Can you return home appliances, electronics, outdoor machines, tools, or other home improvement essentials to Lowe’s after 90 days? Well, understanding the Lowe’s return policy will help you know whether you can or can’t return items for a refund, exchange, or store credit. It can save you a lot of stress down the line.
Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement store in the US after The Home Depot. The hardware chain has over 2,000 home improvement and hardware stores throughout the US that carry building supplies, electronics, lighting and bathroom products, faucet water filters, tools, hay bales, outdoor equipment, gardening essentials, and more.
As such, DIYers, building and construction workers, excavating contractors, and many individual customers flock to Lowe’s stores every day to purchase home improvement products. But what happens when you purchase an item at Lowe’s and find it defective or change your mind a few days later? Can you return it to Lowe’s?
Of course, Lowe’s anticipates that not every purchase will go well with customers and has a standard return policy about how returns are handled.
Lowe’s General Store Return Policy
Lowe’s has a 90-day return window for most home improvement essentials sold at its stores to protect itself and its customers, like drain cleaner for hair. Per Lowe’s return policy, you can return merchandise to Lowe’s within 90 days of purchase for an exchange or refund. Electronics and appliances have a stricter return policy of 30 days from the purchase date.
It helps to have the receipt, but Lowe’s can use your phone number, unexpired debit card or credit card, or your MyLowes card to look up the purchase. If approved, your return will be processed and refunded to the original payment method used. It may take up to 7 days for your refund to post on your end. Cash back, activated gift cards, and store credits will be refunded immediately.
You can make returns in person at a Lowe’s location nearby. For example, if you purchased the items online at Lowe’s.com, it’d come with a free return shipping label to mail it back.
That’s the standard Lowe’s return policy. What if the 90 days have elapsed and you want to make a return to Lowe’s? Can you return an item to Lowe’s after 90 days?
Fast Answer: Though Lowe’s has a standard 90-day return policy, you may be able to make a return after the 90-day window has elapsed. Lowe’s return policy after 90 days requires you to have the original purchase receipt, and you’ll need a store manager’s approval before your return can be processed.
That’s a fancy way to say that the final decision on whether you can or can’t return an item to Lowe’s after 90-days rests with the store manager at that specific location. Your return won’t be processed without the receipt to prove that you purchased the items at Lowe’s.
Again, Lowe’s return policy after 90 days requires that the item must still be in inventory for the return to be accepted. If similar items are no longer sold at Lowe’s, you won’t be able to make the return. For example, don’t try returning an artificial Christmas tree in July.
Another downside with late returns is that you may not be eligible for a full refund in the original payment method. Instead, you will most likely need to settle for a store credit or exchange a similar item with it.
To avoid all these headaches, you’re better off sticking to Lowe’s 90-day return window. When you purchase anything from Lowe’s, inspect and test it immediately to discover any defects and malfunctions early. As such, you can start the return process early and with less hassle.
And the good thing is, you don’t need to have the receipt or manager’s approval if you send your items back to Lowe’s early enough. Instead, the store associate can look up the item using your phone number or credit card details.
Frugal Reality Takeaway: Lowe’s return policy after 90 days requires you to get approval from the store manager at that specific location, have the original receipt, and the item must be in Lowe’s inventory for the return to be accepted.
Recommended read: Walmart’s TV Return Policy.
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What’s the Lowe’s Return Policy After 90 Days?
Lowe’s return policy after 90 days allows customers to return items at a Lowe’s store past the standard 90-day return window. However, you must get the store manager’s approval for your return to be processed and have the original purchase receipt to prove that you purchased the item at Lowe’s. In addition, your return won’t be accepted if the item is no longer in Lowe’s inventory.
Returns could be made in person at any Lowe’s location or via mail if the item was purchased online on Lowe’s.com. To make an in-person return at Lowe’s, simply carry your return item to the local Lowe’s store customer service center near the front of the store.
If you have the original purchase receipt, give it to the representative to prove that you purchased the items at Lowes and that your purchase is within the return window. For a non-receipt return, bring the card used to cover the purchase or give the phone number used during the purchase to help the associate look up your order details. You’ll be required to present a valid photo ID for identification when making a non-receipt return.
Once approved, your return will be processed, and your refund is credited to the original payment method. Late returns follow the same return procedure, except you must first get the store manager’s approval and have the original receipt to proceed.
Does the Lowe’s Return Policy Require a Receipt?
Whether Lowe’s return policy requires a receipt or not depends on whether you are making on-time or late returns. Typically, the standard Lowe’s return policy doesn’t require customers to have the receipt. However, the return policy after 90 days requires that you have the original purchase receipt and get the store manager’s approval before your return is accepted.
What’s the difference between having a Lowe’s receipt and non-receipt returns?
The standard store policy requires customers to send items back to Lowe’s within 90 days of purchase for a refund or exchange. When making on-time returns, it helps to have the receipt, but your return can still be processed without the receipt. A Lowe’s associate can use your phone number or card details to look up the purchase.
The advantage of on-time receipt returns is that you’ll be eligible for a full refund on the same payment method used to pay for it.
For example, if you paid with cash, the cashier would hand over the exact dollar amount in your hands. If you paid with a debit/credit card with a chip, the same amount would be credited to the exact card used. In addition, an in-store credit or a gift card will be issued as a store credit. Cash and store credits process immediately, but it may take up to 7 days for your debit, credit card, or money on your Reliacard to be deposited and posted.
On-time and non-receipt returns are also accepted at Lowe’s. The store associate can use your card details, MyLowe’s card, or phone number to find your order details. Non-receipt returns may only be eligible for exchange or store credit. Your returns will be limited or declined if you try to make too many returns to Lowe’s without a receipt.
Things are different when you make a late return to Lowe’s that has surpassed the 90-day return window. You’ll be required to have the original purchase receipt, and the store manager at that specific location must approve your return.
In the best-case scenario, you may have your return accepted. If so, you may qualify for an exchange for a similar item or get an in-store credit at the item’s current price. Late and non-receipt returns don’t stand a chance.
Recommended read: Walmart Air Mattress Return Policy.
What Is the Lowe’s Return Policy When Paying with Cash?
Regardless of the payment method, items should be returned to a Lowe’s store within 90 days of purchase. Of course, it helps to have the receipt. But the Lowe’s return policy when paying with cash or check doesn’t require you to have the receipt to get a refund, exchange or store credit.
It’s because the Lowe’s associate can use your card details, phone number, or MyLowe’s card to locate your order details. Thus, it’s a good practice to provide your phone number at checkout when making the purchase, especially for big-ticket items.
After your return is processed, you’ll be eligible for a refund to the original payment method. You can also opt for an exchange or store credit that you can use to shop other items at the store.
But when making a late return to Lowe’s past the 90-day return window, you’ll be required to have the receipt to prove that the item was bought at Lowe’s. Your return won’t be processed if you don’t have the receipt, the manager doesn’t approve of it, or the item is no longer in Lowe’s inventory.
Frugal Reality Takeaway: You don’t need the original purchase receipt unless you’re making a late return to Lowe’s. That said, Lowe’s reserves the right to decide whether or not to accept non-receipt returns.
What’s the Return Policy for Online Purchases?
Items purchased online at Lowes.com are subject to the same 90-day return policy. Therefore, you’ll be required to mail unwanted or defective items back to Lowe’s within 90 days from the purchase date. To make online returns easier, Lowe’s includes a prepaid return shipping label with the original packaging. You should use that shipping label to send back the item free of charge.
To make a return to Lowe’s.com, package the item with the original box, including all the accessories, manuals, original packaging, and the purchase slip. Next, tape the box shut properly, remove all the old external shipping labels, attach the free shipping label and secure it properly on the top or side of the package. Then, bring the item to your nearest postal carrier’s office.
The downside is, online returns take longer to process than in-store returns. Unlike in-store returns that take about five days to process, it may take up to three weeks to receive an online refund. Again, the original shipping fee is non-refundable. So you’ll be out of the original shipping costs if you make an online return via mail.
There is also a special policy for Outdoor Power Equipment, which includes items like generators and chain saws. You can return these items within 30 days of the date of receipt.
But Lowe’s gives you a choice to make in-store returns at any Lowe’s home improvement location for items purchased online via Lowe’s website. You’re better off making an in-store return because they’re easy to make, and the processing time is faster. It can get complicated to make online returns past the standard 90-day window if you don’t have the original purchase slip.
Recommended read: Walmart Return Hours.
What’s the Lowe’s Return Policy for Defective Items Past 90 Days?
Returning used or defective items past 90 days can get complicated. Lowe’s requires that all items should be returned in a “like new” sellable condition. Some items like appliances may be returnable after the 90-day return window elapses if they have a manufacturer defect and are unused and unopened.
To stand a chance, bring the original receipt and the item to the Lowe’s customer service desk near the front of the store to get the store’s manager’s approval. If you caused the damage yourself, your return would be rejected.
You should always inspect products and appliances for defects as soon as possible. The rule of thumb is to call the Lowe’s Customer Care service line at 1-800-445-6937 with any complaints within three days after receiving a defective item.
If your item is damaged in use after the 90-day return window expires, contact Lowe’s Service Advantage team at 1-888-77-LOWES to schedule a factory-certified service appointment. Your appliance will be repaired free of charge if the manufacturer’s warranty is still valid. Otherwise, you may have to pay for appliance repairs out of pocket.
What is Lowe’s Return Policy for Gift Cards?
While Lowe’s has a solid return policy for purchases made online or in-store with cash or cards, their gift card policy is not as lenient. Once bought, gift cards are non refundable and have no monetary value except for purchases.
Lowe’s website also says that it reserves the right to deactivate or reject gift cards if they have been obtained by using fraudulent activities. The store has a solid directory to ensure that all gift cards being used at the store are genuine and have been purchased in a legit manner.
You are also out of luck if your gift card is lost, stolen, or damaged, as Lowe’s does not offer any replacement options. If you buy a gift card from Lowe’s, make sure you keep it safe!
What is Lowe’s Return Policy for Custom Products?
Lowe’s offers a number of custom products, including cut and mixed products like doors and windows. There no returns options for these items.
Some products might be eligible for replacements or refunds, but if you’ve paid for them with a cheque and you still have outstanding cheques with Lowe’s, you won’t be eligible for a refund.
You need to carry a piece of acceptable photo identification to claim your refunds.
For refunds that have been issued on a credit card, you should expect to wait about five to seven business days before the charges show up in your account.
Does Lowe’s Have a Price Match Policy?
Lowe’s has one of the most competitive price matching policies you can find in the market today. They claim that waiting for a sale at Lowe’s is not needed because of these policies.
If you find a product with a competitor that is more than $1.00 lower than what you’re getting at Lowe’s, Lowe’s will match the price with an additional 10% to give you the best possible pricing.
Some exceptions to this rule include misprints and damaged goods. Delivery and assembly prices are also not included in the policy. The pricing policy is also not applicable to short term sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
For online shopping, the price match plus 10% policy still stands as long as the website is from the same country.
Are There Product Exceptions to the Lowe’s 90 Day Return Policy?
The standard Lowe’s return policy allows a 90-day return window for most home improvement products bought at its stores. However, to protect themselves and customers better, some products are subject to shorter or longer return policies, including:
Major Appliance – 30 days
Major appliances and electronic items bought at Lowe’s must be returned within 30 days from the purchase date. Products that are subject to the 30-day return policy include:
- Refrigerators
- Chainsaws
- Generators
- House humidifier
- Pressure washers
- Washers
- Dryers
- Microwave brands
- Mowers
- Trimmers
- Blowers
- Ranges
- Hoods
- Dishwashers
Most of the major appliances come with warranties. Therefore, the appliances may be returnable under a warranty after the 30-day return window expires if the warranty covers the reason or defect. Also, TVs, select electronics items, outdoor equipment, trailers, paint, and special orders bought at Lowe’s are subject to the same 30-day return policy.
Recommended read: Lowe’s senior discount and ways to save.
Winter and Holiday Seasonal Items
Any seasonal items bought at Lowe’s must be returned by 31st December of the same holiday season.
Plants – 365 Days
Most plants fall under the standard 90-day return policy, but perennial plants are eligible for a 365-day return window, such as types of indoor succulents. These are plants like shrubs or trees that bloom once per year, making it hard for the customer to know whether the plant is still alive or dead until the following season. So if your perennial plant doesn’t make it to the next season, you can return it to Lowe’s for a refund or exchange.
Despite the varying return timelines for the different products and appliances, the return process works the same. To make a return, simply carry the item to your local Lowe’s store, along with the sales receipt.
Once your return is approved, a refund will be initiated, and you’ll receive a refund using the same payment method within 5 to 7 days. You can also opt for an exchange or store credit. If you paid with cash or used a personal check, your refund will be issued immediately. For example, if you used cash for your appliance, you’ll get cash for your refrigerator if you follow the Lowe’s return policy.
Lowe’s Return Policy After 90 Days Summary
Lowe’s standard policy requires most items to be returned to the store within 90 days from the purchase date. However, you may be able to make a late return to Lowe’s after the 90-day window has elapsed. Lowe’s return policy after 90 days requires you to have the original purchase receipt, and you’ll need the store manager’s approval. In addition, the item must also be in Lowe’s inventory.
Unlike late returns, on-time returns don’t require you to have the receipt. Instead, the store associate can use your credit card details or phone number to look up your transaction details and initiate the return. However, you’ll be required to produce a valid photo ID for identification.
Depending on whether you have the receipt or not, you’ll be eligible for a full refund of the purchase amount in the same payment method, or you can opt for an exchange or Lowe’s gift card.
Appliances, electronics, outdoor equipment, trailers, and paints are exempt from the 90-day return policy and have a stricter 30-day return policy. Other items like plants can be returned after one year. Regardless of the return window, the process works pretty much the same.
You might also notice that prices in Lowe’s stores can vary across states or cities. The reason why the same product might cost more or less in certain locations is that Lowe’s believes in local sourcing of products. Since prices depend on local manufacturers and costs, this can cause a difference in price for the same products.
In a nutshell, Lowe’s store managers have the final say on whether or not to allow late returns with or without the receipt. It’s not a 24-hour store, and a manager should always be on duty. So don’t shy away. Go there and argue your case. You never know whether the manager will rule in your favor.
