‘I just lost a good customer,’ says angry Lowe’s shopper over return policy change that denies store credit

A LOWE’S customer is trying to boycott the hardware chain over a change in return policy.

The dissatisfied customer said the store refused to give Lowe credit for a returned item.

The buyer, Ginger, said she tried to return an item without a receipt.

It’s unclear whether the store took the item back but did not give the store credit in return.

Ginger said in a Facebook post that company policy requires proof of purchase to return something — and that can only be done within 90 days.

It is unclear whether Ginger was able to obtain a refund to the original payment method.

POLICY SWITCH

According to several officials in RedditLowe’s has been slowly implementing a new return policy over the past year.

Previously, anyone returning items without a receipt could get store credit.

Now in many stores you need a receipt.

This is according to the official Lowe’s return policywhich also requires you to return your items within 90 days if you want a refund.

“If it’s been more than 90 days and you haven’t provided a phone number to facilitate the return or the credit card you used, I’m sorry,” one person, who claimed to be an employee, said online. “We have been misled a lot by giving store credit to people who return items without a receipt.”

While some stores look for your credit card or phone number to try to return a refund without a receipt, this doesn’t work for cash payment returns.

Ginger didn’t like the change.

“Thank you Lowe’s, you just lost a good customer and I will encourage everyone I know to avoid Lowe’s if possible!!” they wrote on Facebook.

“The manager keeps getting shit all day for his new policy,” they added. “Let’s all stop shopping at low prices and fight back by not shopping there!!”

The US Sun has reached out to Lowe’s for comment.

Return Fury

Across industries, return policies can be a source of tension for retailers.

A generous return policy can be seen as an essential part of some stores’ customer service.

However, some buyers take advantage of flexible return policies.

While Lowe’s has apparently adopted a stricter policy, wholesaler Costco is an example of a generous policy.

The company allows full refunds on most items, with no time limit for returns.

However, company officials recently shared how abusing the system can lead to membership bans.

There are many stories online of surprising returns – like one customer who returned a half-eaten turkey dinner.

Some even managed to return flowers because they withered.

A customer purchased meat and then tried to return the cooked bones.

Costco Return Policy

What are the details of the famous return policy?

“We guarantee your satisfaction with every product we sell and will refund the purchase price,” said the return policy States.

There are some exceptions to this 100% satisfaction guarantee, which are:

• Electronics – Returns will be accepted within 90 days from the date the member received the product.
• Diamonds – 1.00 ct or larger must be returned with all original documentation within 48 hours and will be inspected for authenticity.
• Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages – These items cannot be returned by law.
• Items with a limited shelf life, such as batteries and tires, cannot be returned.
• Special order kiosk and custom installed programs may only be returned or refunded if under warranty repair/replacement.
• Gold bars, silver bars and coins are non-refundable.
• Store Cards are non-refundable.
• Airline and live performance event items are non-refundable.

Costco memberships can be canceled and refunded at any time if the customer is dissatisfied.