Lowe’s appliance return policy 2024 (explained)

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Lowe’s has a policy for returning appliances: you can return small appliances within 90 days of buying them and large appliances within 30 days. To return, the appliances must be in new condition, and you’ll need to show proof that you bought them.

Lowe’s appliance return policy

Lowe’s Appliance Return Policy allows customers to return major appliances, such as washers and dryers, within 30 days of purchase if the appliance was bought with specific payment methods, including Lowe’s Advantage Card, Lowe’s Business Advantage, Lowe’s Business Rewards, Lowe’s Commercial Account, Lowe’s PreLoad Card, or Lowe’s Lease to Own plan.

If purchased with other payment methods, major appliances must be returned within 48 hours, and all other appliances, like toasters and microwaves, must be returned within 90 days.

For a full refund to the original payment method, the appliances must be in new condition, and customers need to provide the receipt. While the box can be opened, returning the packaging and any accessories that came with the appliance is necessary.

Returns can be made for any reason, and Lowe’s offers free delivery and installation on many large appliances. If Lowe’s delivered and installed the item, they will pick up and process the return for free within 30 days. If not, customers can still return items within 30 days but need to contact customer service for return arrangements and information on potential fees.

If a receipt is lost, Lowe’s may attempt to look it up in-store. If unsuccessful, the refund may be issued as store credit based on the item’s current sale price. For returns without a receipt, a valid photo ID is required, and non-receipted returns depend on Lowe’s computer system and store manager discretion.

Lowe’s items with a 48-hour return policy

If you buy large appliances like dishwashers, dryers, freezers, microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, or washers from Lowe’s, you have 48 hours starting from when you pick up or receive the item to return it and get your money back.

This return policy applies specifically to these big-ticket items, and it’s important to act within that 48-hour window to qualify for a full refund.

Lowe’s items with a 30-day return policy

This policy applies to specific items at Lowe’s. You have 30 days to return certain things, like air conditioners, electronics, paint, outdoor power equipment (like chainsaws and lawnmowers), televisions, water heaters, and highway trailers.

Just ensure these items are in excellent condition, similar to when you bought them, and you’ll get a full refund within this 30-day window.

What about defective appliances?

If the appliance you receive isn’t working properly or if it develops a problem while it’s still under warranty, Lowe’s requests that you schedule an appointment for a professional to check and fix the issue without any charge to you. Just reach out to Lowe’s customer service at 1-888-77-LOWES (56937) to arrange for the assessment and repair.

How to return appliances to Lowes

Returning appliances to Lowe’s is straightforward. You have two options: in-store return or a mail-in process.

For an in-store return, find your nearest Lowe’s and take the product to their customer service desk. Make sure to bring your ID and proof of purchase.

Alternatively, you can start a return online. Box up the item, ensuring all accessories and manuals are included. Print two labels provided online and attach them to the box. Then either wait for shipment or drop the package at a local drop-off point (specific instructions will be given during the return process).

For large items like refrigerators, it’s best to contact Lowe’s directly at 1-888-77-LOWES (56937) to arrange the return.

How to return appliances to Lowes in-store

Returning items in-store at Lowe’s is simple. Just take the item you want to return to your local Lowe’s and follow these steps:

  1. Find the customer service desk in the store.
  2. Have your proof of purchase ready.
  3. If you don’t have a receipt, show a valid ID like a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.

For easier returns, you can get a return barcode:

  • For online orders: Visit Lowes.com, go to the Check Order Status page under “Online Orders,” enter your email address and order number, then click “Check Order Status.”
  • For store purchases: On Lowes.com, go to the Check Order Status page under “Store Purchases,” enter the P.O. number from your receipt or the order number, along with your email address or phone number, then click “Check Order Status.”
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How to return appliances to Lowes by shipping

Returning items by shipping is an option offered by Lowe’s if you’re not near a store or prefer not to return items in person. To start the return process, visit Lowes.com’s Check Order Status page and follow the instructions for online or in-store purchases.

When shipping items back, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Pack the items in a box along with all accessories, original packing materials, and manuals.
  2. Print both a return label (to go inside the package) and a shipping label (for the outside of the package).
  3. Take the packaged item to your local post office or another parcel shipping facility to send it back.

How to return appliances to Lowes without a Receipt

If you’ve lost your receipt but want to return something at Lowe’s, there are ways to still make it happen. Usually, they can track down your purchase using various details:

  • The credit card you used to buy the item
  • Info from your checking account used in the purchase
  • Your MyLowe’s card
  • Your phone number

Once they find your receipt, Lowe’s might give you a refund or store credit, depending on their decision and if the receipt is valid.

If you lack proof of purchase and they can’t find the receipt, there’s still a chance. If Lowe’s verification system approves you by checking your valid ID and phone number, you might get a refund or store credit, but it’s not guaranteed. It’s wise to contact Lowe’s customer service even if you don’t have the receipt handy.

Are appliance returns free at Lowe’s?

At Lowe’s, most appliance returns don’t have a restocking fee, unless it’s a specially made item, in which case there’s a 20% fee if returned after 72 hours. They do offer free return delivery.

But keep in mind, any initial labor or installation costs won’t be refunded, and neither will the original delivery charges unless it was Lowe’s mistake that led to the return.

Do you need a receipt to return appliances to Lowe’s?

When you want to return appliances at Lowe’s, having a receipt is usually the easiest way to go. If you don’t have it, they’ll ask for a government-issued ID to look up your purchase in their system.

Normally, they’ll offer store credit for the current price of the item. Keep in mind, if you bought online, Lowe’s can usually find your order through the email receipt or your credit/debit card info. This helps them trace the purchase and process your return even without a physical receipt.

What to do outside the return window?

Once you’re past the return window for an item, there are options available:

  • Check Warranty: If the item develops a fault, most appliances typically have a minimum 12-month warranty, some even up to 10 years based on the manufacturer. This warranty can help you secure a refund, repair, or replacement. Contact Lowe’s via their customer service number (1-888-77-LOWES or 56937) to discuss your options.
  • Request Extension: If you’ve just surpassed the return window, contacting Lowe’s might still be worthwhile as they could potentially extend the window slightly for you.
  • Sell the Item: Consider selling the item. Websites like eBay, public forums, and Facebook Marketplace often provide opportunities to sell items for a decent resale value. This allows you to recoup some of the cost.

How does Lowe’s appliance return policy compare to the competition?

When it comes to appliance return policies, Lowe’s stands out in comparison to other retailers. Costco and Walmart offer a standard 90-day return window, while Amazon and Target provide a shorter 30-day period. However, Kohl’s leads the pack with an extended return policy of 180 days.

Lowe’s falls within the average range of 90 days, placing it in line with major competitors like Costco and Walmart. The variation in return periods among these retailers can impact customers’ decision-making, especially those seeking more flexibility or a longer evaluation period for their appliances.

The bottom line

Lowe’s appliance return policy is pretty restrictive initially, offering limited time for returns. It’s not very generous, especially with only a slight improvement if exceptions allow for a 30-day return window.

However, Lowe’s stands out for its fantastic range of appliances and services like delivery and installation (with added charges). They often provide free return delivery in many cases.

Compared to Costco and Kohl’s, which offer longer return periods of 90 and 180 days, respectively, Lowe’s shorter return window might dissuade many customers due to the time constraints.