Ace Hardware allows 30 days for most returns, but seasonal items, plants, custom-mixed paint, and fueled power equipment all have their own shorter windows or exclusions — and because Ace is a cooperative of independently owned stores, exact enforcement can vary by location.
Because Ace Is a Cooperative, Policy Enforcement Can Vary
As covered in Ace Hardware's holiday hours article, more than 96% of Ace stores are independently owned by local operators rather than run by a single corporate parent. The general return rules below are consistent across the co-op, but individual store owners have some latitude in how strictly they're applied — worth keeping in mind if a return doesn't go exactly as expected.
| Standard return window |
30 days, for most items purchased in-store or online, with receipt/order confirmation or the card used |
| Seasonal items (holiday decor, seasonal tools) |
14 days |
| Plants |
7 days, with receipt |
| Custom-mixed / tinted paint |
Not returnable |
| Outdoor power equipment (mowers, chainsaws, etc.) |
Not returnable once fuel or oil has been added, even if later drained |
| Custom and special orders |
May not be eligible for return, or may carry a restocking fee |
| Not returnable |
Gift cards; trading cards (all sales final) |
| Without a receipt |
May still be processed with slower verification, often resulting in store credit |
Because each Ace Hardware is independently owned, exact enforcement of these rules can differ slightly from store to store. Ask at your local Ace before assuming a return will be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you have to return something to Ace Hardware?
30 days for most items, though seasonal items are limited to 14 days and plants to 7 days.
Can I return power equipment to Ace Hardware after adding fuel?
No. Once fuel or oil has been added to outdoor power equipment like mowers or chainsaws, it's not returnable, even if drained.
Can I return custom-mixed paint to Ace Hardware?
No. Custom-mixed or tinted paint is not returnable.
Why might my local Ace Hardware handle a return differently than another one?
Ace Hardware is a cooperative of independently owned stores, so individual owners have some latitude in how strictly return rules are applied.
