You might be surprised by how these 3 retailers handle appliance returns
- Replies 0
Big-box stores may promise unbeatable convenience and competitive pricing, but hidden in the fine print are terms and timelines that don’t always work in the shopper’s favor and can turn a good deal into a lasting headache.
If you've ever felt pressured to quickly install and test out a brand-new fridge, washer, or other major appliance as soon as it arrives, you’re definitely not imagining that sense of urgency.
Some retailers give you far less time to change your mind or report an issue with these expensive items than you’d reasonably expect, especially considering their long-term use.
And unless you’ve taken the time to carefully read the exact return policy details buried in the paperwork or online, you could end up stuck with a lemon and very few options left.
Both Walmart and Home Depot have strict 48-hour return windows for major appliances, but that narrow timeframe only applies if there’s visible damage or a defect.
After that, shoppers are pushed toward manufacturer warranties—which can be complicated and time-consuming to use.
According to a Walmart spokesperson, “major appliances” include refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, washers, dryers, and some microwaves. All Walmart returns for these items must be initiated online and cannot be processed in-store.
Lowe’s also follows a 48-hour rule for opened appliances, including refrigerators, wall ovens, dishwashers, and dryers.
Their return policy additionally applies to utility vehicles like golf carts and outdoor power tools such as chainsaws and pressure washers.
The retailer allows unopened, factory-sealed appliances to be returned within 30 days, but this distinction isn't always clear in-store. Neither Lowe’s nor Home Depot responded to USA TODAY’s request for clarification on July 25.
If 48 hours sounds too short, that’s because it is—especially when most customers take more than a day just to get appliances installed.
After the return clock runs out, even visible damage may fall under warranty rules instead of being eligible for a store return.
The contrast is stark when you look at stores like Costco, which offers 90-day appliance returns and doesn’t require a reason.
That generous policy has raised concerns about abuse, but many shoppers see it as fair protection for big-ticket purchases.
Other retailers fall somewhere in the middle. Amazon allows 30 days for most appliances if they’re unused and in original condition.
IKEA offers up to 365 days for unopened products and 180 days for opened ones, while Best Buy limits returns to 15 days and requires a phone call to begin the process. Target, Kohl’s, and others advertise 90-day windows but provide few details specific to large appliances.
Shorter return windows help retailers reduce costs at a time when return rates are climbing sharply.
According to the National Retail Federation, retail returns hit $743 billion in 2023 and were projected to reach $890 billion in 2024.
That financial pressure has led many stores to tighten return deadlines, especially on items with high logistics costs like appliances. As one industry analyst noted, some stores “want to give customers less time to make a decision.”
To avoid a costly surprise, shoppers should inspect major appliances the moment they arrive—even if they’re not installing them immediately.
Take photos, test every function, and save all packaging materials until you’re sure everything works. Keep a record of your order, and act quickly if something’s wrong. With only 48 hours in many cases, weekends and holidays can work against you.
If you’re still in the market, knowing the rules at each retailer can help you avoid headaches later. Costco and IKEA lead the pack on consumer-friendly policies, while Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s take a more restrictive approach.
Big purchases deserve big protection—and the right return window can make or break the experience. Knowing what you’re up against before delivery day can save time, stress, and money.
Read next:
Have you ever had to return a major appliance? Were you surprised by the return window or caught off guard by the process? Share your story in the comments below—and let other readers know what to look out for before buying their next big-ticket item.
If you've ever felt pressured to quickly install and test out a brand-new fridge, washer, or other major appliance as soon as it arrives, you’re definitely not imagining that sense of urgency.
Some retailers give you far less time to change your mind or report an issue with these expensive items than you’d reasonably expect, especially considering their long-term use.
And unless you’ve taken the time to carefully read the exact return policy details buried in the paperwork or online, you could end up stuck with a lemon and very few options left.
Both Walmart and Home Depot have strict 48-hour return windows for major appliances, but that narrow timeframe only applies if there’s visible damage or a defect.
After that, shoppers are pushed toward manufacturer warranties—which can be complicated and time-consuming to use.
According to a Walmart spokesperson, “major appliances” include refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, washers, dryers, and some microwaves. All Walmart returns for these items must be initiated online and cannot be processed in-store.
Lowe’s also follows a 48-hour rule for opened appliances, including refrigerators, wall ovens, dishwashers, and dryers.
You might be surprised by how these 3 retailers handle appliance returns. Image source: RoseBox / Unsplash
Their return policy additionally applies to utility vehicles like golf carts and outdoor power tools such as chainsaws and pressure washers.
The retailer allows unopened, factory-sealed appliances to be returned within 30 days, but this distinction isn't always clear in-store. Neither Lowe’s nor Home Depot responded to USA TODAY’s request for clarification on July 25.
If 48 hours sounds too short, that’s because it is—especially when most customers take more than a day just to get appliances installed.
After the return clock runs out, even visible damage may fall under warranty rules instead of being eligible for a store return.
The contrast is stark when you look at stores like Costco, which offers 90-day appliance returns and doesn’t require a reason.
That generous policy has raised concerns about abuse, but many shoppers see it as fair protection for big-ticket purchases.
Other retailers fall somewhere in the middle. Amazon allows 30 days for most appliances if they’re unused and in original condition.
IKEA offers up to 365 days for unopened products and 180 days for opened ones, while Best Buy limits returns to 15 days and requires a phone call to begin the process. Target, Kohl’s, and others advertise 90-day windows but provide few details specific to large appliances.
Shorter return windows help retailers reduce costs at a time when return rates are climbing sharply.
According to the National Retail Federation, retail returns hit $743 billion in 2023 and were projected to reach $890 billion in 2024.
That financial pressure has led many stores to tighten return deadlines, especially on items with high logistics costs like appliances. As one industry analyst noted, some stores “want to give customers less time to make a decision.”
To avoid a costly surprise, shoppers should inspect major appliances the moment they arrive—even if they’re not installing them immediately.
Take photos, test every function, and save all packaging materials until you’re sure everything works. Keep a record of your order, and act quickly if something’s wrong. With only 48 hours in many cases, weekends and holidays can work against you.
If you’re still in the market, knowing the rules at each retailer can help you avoid headaches later. Costco and IKEA lead the pack on consumer-friendly policies, while Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s take a more restrictive approach.
Big purchases deserve big protection—and the right return window can make or break the experience. Knowing what you’re up against before delivery day can save time, stress, and money.
Read next:
- Walmart’s “headache-free” return policy is vanishing–here’s why!
- Think your Amazon return was settled? Think again—this shopper was in for a shocking surprise!
