You bought something from Ace Hardware and it did not work out. Maybe the part was the wrong size, the tool did not fit your project, or the item arrived damaged. Whatever the reason, knowing the Ace Hardware return policy before you show up at the store saves you time and frustration. The short version: most items can be returned within 30 days of purchase, unused, in original packaging, with your receipt. Here is the complete picture.
| Website | www.acehardware.com |
| Return Time | 30 days from original purchase date |
| Return Medium | In-Store (recommended) and Online |
| Exchange Period | 30 days from purchase date |
| Refund Time | 3 to 10 business days after return is approved |
| Refund Method | Original payment method; gift card if original method unavailable |
| Contact | 1-888-827-4223 |
| Email Support | Via Contact Us page at acehardware.com/customer-service |
Contents
- 1 Ace Hardware Return Policy at a Glance
- 2 How to Return Items to Ace Hardware
- 3 Ace Hardware Exchange Policy
- 4 Ace Hardware Refund Policy: How and When You Get Your Money Back
- 5 Items That Ace Hardware Will Not Accept for Return
- 6 Returning Without a Receipt
- 7 Vendor Direct Items: A Special Case
- 8 Social Media Handles
- 9 Ace Hardware Return Policy FAQ
- 10 Conclusion
Ace Hardware Return Policy at a Glance
Ace Hardware‘s standard return policy allows you to return most items within 30 days of the original purchase date. Items must be unused and in like-new condition, with all original packaging, product instructions, parts, accessories, and your packing slip or receipt included. A valid photo ID may also be required at the time of return.
One critical thing to understand: Ace Hardware operates as a cooperative of independently owned stores. While the core 30-day return policy applies across the board for online purchases made at acehardware.com, your local Ace Hardware store may have its own slightly different rules, especially around specialty items, seasonal merchandise, and restocking fees. Always confirm with your local store if you have any questions about their specific policy.
How to Return Items to Ace Hardware
Returning In-Store
Returning to a physical Ace Hardware store is the fastest and most hassle-free option. Here is what you need to bring:
- The item in its original, unused condition
- All original packaging, manuals, parts, and accessories
- Your receipt or packing slip
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- The credit or debit card used for the purchase, if applicable
Walk up to the customer service desk. A store associate will inspect the item and, if everything checks out, issue a refund to your original form of payment on the spot. If you paid with a gift card, you will receive a store gift card for the refunded amount. Online purchases can also be returned at any Ace Hardware retail location, which saves you the cost of return shipping.
Returning an Online Purchase by Mail
If there is no Ace Hardware store near you, contact Customer Care at 1-888-827-4223 to receive alternative return instructions. When mailing a return, you are responsible for the shipping cost unless the item you received was incorrect, damaged, or defective. In those cases, Ace Hardware covers the return shipping.
Steps for a mail-in return from an online order:
- Log in to your account at acehardware.com and go to your Order History.
- Select the item you want to return and enter the reason.
- Print and attach the return label to the package.
- Ship the package to the address provided.
- Your refund will be issued once the return is received and processed.
Refunds on mail-in returns are issued in the original form of payment, minus any applicable shipping and handling charges. Ace Hardware does not refund the original delivery fee once it has been charged.
Ace Hardware Exchange Policy
Exchanges follow the same 30-day window as returns. The item must be in unused, original condition with all packaging and proof of purchase. For in-store exchanges, you can swap directly for a replacement product of your choice. For online orders, the process involves initiating a return for the original item and placing a new order for the correct product.
If the item you received was the wrong color, wrong model, or was defective, bring it back to the same local Ace Hardware store it came from. Ace Hardware will cover all costs including shipping and pickup when the error was on their side.
Ace Hardware Refund Policy: How and When You Get Your Money Back
Once your return is approved, the refund goes back to your original form of payment. If that payment method is no longer available, you will receive a store gift card for the refunded amount. Refunds typically take 3 to 5 business days to process after approval, though some transactions may take up to 10 business days depending on your bank or card issuer.
Keep in mind that Ace Rewards points used toward a purchase are forfeited when you return the item. The reward value or coupon amount will not be reinstated.
For assembled or delivered items, your local Ace Hardware store may charge a 15% restocking fee, with a minimum of $20, if the item is not damaged or defective. If a pickup is required for a returned delivered item, a $15 pickup fee may also apply.
Items That Ace Hardware Will Not Accept for Return
Not everything can be returned. The following items are excluded from the standard Ace Hardware return policy:
- Tinted paint and custom-mixed paint (final sale, no exceptions)
- Clearance and final sale items
- Fuel-powered equipment (grills, generators, mowers, chainsaws, etc.) once fuel has been added, even if drained afterward
- Hazardous materials and products containing flammable liquids or gases (these must be returned to a physical Ace Hardware store only)
- Gift cards (non-returnable and non-refundable)
- Items purchased through Buy One Get Another (BOGA) promotions require all items to be returned together for a full refund
For fuel-powered equipment that cannot be returned to Ace Hardware, contact the manufacturer directly. Authorized service center information can be found in your owner’s manual, or call 1-888-827-4223 for service center locations.
Returning Without a Receipt
Ace Hardware requires proof of purchase for returns. Without a receipt, refund options may be limited. At many independently owned locations, the store may offer a merchandise credit at the current selling price if they can verify the item is an Ace Hardware product, but this is at the store manager’s discretion and is not guaranteed. Bringing a valid photo ID is essential if you do not have a receipt.
For online orders, you can log in to your account to pull up your order history. Guest checkout users can find order details in their order confirmation email. If you cannot locate the information, contact customer care at 1-888-827-4223
Vendor Direct Items: A Special Case
Some products on acehardware.com are shipped directly from third-party vendors and carry a separate return policy from Ace Hardware’s standard 30-day policy. Check your Purchase History on acehardware.com to see if your item was vendor-shipped. If you cannot find this information, contact customer care before initiating a return, as vendor-direct policies can differ significantly.
Social Media Handles
Follow Ace Hardware on social media for DIY tips, promotions, product launches, and home improvement inspiration:
Ace Hardware Return Policy FAQ
1. Can I return an online Ace Hardware purchase to a physical store?
Ace Hardware recommends returning online purchases to a retail store near you. This is the fastest way to get your refund and avoids return shipping costs. Bring the item, all original packaging, your packing slip or order confirmation, and a photo ID.
2. What happens if Ace Hardware sent me the wrong item or a damaged product?
If Ace Hardware sent you the wrong item, or the item arrived damaged or defective, return shipping is covered in full. Contact customer care at 1-888-827-4223 to arrange the return. You will receive a full refund of the purchase price and any delivery or assembly fees associated with that order.
3. Can I return a gas-powered tool to Ace Hardware after using it once?
No. Once you put fuel into any gas-powered equipment, such as a generator, mower, or chainsaw, the item is no longer eligible for return to Ace Hardware, even if you drain it afterward. Contact the manufacturer directly for warranty service if the item is defective.
4. How long does it take to get a refund from Ace Hardware?
After your return is approved, refunds are typically issued within 3 to 5 business days. Some banks or card issuers may take slightly longer to reflect the credit. Online mail-in returns may take additional time due to shipping and inspection before processing begins.
5. Does Ace Hardware charge a restocking fee?
For most standard returns, there is no restocking fee. However, assembled items returned to a local Ace Hardware store may be subject to a 15% restocking fee, with a minimum of $20, if the item is not damaged or defective. Always confirm with your local store.
Conclusion
The Ace Hardware return policy is built for clarity: 30 days, unused items, original packaging, and a receipt. The in-store return process is fast, free of shipping fees, and works for both in-store and online purchases. If you run into any issues with your return, call 1-888-827-4223 or visit your local Ace Hardware store directly. Independent ownership means policies can vary slightly by location, so when in doubt, a quick phone call before you make the trip will save you time.
Disclaimer: The return policy information on ReturnsPolicies.info is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest updates. Always verify the current policy directly on the retailer’s official website before making any purchase or return decision. We are not affiliated with any of the retailers mentioned.