Comparison · Reviewed October 27, 2026
Lowe’s, The Home Depot and others, side by side.
What each retailer reports about returns and price matching, and what to watch for. Sources and dates are shown for every line.
We are a competitor. Cossitt Home Goods helps households find and choose home goods, so this is not a neutral review. We name every source and date so you can check each point with the retailer. None of these companies has paid us or seen this page, and we do not link to them.
At a glance
| Retailer | Reported policy | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Lowe’s | 90 days on most items; shorter for appliances, electronics, paint | Exclusive brands limit matching |
| The Home Depot | Price match: Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart and others | Clearance and fees excluded |
| IKEA | 365 days unopened, 180 days opened | No returns at Planning Studio or Pick Up Points |
| Wayfair | 30 days from delivery | Return shipping fees on most returns |
| Walmart and Amazon | Walmart 90-day furniture returns reported | Third-party sellers excluded from matches |
| Ace Hardware | 30-day returns reported | Prices higher at independent stores |
Each row has its own source and date below. Some sources are from 2024 and may be out of date.
Retailer by retailer
We do not rank retailers or say which is best. It depends on what you need, where you live and your budget.
Lowe’s
Home-improvement chainWhat is reported
Most new, unused items can be returned within 90 days. Major appliances have a short window (48 hours), and TVs, electronics, liquid paint and some other items 30 days. Proof of purchase is needed, but Lowe’s can look it up by payment card or account.
Watch for
Special orders and custom products have their own limits. Exclusive brands limit price matching.
Source and date
ConsumerAffairs, “Lowe’s return policy explained” (undated; read Oct. 27, 2026); Priceva (Aug. 2026)
The Home Depot
Home-improvement chainWhat is reported
Price match applies to Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart and select other retailers, excluding third-party sellers. The item must be identical and in stock at both, with proof; adjustments are available for 90 days after purchase. Return rules are described as very similar to Lowe’s.
Watch for
Excludes clearance, closeout and liquidation, installation and delivery fees, and wholesale clubs. Exclusive brands limit matching.
Source and date
Priceva, updated Aug. 21, 2026; ConsumerAffairs (undated; read Oct. 27, 2026)
IKEA
Furniture and home goodsWhat is reported
365 days for unopened products and 180 days for opened products, with proof of purchase, for a full refund per IKEA’s own page. Exchanges at any IKEA store.
Watch for
No returns at Planning Studio or Pick Up Point locations. Exchanges need the item, ID, receipt or order confirmation and the card used.
Source and date
IKEA USA return policy page, checked Oct. 14, 2026
Wayfair
Online furniture and home goodsWhat is reported
Most products can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Wayfair generally covers return shipping for damaged, defective or incorrect items reported in time.
Watch for
Return shipping is usually not free: about $4.99 to $19.99 for small parcels and $20 to $50 or more for large furniture. Open-box, clearance and made-to-order items are excluded.
Source and date
Priceva, July 8, 2026
Walmart and Amazon
General retailersWhat is reported
Walmart was reported to allow 90-day furniture returns; Amazon sells a very large range. The Home Depot price-matches items sold and shipped by Amazon itself.
Watch for
Walmart does not price match, per the source. Third-party sellers on Amazon are excluded from the Home Depot match. Walmart figures are from 2024.
Source and date
The Krazy Coupon Lady (May 2024); Priceva (Aug. 2026)
Ace Hardware
Hardware storesWhat is reported
Smaller selection with some of the same brands. Reported 30-day returns and a rewards program. Price matching varies by store.
Watch for
Prices are generally higher at privately owned Ace stores, per the source.
Source and date
The Krazy Coupon Lady (May 2024)
Where we fit
We cannot tell you from this page whether we have what you need or beat these retailers on price. Ask for a callback and we will send options, prices and terms in writing so you can compare them with anything you find elsewhere.
Sources
- ConsumerAffairs, “Lowe’s return policy explained: insider tips, hidden exceptions and how it compares to Home Depot” (undated; read Oct. 27, 2026).
- Priceva, “Home Depot Price Match Policy 2026” (published July 23, 2025; updated Aug. 21, 2026).
- Priceva, “Wayfair Return Policy (2026)” (July 8, 2026).
- IKEA USA, return policy page (checked Oct. 14, 2026).
- The Krazy Coupon Lady, “9 Stores Like Home Depot” (updated May 28, 2024).