Purchasing a new lawn mower is a significant investment for many homeowners. Whether you opt for a gas, electric, or riding mower, you want to ensure you‘re getting a quality product that meets your needs. But what happens if you get your new mower home and discover it‘s not the right fit? That‘s where Lowe‘s lawn mower return policy comes in.
As one of the largest home improvement retailers in the United States, Lowe‘s offers a wide selection of top-brand lawn mowers. In fact, a recent report by market research firm TraQline found that Lowe‘s holds a 21.5% share of the retail lawn mower market, second only to Home Depot at 30.7% [1]. With such a significant presence in the industry, it‘s important for consumers to understand Lowe‘s return policies before making a purchase.
The Basics of Lowe‘s Lawn Mower Return Policy
According to Lowe‘s corporate policy, most new, unused lawn mowers can be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. This 30-day return window applies to popular mower brands sold at Lowe‘s, including Craftsman, John Deere, Honda, Husqvarna, and Troy-Bilt.
However, there are a couple notable exceptions to the 30-day policy. Craftsman and Black+Decker mowers are covered by an extended 90-day return period. So if you purchase one of these brands, you‘ll have a full three months to return your unused mower. This generous policy sets Lowe‘s apart from competitors like Home Depot and Walmart, who only offer 30-day returns on all mower brands.
It‘s important to note that to qualify for a return, the lawn mower must be in new condition. This means it should be unused and returned in the original packaging with all included parts and accessories. Lowe‘s also requires you to provide proof of purchase in the form of an original receipt or invoice.
Return Policies for Different Mower Types
While the 30-day return window applies to most mowers sold at Lowe‘s, there are some differences in policy based on the type of mower.
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Walk-Behind Push Mowers: Gas and electric push mowers fall under the standard 30-day return policy. They must be returned in new, unused condition with original packaging.
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Self-Propelled Mowers: Like push mowers, self-propelled models must be unused and in original packaging for return within 30 days. If the mower has been gassed, the fuel must be fully drained prior to return.
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Riding Mowers: Lowe‘s accepts returns on riding mowers within 30 days, as long as they are unused and in original condition. However, some stores may have more stringent policies on riding mower returns due to their size and complexity. It‘s best to check with your local Lowe‘s for specific guidelines.
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Robot Mowers: High-tech robot mowers like the Husqvarna Automower and WORX Landroid can be returned within Lowe‘s standard 30-day window. As with all mowers, they must be unused and include all original parts and packaging.
How to Return a Lawn Mower Purchased In-Store
If you bought your lawn mower at a brick-and-mortar Lowe‘s store, returning it is a straightforward process. First, make sure you have the original receipt and the credit card used to make the purchase (if applicable). You‘ll also need a valid photo ID, such as a driver‘s license.
Bring the unused lawn mower in its original packaging to the customer service desk of any Lowe‘s store. A returns associate will assist you in processing the return. You should receive a full refund in the original form of payment. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes.
In a 2020 consumer survey, 76% of respondents said they were satisfied with their experience returning an item to Lowe‘s [2]. This high satisfaction rate is a testament to Lowe‘s commitment to making returns as easy and hassle-free as possible for customers.
How to Return a Lawn Mower Purchased Online
Online Lowe‘s purchases, including lawn mowers, can also be returned within the 30-day window (or 90 days for Craftsman and Black+Decker). You have two options for making an online return.
The first is to bring the lawn mower to your local Lowe‘s store, following the same process as an in-store purchase. Make sure to bring the packing slip that came with your mower.
Alternatively, you can ship the mower back to Lowe‘s. The packing slip included with your online order has instructions for making a return by mail. Lowe‘s provides a prepaid mailing label for your convenience. Carefully package the mower in its original box and attach the label. Then, drop it off at any authorized shipping location. Once Lowe‘s receives and processes the return, you‘ll receive a refund to your original payment method.
With the rise of online shopping, being able to easily return items bought on the web has become increasingly important to consumers. A 2021 eMarketer study found that 64% of online shoppers said the ability to return items in-store was very important to them when deciding where to make a purchase [3]. By allowing in-store returns for online mower purchases, Lowe‘s is catering to these consumer preferences.
What If I Don‘t Have My Receipt?
Ideally, you‘ll have your original receipt when returning a lawn mower to Lowe‘s. However, if you can‘t find it, you may still be able to make a return. Lowe‘s can look up most purchases made within the last 90 days using your credit card, MyLowe‘s card, checking account number, or phone number.
If the purchase can‘t be located, Lowe‘s may still issue you an in-store credit for the mower‘s current selling price. The decision to do so is at the store manager‘s discretion. To avoid this situation, it‘s always best to hold onto your receipt.
According to a CreditCards.com survey, 31% of respondents said they always keep receipts for major purchases like appliances and electronics [4]. If you‘re not in the habit of saving receipts, consider starting a file or digital folder specifically for your Lowe‘s purchases. That way, you‘ll have proof of purchase readily available if you need to make a return.
Returning Used vs. Unused Mowers
As mentioned, Lowe‘s lawn mower return policy only applies to unused mowers in the original packaging. But what if you got the mower home, unboxed it, and then realized it wasn‘t what you wanted? The official policy states that all sales are final on opened or used merchandise.
That said, some Lowe‘s store managers may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for mowers that were opened but never actually used. If you find yourself in this situation, it‘s worth speaking to a manager. Just keep in mind there‘s no guarantee they‘ll accept the return.
Special circumstances may apply for gas-powered mowers that have been used. Some Lowe‘s stores may allow you to return a gassed mower within the 30-day window, but you‘ll be required to fully drain the fuel before bringing it in. Check with your local store for their specific policies on gas mower returns.
Interestingly, Lowe‘s policy on returning used mowers is more lenient than some of its competitors. For example, Home Depot‘s official policy states that gas-powered equipment like mowers cannot be returned once gas has been put in the tank, even if it hasn‘t been used [5].
Extended Returns with a Lowe‘s Credit Card
One little-known perk of purchasing your lawn mower with a Lowe‘s-branded credit card is an extended return window. Mowers bought with a Lowe‘s Advantage Card, Lowe‘s Business Advantage Card, Lowe‘s Accounts Receivable, or Lowe‘s Business Account can be returned within a generous 365 days, rather than the standard 30.
This extended return period gives you ample time to test out your new mower and ensure it‘s meeting your needs. Just remember, the mower still needs to be unused and in the original packaging to qualify for a return.
Using a store credit card for major purchases can offer added benefits and protections. A 2019 study by J.D. Power found that 57% of retail credit card holders said they were "very satisfied" with their card, citing perks like discounts, special offers, and extended return periods as top reasons for their satisfaction [6].
Environmental Considerations for Gas Mower Returns
While Lowe‘s accepts returns on gas-powered mowers, there are some important environmental considerations to keep in mind. Gasoline is a hazardous substance, and improper disposal can contaminate soil and groundwater.
If you do need to return a gas mower, be sure to fully drain the fuel tank before bringing it back to the store. Lowe‘s has strict policies in place for handling returned gas mowers to ensure the fuel is disposed of safely and responsibly. Never pour gasoline down drains, sewers, or on the ground.
It‘s also worth considering the environmental impact of returning a perfectly functional mower simply because you changed your mind. Each year, Americans throw away millions of tons of returned goods, many of which end up in landfills [7]. Before making a return, ask yourself if the mower truly doesn‘t meet your needs, or if you might be able to make it work to avoid unnecessary waste.
Choosing the Right Mower to Avoid Returns
One of the best ways to avoid having to return a lawn mower is to choose the right model for your needs in the first place. Before making a purchase, consider factors like:
- The size of your lawn
- Your terrain (hilly vs. flat)
- Your physical ability to push a mower
- Your storage space
- Your budget
Lowe‘s offers a wide selection of mowers to fit different needs and preferences. Their website has a helpful tool that allows you to filter mowers by type, brand, price, and features to narrow down your options.
It can also be useful to read reviews from other customers before making a purchase. Lowe‘s website includes customer ratings and reviews for each mower model, which can give you valuable insights into real-world performance and reliability.
If you‘re unsure which mower is right for you, don‘t hesitate to ask for help from a Lowe‘s associate. They can offer expert guidance based on your specific needs and help you find a mower that you‘ll be satisfied with long-term.
Lowe‘s Mower Return Policy Compared to Competitors
To give you a better sense of how Lowe‘s mower return policy stacks up, here‘s a quick comparison to some of its major competitors:
| Retailer | Return Window | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Lowe‘s | 30 days | 90 days for Craftsman and Black+Decker |
| Home Depot | 30 days | 90 days for Home Depot credit card purchases |
| Walmart | 90 days | None |
| Amazon | 30 days | Varies by seller |
| Sears | 30 days | None |
| Tractor Supply Co. | 30 days | Return only accepted if mower is defective |
As you can see, Lowe‘s policy is fairly standard among major retailers, with the exception of their extended 90-day window for Craftsman and Black+Decker mowers. This could give Lowe‘s a competitive edge for customers loyal to those brands.
The Bottom Line on Lowe‘s Mower Return Policy
Overall, Lowe‘s offers a straightforward and customer-friendly return policy on lawn mowers. By allowing returns within 30 days (or 90 days for select brands) for unused mowers in original packaging, they give customers peace of mind and flexibility.
The ability to make returns in-store or by mail for online purchases is another consumer-centric policy that sets Lowe‘s apart. And for customers who use a Lowe‘s credit card, the generous 365-day return window is a significant perk.
Of course, no return policy is perfect. The requirement that mowers be unused and in original packaging may be frustrating for some customers who realized too late that a particular model wasn‘t right for them. And the environmental impact of returning gas mowers is a valid concern.
Ultimately, the best way to take advantage of Lowe‘s return policy is to do your research up front, choose a mower that fits your needs, and keep your receipt and packaging just in case. By being an informed and prepared shopper, you can make the most of Lowe‘s customer service offerings and enjoy a hassle-free mower buying experience.
Sources:
[1] TraQline Quarterly Market Share Report, Q1 2022 [2] American Customer Satisfaction Index, Retail and Consumer Shipping Report, 2020 [3] eMarketer, US Click-and-Collect Forecast 2021 [4] CreditCards.com, "Millions of Americans Have Messy Financial Habits", 2019 [5] The Home Depot Return Policy [6] J.D. Power 2019 Credit Card Satisfaction Study [7] "The Hidden Cost of Retail Returns", Optoro, 2019