Lowe's Return Policy
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If you are undertaking a home improvement project, Lowe’s is one of the go-to stores for supplies. Customers appreciate Lowes for its wide variety of products, competitive pricing, and convenient store locations.
But, how easy is it to return items to Lowe’s? What is the return period? Are there exceptions? Can you return items without a receipt?
This article answers in depth one of the top consumer questions: What is Lowe’s return policy?
Key Insights
- Lowe’s operates over 1,700 stores across the USA
- According to PissedConsumer, 21.29% of Lowe’s reviews are related to returns and refunds.
- Lowe’s customer service rated 1.4 out of 5 points possible.
What Is Lowe’s Return Policy?
The standard Lowe’s return policy allows customers to return most items for a refund or replacement within 90 days of the original purchase date. However, the items should be in new, unused condition, and should be accompanied by a receipt.
Some items have a longer return period while others have a shorter one. For example, the following items have a 48-hour return policy:
- Major appliances
- Air conditioners and evaporative coolers
- Paint sprayers
- Portable generators, pressure washers, chain saws, and pole saws
- Utility vehicles, golf carts, go-karts, and motorized bikes
While, the following product categories have a 30-day return policy:
- Liquid paint
- TVs and electronics
- Water heaters
- Most outdoor power equipment
Furthermore, trees, shrubs, and perennials have a 365-day return period. Similarly, purchases made with Lowe’s Commercial Account (LCA), Lowe’s Business Advantage (LBA), MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card (MLRCC) or Lowe’s Business Rewards (LBR) have a 365-day return period.
Holiday items, such as Christmas and Halloween items, must be returned on or before the day of the holiday. Otherwise, they are considered final sale and non-returnable.
What Are Exceptions to Lowe’s Return Policy?
The following products and services are not returnable or refundable:
- Labor and installation charges
- Delivery and/or lowes.com shipping charges (unless due to Lowe’s error)
- In-store credits, refund cards, and merchandise cards
- Any gift card, including Lowe’s, third-party, Visa, or Mastercard gift cards
- Safety masks or facial coverings
- Highway trailers
- Whole house generators
- As-is merchandise
- Paint samples
- Biohazardous Risk: Items that may have encountered bodily fluids or waste cannot be returned once used, regardless of current condition
All outlet sales are final unless indicated otherwise. Therefore, it is important that you inspect items thoroughly before making your purchase.
An exemption applies to major appliances with mechanical or electrical damage, or manufacturer’s defects that deem them non-functional. In this case, the appliance must be returned within 48 hours. You can only return to the same Lowe’s outlet and must produce proof of purchase.
How to Return Items at Lowe’s?
You can return items to Lowe’s in-store or via mail. Below is the return process for each option.
In-store returns
You can return items bought online or in-store to a Lowe’s store. Here are the steps to return items at a Lowe’s Store:
- Bring the item in unused condition to a Lowe’s store near you.
- Bring along a receipt or proof of purchase.
- Visit the customer care desk.
- Present the items and the receipt.
- A Lowe’s associate will process your return and issue a refund or exchange, if eligible.
Note that items bought from a regular Lowe’s retail store may not be returned to Lowe’s outlet and vice versa.
Online returns
The Lowe’s online return policy allows you to return eligible items bought on lowes.com online via mail. Here is the return process:
- Log in to your Lowe’s account.
- Identify the item you want to purchase under “Purchase history” and initiate a return.
- You will be issued a FedEx label for items eligible for lowes.com returns.
- Package the item and all its parts and accessories securely, in its original packaging if possible.
- Print the return label and attach it to the package.
- Drop off the package at any FedEx location.
Returns without a receipt
While there is no Lowe’s return policy without a receipt, if you do not have one, they will attempt to validate your purchase. A valid picture ID may be required as part of the refund verification process. Returns without a receipt can only be refunded as in-store credit.
How Are Returns Processed?
According to Lowe’s return policy with a receipt, you’ll be refunded to the original payment method. However, there are exceptions depending on the method used to purchase as follows:
- Purchases made with checks are refunded in store credit.
- Cash purchases below $1000 are refunded by check.
- Gift card, refund card, merchandise card, and in-store purchases are refunded as in-store credit.
- For debit card purchases, the refund is either credited back to the debit card or refunded as cash.
- MyLowe’s Money purchases are refunded to your Lowe’s digital wallet.
A 20% restocking fee applies for special order products that are returned or cancelled after 72 hours of purchase. The restocking fees may be taxed in select states.