With any home improvement, making returns is almost guaranteed – maybe you’ve bought a little extra plywood or grabbed the wrong toolset, and you’re ready to get a refund or make an exchange.
Either way, not all companies make the return process easy, but fortunately, Lowe’s does. Here’s everything you should know about the nitty-gritty details of Lowe’s return policy, both online and in-store, and how it compares to other home improvement stores.
What is Lowe’s Return Policy?
Lowe’s does their best to make its return policy simple. As long as you’ve got a receipt in your hand, you can return most new, unused items within ninety days of the original purchase date.
If you made the purchase with a Lowe’s Commercial Account (LCA), Lowe’s Advantage Card (LAC), Lowe’s Business Advantage (LBA), or Lowe’s Business Rewards (LBR), you’ll actually get up to a year from the original purchase date to return the item.
The policy covers most items, but any returns that you make in the store are still subject to approval from managers, who may use their discretion about refunds or repairs.
Lost Receipts
Returning most items to Lowe’s with a receipt may be smooth sailing, but what if you don’t have one anymore?
Fortunately, you can still return items even if you no longer have the receipt. Most of the time, a staff member can look up details about the original purchase in the Lowe’s system by using the credit card number, phone number, checking account number, or a MyLowe’s card.
However, if you are making a return without a receipt, you’ll need to bring a valid form of picture ID with you. To prove you made the original purchase, Lowe’s will need to verify your identity.
Keep in mind that, like their standard return policy, any item is still subject to approval by a manager, and they can limit the number of items you’re able to return without a receipt.
Exceptions to the Lowe’s 90-Day Return Policy
Like any return policy, there are a couple of exceptions to what you can bring back. Some items are entirely non-refundable (or unable to be exchanged), including:
- Delivery or shipping charges
- Installation and labor charges
- Gift cards, including Lowe’s gift cards, Visa, or Mastercard gift cards
- In-store credits, merchandise cards, or refund cards
- Any mask or facial coverings purchased at Lowe’s
If you’re returning any items that contain flammable liquids, gases, or anything else that could be considered “hazardous materials” – like lithium batteries – you’ll need to make the return in person. Even if you bought the item online, Lowe’s wouldn’t accept hazardous materials through the mail, regardless of whether it’s been drained of the dangerous liquid or material.
30-Day Return Policy
While most of their items fall under that 90-day policy, some products need to be returned in “like-new” condition within thirty days of purchase – or they’re no longer eligible for a refund or exchange, such as:
- Holiday items: With holiday items, Lowe’s requires that you return seasonal products, like Halloween decorations or Christmas ornaments, by the day of the holiday or before. For instance, if you buy a bunch of Halloween decorations, you’ll need to bring them back on the day of Halloween or before.
- TV and electronics: Electronics that have been damaged in any way, like TVs with cracks or dents, won’t be accepted.
- Major appliances: This includes freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, cooktops, wall ovens, dryers, washers, hoods, and even washer pedestals.
- Liquid paint: To be eligible for a return, you shouldn’t use the liquid paint.
- Outdoor power equipment: This includes items like pressure washers and lawnmowers, but it does exclude Black + Decker and Craftsman cordless and corded power items (those fall under the 90-day policy).
- Plumbing: This category includes more oversized items like water heaters.
- Highway trailers: The trailer needs to be returned in-store with all the original paperwork, including the title, if there is one.
Returning Items Under Warranty
While most of Lowe’s merchandise falls under a 30-day or 90-day policy, what about products that you’ve purchased under warranty?
If it’s been more than 90 days since you’ve bought the item and it stops working, you should always check to see if there’s a warranty – some items may include more extended warranties that cover manufacturer defects.
If there is a warranty, bring the product to a Lowe’s store, and you may be able to get it repaired at no additional cost (or schedule an at-home repair).
How to Process Lowe’s Online Returns
While returning items to the store may be the quickest way to get a refund or exchange, you can also process the return online using their website. This policy isn’t applicable for every item, but Lowe’s does offer prepaid returns for some merchandise.
Using Lowe’s Centralized Parcel Return Facility
Using Lowe’s online return system means going through their centralized parcel return facility. Here’s how to do this:
- Make sure you’ve secured the item in a sturdy envelope or box.
- If you’re returning multiple items, make sure you only ship the items that the return slip is for.
- Be sure to include all the original packaging and other accessories that came with the product, including instruction manuals.
- Fill out the return slip, and make sure you include it with the items you’re shipping back.
- Put the shipping label on the package and drop it off at your local post office or with your local carrier.
Home Depot vs. Lowe’s Return Policy
Like Lowe’s, Home Depot also has a standard 90-day return policy and is willing to accept returns with no receipt, as long as you’ve got an ID. Home Depot’s policy does ask that any items you return include all the original packaging, whether that’s an in-store or online return.
Lowe’s vs. Costco Return Policy
Compared to Lowe’s, Costco’s return policy is a lot more open-ended – there’s no time limit, and as long as the item is “like-new” and undamaged, you can bring it back at any time, but managers will need to approve the return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about Lowe’s return policy? Here’s what you should know.
What is Lowe’s return policy?
With some exceptions, Lowe’s requires you to return most items within 90 days, with some more oversized items within 30 days.
What is Lowe’s return policy without a receipt?
Lowe’s will look up the purchase in their system without a receipt, but you’ll need to show proof of your identity with a picture ID.
Can you return to Lowe’s after 90 days?
If you purchased with an LCA, LAC, LBA, LAB, or LBR, you might be able to return some items up to a year after purchase.
Does Lowes have a restocking fee?
Regular returns don’t have a restocking fee, but there’s a 20% restocking fee for special order configured items.
Will Lowes refund money if an item goes on sale?
Yes, if an item goes on sale within 90 days, Lowe’s will refund you the price difference.
Final Answer for Returns at Lowe’s
While there are plenty of exceptions to the rule, Lowe’s return policy is pretty standard for most home improvement stores – although you may get a little extra wiggle room if you’re using a Lowe’s Advantage Card or a commercial account.
