If you’re working on a DIY project, chances are you’re not exactly sure what to expect.
Thankfully, if you shop at the big orange store, you’re in luck. The Home Depot Return Policy is one of the best around.
What Is the Home Depot Return Policy?
Most new, unopened items can be returned to Home Depot within 90 days of purchase, though there are some exceptions.
The Home Depot return policy is somewhat simplistic. In a nutshell, you can return most items within 90 days.
I’ve done it, and they don’t ask too many questions.
Image Source: Homedepot.com
There are also extra perks for those who have the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card.
Most purchases are made on the Home Depot card. Or, maybe you have the Home Depot Commercial Account or Commercial Revolving Charge.
If so, items can be returned for a full refund for up to one year. If you purchased something online and need to return it due to an error by the retailer, they will refund your shipping fees as well.
In these cases, items need to be bought back with all their components in order to get a full refund. But that shouldn’t be the case for most people.
How Do You Return Items to Home Depot?
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To make a return, simply take the item back to any local store to get your money back instantly or swap it for something else. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure the return goes smoothly:
- A copy of your receipt or shipping confirmation email
- The credit card you used to purchase (bring the original form of payment)
- A valid ID (like your driver’s license)
Online Returns
If you purchased something online and don’t want to visit a Home Depot location, you can process your return online by visiting this link. Eligible online purchases for online returns will receive a shipping label by email.
Simply print it out and attach it to your package. Then stop at your nearest UPS store or drop box. You can also process your return over the phone by calling 1-800-3376.
Note that anything containing hazardous materials cannot be returned online. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, or any other gas-powered equipment that may contain flammable liquids must be returned in-store.
What If I Lost My Receipt?
Did you lose your receipt? Don’t worry. If you paid with a credit or debit card, a Home Depot associate can look up your purchase in the system for up to 90 days.
If you paid with cash, you can most likely receive store credit with a Home Depot gift card. Make sure you have your ID. The store associate will track your return this way.
This is to protect the store from anyone who may abuse the policy or return stolen items. But again, this shouldn’t be the case for most people, as many pay with credit cards.
Exceptions to the 90-Day Return Policy
Most items purchased at The Home Depot can be returned for full credit within a generous 90 days.
Keep in mind that there are some exceptions. The following items may only be returned within 30 days:
30-Day Return Policy
Not everything is covered under the 90-day return policy. In some cases, Home Depot only accepts returns after 30 days. These include:
- Furniture
- Area Rugs
- Generators
- Gas-Powered Tractors and Equipment
- Consumer Electronics, like Televisions and Computers
Appliance Return Policy
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Another exception to the 90-day return policy is major appliances. They are non-returnable except in the event of defects or damages. Make sure to thoroughly inspect the appliance before accepting delivery.
If there are any defects or damages, refuse delivery. Once delivery is accepted by the customer, they must report any damage or defects within 48 hours in order to process a return. Major appliances include:
- Refrigerators
- Washers
- Dryers
- Ranges
- Dishwashers
- Some Microwaves
Also, keep in mind that you can return special orders. However, special order returns may be subject to a 15% restocking fee. Make sure to return these items to the same store where you purchased them.
If you exceeded $1,000 in cash purchases, note that you may only be able to receive a refund by check.
Returns on Plants
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You might be surprised to learn that you can return plants at all. But despite how green your thumb is, The Home Depot offers a 1-year guarantee on perennials, trees, and shrubs.
There’s also a guarantee that Bonnie plants with Miracle-Grow will yield a harvest. If a year goes by and you see no results, here’s how you can get a refund:
- Bring your Bonnie plant and original receipt to The Home Depot
- The receipt must show a purchase of Miracle Grow and Bonnie plant within three days of one another
- The purchase date must be within the last six months
Non-Returnable Items
That’s right, there are some things at The Home Depot that are both non-returnable and non-refundable. So take extra care when purchasing these items:
- Major Appliances
- Gift Cards
- Whole House and Stationary Generators
- Utility Trailers
- Cut Flowers and Arrangements
- Installation Services, Labor, and Delivery Fees
- Product Samples
- Custom Blinds
There is one instance in which custom blinds can be returned. If they are guaranteed to fit and don’t, you can exchange them.
There is a limit of four blinds per household. And the exchange must be for the same color and product.
Paint Return Policy
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Thankfully, The Home Depot offers a paint satisfaction guarantee.
If you aren’t happy with your purchase of interior or exterior liquid paint, bring your paint and receipt to your local Home Depot.
Returns within 30 days of purchase will be corrected or exchanged with a comparable can of paint. Note that you can’t get a refund for custom paint, so don’t go buying more than you think you’ll need. You can always buy more!
Color samples and “OOPS” merchandise are exceptions to this policy, as are special orders and non-stock products.
So, What Is the Home Depot Return Policy?
For the most part, you can return things with the receipt and original packaging for a full refund of the original purchase price within 90 days of purchase.
Still, note that all returns are at the discretion of a store manager.
So, if you used something lightly and weren’t satisfied or don’t have original packaging, it may still be worth heading into your store and letting an associate know what happened.
The same goes if you don’t have the sales receipt. You might not be able to get cash back, but you may be able to process an exchange or get Home Depot store credit.