Return policy comparison · 2026
ePlanters vs Lowe's
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 (ePlanters) and April 17, 2026 (Lowe's)
ePlanters
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
Winner
Lowe's
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
Lowe's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against ePlanters's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ePlantersLowe's
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| ePlanters | Lowe's | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (from invoice date, exclusions apply) | ✓ 90 days (365 with Lowe's Advantage Card) |
| Free returns | No - 30% restocking fee plus shipping both ways deducted from refund | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | 30% of the order subtotal on all authorized returns | ✓ None generally |
| Return shipping | Customer pays shipping to and from their location, deducted from refund along with the restocking fee | Free mail returns |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Fiberglass items (custom-painted), custom fabricated items like aluminum planters, planters with added drainage holes, clearance items | Custom cuts, Lowe's Outlet items (ALL final sale), safety equipment used, liquid propane |
| Watch-out items | — | Major appliances 48 hours after delivery, outdoor power equipment 30 days |
ePlanters tip
Get a return authorization before shipping anything back — ePlanters explicitly won't accept unauthorized returns, and given the 30% restocking fee plus two-way shipping costs, a large planter return can cost more than it seems worth.
Lowe's tip
1-year plant guarantee — bring back dead plants for a full refund. Outlet items are ALL final sale.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ePlanters or Lowe's?
Lowe's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against ePlanters's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is ePlanters's return window?
ePlanters's return window is 30 days (from invoice date, exclusions apply).
What is Lowe's's return window?
Lowe's's return window is 90 days (365 with Lowe's Advantage Card).
Does ePlanters or Lowe's offer free returns?
ePlanters: No - 30% restocking fee plus shipping both ways deducted from refund. Lowe's: Yes.