Surprise at Home Depot: millions of Americans just found out, they're not happy

Recently, major news has caused a stir among regular customers of two American retail giants. Many consumers have encountered an unexpected change that directly affects their rights when returning products. This modification has caused considerable discontent that hasn't gone unnoticed.

Lowe’s and The Home Depot, two of the largest retailers in the United States, have announced a new and very restrictive return policy. From now on, certain items can only be returned within a maximum period of 48 hours after purchase. This measure applies to large or high-value products, such as appliances and power tools.

Changes in the return policy: which products are affected?

Traditionally, Lowe’s and The Home Depot offered fairly flexible return policies, which allowed consumers to try and evaluate their purchases with peace of mind. However, they have now drastically reduced that margin. The items included in this regulation are appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and stoves, as well as air conditioners, portable generators, and utility vehicles.

These products must be returned within a maximum period of 48 hours (2 days) and, in addition, must be unopened, undamaged, and with their original packaging intact, reveals Mundo Deportivo. However, those who pay with Lowe’s private credit card will have a bit more leeway. This change makes returns much more difficult, especially for those who need to install the product to check its operation.

The reaction of customers and the impact on trust

Many people believe that 48 hours (2 days) is not enough time to evaluate items that often require installation and careful use. According to a report from the National Retail Federation and Happy Returns, 76% of consumers value returns being free and flexible. Therefore, this change may make many customers reconsider their options and move away from these stores.

In addition, if an item has a defect or is damaged during installation, the customer is forced to contact the manufacturer directly, further complicating the process. This measure creates uncertainty and may cause customers to lose the trust they had placed in these chains for years. Experts warn that these restrictions could end up negatively affecting the reputation and sales of Lowe’s and The Home Depot.

Ultimately, this surprise in return policies has left millions of Americans bewildered and upset. The imposition of a short deadline and rigid conditions has sparked a debate about customer service and competition in the sector. It remains to be seen whether these companies will reconsider this strategy or, on the contrary, keep the rule, accepting the possible cost in terms of sales.