Lowe's Returns: How They Differ From Home Depot
Lowe's and Home Depot have similar but different return policies. Understanding the differences helps you navigate returns at each store and know what to expect. This guide compares their policies and highlights key differences.
Return Window Comparison
Home Depot
Policy:
- 90 days from purchase
- Standard window
- Applies to most items
- Generous policy
Key Points:
- 90-day window
- Calendar days
- Standard policy
- Most items
Lowe's
Policy:
- 90 days from purchase
- Standard window
- Applies to most items
- Similar policy
Key Points:
- 90-day window
- Calendar days
- Standard policy
- Most items
Comparison: Both have 90-day return windows, so they're the same in this regard.
Receipt Requirements
Home Depot
Policy:
- Receipt preferred
- Can return without receipt (store credit)
- ID verification
- Current price
Flexibility:
- Receipt gets full refund
- No receipt gets store credit
- Flexible approach
- Customer-friendly
Lowe's
Policy:
- Receipt preferred
- Can return without receipt (store credit)
- ID verification
- Current price
Flexibility:
- Receipt gets full refund
- No receipt gets store credit
- Flexible approach
- Customer-friendly
Comparison: Both have similar receipt policies. Receipt gets full refund, no receipt gets store credit.
Special Items
Home Depot
Special Rules:
- Power tools: 90 days
- Large equipment: Check policy
- Special orders: Varies
- Some restrictions
Policy:
- Generally 90 days
- Some exceptions
- Check specific items
- Flexible
Lowe's
Special Rules:
- Power tools: 90 days
- Large equipment: Check policy
- Special orders: Varies
- Some restrictions
Policy:
- Generally 90 days
- Some exceptions
- Check specific items
- Flexible
Comparison: Both have similar policies for special items. Generally 90 days with some exceptions.
Key Differences
Difference 1: Store Experience
Home Depot:
- Orange theme
- Different layout
- Different brands
- Store experience
Lowe's:
- Blue theme
- Different layout
- Different brands
- Store experience
Impact: Different store experiences, but return policies are similar.
Difference 2: Brand Selection
Home Depot:
- Different brands
- Exclusive products
- Brand selection
- Product availability
Lowe's:
- Different brands
- Exclusive products
- Brand selection
- Product availability
Impact: Different products available, but return policies are similar.
Best Practices
Practice 1: Know the Policy
Why:
- Understand requirements
- Know what to expect
- Prepare properly
- Smooth returns
How:
- Read policy
- Ask questions
- Understand requirements
- Be prepared
Best Practice: Know the return policy for the store you're shopping at. Both are similar but check specifics.
Practice 2: Keep Receipts
Why:
- Full refund
- Original price
- Faster processing
- Best outcome
How:
- Keep receipts
- Use store apps
- Digital receipts
- Organize
Best Practice: Keep receipts for both stores. Gets full refund instead of store credit.
Practice 3: Return Early
Why:
- Don't wait
- Easier processing
- Better condition
- Less issues
When:
- Within first 30 days
- As soon as decided
- Don't wait
- Early is better
Best Practice: Return items early at both stores for easier processing and better outcomes.
Conclusion: Similar Policies
Lowe's and Home Depot have very similar return policies: 90-day windows, flexible receipt requirements, and similar special item rules. The main differences are store experience and brand selection, not return policies.
Key takeaways:
- Both: 90-day return windows
- Both: Receipt gets full refund, no receipt gets store credit
- Both: Similar special item rules
- Differences: Store experience and brands, not policies
- Best practice: Know policy, keep receipts, return early
For busy shoppers, return pickup services can handle returns from both stores professionally, ensuring all requirements are met.
Need help with Lowe's or Home Depot returns? Learn how Returnful handles both with professional service and proper documentation.
Have questions about Lowe's or Home Depot returns? Text us at 469-790-7579 and we'll help you understand the policies!
Written by
Returnful Team
Part of the Returnful team, helping DFW residents save time on their online returns with same-day pickup service.
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