As a department store devoted to all home improvement needs, Lowe’s understands that not every purchase will be the perfect fit. In this article, we will cover every scenario regarding Lowe’s return policy.
Lowe’s return policy is up to 90 days after purchase to return merchandise for a refund. It used to be 180 days during the pandemic, but Lowe’s have since then changed back to their original 90 days return policy.
Some items such as electronics and appliances must be returned in 30 days. To process a return, customers typically need to have the item’s receipt, although there are exceptions here as well.
On average, your refund will be processed and credited back to your original payment form in 5 to 7 days. Cash and in store credit will be refunded immediately, but it could take up to 15 days for the transaction to show your end depending on your payment method.
Further, all returns can be made in person at a customer’s local Lowe’s store location, but purchases made at Lowe’s.com may be eligible for free mailed returns. This article will go over the detailed processes of how to make both types of returns.
How to Return an Item to Lowe’s
While most returns should be made in person, there are some other ways to make returns at Lowe’s.
In-Person Returns
In person, returns are likely one of the easiest ways to ensure a quick and successful return of a Lowe’s product. To make a return in store, customers are encouraged to follow the following steps:
- Find a local Lowe’s store.
- Enter the store and locate the customer services center. This is often near the front of the store.
- Find a customer representative to help with the return.
- Present the item that is to be returned.
- Take out the receipt for that item to show the representative that the item was purchased within the set number of days.
- If a customer does not have a receipt, find the card that the item was purchased on and present a picture ID.
- Make the return.
- The funds will be returned the same way as the original payment was processed.
If an item was purchased on a credit or debit card, it may take a few days for the funds to reappear on the card. However, if the return does not appear on the card after 5 to 7 business days, the customer should call Lowe’s Customer Care number to figure out the status of their return.
In some cases, customers may opt to exchange an item instead of simply return it. If that is the case, customers should bring their item to the store, find the same item, and then visit the customer service center to make the exchange.
Lowe’s.com Website Returns
To make a return from Lowe’s.com, customers can easily return the item by using the prepaid return slip that was included with the original shipment. Customers should make the return by following these steps:
- Find or purchase a sturdy box to ship the item.
- Only include the items that are on the shipping receipt. Any other items will not be accepted for a return.
- Place all original packing materials, manuals, and item accessories. If any items are missing, the item will not be accepted.
- Place the return slip into the package.
- Close the package and make sure it is taped shut properly.
- Properly secure the shipping label onto the package.
- Drop the package off at a local packager carrier.
Customers should be aware, however, that the original shipping costs of the item will not be included in the return. The original shipping is not refundable.
If a customer did not receive a prepaid shipping label, they are encouraged to make the return at a Lowe’s store. What about big appliances?
If your items arrived damaged or missing parts due to Lowe’s shipping, you can call Lowe’s at 1-800-445-6937 to schedule a pick up for an exchange or return. If you bought the item home yourself, Lowe’s may charge around $80 for a pick up fee.
How to Check Order Status
Once a return is made, it can take a few days for the return to show up on the customer’s account. While the best way to check the status of an order is to log into Lowe’s account, customers can also call the customer care phone number to get an update on their return.
For customers who do not have an online account with Lowe’s the best way to get information on a return is to call the customer care number.
Lowe’s General Return Policy
You have 90 days after purchase to return the merchandise to Lowe’s for an exchange or a refund. Show valid proof of purchase, such as a receipt with purchase date, and you can receive a full refund in your original payment method or in-store credit.
The type of refund will depend on the original purchase method:
- If the customer paid by credit or debit card, the refund will be credited to that account.
- If the customer paid in cash, a cash refund will be distributed.
- If the customer paid with in-store credit or a gift card, the refund will be issued as in-store credit.
However, there are some exceptions to their standard policy, and these will be discussed in further detail.
Major Appliances
Unlike most products at Lowe’s, major appliances must be returned within 30 days of the purchase date. The products that must be returned under this 30-day return policy include:
- Refrigerators
- Washers
- Dryers
- Ranges
- Hoods
- Dishwashers
- Some microwave brands
- Mowers
- Chainsaws
- Generators
- Pressure washers
- Trimmers
- Blowers
For the most part, any item that is a major appliance must be returned before that 30-day window is up. If a customer has questions about the return date, the information can often be found on the receipt, or the customer can call the customer service line.
For some major appliances, Lowe’s will offer product warranties that will cover broken pieces or repairs. In some cases, the product may be replaced, but it depends on the warranty and the reasons why a product became unusable.
Hazardous Materials
In general, all items containing hazardous materials must be returned to the store by an in-person transaction. Lowe’s does not allow the return of hazardous materials through the mail, meaning customers cannot initiate an online return of hazardous materials.
If the item contains any of the following materials, it must be returned in person for safety reasons.
- Lithium batteries
- Flammable liquids
- Gases of any sort
- Hazardous materials or waste
If a customer has a question about an item that may contain hazardous material, they are encouraged to call Lowe’s Customer Care at 1-800-445-6937.
Plants
While most plants fall under the general 90-day return policy, certain perennial plants can be returned within one year of the purchase date. This policy is in place because some plants only bloom once per year and the customer may not be aware that a plant has died before the next season comes around.
So if a customer bought a tree, shrub, or any other perennial plant and that plant did not make it to the next season, it can be returned.
Paint
Lowe’s return policy on paint first requires that the paint be returned in a “like new” condition. Additionally, all paint must be returned within 30 days of the purchase date to be eligible for a full refund.
30 Days | 90 Days | 180 Days Return Policy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lowe’s temporarily extended their return policy to 180 days instead of their standard 90 days. However, they have returned to their regular 90-day return policy. Customers should continue to adhere to the 90-day return policy for the best return success.
Lowe’s 30 Day Return Policy
Most items can be returned within a set 90-day window. However, some items do have only a 30-day return policy. These items include:
- TVs
- Some electronic items
- Special orders
- Outdoor power equipment such as mowers, chainsaws, generators, pressure washers, and more
- Liquid paint
- Major appliances such as washer, dryers, refrigerators, and more
- Highway trailers
Additionally, Lowe’s will not accept return requests on masks or any other sort of facial covering. For these items, sales are final.
Lowe’s 90 Day Return Policy
While Lowes does have a standard 90-day return policy, it is possible to make a return after the 90-day period. However, this type of return will require a receipt as well as the store manager’s approval. If the item is no longer sold at Lowe’s, however, customers will not be able to make a return.
For the best possibility to get a full refund at Lowe’s, customers should return all products before 90 days.
Additionally, all items that were purchased during the winter holiday season must be returned by December 31st of that year.
Return without Lowe’s receipt
If a customer lost their receipt, it is still easy to make in-store returns. Most of the time, the return can be made by using the original credit card information or verifying the bank account number that the purchase was made on.
Additionally, Lowe’s does require a valid picture ID for all returns made without a receipt. This identification could be a:
- State driver’s license
- State ID card
- Military ID card
- Passport
Moreover, Lowe’s does reserve the right to refuse to refund an item if the customer does not have a valid receipt and cannot show proof of identification or purchase history.
If Merchandise is Damaged
If a customer purchased an item that was damaged in shipping or they get home to find that it was damaged, customers should call the Lowe’s Customer Care line at 1-800-445-6937 within 3 days of receiving the item to report damages.
Returning Used Items
Lowe’s requires that all items be returned in a “like new” condition. That being said, items can be returned after they were used as long as they were not damaged in the process. However, some items may be returned, such as facial coverings and masks.
Additionally, major appliances cannot be returned if they were open or used. If a customer attempts to make a return with a used, product, Lowe’s may not accept the return. Instead, the customer should contact Lowe’s Service Advantage team at 1-888-775-6937 to get assistance with repairs.
Return Items from 3rd Party Sellers
For the most part, individuals must have the original receipt from Lowe’s to make a return. If a customer tries to make a return to Lowe’s but did not make the original purchase at Lowe’s, they will not be able to get a refund. To get a refund, a receipt or proof of purchase must be presented to a customer service agent.
If an individual purchased a Visa gift card, Mastercard gift card, or any other third-party gift card, Lowe’s would not refund those purchases.
Non Returnable Items
Most of the items at Lowe’s are refundable, but facial coverings and masks are nonrefundable. All other items must be returned in their specified window of either 30 or 90 days. All other returns must be approved by a store manager and will likely require a receipt.
If a customer lost their gift card for Lowe’s, the stolen or lost gift card can be replaced by showing a store agent the original receipt. Or, a receipt that shows a recent purchase that used the gift card can be presented to get a new gift card that contains the amount of money on the gift card left on it after the purchase.
