If you’ve returned a home improvement purchase before, you probably wished you knew the return policy ahead of time. That’s where knowing the Ace Hardware return policy comes in handy — so you know what you’re getting into before you buy.
While Ace Hardware does accept returns, their policy is on the stricter side of store return policies, and there are fees and exceptions to be aware of before your return. How long do you have to make a return? How do Ace Hardware returns work? Can you return something to Ace Hardware without a receipt?
We dove into the Ace Hardware return policy to answer all your questions so you can be fully informed and in the know every time you shop.
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1. The Ace Hardware return policy gives you 30 days to return items.
You have 30 days to return items to Ace Hardware. Your Items must be unused and unopened, and you must have all the original building tools, instruction booklets, or anything else that came in the original packaging.
If it’s been more than 30 days since your purchase, Ace Hardware recommends that you contact the manufacturer directly.
2. You’ll need a receipt to return Ace Hardware items — otherwise, you may be able to get store credit.
Yes, you need a receipt to return Ace Hardware purchases and get a full refund. Without a receipt, there’s a chance you’ll get store credit for your return if your item is unopened and unused. However, you’re much more likely to get store credit if you bring your return to the store. Just be aware that policies can vary by store, and it’s up to the manager to decide whether or not they accept your return.
You cannot return an online order through the mail without a receipt.
3. In-store returns to Ace Hardware are free, but you’ll pay a shipping fee for returns by mail.
Ace Hardware recommends that you return both in-store and online purchases to an Ace Hardware retail store. Why? Because returns to the store are free, but mailed returns come with an added shipping fee. And sometimes that fee can be even more than your return amount, so be sure to do the math before you pack up your item.
To return an Ace Hardware purchase by mail, you’ll need to contact customer service for separate return instructions. You can visit their website to send an email or call 1-888-827-4223. It’s important to note that you can’t return anything with hazardous materials (like flammable liquids) by mail — you can only return these items to the store.
Again, all returns to the store are free. Just be sure to bring your receipt and a valid government-issued ID to make your return.
4. There are a few different ways to receive your refund.
For the majority of returns, Ace Hardware will issue your refund to your original form of payment, aka the payment method you used to make your purchase.
If the original form of payment isn’t an option, you’ll receive an Ace Hardware gift card for the same amount.
5. You can’t return some Ace Hardware purchases, like custom paint or clearance items. Here’s a full list:
There are a few exceptions to Ace Hardware’s return policy. The biggest one is clearance items, which don’t qualify for returns since they’re final sale only.
You also can’t return gas-powered equipment (lawnmowers, snow blowers, string trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, etc.) if you’ve already used gas or oil in them. See below for a full list of items you can’t return.
Ace Hardware won’t accept returns for these items:
- Clearance Items
- Gas-Powered Equipment That Has Held Gas or Oil
- Gift Cards
- Made-to-Order Paint (Specifically Magnolia Home Paint)
- Tinted Paint Purchases Made on AceHardware.com
6. You’ll pay a restocking fee of at least $20 to return assembled or customized items.
If you purchased an assembled or customized item (like tinted liquid interior or exterior paint you bought in store), you must return the item to the same Ace Hardware store that delivered, assembled, or customized it. For these returns, your local Ace store may charge a 15% restocking fee (a minimum of $20).
7. If you need to return a Hanover Outdoor item, contact Ace Hardware customer service first.
Ace Hardware does not accept Hanover Outdoor returns in store, so you’ll need to contact customer service to resolve the issue at hand. This includes any problems with broken products or missing parts.
Related: Did you know there are Ace Hardwares in grocery stores? See the full list of locations.
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