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Some retailers are cracking down on time slots where customers can purchase in-store with major appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers.
Large retailers like Walmart and Home Improvement Store, and electronics stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot have quick return guidelines for these appliances in just 48 hours. Specifically, Walmart and Home Depot’s 48-hour return policy involves major appliances that are damaged or defective. On the other hand, Lowe’s return policy is not specified. In most cases, after these 48-hour windows close, customers must rely on the appliance warranty if defects are found.
Lowe’s and Home Depot did not provide a statement about their 48-hour return policy when contacted by USA Today on July 25th.
These two-day policies contrast with longer, more generous time frames, like Costco, with up to 90 days of revenue for major appliances. In fact, Costco’s return policy has recently sparked controversy because it fears that liberal circumstances will be easily abused.
Are you interested in seeing how your return policy compares? Here’s what you need to know.
How do appliance return policies compare across different retailers?
Below is how key appliance return policies compare across several different retailers.
- Lowes: 48 hours of open major appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, ranges, hoods, dishwashers, range microwaves, cooktops, wall ovens, and more.
- Home Depot: 48 hours of major appliances, including refrigerators, washer and dryers, ranges, dishwashers, some microwaves, original shipping for online purchases, etc., 48 hours of major appliances will not be refunded completely.
- Walmart: A Walmart spokesman confirmed two days of major appliances including refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers and some microwaves. Unopened, uninstalled products may be eligible for returns within a 30-day window. Returns for all major appliances must be made through the Walmart website or through the mobile app, not directly through the mobile app.
- Costco: 90 days of major appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, ranges, cooktops, over the ranges, counter microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers, dryers, and more. Returns can be made either at Costco Warehouse or online.
- Coles: Shipping costs for “most” items and online purchases within 90 days will not be refunded, a Kohl spokesperson confirmed. Items purchased in-store must be returned in-store.
- target: “Most Items” within 90 days.
- IKEA: New unopened products take 365 days and 180 days for open products.
- Best Buy: Best Buy spokesman confirmed for 15 days of “most items” including major appliances. To return the main appliance, customers must start calling 1-888-237-8289.
- Amazon: 30 days of “most items” including large appliances, as long as they are in “original or unused condition.”
Walmart, Coles and Best Buy spokesman all requested not to be named.
Target and IKEA return policies do not specify a timeline for returning major appliances. These retailers did not respond immediately if contacted by USA Today on July 25th to clarify their return policy.
Lowe’s 48-hour return policy also applies to utility vehicles such as golf carts and go-karts. Air conditioners and outdoor power equipment such as pressure washers and chainsaws. Original, unopened, undamaged, unsealed factory packages may be returned within 30 days, Lowe’s return policy states online.
Why do some retailers have shorter revenue periods than others?
There is no black and white answer as to why some retailers have longer return windows than others. But simply put, some retailers want to give their customers time to decide whether to get their items back, especially as the number of returns continues to increase.
Retail returns for 2023 reached around $743 billion, according to a report by the National Retail Federation. Additionally, retail returns are expected to reach $890 billion in 2024.
Gretacross is a national trend reporter for USA Today. Story ideas? Please email her gcross@usatoday.com.
