As a major home improvement retailer, Lowe‘s offers a wide selection of flooring options to suit every style and budget. From hardwood and laminate to tile and vinyl, customers can find just about any type of flooring they need for their project. However, even with careful planning and consideration, there may be times when a customer needs to return their flooring purchase. Whether they bought too much, chose the wrong style, or simply changed their mind, understanding Lowe‘s flooring return policy is essential for any savvy shopper.
Why a Good Flooring Return Policy Matters
Flooring is a significant investment for most homeowners, with overall costs often reaching thousands of dollars. According to a 2019 report by Arizton Advisory & Intelligence, the U.S. flooring market is expected to reach over $50 billion by 2024. With so much money at stake, customers want to feel confident that they can return or exchange their flooring if needed.
A solid return policy not only gives customers peace of mind but also helps to reduce waste and environmental impact. When customers can return unused flooring, it can often be resold or repurposed instead of ending up in a landfill. This is especially important given that flooring materials like carpeting and laminate are often difficult to recycle.
Moreover, offering a fair and flexible return policy is simply good business sense for retailers like Lowe‘s. It helps to build customer loyalty, encourage repeat purchases, and minimize the risk of negative reviews or lost sales. In a survey by UPS, 73% of online shoppers said the returns experience impacts whether they will continue shopping with a retailer.
Lowe‘s Flooring Return Policy in Detail
Now let‘s dive into the specifics of Lowe‘s flooring return policy. Here‘s what you need to know:
Eligible Flooring Types and Conditions
Lowe‘s allows returns on most new, unopened flooring products within 90 days of purchase. This includes popular options like:
- Hardwood
- Laminate
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile (LVT)
- Tile (porcelain, ceramic, natural stone)
- Carpet and carpet tiles
- Bamboo, cork, and linoleum
Opened boxes of flooring can sometimes be returned at the store manager‘s discretion if the product is still in good condition. However, any flooring that has been cut, damaged, or installed is generally not eligible for return.
Custom and Special Order Flooring
One important exception to Lowe‘s standard 90-day return policy is for custom and special order flooring. Because these products are typically non-stocking items that have to be shipped from the manufacturer, they can only be returned within 30 days of purchase. Additionally, most custom flooring orders are subject to a 20% restocking fee to cover the costs of shipping and processing the return.
Receipt and Documentation Requirements
To make a flooring return at Lowe‘s, customers will need to provide their original receipt along with a valid photo ID. If the receipt can‘t be located, Lowe‘s may be able to look up the purchase using the customer‘s credit card, checking account number, MyLowe‘s card, or phone number associated with the transaction.
If the purchase can‘t be verified electronically, Lowe‘s may issue store credit for the item‘s current selling price at their discretion. To avoid this scenario, it‘s always best for customers to hold onto their original receipt and documentation.
Refund Methods and Timing
In most cases, Lowe‘s will issue the refund for returned flooring in the same form as the original payment. So if the customer paid with a credit card, the refund amount will be credited back to that same card. Cash and debit card refunds may be processed differently depending on the amount and the store‘s cash on hand.
For online flooring purchases, customers can expect their refund to be processed within 3-5 business days of Lowe‘s receiving the return. The credit may not show up on their statement for up to 10 business days, however, depending on the card issuer.
Restocking Fees and Exceptions
As noted above, custom and special order flooring is subject to a 20% restocking fee when returned. This covers Lowe‘s costs for shipping, handling, and reselling or disposing of the merchandise. While it may seem unfair to customers, it‘s a fairly standard practice across the industry given the logistical challenges of large, heavy flooring orders.
Customers should also be aware that clearance, closeout, or as-is flooring may have different return terms or be ineligible for return entirely. It‘s always a good idea to check with a Lowe‘s associate before purchasing these discounted products to understand the specific policy.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Flooring Return
Even with Lowe‘s generous flooring return policy, the process can still be daunting for customers. Here are some tips to make your return go as smoothly as possible:
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Keep your receipt and original packaging. This will make the return process much easier and quicker, especially if you need to ship the flooring back.
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Inspect your flooring carefully before attempting a return. Make sure it is in new, resalable condition with no signs of damage or wear.
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Measure your space carefully and order samples before purchasing. Taking the time to plan ahead can help you avoid over-ordering or choosing the wrong flooring type for your needs.
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Be aware of the return deadlines and any restocking fees. Mark your calendar and budget accordingly to avoid missing the return window or incurring unexpected charges.
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Contact Lowe‘s customer service with any specific questions. If you‘re unsure about your particular flooring return situation, it‘s always better to ask and get clarification upfront. You can reach Lowe‘s at 1-800-445-6937.
Comparing Lowe‘s to Competitors
Of course, Lowe‘s is not the only game in town when it comes to flooring purchases and returns. Customers may be wondering how Lowe‘s stacks up against other major retailers like The Home Depot.
In general, Home Depot‘s flooring return policy is very similar to Lowe‘s. They offer a 90-day return window for new, unopened products and a 30-day window for custom orders. However, Home Depot‘s restocking fee for special orders is slightly higher at 25%.
Where Lowe‘s may have an edge is in their online return process and installation warranty. Lowe‘s offers free return shipping and pickup for online orders, while Home Depot typically requires customers to bring the flooring back to a store. Lowe‘s also offers a 1-year installation warranty on flooring purchased and installed through their contractors, which provides an extra level of protection and assurance.
The Bottom Line
Flooring is a major purchase for most households, and having a reliable return policy is an important consideration. Lowe‘s offers a comprehensive and customer-friendly return policy on most flooring types, with a generous 90-day window and free return shipping for online orders. While there are some exceptions and limitations to be aware of, particularly for custom and special orders, overall Lowe‘s makes the return process as painless as possible.
By understanding the details of Lowe‘s flooring return policy and following some simple tips, savvy shoppers can make informed decisions and feel confident in their flooring purchases. And with the backing of Lowe‘s installation warranty and competitive prices, customers can transform their homes with beautiful new floors without breaking the bank.
