As one of the top home improvement retailers in the United States, Home Depot is a go-to destination for many homeowners looking to upgrade their lawn care equipment. With a wide selection of both gas and electric mowers from top brands like Honda, Toro, and Ryobi, it‘s easy to find the perfect option to keep your yard looking great all season.
However, even with careful research and consideration, sometimes a new lawn mower just doesn‘t work out as expected. Maybe it‘s not as powerful as you need for your thick grass, or perhaps there‘s a defect or damage right out of the box. In any case, it‘s important to understand Home Depot‘s lawn mower return policy before you make a purchase.
As a savvy retail shopper with a focus on the lawn and garden space, I‘ve dug deep into the details of Home Depot‘s mower return guidelines to help you make informed buying decisions and navigate any potential issues. Let‘s walk through everything you need to know, from return windows to special exceptions and even what happens to those returned mowers.
Decoding Home Depot‘s Lawn Mower Return Window
The foundation of Home Depot‘s return policy is a 90-day return window for most lawn mowers, including both push and self-propelled electric models, as well as riding mowers under $2000. This means you have a full three months from the date of purchase to return your mower for any reason, even if you‘ve used it.
However, there are a few key exceptions to be aware of:
- Gas-powered mowers have a shortened 30-day return window. This applies to walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, and even gas-powered robotic mowers.
- Riding mowers over $2000 are subject to a 30-day return window and 15% restocking fee. This is to discourage frivolous returns of high-end equipment.
- Mowers used for commercial or business purposes may have different terms. Check your receipt or contract for specific details.
It‘s also important to note that the return clock starts ticking from the date of purchase for in-store sales, or the date of delivery for online orders. So if you buy a mower on May 1st but don‘t have it delivered until May 15th, you‘ll have until August 13th to make a return (90 days from May 15th).
Why the Shorter Window for Gas Mowers?
You may be wondering why gas-powered mowers have a tighter 30-day return window compared to electric models. The key factor is the additional complexity and maintenance needs of gas engines.
Gas mowers require fuel, oil changes, and more frequent servicing than electric options. They also have a greater environmental impact and are subject to different regulations, especially here in California with our strict CARB emissions standards.
By limiting the return window to 30 days, Home Depot is ensuring customers have enough time to properly set up and test their gas mower while minimizing the risk of taking back heavily used or unmaintained equipment. It also reduces the liability and cost of handling hazardous fluids like gasoline and oil.
Mower Return Volume and Impact
Lawn mowers are one of the most commonly returned items at Home Depot, particularly in the spring and early summer as people start tending to their yards again. A 2019 report from the National Retail Federation found that 8% of all lawn mower purchases end up being returned, with the average return happening within just 15 days of purchase.
For Home Depot, this can add up to a significant volume of returned mowers each season. In 2020 alone, the company sold over 6 million walk-behind and riding lawn mowers across its 2,300 stores and online. If the 8% return rate holds true, that‘s nearly 500,000 mowers that may have come back!
These returns are costly for retailers like Home Depot to process and restock. A study by Appriss Retail found that the average return represents 10% of a retailer‘s total sales, and can cost up to $5 per item to handle. For a bulky, high-value item like a lawn mower, that cost may be even higher.
The Advantage of Home Depot Credit Cards
One way to gain some extra flexibility with your Home Depot mower purchase is by using a store-branded credit card like the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card. Purchases made with these cards come with an extended 1-year return window, giving you added peace of mind.
According to Home Depot, around 16% of all purchases are made using a store credit card. For those savvy shoppers, the extended return period can be a valuable perk, especially for a major purchase like a riding mower that may see limited use in the first few months of ownership.
Just remember that the 1-year window still only applies to electric mowers, not gas models. Be sure to read the fine print and keep your receipts handy in case you do need to make a late-season return.
Returning Your Mower: Step-by-Step
If you‘ve decided your new lawn mower isn‘t quite cutting it and you‘re within the return window, Home Depot aims to make the return process as smooth as possible. Here‘s what you‘ll need to do:
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Gather your documentation. Dig up your original receipt, order confirmation email, or delivery paperwork. You‘ll need this to verify your purchase. If you can‘t find your receipt, Home Depot may be able to look up your transaction using the original credit card or checking account.
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Get your mower ready. If you‘ve used the mower at all, be sure to give it a good cleaning and remove any grass clippings, dirt or debris. Drain any remaining fuel from gas models and disconnect the battery on electric mowers. Refer to your manual for any specific storage or transportation guidelines.
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Pack it up. If possible, pack your mower back into its original box with all accessories, chargers, and manuals included. If you don‘t have the box, Home Depot may accept your return as long as all the parts are accounted for. Use padding or wrap to prevent damage if needed.
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Choose your return method. For in-store purchases, simply bring your packed up mower and documentation to the returns desk at your local Home Depot. For online orders, you can either print a return shipping label from HomeDepot.com or bring your mower to the store with your email receipt.
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Get your refund. Once your return is accepted, your refund will be processed back to your original form of payment. Cash payments under $1000 are refunded immediately, while card refunds may take 2-10 business days to appear in your account. Large cash returns over $1000 will be sent via check in the mail.
Note that Home Depot reserves the right to refuse any return that doesn‘t meet its criteria, such as a mower that‘s excessively dirty or damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Always be as upfront as possible about the condition of your equipment to avoid any snags in the return process.
Common Reasons for Mower Returns (and How to Avoid Them)
No one wants to go through the hassle of returning a major purchase like a lawn mower. To help minimize the odds you‘ll need to bring your new machine back, it helps to understand some of the most common reasons for mower returns:
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Buying the wrong size or power for your yard. Make sure to measure your lawn area and consider your terrain and grass type when choosing a mower. Overpowered mowers can be difficult to maneuver, while underpowered models will struggle to cut effectively.
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Poor quality cuts or a mower that‘s hard to push. This can often be remedied with a simple adjustment to your cutting height or blade sharpness. Consult your manual or ask a Home Depot associate for guidance before deciding to return.
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Difficult assembly or unclear instructions. Mowers can be tricky to put together, especially gas models. Read through the instructions thoroughly before starting, and don‘t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or Home Depot for help if you get stuck.
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Defective or damaged parts on arrival. Always fully unbox and inspect your new mower as soon as possible after purchase. Test it out to make sure everything is working properly, and contact Home Depot right away if you spot any issues.
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Lack of proper maintenance or storage. Mowers require regular upkeep to perform their best. Read your manual for guidance on oil changes, filter cleaning, blade sharpening, and off-season storage to avoid problems down the road.
The best way to avoid needing to return your mower is to do plenty of research ahead of time. Read reviews, compare specs, and ask questions to ensure you‘re getting the right model for your needs. And if you do run into any issues, attempt to troubleshoot or repair before resorting to a return. Home Depot offers a variety of replacement parts and repair services that may provide a fix faster than sending your mower back.
The Environmental Impact of Mower Returns
An often overlooked aspect of lawn mower returns is the environmental cost. Mowers are large, heavy items that require significant resources to manufacture, ship, and maintain. When a mower is returned, it creates additional emissions through transportation and potential waste if the machine can‘t be resold.
Gas mowers in particular have a hefty ecological footprint. According to the EPA, running a typical gas mower for one hour produces as much air pollution as driving a car for 11 hours! Returned gas mowers also pose a challenge for proper disposal of oil and fuel.
Electric mowers are generally more eco-friendly, but still rely on materials like plastic and metal that can be energy-intensive to produce. Lithium-ion batteries also have their own environmental costs to consider.
As a consumer, being mindful of the full impact of your mower purchase and only returning when truly necessary is one small way you can help reduce waste and minimize your own carbon footprint. When possible, try to repair or donate used mowers instead of sending them back into the retail cycle.
What Happens to Returned Mowers?
Ever wondered what becomes of all those returned lawn mowers at Home Depot? The exact fate depends on the condition of the machine and reason for return, but here are a few possibilities:
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Resale. Unused mowers or those with minimal wear are often cleaned up and put back on the sales floor, sometimes at a slight discount as "open box" items.
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Repair. Mowers with minor damage or defects may be sent to Home Depot‘s tool repair center or an authorized service shop for fixing before being resold.
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Manufacturer return. If a mower can‘t be resold, it will likely be sent back to the manufacturer. They may break it down for parts, refurbish it for warranty claims, or recycle the raw materials.
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Donation. Some lightly used but still operational mowers may be set aside for donation to local charities, schools, or community organizations in need of landscaping equipment.
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Recycling. Mowers that are truly broken or worn beyond repair will be disassembled and recycled for scrap metal and other salvageable components.
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Disposal. In rare cases, certain parts like batteries, tires, or fuel tanks may need to be disposed of separately according to local regulations for hazardous waste.
In 2020, Home Depot launched a new program in partnership with outdoor power equipment giant Cub Cadet to improve mower repair and remarketing efforts. Over 1,000 Home Depot stores now have a dedicated Cub Cadet service area to diagnose and fix common issues, helping more mowers avoid the scrap heap.
While it‘s admirable that Home Depot aims to minimize waste from returned mowers, the most sustainable option is always to avoid returns in the first place. By doing your homework, choosing the right mower for your needs, and taking care of it properly, you can enjoy years of reliable performance and a great-looking lawn.
The Bottom Line
Home Depot‘s lawn mower return policy offers a fair amount of flexibility and protection for buyers, but it‘s not without its limitations. By understanding the different return windows, condition requirements, and special circumstances, you can make a more informed mower purchase and know what to expect if you do need to bring it back.
Whenever possible, try to avoid returns by carefully researching your options, choosing a mower that matches your yard‘s needs, and keeping up with regular maintenance. Not only will this save you time and money, but it also helps reduce the environmental toll of manufacturing and shipping these large, resource-intensive machines.
No matter what mower you end up with, you can feel good knowing that Home Depot aims to provide a hassle-free return process and do what‘s right for its customers and the planet. With a little knowledge and preparation, you‘ll be well on your way to a summer of lush, green grass.
