Menards Return Policy 2025: Avoid Mistakes and Get Your Money Back

Returning something to Menards? Whether it’s the wrong size, a tool that didn’t work out, or a custom order mistake, knowing the 2025 Menards return policy can save you time and stress. This guide breaks down everything from standard 90-day returns to 30-day limits on electronics, plus what happens if you’ve lost your receipt. You’ll also learn which items are non-returnable, how in-store and online returns differ, and what refund options are available. Read on to make your return or exchange as smooth as possible—without getting stuck in the fine print.

Key takeaways

  • Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
  • Electronics, appliances, and gas-powered items have a 30-day return window.
  • Returns without a receipt may be eligible for in-store credit at the lowest price.

What is the Menards Return Policy?

Standard Return Timeframes

General Merchandise:

  • Most items are eligible for return within 90 days of purchase.

 

Product-Specific Windows:

  • Electronics, gas-powered items, and major appliances: 30 days from purchase, unused and in original packaging.
  • Holiday/seasonal items: Must be returned before the holiday; after the holiday, only exchanges or refunds at the lowest clearance price.
  • Special order items: Returnable at Menards’ discretion, often with a 25% restocking fee.
  • Cut materials, mixed paint, and custom orders: Not returnable.

 

Promotional Periods:

  • Some items bought during special promotions (e.g., 11% rebate sales) have unique requirements. Rebates must be processed before returning the item, and the rebate amount will be deducted from the refund.

Condition Requirements for Returns

Menards expects returned items to meet specific standards:

  • Unopened and unused: Most returns must be in original condition, with all packaging, tags, accessories, and paperwork.
  • Original packaging: Required for electronics, appliances, and power tools.
  • Defective or damaged items: Must be reported within 3 days of receipt for online orders. Menards may offer exchange or refund depending on the situation.
  • Missing UPC: Items without the original Universal Product Code (UPC) can only be exchanged for an identical product.

 

Exceptions:

  • Slightly used or damaged items may be accepted at Menards’ discretion, often for in-store credit or exchange.
  • Items altered or cut to size (e.g., custom lumber) are not returnable.

Menards started in 1958 as a pole barn construction business founded by John Menard Jr. It wasn’t until 1964 that the first Menards retail store, then called Menard Cashway Lumber, opened its doors.

Proof of Purchase Requirements

Accepted Proofs:

  • Original receipt
  • Order confirmation email (printed or digital)
  • Packing slip or shipping invoice for online orders
  • Gift receipt
  • Loyalty program account lookup (if purchase was registered)

 

No Receipt Returns:

  • If you paid by credit card or check, you can print a Return Receipt at the in-store kiosk or online via your Menards account.
  • Without any proof of purchase, returns are at Menards’ discretion and may result in in-store credit at the lowest price offered.
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or state ID) is required for no-receipt returns.

Non-Returnable and Final Sale Items

Certain Menards products are not eligible for return or exchange:

  • Cut or altered materials (e.g., custom lumber, blinds)
  • Mixed paint
  • Clearance items or items marked “final sale”
  • Gift cards
  • Custom-made or special order products (e.g., windows, doors, building plans)
  • Certain seasonal or holiday items after the season ends
  • Opened or used personal care items (if applicable)

 

Defective final sale items: If defective, Menards may offer an exchange or refund, especially if reported promptly.

How to Start a Return at Menards

In-Store Returns

  1. Bring the item(s) and proof of purchase to the Service Desk at any Menards location.
  2. Present your receipt, order confirmation, or packing slip.
  3. If you lost your receipt, use the Return Receipt Kiosk or your Menards online account to print a copy (if paid by credit card or check).
  4. If no proof is available, present a government-issued photo ID.
  5. The associate will inspect the item and process your return or exchange.

 

Online Returns (By Mail)

  1. Contact Menards Guest Service to explain your reason for return.
  2. Follow the instructions provided for mailing your return.
  3. Pack the item securely with all original packaging, tags, and paperwork.
  4. Ship the item at your expense (Menards does not cover return shipping).
  5. For special order or large items, a pickup service may be available for a fee.

Menards Refund Policy

  • Refunds to original payment: Processed within 7–10 business days after the return is accepted.
  • In-store credit: Issued immediately for eligible returns without a receipt or after 90 days.
  • Refunds for purchases with multiple payment methods: Refunded in a specific order (Menards Card, Discover, Amex, Mastercard, Visa, in-store credit/gift card, debit, then cash).
  • Shipping fees: Not refundable unless the return is due to Menards’ error or a defective product.
  • Returns after 90 days: Only in-store credit is issued, not a refund to the original payment method.

“Menards is a great example of a family-owned business that has found tremendous success by sticking to its core values and principles.” – Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Mad Money.

Return Policy Full Breakdown

  • Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
  • Electronics, appliances, and gas-powered items have a 30-day return window.
  • Always keep your receipt or order confirmation for smoother returns.
  • Returns without a receipt may be eligible for in-store credit at the lowest price.
  • Custom, cut, clearance, and special order items are generally non-returnable.
  • Defective items should be reported within 3 days of receipt for online orders.
  • Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail (shipping fees apply).
  • A 25% restocking fee applies to some special order or opened items.
  • Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days.
  • Gift returns with a gift receipt are typically refunded as in-store credit.
  • A government-issued photo ID is required for returns without a receipt.
  • Items missing the original UPC can only be exchanged for an identical product.
  • Purchases made with in-store credit, coupons, or gift cards are refunded as in-store credit.
  • Items bought during rebate promotions require the rebate receipt for a full refund.
  • Always check item-specific return policies at the time of purchase.

Menards Return policy FAQs

Most items can be returned within 90 days, but some categories (like electronics and appliances) must be returned within 30 days.

Yes, most online purchases can be returned in-store, but acceptance is at the store manager’s discretion.

If you paid by credit card or check, you can print a Return Receipt at the kiosk or online. Otherwise, returns without a receipt may be accepted for in-store credit at the lowest price.

Yes, special order and some opened items may be subject to a 25% restocking fee.

Custom orders, cut materials, mixed paint, clearance/final sale items, and gift cards are not returnable.

Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as in-store credit, depending on the circumstances.

Returns after 90 days may be accepted for in-store credit only.

Yes, a driver’s license or state ID is required for no-receipt returns.

Report defects or damage within 3 days of receipt for online orders. Menards will provide instructions for return or exchange.

Shipping fees are not refunded unless the return is due to Menards’ error or a defective product.

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