Return policy comparison · 2026
Lowe's vs The Cover Guy
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Lowe's) and July 24, 2026 (The Cover Guy)
Winner
Lowe's
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The Cover Guy
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Lowe's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against The Cover Guy's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Lowe'sThe Cover Guy
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
| Lowe's | The Cover Guy | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (365 with Lowe's Advantage Card) | 30 days (unopened, unused, original packaging; custom covers final sale) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - customer pays return shipping |
| Restocking fee | None generally | None published |
| Return shipping | Free mail returns | Customer pays to ship the product back to The Cover Guy's facility; refund is issued less that shipping cost |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom cuts, Lowe's Outlet items (ALL final sale), safety equipment used, liquid propane | Custom hot tub, swim spa, and cold tub covers (all made-to-order); opened or used non-custom accessories |
| Watch-out items | Major appliances 48 hours after delivery, outdoor power equipment 30 days | Custom/made-to-order covers: final sale, no returns at all |
Lowe's tip
1-year plant guarantee — bring back dead plants for a full refund. Outlet items are ALL final sale.
The Cover Guy tip
Only non-custom accessories (like cleaning products or add-ons) can be returned - the covers themselves, which are made-to-order for your hot tub's exact dimensions, are final sale from the moment you order, so double-check your measurements before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Lowe's or The Cover Guy?
Lowe's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against The Cover Guy's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Lowe's's return window?
Lowe's's return window is 90 days (365 with Lowe's Advantage Card).
What is The Cover Guy's return window?
The Cover Guy's return window is 30 days (unopened, unused, original packaging; custom covers final sale).
Does Lowe's or The Cover Guy offer free returns?
Lowe's: Yes. The Cover Guy: No - customer pays return shipping.