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A brewing controversy at both Lowe’s and Home Depot has left many customers frustrated — and some even threatening legal action. At the center of it all is a major shift in return policies for big-ticket items, a change that could dramatically impact how consumers shop for appliances, tools, and other expensive merchandise.
While the two retail giants have long mirrored each other’s sales, pricing, and promotional strategies, this latest move takes the competition in a new and potentially unpopular direction.
Key Takeaways
- Major Change in Returns – Lowe’s and Home Depot now allow only 48 hours to return major appliances, generators, and similar high-value items.
- Industry Trend – Walmart recently implemented a similar policy, suggesting this may be a broader retail shift.
- Why It’s Happening – Retailers cite high costs, return fraud, and product durability issues as key reasons.
- Impact on Consumers – Limited return windows shift warranty issues directly to manufacturers, creating more hassle for shoppers.
- The Bigger Picture – Shorter return windows may be linked to declining product lifespans and planned obsolescence.
How the Return Policies Have Changed
Historically, shoppers at Lowe’s and Home Depot enjoyed fairly generous return windows for large purchases. That is no longer the case. Lowe’s now gives customers just 48 hours to return major appliances, paint sprayers, and generators. Home Depot’s updated policy is similar, with a 7-day window for select equipment like dehumidifiers and air conditioners, and 48 hours for major appliances.
This shift mirrors Walmart’s own recent change, signaling that the stricter approach to returns may be part of an industry-wide adjustment rather than isolated corporate decisions.
Why Retailers Are Tightening Returns
Returns have always been a sore point for retailers. The National Retail Federation estimates that U.S. retailers handled $890 billion in returns in 2024. Not only does this represent lost revenue, but the process of restocking — known as reverse logistics — adds further expense.
In addition, fraudulent returns have become a significant problem. Examples include customers returning stolen items, concealing smaller products inside larger purchases, or using items briefly before returning them as “new.”
Product Quality and the Planned Obsolescence Factor
There’s another issue lurking beneath the surface: modern appliances simply don’t last as long as they used to. According to American Home Shield, today’s average appliance lifespan is just 10 to 15 years, compared to 20 to 30 years in past decades. In some cases, like dishwashers or microwaves, the average can be as low as six years.
One reason is planned obsolescence — a business strategy where products are designed with a limited lifespan to encourage repeat purchases. Another is complexity: modern appliances often feature LCD screens, Wi-Fi, and multiple sensors, all of which increase potential points of failure.
For retailers, short product lifespans mean higher return rates and more warranty claims — a costly combination. Limiting return windows shifts the burden to manufacturers, reducing store losses.
How This Affects Shoppers
For consumers, the change is more than an inconvenience — it can have real financial consequences. If a major appliance fails after the 48-hour return window, customers must navigate manufacturer warranties, which can be slower and more frustrating than dealing directly with the retailer.
This creates a strong case for buying from stores with more generous return policies, such as Costco, which still offers 90 days for major appliances.
Alternatives and Workarounds
Shoppers concerned about the stricter return rules have a few options:
- Research Before You Buy – Check online reviews, Consumer Reports ratings, and repair data before purchasing.
- Buy from Flexible Retailers – Choose sellers with better return windows, even if the upfront price is slightly higher.
- Use Extended Warranties Wisely – For high-risk items, a well-reviewed extended warranty can be a safety net.
- Inspect Immediately – Test the product thoroughly as soon as it arrives to ensure you can return it within the short window if needed.
While Lowe’s and Home Depot claim these return policy changes are meant to protect against losses and fraud, the move also highlights a larger issue: the declining durability of modern appliances. Shoppers may need to rethink where they purchase big-ticket items, how they protect themselves against defects, and whether price alone should dictate where they shop.