As an avid home improvement shopper, you may find yourself needing to return items to Home Depot from time to time. Whether the tile color isn‘t quite right or the power tools don‘t meet your needs, understanding Home Depot‘s return policy is key.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about making returns at Home Depot‘s over 2,000 stores across North America. You‘ll learn:
- Standard and extended store hours for returns
- Return deadlines for different products
- Holiday and weekend return hours
- Contact information for customer service
- Tips to save time and avoid hassles
Let‘s start with a quick overview of Home Depot‘s return policy.
Home Depot‘s Return Policy At-A-Glance
Before we dive into the operational details, here are some key facts about returns at Home Depot:
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Most unopened items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
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Opened items can be returned within 90 days, with some exceptions.
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Items purchased with a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card get a 365 day return window.
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Return eligibility can depend on membership programs, like Home Depot Pro Xtra.
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Items must be returned in original condition with all parts, packaging, etc.
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Proof of purchase (like a receipt) is needed for returns without credit card look-up.
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Return method depends on original payment type.
This gives you a general idea of Home Depot‘s return policy. But let‘s look at the specifics of how and when you can make returns, starting with store hours.
Standard Hours for Returns at Home Depot
The key to hassle-free returns is knowing Home Depot‘s hours of operation. Luckily, most stores offer generous opening hours to give you plenty of time to bring items back.
Here are the standard return hours at most Home Depot locations:
Monday-Saturday
Open: 6 AM
Close: 10 PM
Sunday
Open: 8 AM
Close: 8 PM
As you can see, Monday through Saturday you get a 16 hour window for returns, from early morning until late evening. Sundays have slightly shorter hours, but still give you 12 full hours.
This makes returns convenient, whether you need to stop by before work or can only shop weekends. Now let‘s look at how late you can actually make a return.
How Late You Can Return Items to Home Depot
To understand how late you can return, you first need to know how long you have to make a return in the first place. Home Depot sets 1 of 3 standard return periods depending on the item:
| Product Type | Return Period |
|---|---|
| General merchandise | 90 days |
| Appliances and special orders | 30 days |
| Purchases with a Home Depot credit card | 365 days |
You can return items up until closing time on the final day of the return window.
For example, if you purchased a grill on March 1st, you‘d have until May 30th to return it since the return period is 90 days. As long as you make it before the 10 PM closing time on May 30th, you‘re good.
For credit card purchases, you have a full year for returns. So if you bought a refrigerator on June 15, 2022, you could return it any time before June 15, 2023 at closing.
Planning returns for the last possible day gives you maximum flexibility. But what about holidays?
Returning Items on Holidays and Weekends
Home Depot‘s holiday and weekend hours can vary by location. Here are the typical hours for returning items:
| Holiday | Return Hours |
|---|---|
| New Year‘s Day | Regular hours |
| Easter Sunday | 8 AM – 8 PM |
| Memorial Day | Regular hours |
| Independence Day | Regular hours |
| Labor Day | Regular hours |
| Thanksgiving | 7 AM – 5 PM |
| Christmas Eve | Regular hours |
| Christmas Day | Closed |
| New Year‘s Eve | Regular hours |
Many holidays you can return as normal, but hours may be reduced on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some locations close on Christmas day.
Always verify holiday hours with your local store first, since they can vary. You can call or check online for up-to-date hours.
Weekend returns are more straightforward – Saturdays have regular hours, while Sundays are 8 AM to 8 PM at most spots. Still ample time to take care of returns!
Okay, you know when you can return. But what if you have questions before making the trip?
Contact Home Depot Customer Service About Returns
The team at Home Depot‘s customer service department can answer any questions about returns or provide help if you run into any issues.
You can reach them:
- By phone: 1-800-466-3337 (available 24/7)
- Online chat: Daily from 6 AM – 11 PM EST
Some things the customer service team can help with:
- Checking return eligibility status
- Looking up order details and purchase dates
- Clarifying return timeframes or conditions
- Setting up large item pickups
- Troubleshooting return issues
I recommend contacting them before making a return if you encounter any uncertainty. They can verify whether an item can be returned and explain any return fees or other policies.
Now that you know when and how to make returns, let‘s go over some tips to save time and avoid hassles.
Tips for Smooth, Stress-Free Returns at Home Depot
Based on my own experience, here are some of my best tips for easy returns at Home Depot:
Come Prepared with Receipts and Packaging
Having your original receipt makes returns faster by looking purchase details up instantly. If you don‘t have it, bring your credit card used for checkout.
Also, try to return items in original manufacturer‘s packaging when possible. Home Depot may assess fees or reject returns without boxes, instruction manuals, parts, etc.
Know the Return Policy Inside and Out
Brush up on limitations for returns for opened items, clearance merchandise, special orders, and more. Being aware of policies ahead of time prevents surprises at the returns desk.
Inspect Items Closely Before Returning
Make sure nothing is damaged or missing before taking it back to Home Depot. Carefully check for scratches, dents, stains, and ensure any accessories are present.
Bring Your Original Payment Method
To get refunds processed quickly, use the same payment used at purchase. This includes the original credit card, gift card, etc. Refunds go back to the original payment.
Review the Return Desk Locations
Find your closest returns desk or locker before going to maximize convenience. Some locations have dedicated return areas.
Know the Value of Your Return
If returning without a receipt, expect to show ID for large returns exceeding $100. Limits prevent fraud for no-receipt returns.
Come During Off-Peak Hours
Early weekday mornings and weekend afternoons are best for quicker service. Avoid busy times on evenings or weekends when possible.
Prepare Any Necessary Documentation
Have order information, instruction manuals, parts lists, or anything else to show the condition of returns and supplement missing receipts.
You‘re Ready to Return to Home Depot
As you can see, Home Depot offers flexible return hours and policies to satisfy customers. Now that you know what to expect, you can feel prepared for any returns.
To recap, you can make returns during normal store hours up until closing time on the final eligible day. Keep tabs on holiday and weekend hours for your location. And don‘t hesitate to contact Home Depot‘s helpful customer service team with any questions along the way.
With this information, you can return items to Home Depot with total confidence. Here‘s wishing you positive shopping and project experiences so returns aren‘t needed in the first place! Let me know if you have any other Home Depot-related questions.
