Retailers' return policies
Last reviewed: November 2009
Click on the name of each retailer to link to information on its return policy.
Ace Hardware
Return policy
With receipt, within 30 days. After 30 days, call manufacturer.
Restocking fee
Special-order products. Fees vary by store.
ID required?
Driver's license and phone number.
Returns tracked?
Ace would not disclose the number of returns that might cause a customer's name to be flagged.
Online refund policy
Within 30 days of delivery. Return online or to store for credit.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Return policy
With receipt, store refunds in the original form of payment. Without receipt, if purchased was made by credit or debit card,
or check or gift card, the store may have record and refund will be in the original form of payment. Otherwise, store may
issue store credit or merchandise refund request.
Restocking fee
None.
ID required?
If you lack a receipt, the store will request to see your ID.
Returns tracked?
No.
Online refund policy
Return to store or online with invoice. Same return policy as in store. Prepaid-shipping label included.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
Costco
Return policy
Receipt not needed, although it speeds up the process. Satisfaction guaranteed, and most products can be returned at any time.
Exceptions: computers, camcorders, cell phones, TVs, iPods, and MP3 players must be returned within 90 days.
Restocking fee
None.
ID required?
Membership information.
Returns tracked?
No.
Online refund policy
Return to store or online. Shipping fees are refunded. See exceptions under Return Policy and information regarding receipts.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
Home Depot
Return policy
With receipt, within 90 days for items returned. After 90 days, store credit or refund is applied to store credit card based
on lowest selling price. Purchases made with store credit, gift certificates and gift cards will be refunded as store credit.
Exceptions: Gas-powered equipment must be returned within 30 days with a receipt. After that, item can be sent out for repair
at customer's expense, unless covered under warranty. Returns are not available for custom-made products and custom tinted
paint, gift cards, gift certificates, store credits or utility trailers.
Restocking fee
15% for special-order returns
ID required?
Personal information is needed for returns without receipts or original credit card cannot be provided.
Returns tracked?
No.
Online refund policy
Most items may be returned within 90 days of delivery. Excluding major appliances, items cannot be returned to stores. See
exceptions under Return Policy and information regarding receipts.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
Kmart
Return policy
Within 90 days. Without receipt, manager decides whether to accept item. If return is allowed, current price applies. Nonreturnable:
autographed collectibles, personalized items. If opened, software, CDs, CD-ROMs, computer games, DVDs, and videos.
Restocking fee
None.
ID required?
Driver's license if returning without receipt.
Returns tracked?
Returns tracked where an exception to policy has been made.
Online refund policy
Within 90 days of purchase. Return with original packing and receipt. Return online or to store. See exceptions under Return
Policy.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
Lowe's
Return policy
Within 90 days. Without receipt, credit given for product's current value. Lowe's tries to find receipt in its databases and
then issues credit in the form it was paid. Exceptions: 30 days for outdoor power equipment and electric tools. Seven-day
replacement policy for major appliances with manufacturing defect.
Restocking fee
None.
ID required?
Driver's license.
Returns tracked?
Returns made without receipts are logged. "If certain parameters are met it may result in denying returns without a receipt."
Online refund policy
Within 90 days to store or online with invoice. See exceptions under Return Policy.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
Sears
Return policy
Within 90 days. Without receipt, manager decides whether to accept item. If return is allowed, current price applies. Exceptions:
30 days for electronics and mattresses.
Restocking fee
15% for select appliances, electronics, and home-improvement, household, lawn and garden, and automotive items not returned
in original box, unused, and containing all packaging and accessories.
ID required?
Driver's license if returning without receipt.
Returns tracked?
Returns tracked where an exception to policy has been made.
Online refund policy
Within 90 days of purchase with original packing and receipt. Return online, or most merchandise can be returned to store.
See exceptions under Return Policy.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
Target
Return policy
Within 90 days. Without receipt, store traces purchases made with credit or debit cards, checks, and if presented, gift cards.
Restocking fee
15% for camcorders, digital cameras, portable electronics that have been opened.
ID required?
Driver's license if returning without receipt.
Returns tracked?
No.
Online refund policy
Within 90 days with receipt. Return online or to store, if item carried in store.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
Walmart
Return policy
Within 90 days. Without receipt, store limits transactions. Credit to credit card, even exchange, or cash refund for items
under $25; store card for purchases over $25.
Restocking fee
None.
ID required?
Driver's license if returning without receipt.
Returns tracked?
Company flags transaction when customer returns more than three items without receipts within 45 days. Manager must approve
return. Company retains information for six months and clears it if no more returns are made during this time.
Online refund policy
Within 90 days of receiving it. Return to store or online with invoice. See exceptions under Return Policy.
Click here for the return policy on the retailer's Web site.
