Complaint Review: Lowes Home Improvement

Back in the mid 70s, the local Sears store ordered a bed set w/frame for a young lady.
The total was $800. She paid by check.
When the bed came in two days later, the lady claimed it was the wrong one and got angry. She demanded her money back immediately.
This was against store policy (even back then).
The lady wanted her money now and demanded she be allowed to phone her bank from the store. The lady dialed the phone and got her bank *wink wink* on the line, handed the phone to the Sears employee and the woman at the bank verified that the lady had suufficient funds in her account to cover the check. It's even believed that the bank lady told the Sears employee the check had cleared (in two days?).
Well, the irrate lady got her money refunded and left the store.
2 days later, the bank called Sears with an ISF check from guess who?
The lady had called a girlfriend that posed as a bank employee.
They eventually went to jail for 8 counts of fraud at 8 different businesses.
But not before taking over $5000 and leaving the state for parts unknown for the next 3 months.
This never happens anymore because of the Verisign system.


One last note: $24.51 is not worth the ammout of effort you put into this transaction. Or are you the type that drives 10 miles out of your way to save 3 per gallon on gas?

If you write a check and expect money back the next day, it isn't going to happen. We have too many people trying to rip us off in various ways. That is the policy stated on the wall in the returns area and on the back of your receipt. I have no problem with people who write checks. People choose to write checks for various reasons. The unfortunate thing is that checks take longer to clear than cash or even credit/debit. We do these things to help you, the customer.

Sir it might not have accourred to you but, when you made a purchase with Lowes, you chose which method to use, NOT LOWES, they accepted YOUR method of payment and let you leave with the merchadise with no garrauntee they would get their money, . At least if the was returned NSF, they had a pice of paper to have legal grounds to get the money you owed them for the merchadise you may have already installed, i mean after all, YOU picked what you needed, infact by your own admission, you picked two different things with intent to return one, but, it seems you didnt get either one right, thats why the need for the return. Anyways, had they gave you cash before the check cleared, you would have the cash and merchadise and for all Lowes knows, the check could be bad but they would only have the grounds to collect the original amount of the purchase, not the purchase amount as well as the refund. Its simple business math. I know you may have felt your rep was tarnished sir, but your actions way out weighed any damage to you by making you wait for the refund. Like i said THINK ABOUT IT.

Lowe's is actually doing a service by making it only 15 days. My bank says they could take up to 30 days to pull back money due to insufficient funds. SO technically they have left an opening to still be cheated.

Personal checks have many rules to use. There is a gas station in my area that won't accept joint account checks, won't accept out of state, will only accept personal checks, etc.

Many stores have this policy. It is a safety feature for them. maybe about $25 doesn't seem like a lot. But what if it is a potential $25 loss for 100 customers per day? That is $2500. Per year that would be $912,500. Almost a million dollars as a result of "only $25." I really don't want to pay higher prices on items because the check is only $25. It does not matter if you haven't bounced a check in 80 years. They can't confirm that easily, and by the time they could your $25 would be available again.

You can't confirm the money by "calling the bank." The bank can still come back later and say oops. And they do all the time, that is why there are wait periods.

If you can't wait 15 days for about $25 you shouldn't be spending that much at once.

Another reason the managers shouldn't be allowed to override: what would stop them from giving their friends whatever they felt like (like a $200 saw for $20)? If you allow a opening to cheat, the average person will.

Alot of customers do not like all policies, but all policies were created because somebody abused them..I work for Lowe's and even if I didnt I understand the policies. And like everyone else said majority of all stores use that policy due to others writing bad checks or writing a check to return it right away get a cash refund and take free money...It has been done that is wh y there is a policy. Cant help that people are so impatient and can't wait.
And besides there is signs with the policy on every checkout and the return desk and on the wall before you leave the store...next time use cash or credit card and you will not have that problem

First of all if you have never had check bounce in 50 years. I don't think 24 bucks is hurt you for 15 days.
Just about all large retailers have a similar check policy, some 10 days, some 15, some 30.
Its clearly stated on the back of the reciept, also as with most large retailers. You wasted all that time for 24 dollars, because you wanted lowe's to change there policy for you. Your not special, sorry. If we changed the policy for everyone who didn't like then there would be no reason for policies.

There are lots of comments on this, and as a cashier that has been with lowes for two years and as a person who has worked in retail for 7, I come into contact with this problem a lot.

Rules are there for a reason. We get ripped off all the time from bad check writers, and the company doesn't really get reimbursed when that happens. Then people who write bad checks will return the merchandise for cash, and because the check was bad, they got a profit! We completely lose our product, our sale, and even though we do our job, we get in trouble for accepting a check we didn't know was bad to begin with, and then again for returning it even though the customer had a receipt. So we have a 15 day waiting period when a check is written. It's on the sign by the return desk, it's on your receipt, and if a customer is unsure about a product I inform them of this myself.

Most stores have a waiting period. Meijer does, I'm pretty sure Wal Mart does, Target does, Home Depot does, etc etc. If you don't like that, THEN DONT WRITE A CHECK. I don't know of one bank that doesnt offer a debit card. Debit cards are faster, easier, and you get your money back right away if it isn't a product you want or need. Works the same as a check, except the money is immediatley drawn out of your account and if you don't have it we know instantly. Just balance your checkbook as soon as you buy something and you won't have any problems.

There are lots of comments on this, and as a cashier that has been with lowes for two years and as a person who has worked in retail for 7, I come into contact with this problem a lot.

Rules are there for a reason. We get ripped off all the time from bad check writers, and the company doesn't really get reimbursed when that happens. Then people who write bad checks will return the merchandise for cash, and because the check was bad, they got a profit! We completely lose our product, our sale, and even though we do our job, we get in trouble for accepting a check we didn't know was bad to begin with, and then again for returning it even though the customer had a receipt. So we have a 15 day waiting period when a check is written. It's on the sign by the return desk, it's on your receipt, and if a customer is unsure about a product I inform them of this myself.

Most stores have a waiting period. Meijer does, I'm pretty sure Wal Mart does, Target does, Home Depot does, etc etc. If you don't like that, THEN DONT WRITE A CHECK. I don't know of one bank that doesnt offer a debit card. Debit cards are faster, easier, and you get your money back right away if it isn't a product you want or need. Works the same as a check, except the money is immediatley drawn out of your account and if you don't have it we know instantly. Just balance your checkbook as soon as you buy something and you won't have any problems.

There are lots of comments on this, and as a cashier that has been with lowes for two years and as a person who has worked in retail for 7, I come into contact with this problem a lot.

Rules are there for a reason. We get ripped off all the time from bad check writers, and the company doesn't really get reimbursed when that happens. Then people who write bad checks will return the merchandise for cash, and because the check was bad, they got a profit! We completely lose our product, our sale, and even though we do our job, we get in trouble for accepting a check we didn't know was bad to begin with, and then again for returning it even though the customer had a receipt. So we have a 15 day waiting period when a check is written. It's on the sign by the return desk, it's on your receipt, and if a customer is unsure about a product I inform them of this myself.

Most stores have a waiting period. Meijer does, I'm pretty sure Wal Mart does, Target does, Home Depot does, etc etc. If you don't like that, THEN DONT WRITE A CHECK. I don't know of one bank that doesnt offer a debit card. Debit cards are faster, easier, and you get your money back right away if it isn't a product you want or need. Works the same as a check, except the money is immediatley drawn out of your account and if you don't have it we know instantly. Just balance your checkbook as soon as you buy something and you won't have any problems.

There are lots of comments on this, and as a cashier that has been with lowes for two years and as a person who has worked in retail for 7, I come into contact with this problem a lot.

Rules are there for a reason. We get ripped off all the time from bad check writers, and the company doesn't really get reimbursed when that happens. Then people who write bad checks will return the merchandise for cash, and because the check was bad, they got a profit! We completely lose our product, our sale, and even though we do our job, we get in trouble for accepting a check we didn't know was bad to begin with, and then again for returning it even though the customer had a receipt. So we have a 15 day waiting period when a check is written. It's on the sign by the return desk, it's on your receipt, and if a customer is unsure about a product I inform them of this myself.

Most stores have a waiting period. Meijer does, I'm pretty sure Wal Mart does, Target does, Home Depot does, etc etc. If you don't like that, THEN DONT WRITE A CHECK. I don't know of one bank that doesnt offer a debit card. Debit cards are faster, easier, and you get your money back right away if it isn't a product you want or need. Works the same as a check, except the money is immediatley drawn out of your account and if you don't have it we know instantly. Just balance your checkbook as soon as you buy something and you won't have any problems.

As far as the lack of service Ralph? Just a thought you get more with sugar and honey than you do with a poor attitude. Perhaps you get a rise out of screaming at people. That's ok that's who you are.

Ralph something you forgot to make mention of was what the few small items it was that you returned? Perhaps, just perhaps you're not being totally upfront with us?
Perhaps you've been ignored for all the right reasons?

Ralph let's face it people at Lowe's no doubt saw you coming a mile away. They know you Ralph. (Smiling) Don't they You're the guy who uses the outside furniture for a year and returns it because there happens to be rust around the screws. You're the guy who uses your sprinklers for a few months and returns them, you're the guy who buys a kitchen faucet and returns it because it's no longer in style. Face it Ralph that store has your name long before you walked in. Why else would they single YOU out Ralph?

I'm just waiting for Lowe's to wake up and smell the coffee. In Florida the Lowe's Policy is so liberal with their return policies it's almost funny, yet pathetic. I remember standing behind a Ralph who was determined that he purchased a kitchen sink, faucet and two baskets from Lowe's. He had the Department Manager, the Store Manager, three clerks all looking at this Ralph telling him that he didn't purchase it from Lowe's. This Ralph stood up to him like a 55 year old geezer on meds and demanded that he did. Wouldn't you know they figured out a way to take it back?!? Meanwhile one of the store clerks had gotten a hold of Home Depot and learned that in fact it was their product. But Lowe's reimbursed him for it anyway.

I personally am no one. I do not run a multi-billion dollar company. If I did I would no doubt choke all the customers who beg, steal, borrow, for I find that most of those types of customers are the ones who complain the most while doing it.

I remember Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, Marshals, Sam's Club, Publix, Winn-Dixie being the same way once but they've learned from their mistakes and will only issue out gift cards now days.

Ralph you no doubt are not a resident within the United States of America. In the United States, no matter what State, City of County you shop in all stores except CASH. Good all American CASH. CASH pays for items immediately. With CASH, it pays for the amount full and clear. You will get an immediate reimbursement if you pay with CASH. CASH is the answers to all your service issues. CASH is the answer.

Now Ralph if you don't want to pay with CASH than you have to follow the guidelines of each stores policies alternative payment policies. What I mean to say when I say guidelines is their rules, plan, and/or procedure. When you sign a contract do you read it Ralph or do you just sign it because the store clerk directed you to do so? Did you get it in writing from the store clerk that they would return your check the next day? I know all store policies are printed all over the walls, desktops and counters of their check policies. SO they had it writing. If you can't read perhaps you should go back and get your GED

Ralph. C'mon. Really. Do you really think that Michael Eisner (he's not the CEO anymore,but) would answer his cell phone to listen to you complain about the customer service desk at Epcot. Ralph, c'mon. CEOs run companies. There exists what's called a chain of command. In your case it was the chain at the store level.
Tim could have just given you your money back right then, but that goes against policy. POLICY Ralph. How many people do you think would use that little tid bit of knowledge to abuse the returns process even further? Huh Ralph? The dollar figure is in the zillions...

I don't have to explain how retail returns policies work (just read below your complaint.) If it is such a HUGE problem for you though, you might want to run for District Attorney. They're usually the ones, sometimes it is the sherriff's department, who handle hot checks, since your into checks soooo much. Might give you some insight into why retail has taken this stance.

To Mary in Ft.Myers, Florida, Lowe's will be around a long time after you and I and Ralph are gone. We've got Hackman baby. Have you seen our stock price lately? Wallstreet loves us.

What you people don't get is that only one out of about five thousand people are dissatisfied enough with "service" to even get online and blah, blah, blah, in hopes of changing the world.

Good luck.

Ralph is SPECIAL. The policies of Lowes' don't apply to him, only to everyone else. The reason most stores have such policies is to prevent a person from writing a NSF check, going back in the next day and getting a cash refund. They just popped a gang here in town with $100,000 worth of goods. The gang was shoplifting the goods, taking the merchandise back and getting a refund. Not quite the same thing as the post but that is one of the reasons such policies are in place. If Lowes' didn't have a 15 day refund policy it would probably cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in ripoffs from customers each year. Ralph must have alot of free time on his hands, how many hours has he spent bitching about $24.51.

Ralph is SPECIAL. The policies of Lowes' don't apply to him, only to everyone else. The reason most stores have such policies is to prevent a person from writing a NSF check, going back in the next day and getting a cash refund. They just popped a gang here in town with $100,000 worth of goods. The gang was shoplifting the goods, taking the merchandise back and getting a refund. Not quite the same thing as the post but that is one of the reasons such policies are in place. If Lowes' didn't have a 15 day refund policy it would probably cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in ripoffs from customers each year. Ralph must have alot of free time on his hands, how many hours has he spent bitching about $24.51.

Ralph is SPECIAL. The policies of Lowes' don't apply to him, only to everyone else. The reason most stores have such policies is to prevent a person from writing a NSF check, going back in the next day and getting a cash refund. They just popped a gang here in town with $100,000 worth of goods. The gang was shoplifting the goods, taking the merchandise back and getting a refund. Not quite the same thing as the post but that is one of the reasons such policies are in place. If Lowes' didn't have a 15 day refund policy it would probably cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in ripoffs from customers each year. Ralph must have alot of free time on his hands, how many hours has he spent bitching about $24.51.

Ralph is SPECIAL. The policies of Lowes' don't apply to him, only to everyone else. The reason most stores have such policies is to prevent a person from writing a NSF check, going back in the next day and getting a cash refund. They just popped a gang here in town with $100,000 worth of goods. The gang was shoplifting the goods, taking the merchandise back and getting a refund. Not quite the same thing as the post but that is one of the reasons such policies are in place. If Lowes' didn't have a 15 day refund policy it would probably cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in ripoffs from customers each year. Ralph must have alot of free time on his hands, how many hours has he spent bitching about $24.51.

Why is it that america is so illeterate these days Every one thinks they should get every thing their way like a bunch of little cry babies. You would have saved your self a lot of time by simply turning your reciept over to look at the other side. Speaking as an employee I assure you it is there. "Cash if your purchace was made by check OVER 15 DAYS AGO and you have no outstanding checks with us" Ya know it is people like you that make my days so enjoyable Because I know you must have been having a bad day before you went into the store and then you think you can just ruin our day to. well WRONG all you do is just give us a story to tell our friends about some cry baby who moaned and pouted for an hour in our store today about about a measly $25.00.

I currently work for Lowes and I have to tell you, Ralph. You really need to get over yourself. I happen to have been a manager up front, specifically for the return desk. Just for your information, our policy goes along with EVERY OTHER home improvement store. We have to have the 15 day policy for the simple fact that we are tired of getting taken advantage of.

I know that you seem to think that you are the most important customer in the world, but you know what, your not. We get hundreds of customers a day. Do you have any idea how many of them are just waiting to rip us off? I can't believe that people could still be so ignorant as to think that just becuase you throw a fit means that you are going to get everything your way. Ralph, the point to my comment is, GET OVER IT!!!!!!!

I am also a customer who is really pissed off with Lowes return policy. My husband purchased $350.00 worth of pond merchandise and yes I read the bottom of the receipt that says 15 day wait period on checks. I thought well when the check clears I will go and return the stuff because we had fixed the pond problems. 5 days later with a copy of the cancelled check from the bank, I headed down to our NEW Lowes here in Roseburg. Well guess what even though my check cleared and I had receipt in hand with copy of the cleared check, no refund was permitted. It was the d**n Company Policy thing again. Bullshit.

Lowes just want to make interest off the money that they have already collected. It's called taking advantage of small towns. Corporate bullshit. Don't give me this song and dance that Managers can't override the system and give a refund. That's a line if I ever heard one. Ive seen it happen. They swipe they stupid little badges that they wear through the register and bingo. Pops out your money. What a joke. Needless to say I have to wait 15 more days to get my money back that they already have and are making more money off of.

You could have possibly avoided this entirely by taking the items back to a LOWES store that had the correct items in stock. (Not all stores are stocked the same... some of the lager stores carry a larger selection on certain items) I have often bought items at Lowes and Home Depot and simply taken them back to another location that had the correct items. They will just give you a store credit and you re-purchase the items. If you had to go to a competetive store though, you are just simply out of luck until your check clears. As far as no-one clling you back, that unfortunately is the cost of doing business with almost any large company today. Once companies reach a certain size they tend to develope what I call Big Business Syndrom. There are still a few large companies out there with good service, but they are increasingly rare.

I am an employee at Lowe's Home Centers inc. and I just wanted to let this man know that in all my years in the customer service business I have learned that the only people that complain about return policy are either trying to get away with something unfair or illegal, have really bad credit, or just like making life hell for store employees who can't do a thing but smile and take it.

Before I worked at Lowe's I worked at another major retailer and I can tell you that Lowe's is much nicer about dealing with pointless complaints like yours than the other place was. Our computers "flag" for any sale or return that is not right in some way. If you wrote a check and it has not been 15 business days, but you want a refund, the computer will stop in its tracks and will not allow the cash drawer to be opened.

Companies like Lowes's are there to help you. I takes up to 15 days for your check to clear, and little as it may be to you, companies didn't get where they are by alowing people to have the chance to write hot checks. In short, I have the perfect answer for your problem (and believe me you do have a problem). MAY I PUT THIS ON YOUR LOWE'S CARD?

OK, I see this dead horse has been beat to a second death. But I just have to respond here.

Ralph: Company POLICY is just that a POLICY. It is not a suggestion or a recommendation it is written stone! It wouldn't matter how many of thousands you spend, its a firm policy. Yes, usually a customer can brow beat a manager into giving them what they want in the holy name of "Customer Service". But the check policy is something that can not be over ridden due to the technical issues raised and the manager you spoke to probably dosen't want to be one of the unemployed.

I'm not sure about the store you deal with but EVERY Lowes store I've worked in and shopped in has a big sign, 4'x8', at the return desk stating EXACTLY what the return policy is. It clearly states that check purchases can not be returned for cash until the check clears. The majority of customers DON'T bother to read any of the signs unless its a clearance sign, then they don't fully read the complete sign, Example: As Is, No Return, No Warranty,ect....

Last week our store alone had a total of $13,000 worth of outstanding bounced checks,from 20 different customers. Just who do you think pays for those checks? Lowes? No you the consumer pays for it in higher prices and less employees to help you. An average employee makes around $400 a week. How many employee's salaries would that pay for, about 32, that would amount to about 3 more people in EACH department. Now granted that would be way too many employees but how about one more associate in each department. One more person in each department would make a big difference.

OK, I'll get down off the soapbox now.

Oh, By the way, I work at Lowes and I hate Lowes, But I do my best to help the customers. Ralph, you want an eye opening experence of just how RUDE and CRUDE people can really be, work at Lowes for a couple of days and deal with our customers! You would learn to treat people in retail a little bit better, I sure did.

Listen everyone. Your all going about it the wrong way. If you think your going to have problems later, use your credit card. WHY???
Read the fine print on the back of your statement. Anything less than $50, you can 'refute'. I've done it numerous times, having THAT store calling me, asking me for the money. When you 'question' the amount, the c.c. company delets the money from THEIR account, and credit yours.

Read, educate, and be forewarned. And the Federal Law protects .... you.

Look folks.....the reason for the policy is clear: the check needs to cleasr the bank. Simple as that! It doesn't matter if you work for Lowes, Depot, Wal-Mart or Ralphs Porn Palace ( sorry Ralph: I couldn't resist!) Too many busineses have been defrauded by people writing a check one day and returning merchaandise the next. The check bounces and we all have end up suffering because the stores raise thire prices to compensate for the loss. Theft of merch, timekeeping fraud by staff, bogus returns and bad checks are all contribute to the Shrink percentage of the company. The higher the shrink numbers, the higher the prices.
Asfar as gettig a response from Mr. tilman.....good luck Ralph!

As noted in other rebuttals there are many other stores that have this same policy. I know of one company that will give you a refund on products purchased with a check, but this refund comes back to you in check form about two weeks after the initial refund. these are not new policies. These stores have had these policies for quite a while.

It is clearly states on the bottom of all Lowe's reciepts that check purchases refunds require 15 wait period for cash back.

Also, Ralph you said yourself that you were going to purchase something else that day. All you had to do was take the merchandise credit and use that towards your purchase. also, if you spend thousands of dollars in lowes then you would not have any trouble spending a $24 merchandise card.

As far as the customer service goes...we really can not override when the computer tells us to issue a merchandise credit. there is nothing that can be done. if the $24 dollars was that important to you you could have waited the 15 days...you said that you have never had a check bounce. whould $24 dollars make the difference in two weeks time?

I would like to make a comment..
MOST RETAILERS HAVE THE SAME COMPANY POLICY...
NO CASH REFUNDS UNTIL CHECK HAS CLEARED...
I HAVE MY OWN BUSINESS AND DO THE SAME...NO REFUNDS UNTIL CHECK HAS CLEARED.

WHATS SO BAD ABOUT WAITING FOR A FEW DAYS...OR TAKING STORE CREDIT. I AM SURE YOU WOULD BE BACK SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE TO BUY SOMETHING ELSE...
IF YOU WOULD SEE HOW MANY BAD CHECKS THESE STORES RECIEVE IN A YEAR, IT WOULD MAKE U SICK...WERE TALKING $1000.00 OF DOLLARS...WHEN THE CHECKS COME BACK FROM THE BANK SAYING ACCOUNT CLOSED...THATS IT...THERE IS NOWAY FOR THEM TO GET THERE MONEY...ITS NOT EVEN A FELONY UNLESS ITS OVER A FEW $100 DOLLARS AND EVEN THEN HOW DO U FIND THESE PEOPLE....

REMEMBER THE SAYING ONE BAD APPLE....SPOILS THE WHOLE BUNCH...WELL WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD WE LIVE IN...ITS NOT TO FAR AWAY MOST PLACES WILL NOT EVEN ACCEPT PERSONAL CHECKS...IT WILL ALL BE DONE THRU CREDIT OR DEBT CARDS...ITS GETTING TO BE A SAD WORLD...THEY DID SAY U COULD GET A REFUND AFTER THE CHECK CLEARS AND THE TELLER TOLD U SO... JUST NOT TELL THE CHECK CLEARS...WELL NOW U KNOW...PAY WITH CASH NEXT TIME AND THE PROBLEM WILL BE GONE...

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE...BE MAD AT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE OUT TO RIP OFF THE PUBLIC AND NOT LOWES...

I use to work at Lowe's. I now work at Home Depot. I am a returns cashier. To the man who though it was unacceptable to have to waiit 15 days. IT IS A POLICY ALL STORES FOLLOW! What do you not understand? I bet if YOU were the owner of a business...wouldn't YOU want to make sure SOMEONE else's check CLEARS before you give them a refund! What don't you understand about it?????? It is common sense. Wait for the check to clear. I have dealt with PLENTY of fake checks. Usually a check does clear before the 15 days if the check is legit. Here are 2 things you should know: #1. IT IS NOT ANY RETAILERS FAULT, THE BANK IS THE ONE WHO HAS NOT CLEARED THE CHECK, so go b***h at the bank, not Lowe's or anyone else. #2. Usually a guilty person is the person who raises cane over such a popular DUH issue.

I can not believe how people tend to live in a dream world. Yes, I worked for Lowes 10 years ago as a manager, I personally will never shop at Lowes because I was fired for dating another employee. I have been happily married to this man for the last 9 years.

What I find so unbelievable is the fact that this all started because someone didn't want to listen to store policy. I don't know where th e"15" day waite peroid came from, but I do know that EVERY store, retailer, small business, etc follow the same exact guide lines. You write a check, you wait 7 to 10 days before you can get the money back. Every recite and every store posts this at their service desk. If you need the same item somewhere else, you could have just brought it somewhere else, then after the wait time gone and returned the item. No where in the original report did it say that Lowes refused the return. That would have been something to complain about. And yes, you should complain about a company when they're rude and unhelpful, but in this case, you blow things way out of the water. I also find it very hard to believe that you didn't have a bad attitude yourself because you couldn't get your way. Stores can not just give you money back that they don't know will even clear the bank. Banks take 7 to 10 days to clear anyones check. The Fact of the matter is you stated you've spent alot of money at Lowes in the past, if that's true then there's no way you didn't know what the store policy was.

The last rebuttal about saying the rebuttal from a Home Depo employee was actually a Lowes employee because of his language, I have to say, what planet are you living on? I do shop at Home Depo, because I refuse to shop at Lowes, I can't remember ever being asked if I needed help, ever being treated with respect or ever seeing anyone that is "Pertrayed" on TV. It's like Walmart, you don't actually think they're nice and enjoy their jobs do you?

Basically, this policy is EVERYONES policy. If that isn't what you want to hear, try using a different means of payment.

I HAD A SITUATION LIKE THIS WITH COMP USA. A CHECK WAS WRTTEN AND OR IT WAS A CREDIT PURCHASE. THEY WANTED 15 OR 30 DAYS BEFORE A REFUND OR I COULD TAKE A STORE CREDIT IN THE FORM OF A GISFT CERTIFICATE.

I CHOSE THE CREDIT BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO KEEP THE MERCHANDISE AND I DIDNT WANT TO GO BACK TO THE STORE BECAUSE IT IS FAR WAAY.

I CARRIED THE STORE CREDIT AROUND FOR SIX MONTHS AND THEN IT BLEW OUT THE CAR WINDOW AND I LOST MY 15 DOLLARS.

I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK THAT SOME COMPANIES EXPECT SOME PEOPLE WILL LOOSE PAPER WORK, AND FORGET DEADLINES WHEN THEY PUT UP BARRIERS TO A SIMPLE REFUND.

ON THE OTHER HAND, LOWES AND HOME DEPOT ARE BUSY STORES, IF 20 PEOPLE GOT A REFUND FOR BOUNCED CHECK OF 24.00, LOWES WOULD LOOSE 480.OO. THE REFUND POLICY SHOULD BE ON THE RECEIPT AND ON THE BAG AND DISPLAED SOMEWHERE.

I had a complaint with Lowes also and their customer service department was little or no help
so Ralph I feel for you, sometimes these companies get so big that they loose site of who got them where they are. As for the supposed Home Depot employee that started out in his statement
with somewhat of an understanding heart even if as he said he had to agree especially since being a home depot employee, that carried some weight as it seemed that he might have some objectivity to lend to Ralph. However you began to degrade Ralph and curse him which I know no! Home Depot employee would ever do so now my friend the monkey is on your back because of your complete disregard for a persons right to complain about injustice and your need to hurt & offend. You see you are exactly what you called Ralph and it came out of your mouth, and only you can take it back. I question your very statement of being a home depot employee and would suggest that it is a lie I would also suggest that you were neglected and treated unfairly as a child and you have accepted that as being normal. I will pray for you.

Have A Blessed Day

I work at Home Depot but have to defend Lowes on this one. The people at store level can not do a d**n thing about this. The computer( at the refund desk) will not allow you to refund cash for a check until it has cleared with Depot. Bob Nardelli himself could not figure a way to magically make the computer give any cash back! So Ralph, my suggestion to you is to keep your cheap sorry a*s at home because the policy is a policy and your bitchin and moanin is doing nothing but wasting everyones time. Grow up old man!!!!!!!!!

I found out that Lowes is not the only company with a waiting period on check purchases. Home Depot has the same policy as do most retailers. It's just a sign of the times, retailers are tired of being ripped off and this waiting period is a way to protect themselves.

The solution for the customer? I use my debit card or credit card and hold onto the receipt. When I have a return, I go in with a calm attitude and a receipt. I don't seem to the problems that Ralph has.

I HAD the same excat problem. Lowes in Fairview Oregon wanted to issue me a "STORE CREDIT" FOR 100.00. I had my receipt! I'll be damned if I will spend one penny in that store again, let alone 100.00 bucks. I was able to get in touch with corporate. They said they would make note and speak with the policy folks.

I say Lowes go to hell and get out of my town. Your policies stink, your customer service is worse. Don't think that you can sustain yourself by holding customers hostage by forcing them to spend their refunds in your store.

I hope you suffer the same fate as HOME BASE who had similar rigid policies. For now I will take my business elsewhere and just wait for what goes around comes around. the only problem, as far as I am concerned is that it can't happen soon enough. And dont forget LOWES when you are unjust, human nature has it that people will just find ways to get back at you

I shop at LOWES frequently. When I purchased incorrect items for i.e. an installation, the store let me exchange the first items for the correct items. It was handled as a refund then as a new purchase at the customer service counter. I did not receive cash back from a check, only the correct items to finish the job.

Any store that does the volume of expensive purchases, appliances, tools, must protect itself from fraud. Perhaps, because of the frequency of my use, I get better service than some people. In the past 2 years, I have purchased 4 dishwashers, 2 water heaters, necessary installation kits and plumbing supplies, not to mention other repair and construction materials for some of my houses.

I also have seen how customers have abused the retailers by returning power painters and post hole augers. I bought customer returned items (as is, no warranty) that worked perfectly, at a huge discount. I have also rented equipment, that would have little purpose after the job was finished. I did not buy it, with the intent of returning it later.

LOWES price matched, and lowered the price on a DeWalt tool, that was advertised in another LOWES store 700 miles away. I picked up a sales flier in Missouri while visiting my parents, carried it into the local store where I usually shop for the credit adjustment.

Some stores are managed better than others, I probably shop at one of the better LOWES.

I shop at LOWES frequently. When I purchased incorrect items for i.e. an installation, the store let me exchange the first items for the correct items. It was handled as a refund then as a new purchase at the customer service counter. I did not receive cash back from a check, only the correct items to finish the job.

Any store that does the volume of expensive purchases, appliances, tools, must protect itself from fraud. Perhaps, because of the frequency of my use, I get better service than some people. In the past 2 years, I have purchased 4 dishwashers, 2 water heaters, necessary installation kits and plumbing supplies, not to mention other repair and construction materials for some of my houses.

I also have seen how customers have abused the retailers by returning power painters and post hole augers. I bought customer returned items (as is, no warranty) that worked perfectly, at a huge discount. I have also rented equipment, that would have little purpose after the job was finished. I did not buy it, with the intent of returning it later.

LOWES price matched, and lowered the price on a DeWalt tool, that was advertised in another LOWES store 700 miles away. I picked up a sales flier in Missouri while visiting my parents, carried it into the local store where I usually shop for the credit adjustment.

Some stores are managed better than others, I probably shop at one of the better LOWES.

I shop at LOWES frequently. When I purchased incorrect items for i.e. an installation, the store let me exchange the first items for the correct items. It was handled as a refund then as a new purchase at the customer service counter. I did not receive cash back from a check, only the correct items to finish the job.

Any store that does the volume of expensive purchases, appliances, tools, must protect itself from fraud. Perhaps, because of the frequency of my use, I get better service than some people. In the past 2 years, I have purchased 4 dishwashers, 2 water heaters, necessary installation kits and plumbing supplies, not to mention other repair and construction materials for some of my houses.

I also have seen how customers have abused the retailers by returning power painters and post hole augers. I bought customer returned items (as is, no warranty) that worked perfectly, at a huge discount. I have also rented equipment, that would have little purpose after the job was finished. I did not buy it, with the intent of returning it later.

LOWES price matched, and lowered the price on a DeWalt tool, that was advertised in another LOWES store 700 miles away. I picked up a sales flier in Missouri while visiting my parents, carried it into the local store where I usually shop for the credit adjustment.

Some stores are managed better than others, I probably shop at one of the better LOWES.

I shop at LOWES frequently. When I purchased incorrect items for i.e. an installation, the store let me exchange the first items for the correct items. It was handled as a refund then as a new purchase at the customer service counter. I did not receive cash back from a check, only the correct items to finish the job.

Any store that does the volume of expensive purchases, appliances, tools, must protect itself from fraud. Perhaps, because of the frequency of my use, I get better service than some people. In the past 2 years, I have purchased 4 dishwashers, 2 water heaters, necessary installation kits and plumbing supplies, not to mention other repair and construction materials for some of my houses.

I also have seen how customers have abused the retailers by returning power painters and post hole augers. I bought customer returned items (as is, no warranty) that worked perfectly, at a huge discount. I have also rented equipment, that would have little purpose after the job was finished. I did not buy it, with the intent of returning it later.

LOWES price matched, and lowered the price on a DeWalt tool, that was advertised in another LOWES store 700 miles away. I picked up a sales flier in Missouri while visiting my parents, carried it into the local store where I usually shop for the credit adjustment.

Some stores are managed better than others, I probably shop at one of the better LOWES.

To Larry: You need to go back to school and take "Comprehensive Reading" so you can interpret the meaning of the letter that was written about my problem with Lowes. Better yet probaly a course in social behavior might help you get beyond your feeling of self importance. There are other people in this word besides you and considering all of them Morons, jerks and Neanderthals places you where? The report was about no service! Larry do you keep up with your credit card account? Or do you just pay it because the Jerks that take your money are stupid and don't ahve a clue? Get a real life look around you and see how others respond to you!

Adolph: It appears you like the rebuttals better than the reports. You should try reading the report then the rebuttal and then make your comment. Larry's comment was so far off the wall that it made you look like an idiot responding to a rebuttal that had no significant meaning to the original report. Come-on man you too need to re-evaluate your comprehension skills..

Editor: How do the above rebuttals have anything to do with the above report on corrupt companys?
If you made an exception for them to have their comments viewed please post my follow-up comment to you and to them.

....let me take this opportunity to give Larry a 'thumbs up' on his reply to the original asinine complaint.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Ralph, please go back and read Larry's response several times. Just let it sink it. You'll be a better person for it.

**shaking head in disbelief**

Adolph

I always wondered kind of jerks insist on wasting everyone's time by writing checks. Anyone who has the credibility this guy claims to have also has a debit card. But instead of using either his debit card or just paying cash, this neanderthal whips out his checkbook. Every time I get stuck behind one of these dorks they act so surprised when the clerk asks for ID and then spend 20 minutes fumbling for their driver's license.

Now after wasting everyone's time writing the check in the first place, he gets upset because Lowe's deposited the check and cannot get it back. They have not refused to give him his money back -- they have just asked him to wait until the check either clears or is returned.

Instead of living with the consequences of a chain of events he himself created, this moron spends hours in the store, on the phone, and on the computer because he has to wait fifteen days to get a $24.51 refund. God only knows what this guy would do if there was any serious money involved.

Ralph, I'm sure Lowe's is broken-hearted knowing that you and your checkbook won't be coming back.

I always wondered kind of jerks insist on wasting everyone's time by writing checks. Anyone who has the credibility this guy claims to have also has a debit card. But instead of using either his debit card or just paying cash, this neanderthal whips out his checkbook. Every time I get stuck behind one of these dorks they act so surprised when the clerk asks for ID and then spend 20 minutes fumbling for their driver's license.

Now after wasting everyone's time writing the check in the first place, he gets upset because Lowe's deposited the check and cannot get it back. They have not refused to give him his money back -- they have just asked him to wait until the check either clears or is returned.

Instead of living with the consequences of a chain of events he himself created, this moron spends hours in the store, on the phone, and on the computer because he has to wait fifteen days to get a $24.51 refund. God only knows what this guy would do if there was any serious money involved.

Ralph, I'm sure Lowe's is broken-hearted knowing that you and your checkbook won't be coming back.

I always wondered kind of jerks insist on wasting everyone's time by writing checks. Anyone who has the credibility this guy claims to have also has a debit card. But instead of using either his debit card or just paying cash, this neanderthal whips out his checkbook. Every time I get stuck behind one of these dorks they act so surprised when the clerk asks for ID and then spend 20 minutes fumbling for their driver's license.

Now after wasting everyone's time writing the check in the first place, he gets upset because Lowe's deposited the check and cannot get it back. They have not refused to give him his money back -- they have just asked him to wait until the check either clears or is returned.

Instead of living with the consequences of a chain of events he himself created, this moron spends hours in the store, on the phone, and on the computer because he has to wait fifteen days to get a $24.51 refund. God only knows what this guy would do if there was any serious money involved.

Ralph, I'm sure Lowe's is broken-hearted knowing that you and your checkbook won't be coming back.

I always wondered kind of jerks insist on wasting everyone's time by writing checks. Anyone who has the credibility this guy claims to have also has a debit card. But instead of using either his debit card or just paying cash, this neanderthal whips out his checkbook. Every time I get stuck behind one of these dorks they act so surprised when the clerk asks for ID and then spend 20 minutes fumbling for their driver's license.

Now after wasting everyone's time writing the check in the first place, he gets upset because Lowe's deposited the check and cannot get it back. They have not refused to give him his money back -- they have just asked him to wait until the check either clears or is returned.

Instead of living with the consequences of a chain of events he himself created, this moron spends hours in the store, on the phone, and on the computer because he has to wait fifteen days to get a $24.51 refund. God only knows what this guy would do if there was any serious money involved.

Ralph, I'm sure Lowe's is broken-hearted knowing that you and your checkbook won't be coming back.