Here's Why Home Depot's Return Policy May Surprise You

Not every purchase is a keeper. That's just a fact of life. Defects, buyer's remorse – there are lots of reasons you might want to make a return, and Home Depot's return policy lets you do just that. Read on to find out how long you have to avail of that policy, what qualifies and doesn't qualify, and what considerations you have to make. Receipt or no receipt? By mail or in-store? All these questions are answered, along with some other ones to help you out even more. We're generous like that.

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What To Know About Home Depot's 2024 Return Policy

Home Depot's return policy is broadly fairly simple: new items can be returned within 90 days, with proof of purchase, either in-store or by mail. This obviously comes with some exceptions, as you'll see on Home Depot's returns page, so your experience will obviously differ based on whether you're returning – say – a hammer versus a dishwasher. (The upper limit for returns is 365 days, which is for Home Depot credit card or commercial account owners, while the lower limit is 48 hours for major appliances.) These returns will be refunded to the original form of payment (cash, credit card, store credit, etc.) Defective store stock items being returned in-store may also be exchanged for the same stock item within the 90-day period.

What Qualifies for Home Depot Returns?

Here are the items that qualify for returns at Home Depot, arranged by their eligibility windows:

• 90 Days: Most new items can be returned within 90 days with proof of purchase.
• 365 Days: Purchases made with a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, Home Depot Pro Xtra Credit Card, or Home Depot Commercial Account qualify for this extended returns period. Plus, while most plants fall into the 90-day window, perennials, trees, roses, and shrubs get this extended 1-year window.
• 30 Days: Furniture, gas-powered equipment and tractors, generators (unused and in their original factory-sealed packaging), consumer electronics (TVs and computers), and paint sprayers (unused and in their original factory-sealed packaging). Interior and exterior paint can be returned within 30 days for correction, or exchange for a comparable can of paint.
• 48 Hours: Major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers, and some microwaves). These appliances should be inspected for defects in-store before purchase, or if ordered online, upon delivery with the driver present. If defects are found, you should refuse delivery.

What Doesn't Qualify for Home Depot Returns?

These items are excluded from the Home Depot returns policy:

• Gift cards and store credit
• Whole house and stationary generators
• Utility trailers
• Cut flowers and floral arrangements
• Product samples (paint, flooring, fabric, and wallpaper)
• Custom products, including blinds and products ordered via the Home Depot Design Center

Items ordered from a third-party or marketplace seller, but shipped by Home Depot are excluded from the returns policy. Labor, delivery, and installation services are also excluded from refunds. Shipping fees will only be refunded if the return is due to an error on the part of Home Depot.

I Don't Have My Receipt, Can I Still Return the Purchase?

If you find yourself without the receipt for a product you want to return, the first step is to hope that you paid by credit or debit card or check. Within 90 days of your purchase, Home Depot should be able to find a record of your purchase via those methods in their system, even without your original receipt. Unreceipted returns will require a valid driver's license or other government-issued ID.

What is Home Depot's Return Window?

Home Depot's return window ranges from 48 hours to a whole year, depending on the item purchased, and the payment method. See above ("What Qualifies for Home Depot Returns?") for the full details.

How Do Holiday Shopping Returns Differ from Regular Returns?

Holiday shopping returns are no different to regular returns at Home Depot – anything bought over the holidays is still subject to the same policy the store offers year round. It should be noted that if you're returning a gift, you'll receive store credit rather than a direct refund.

Can I Make a Return In-Person After Purchasing Online?

Yes! All you need to do is bring a copy of your receipt or shipping confirmation email, the credit card you used for the purchase, and a valid identification. This is required for items that can use flammable liquids or gases, even if they've been drained. (This includes items like lawn mowers and leaf blowers.)

Are There Any Special Considerations That I Should Know of?

For major appliances, and other items too large to ship or take to your local store for return, you can call Home Depot's customer support line to check if your item is eligible for at-home pickup.

Special Order returns or cancellations may be subject to a 15% restocking fee and must be returned to the same store where the purchase was made.

Home Depot FAQs

What time does Home Depot open?

Home Depot stores generally open from 6am to 10pm, except for Sundays, when it opens from 7am to 8pm. However, these hours can vary slightly from store to store, so check in with their Store Finder to find the specific details for your local store.

How to save the most at Home Depot?

There are lots of ways to stay on top of the best deals at Home Depot – we'll quickly suggest that you peruse their weekly ad, or check out DealNews' own Home Depot store page. You can also avail of their military discount, which offers 10% off to active service members, veterans, and their spouses.

How does shopping compare online vs in-store?

Shopping in-store gives you the chance to personally inspect items, which may be extra important for DIY or home improvement purchases. It also lets you skip the wait for an item to ship. But shopping online offers easier price comparisons against competing stores, as well as the option to choose in-store pickup. (It also means you don't have to leave the house, which is always a plus.)

What else should I consider when shopping at Home Depot?

Keep up to date with the best deals from Home Depot and other retailers by signing up to receive the DealNews Select newsletter, which drops dozens of our handpicked top offers into your inbox every weekday. If you have your eye on something specific, you can set up a Deal Alert. And finally, why not take a peek at our Staff Picks page, where the very tip-top deals are given pride of place.