goes I didn’t have it. Why was I denied I’m sure I haven’t returned anything in a few years now.
Because you had zero evidence that you actually bought them from The Home Depot.
I quit Home Depot over their return policy. I keep my drivers license in my car, not in my pocket. Menards and Loews take returns without an Id
They dont require id unless u don’t have a receipt, or if u do have receipt but item was purchased with a store credit. Lowes wont return without id if u dont have receipt either.
Lol. This is a reason to quit an entire chain? You keep your license in your car… because it’s too tough/heavy to grab it into carry.
I purchased items to redo a whole bathroom and the shower doors where falling out of the slider (bathroom, was being done by contractor),the tenant brought it to my attention and I phoned HomeDepot and the pro desk manager advised me to take the leaking tap(warranties for life ) out and the sliding doors and return it. When I returned it the pro desk manager had quit and I dealt with the assistant manager on duty who advised me to leave the items and he will get the store manager to call me about a credit. Never heard back and when I returned to the store they had gotten rid of my items and refused a credit or gift card. I have been dealing with this now going on for 2 years,even with their HO,who advised me once the store manager refuses a return there is nothing they can do. Please HELP
I had a dewalt string trimmer with 90 money back guaranteed. Well the receipt had been sprayed with alcohol in light of pandemic, and became unreadable. Weed wacker died within a week, attempted to return with distorted receipt and was turned down even though I could make out the date and time, price and part of product name, and knew the register I was at.
can I return a door thats more than five years, not used, but has some filth. Was a gift.
If it’s that old, probably not, worth asking as you might get a nice manager who gives you store credit for the lowest selling price in the past 5 years.
Can cabinets be returned? I don’t see anything listed on the return policy or my receipt.
Home depot has the most generous returns policy. I wouldn’t dream if going in demanding a refund with out a receipt from any other store. Really, think about what you are expecting. Also be nice it will get you further.
Does anyone know if they will take back carpet that was cut to length but not installed?