10 Lowe’s Shopping Secrets All DIYers Should Know About

Home improvement projects can be costly, but there are ways to save. For instance, did you know Lowe’s offers 10 percent off eligible purchases every day to active military personnel and veterans? Or that you can save big at the paint counter by purchasing misfit colors? When you head to Lowe’s armed with money-saving tricks like these, you can save on gardening supplies, new appliances, and tools as well as everyday essentials like cleaning products. Read on for 10 more shopping secrets all DIYers should know about when they stop by Lowe’s.

Every day, Lowe’s offers a Deal of the Day, and you’ll never know what you’ll find. For example, on the day this article was written, the Deal of the Day offered savings of up to $150 on select Briggs & Stratton snowblowers while supplies last. No matter what you’re in the market for, it pays to check out the day’s deal. You can also sign up to have the Deal of the Day emailed to you every day.

Be sure to check for items that offer rebates. Rebates generally accompany big-ticket items, such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, and other appliances, but they can also be found on paint and other goods. Don’t see a rebate sign? Ask an employee or check the 
rebate section on the Lowe’s website

.

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As you walk the aisles at Lowe’s, look for yellow price tags. If you see “Clearance” on a yellow tag, you’ve found a permanent markdown—an item that the store really wants to move out—so it’s a great time to buy. You’ll find these yellow tags on many items, from cleaning products to tile to gardening supplies.

If you’re shopping for an appliance, check to see if there are any in an open box. If so, ask an employee if you can get a discount. An appliance in an open box may have been returned or used as a floor model, so before you purchase it, you should give it a good once-over to check for scratches, dents, or missing parts. But if it passes your inspection, this is a great way to get a new appliance for less.

If you find a good deal at a competing retailer, you can use Lowe’s price match guarantee. According to the Lowe’s website: “If you find a lower price on an identical item at a local or online retail competitor (including shipping and handling fees), just bring us the competitor’s current ad or show a printout, photo, smartphone display, or app, and we’ll match their price.” The price match policy doesn’t apply to certain brands; installation labor; closeout, discontinued, clearance, refurbished, used, or damaged items; or credit/finance terms. Lowe’s will not match delivery fees on items purchased at any local competitor’s store or store’s website.

For those planning a major DIY kitchen renovation or a new deck, Lowe’s offers free computer project design. Just visit your local store, or schedule a consultation with a project specialist ahead of time, and one of the experienced technicians will produce computer designs for your new kitchen or deck.

At Lowe’s, gardeners can save big on plants. Not only does the store offer a one-year return policy on plants (you’ll need your receipt), but you can also sometimes find “rescue plants” marked down. These plants may need some TLC to restore them to health, but depending on what you’re looking for and the level of your gardening skill, it may be worth a try.

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You’ll save yourself money as well as time and potential headaches if you use Lowe’s paint color matching service to find that perfect hue. Just bring in a sample of the fabric, carpet, or flooring you’re trying to match, and a Lowe’s associate will locate or create the appropriate paint color in just seconds, free of charge. 

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Lowe’s offers free delivery of qualifying major appliances. For refrigerators, freezers, ranges, and electric washers and dryers, this service includes connection of the appliance to the existing water supply, drain, or external dryer exhaust if you also purchase new connections from Lowe’s. Installation of most other appliances will cost you extra.

If you shop at Lowe’s regularly or are thinking of tackling a big home improvement project, you may want to consider taking advantage of the 5 percent savings you’ll get if you use the Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card. Depending on when you open an account, you may be offered other deals, such as 20 percent off your first purchase, or special deals on appliances.

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