Home Depot Hacks Employees Don’t Want You to Know for Big Savings
Home Depot is a go-to store for everything from lumber and appliances to cleaning supplies. With so much to offer, it’s easy to end up spending a lot. However, there are several insider tips that can help you save hundreds—and even thousands—of dollars. Knowing how to navigate Home Depot’s policies and discounts can unlock a world of savings.
Here’s a guide to some lesser-known hacks that can transform your next Home Depot trip into a money-saving spree, ensuring you get the most out of your shopping experience. Try these tricks, and watch the savings stack up.
Free Tool Repairs with Warranty
If you purchase a tool from Home Depot, you’ll likely receive a one- to two-year warranty that covers free repairs. Take the tool, along with your receipt, to the store’s Tool Rental Center for repair services. If the tool can’t be fixed, Home Depot may even replace it for free. Keep in mind that repair times vary and can take up to two or three months, depending on the tool and the type of damage.
Return Dead Plants for a Refund
Home Depot’s plant return policy is surprisingly flexible—you can return a dead plant within one year of purchase with the original receipt. This applies to most plants, including perennials and shrubs. If you buy a plant online and it arrives damaged, you have three days to request a replacement.
Look for Price Tags Ending in 3 or 6
Home Depot’s sale tags provide clues about how long a sale will last. Items with prices ending in six indicate that the discount will last for another six weeks. A price ending in three means the sale price is good for about three weeks. Generally, a “six” price means around 50% off, while a “three” price can indicate discounts as high as 75%.
Credit Card Perks
Opening a Home Depot credit card comes with benefits, like $25 off purchases up to $999 or $100 off purchases over $1,000. In some cases, employees may even offer a 10% discount on your first purchase. Frequent customers with qualifying business accounts can get 5% off every purchase.
Buy Paint in Summer
If you’re planning to paint, consider shopping during major summer holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day, when Home Depot often runs paint sales. Alternatively, you can find bargains in the “oops” paint section, where mistinted colors sell at a discount, usually between $5 and $8 per gallon.
Check the End Caps for Discounts
Sales items are often placed on tables at the ends of aisles, making them easy to spot. These items, including clearance or returned products, are displayed to grab attention with their low prices. While the marked prices are often fixed, some managers may offer an extra discount—just ask!
Use Color Codes to Find Deals
Home Depot’s price tag colors indicate different types of discounts. Green tags signify discounts exclusive to that specific product, often because it was returned or an extra that wasn’t picked up. Yellow tags denote clearance items that won’t be restocked, so grab these items if you’re interested, as they’re usually the last in stock.
Bring Competitors’ Coupons
As part of its price match policy, Home Depot may accept coupons from Lowe’s or Ace Hardware if they carry the same product. Although not an official policy, some customers have had success using competitor coupons to save even more. Just make sure the product matches exactly.
Buy Scrap Wood for Pennies
For small DIY projects, check out the scrap wood section, where leftover pieces are often sold at deep discounts, sometimes as low as $0.50. The scrap bins vary by location, so call ahead to see if your store has one.
Rent a Truck for Big Loads
If you need to transport large items, Home Depot offers truck rentals. This can save multiple trips if you don’t have a large vehicle. The store also rents out cargo vans and moving trucks.
Take Advantage of Spring Black Friday
Home Depot has a “Spring Black Friday” sale in late March, with deals on outdoor and gardening products. This sale is perfect for stocking up on items like mulch, patio furniture, and plants. Lowe’s, Walmart, and other competitors also hold similar sales, so it’s a great time to shop around.
Check the Overstock Section
Home Depot’s overstock section is worth browsing for big-ticket items like furniture, rugs, and doors. These items are often heavily discounted to clear out excess stock. If you’re looking for specific overstock items, check the website, as inventory varies by location.
Use the Price Match Policy
Home Depot’s “Low Price Guarantee” matches competitors’ prices and even lowers the price by an additional 10%. If you find an item for a lower price elsewhere, bring proof to Home Depot, and they’ll match it. If the price drops within 30 days of your purchase, you can return to the store for a refund of the difference.
Daily Deals Online
Home Depot offers a “Special Buy of the Day” on its website, featuring discounts on a different category of items each day. You can find this under the “Specials & Offers” tab, and it’s worth checking regularly if you’re looking for a particular item at a discount.
The Red, White, and Blue Sale
Every Fourth of July, Home Depot holds the Red, White, and Blue Sale, with discounts of up to 50% on appliances, grills, and outdoor furniture. The sale typically lasts around ten days, so it’s a prime time to shop for summer essentials.
Discounted Rental Trucks for Moving
Home Depot has a partnership with Penske Truck Rental that offers a 10% discount to customers who book through the Home Depot website. Extra discounts are available for veterans, AAA members, and college students, plus you get unlimited miles.
Save with Online Shopping
For urban customers, online shopping may offer lower prices, as city locations often have higher prices than rural ones. Shopping online can also be more convenient if you’re looking for clearance items, which are sometimes only available in-store.
Winter Sales on Kitchen and Bath
For home remodels, plan your shopping for January through March, when Home Depot hosts its Winter Bath Event, with discounts of up to 40% on bath and kitchen items. It’s also a good time to find deals on appliances, flooring, and wall tiles.
Make Friends with Staff
Being friendly with employees can sometimes lead to unexpected discounts. Home Depot associates have the discretion to offer up to $50 off purchases. Supervisors, assistant managers, and store managers can authorize larger discounts, so it doesn’t hurt to be polite.
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Charlie Golsley
