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Ace Hardware Return Policy

Last verified: 2026-03-19

Official Ace Hardware PolicyVerified

www.acehardware.com/customer-service

Summary

Ace Hardware offers a 30 days for most items return window on most items. Item must be unused.. Receipt is not strictly required — purchases can be looked up. Refunds are issued via refunds are issued in the original form of payment. or if the original form of payment is not available, a gift card or in-store credit will be issued.. Holiday extension: Some local Ace Hardware stores may have specific holiday return policies, such as a return deadline for holiday items. Notable exceptions include gift cards cannot be returned for any reason., gas-powered outdoor equipment cannot be returned once gas or oil has been put in it, even if drained., gas-powered outdoor equipment may be returned within 30 days if unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging., and more. Refund processing: Refunds may take three to five business days to process once issued by Ace, with additional time for funds to be available in your account by your financial institution..

Return Window

30 days for most items

Receipt

lookup available

Category

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Holiday Extension

Some local Ace Hardware stores may have specific holiday return policies, such as a return deadline for holiday items. There is no general company-wide holiday extension policy mentioned.

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Return Conditions

  • Item must be unused.
  • Item must be in like-new condition.
  • Item must be in the original packaging.
  • All paperwork, including product instructions, information, packing slip/receipt, parts, and accessories must be provided.
  • A valid photo ID may be required for returns.

Refund Methods

  • Refunds are issued in the original form of payment.
  • If the original form of payment is not available, a gift card or in-store credit will be issued.
  • Purchases made with an Ace Gift Card or merchandise return card are refunded as in-store credit.
  • Cash refunds without a receipt require a valid photo ID.
  • For purchases made by a non-electronic check, refunds within seven days may be issued as an Ace Hardware Merchandise Return card.

Exceptions & Restrictions

  • Gift Cards cannot be returned for any reason.
  • Gas-Powered Outdoor Equipment cannot be returned once gas or oil has been put in it, even if drained.
  • Gas-Powered Outdoor Equipment may be returned within 30 days if unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging.
  • Clearance items are final sale.
  • Hazardous materials and products that use hazardous materials (e.g., flammable liquids or gases) may only be returned to a local Ace store or cannot be returned online.
  • Tinted liquid interior or exterior paint and customized items are final sales and cannot be returned, refunded, or exchanged.
  • Trading cards are considered final sale.
  • Custom cut goods (e.g., screen, chain, rope, glass, lumber) cannot be returned.
  • Perishable goods, intimate/sanitary goods, and downloadable software products are exempt from return.

Online / Mail Returns

  • Online purchases can be returned to an Ace retail store.
  • Online purchases can also be returned via mail, but the customer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the item was incorrect, damaged, or defective.
  • Original shipping and handling fees are generally not refunded for online returns unless due to Ace's error.

In-Store Returns

  • Most items can be returned to an Ace retail store.
  • Returns should ideally be made to the store where the item was originally purchased.
  • A receipt, original packaging, instructions, and accessories are required for in-store returns.
  • A valid photo ID may be required for returns, especially for cash refunds.

Gift Returns

  • If the original form of payment is not available, a gift card or in-store credit may be issued for returns.
  • Gift cards themselves are not returnable or refundable.

Membership & Rewards Benefits

  • If Ace Rewards were used to pay for a purchase, the Reward value or coupon amount is forfeited upon return of the product.

Damaged or Defective Items

  • If the incorrect item was received or the item was damaged or defective, Ace will cover the cost of return shipping.
  • Customers should immediately inspect orders upon pickup or delivery for damage.
  • Contact the store where the order was picked up or delivered, or Customer Care immediately for damaged/defective items.
  • Defective items may be exchanged or sent for repair based on the manufacturer's warranty policy.
  • For gas-powered equipment once gas or oil has been added, product issues should be addressed directly with the manufacturer.

Price Adjustments

  • Individual Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and may or may not offer price adjustments or price matching; customers should contact their local store for specific policies.
  • Some independent Ace Hardware locations, such as Rocky's Ace Hardware, offer a price match guarantee and will refund the difference for up to 30 days after purchase with a receipt.

Exchange Policy

  • Most items that meet return conditions are eligible for exchange.
  • Defective items may be exchanged based on manufacturer warranty policy.
  • Tinted paint orders placed online cannot be exchanged for a new color.

Additional Notes

  • Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated, so return policies may vary by location.
  • A restocking fee of 15% (minimum $20) may be charged for assembled items that are returned but not damaged or defective.
  • If Ace Rewards were used for a purchase, the Reward value or coupon amount is forfeited upon return of the product.
  • Ace Hardware reserves the right to refuse returns under suspicion of fraud or abuse.
  • The cost of shipping an item back to Ace will be paid by the customer, unless the incorrect item was received or the item was damaged or defective.

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