Due to nature of DIY projects, the Home Depot return policy is one of the most used return policies in existence. Because of that, it’s nice to know exactly how it works, what the exclusions are, and even some insider tips for success. Here’s everything you need to know to make returning stuff to the Home Depot a breeze.

What is the “Official” Home Depot Return Policy?

90 days. You have a generous 90 days to return an item to the Home Depot if you’re not satisfied for any reason.

Are There Exceptions to the 90 Days?

Yes, there are. These items all have a different time window for returns.

• Furniture – 30 days.
• Mattresses – 30 days.
• Area Rugs – 30 days.
• Generators – 30 days.
• Gas Powered Stuff & Tractors – 30 days.
• Consumer Electronics – 30 days.

I wasn’t aware that The Home Depot sold consumer electronics.

See Also: 7 Highly Clever Ways to Save Money at The Home Depot

Can Items Be Opened or Used?

Officially, “No”. Unofficially, “Yes”.

If you still have the original packaging, receipt, and still within 90 days, you can return most opened or used items.

With used items, it often comes down to the amount of “wear & tear” the product shows and is typically handled on a case-by-case basis.

For example, if you bought a Purdy paintbrush and use it heavily for an entire weekend then decide to return it, you’re probably out of luck.

But if you only used the paintbrush for a couple minutes, weren’t happy with, and cleaned it thoroughly, you stand a really good chance of them taking it back.

This is especially true if you’re okay with Store Credit or an exchange.

What If I Lost My Receipt?

Another cool aspect of The Home Depot’s return policy is they can often find your order in their system using the credit card or debit card you used to make the purchase. So always try!

If you paid with cash, or a Home Depot gift card, they’ll usually still accept the return for store credit. Be prepared to show a valid I.D. as they will track your return history this way.

I’ve been told that if you make too many returns without a receipt, they will flag your account and not accept any returns from you for up to 90 days.

This is done to protect themselves from shoplifters who try and return their loot for a quick profit.

What Stuff Can’t Be Returned?

The following items are not returnable to the Home Depot…

• Custom Tinted Paint – For this reason, make sure you see the color of the paint before you buy it. You also can’t return any “Oops” paint that you buy at a discount.
• Custom Blinds – The only blinds that can be returned say “Guaranteed to Fit” on them.
• Utility Trailers
• Major Appliances – Always inspect the appliance upon delivery to your home and “refuse delivery” if the item is damaged or defective. If you don’t, then notice an issue, call Home Depot at (800) 455-3869 within 2 days.
• Generators
• Gift Cards/Store Credits
• Product Samples

I’ll keep this list updated in case new items become non-returnable.

What About Online Returns?

Another really cool feature at the Home Depot is their online return system.

They actually allow you to return purchases made via their website via UPS, as well as products bought in-store.

This is a handy feature if you live a LONG distance from the nearest location, or you just have trouble making it in-store for whatever reason.

To see if your item is eligible for an online return, visit this page, and click on “Return Items”. (See image above)

Be prepared to pay the return shipping costs unless the reason for the return is an error by The Home Depot.

Are There Ever Any Restocking Fees?

The only items that might incur a restocking fee are Special Order returns or cancellations.

Be prepared to pay a 15% restocking fee on these items.

What About Returning Flowers or Plants?

According to Home Depot, they will “unconditionally guarantee all tropical, house, and landscape plants (only perennials, trees, and shrubs) for one year.

If your plant dies just bring it and your original receipt to a Home Depot store and we will replace it or issue a refund in accordance with the terms of the Home Depot refund policy.

You MUST have the original receipt to get a refund or store credit. If the plant is no longer available at store location or through a product search, a store credit will be issued.”

The key here is perennials, trees, and shrubs. They don’t offer a 1-year guarantee on annuals, but I believe they still offer a 90 day return window.

Does anyone know for sure? I can’t find any information on this to be certain. Let me know, thanks.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever had trouble with the Home Depot return policy? How did it happen and what was the end result?

By Kyle James

The post Home Depot Return Policy: The In’s & Out’s To Make It Work For You appeared first on Rather-Be-Shopping.com.