Lowe’s stands behind their products, giving customers a good return policy whether they have a receipt or not. They want their customers to be happy and it shows with their return policy.
Like any store, it’s more beneficial to have a receipt, but even if you don’t there are options.
The policies below are Lowes’ stated return policy, but each store can act at its own discretion so if you’re unsure about a return, give it a try. You never know when they might allow it.
Lowe’s Returns – 2 Ways to do It
You have two options to make a Lowe’s return if you bought the product online. If you bought it in-store, it’s easiest to return it to the store you purchased it from, but any Lowe’s will take it back if you’re within the timeline. You don’t have to go back to the Lowe’s store you bought the item from.
1. In-Store Returns
To return an item in-store, bring the item in its original packaging with your receipt and/or method of payment to your local Lowe’s. Head to the customer service desk and provide the product, receipt, and ID to process the return.
You’ll receive your refund immediately, however, depending on how you paid, you might not see it in your account for 7 – 10 days if you paid with a debit or credit card.
2. Online Returns
To return an item by mail, click here to start the process. Follow the prompts and Lowe’s will send you a label to affix to the box and send back. You’ll need to log into your MyLowe’s account, but shipping is free. All you have to do is drop it off at the post office.
Keep in mind, that online returns can take longer to process. First, they have to be shipped back, received, checked in, and processed. It’s common to wait as long as 2 weeks for your refund from online returns at Lowe’s.
You Get 90 Days to Change your Mind
You can return unused items for up to 90 days after purchase for most products. If you paid with a Lowe’s Advantage Card (credit card) or any Lowe’s business account, you get up to 365 days from the date of purchase to return your item.
But, you need a receipt or proof of purchase.
If you have your receipt or order slip from buying online, you will get refunded the same way you paid whether in cash or credit to your credit card.
However, if you paid with a debit card you’ll receive cash. If you prefer a credit back to your account, it could take up to 15 days. If you paid with a gift card or store credit, you’ll receive your refund as store credit.
You Can Return without a Receipt (in some cases)
If you don’t have the original receipt, but you paid with a credit card, used your Lowe’s account to buy the item, or a debit card/check, a customer service specialist can look up your purchase on the computer.
Without a valid receipt, you must provide a government-issued ID. Lowe’s runs it through a third-party verification system to ensure you can make the return. If the system declines the return, they may not let you return it.
Without a receipt, Lowe’s gives you the lowest selling price as a refund. For example, if you bought something at a regular price, but it’s now 50% off, you’ll receive a 50% refund.
Check out the Exceptions
Not everything at Lowe’s can be returned for as long as one year. They have quite a few exceptions that you should be aware of before buying.
Appliances
You have 48 hours from the time appliances were delivered or you picked them up from Lowe’s to report any damage or defects. However, if you bought the appliance with a Lowe’s credit card or business account AND the item is unopened (still in its original packaging), you have up to 30 days to return it. As a general rule, inspect the appliance when it’s delivered and before the delivery crew leaves. If you’re unhappy with it, refuse delivery so you don’t have to deal with returning it.
30-Day Return Policy
Some items bought at Lowe’s have a strict 30-day return policy no matter how you paid for them. They can be opened, but they must be in perfect condition. These products include:
- TVs
- Plumbing
- Power tools
- Electronics
- Trailers
- Paint
- Air conditioners
Paint
You get 30 days to return paint, but the reason and use vary by store. For example, some store managers allow you to return paint you clearly used if you have a good reason, such as you didn’t like it.
Others will only accept unused paint returns for 30 days unless you can prove the color isn’t what you asked for or there are other defects with the paint.
Craftsman and Black & Decker Outdoor Tools
All other brands of outdoor power equipment have a 30-day return window. However, Craftsman and Black & Decker tools have a generous 90-day return policy.
Don’t think you can return these brands after a summer of using them, though. They must still be in like-new condition and in some cases in the original packaging. The rules vary by store.
Plants
You can return trees, shrubs, and perennials for up to 1 year after purchase if they die or don’t look how you anticipated. You must have a receipt though.
Any other plants, such as annuals or house plants have a 90-day return policy.
Holiday Products
You can return holiday products up until the day before the holiday (or on the holiday if they are open). Any items bought after the holiday cannot be returned.
This sounds like bad news, but if you think about it, Lowe’s is always one of the first stores to put out their holiday merchandise. The temperatures could still signify summer, but inside Lowe’s, it feels like Christmas. So even if you’re past the 90-day return window, you can still return holiday items until Christmas day.
Special Orders
You can return special orders but will pay a 20% restocking fee.
FAQs – Lowe’s Return Policy
Can you return items to Lowe’s after 90 days?
Technically, Lowe’s return policy is 90 days. This means you can’t return something for longer than 90 days unless you paid with a Lowe’s credit card or Lowe’s business account, then you get an entire year.
But if you just missed the 90-day window and you have your receipt, it could be worth a shot. Take the item to your local Lowe’s, though, don’t try to return it online. Some store managers will grant exceptions depending on the circumstances.
Can you always return without a receipt at Lowe’s?
Returns without receipts are allowed at Lowe’s, but not without exception. If a customer service specialist can locate your order with your credit card or your Lowe’s account, you have a much higher chance of processing the return.
Without any proof, though, it’s up to the manager’s discretion and it requires a valid photo ID. If Lowe’s finds that you’re abusing the policy, though, they can reject any returns you request, so it’s best to keep your receipts.
How long can you return appliances at Lowe’s?
You only have 48 hours after receipt of an appliance if it’s delivered to you to request a return. If you pick the appliance up yourself and it’s still in its original packaging (factory sealed), you get up to 30 days to return the item.
It’s best if you inspect the appliance upon delivery and refuse delivery if you’re unhappy with it, otherwise trying to return an appliance at Lowe’s can be complicated.
Can you get a refund at Lowe’s without a receipt?
If you make a return without a receipt and Lowe’s accepts it, you’ll get a refund via store credit. While it’s not cash or a credit back to your card, you can use the store credit to buy anything in the store.
Can you return unused paint to Lowe’s?
Lowe’s stands behind its paint, providing customers with a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your paint, you can return it for up to 30 days. This works best if the paint is unused, but if you have a valid reason for returning it even after it’s used, the store manager may grant an exception. It never hurts to ask.
Final Thoughts – Lowe’s Return Policy, Friend or Foe?
Lowe’s return policy is rather flexible. A 90-day window for anyone is longer than most stores allow and the 1-year they provide cardholders and business account members is almost unheard of at most stores.
That doesn’t mean Lowe’s doesn’t have its exceptions, though. Before you purchase something, read the fine print so you know if and when you can return the item if you don’t like it. Lowe’s is pretty forgiving with most of its policies, but it’s not without its rules, so always ask if you aren’t sure before buying something.
My niece purchased a dishwasher in august at Lowe’s it has not worked AT ALL. Service guy came out and said it needed a part but can’t get the part been since August 2022 and they will not pick it up and bring me a working dishwasher. What can she do?