If you have ever tried to return an item to an Ace Hardware or asked a cashier to price match a tool you found online, you might have been met with a surprising “No.”

Why? Because unlike massive corporate big-box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, almost all Ace Hardware locations are independently owned and operated franchises. They are local small businesses operating under the Ace name. Because of this unique business model, the rules change drastically from store to store.

Below, we break down exactly how the Ace Hardware return policy works, the truth about their price matching, and the absolute best way to guarantee you are getting the lowest price on tools and gear.

1. The Ace Hardware Return Policy

While local owners have some leeway, Ace Hardware does have a corporate baseline for returns, especially for items purchased online at AceHardware.com.

The Standard 30-Day Rule

Generally, Ace Hardware allows returns within 30 days of purchase. The item must be in its original packaging, unused, and you must have the original receipt. If you meet these conditions, you will receive a full refund to your original form of payment.

Can I return an item to a different Ace Hardware store?

This is the most common point of confusion. If you buy a hammer at “Bob’s Ace Hardware” on the east side of town, can you return it to “Smith’s Ace Hardware” on the west side of town? Usually, no. Because Bob and Smith are different small business owners, Smith does not want to take the financial loss for a return on an item he didn’t sell you. Always try to return the item to the exact location where you purchased it.

Online Returns (AceHardware.com)

If you buy an item online and have it shipped to your home, you have 30 days to return it. You can return it by mail (contacting Ace customer service for a label) or return it to a local store. However, call your local store first. While corporate encourages local stores to accept online returns, some independent owners may still refuse large or clearance items.

Gas-Powered Equipment

Just like Acme Tools, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, Ace Hardware has strict rules on gas-powered outdoor equipment (mowers, chainsaws, trimmers). Once you put gas or oil in the machine, it cannot be returned to the store. If it is defective, it must be taken to an authorized warranty service center for repair.

2. Does Ace Hardware Price Match?

The short answer is: Usually, no.

Shoppers frequently search Google to find out if Ace Hardware will price match Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, or Amazon. Because Ace locations are locally owned franchises with different overhead costs than big-box mega-stores, corporate Ace Hardware does not have a nationwide price match guarantee.

In fact, many local Ace stores won’t even price match AceHardware.com. If you see a DeWalt drill on clearance on the national Ace website, the local store is under no obligation to honor that price in-store.

3. How to Actually Get the Best Price at Ace

Since you can’t rely on cashiers to price match competitors, the absolute best way to save money is to track the corporate AceHardware.com website for unadvertised clearance sales and flash price drops.

We built custom, automated trackers that scan the entire Ace catalog daily to find the hidden gems. Instead of wasting gas driving store-to-store hoping for a deal, use our free tools:

Disclaimer: Return policies and price match guarantees are subject to change. Because Ace Hardware locations are independently owned and operated, final decisions on returns, exchanges, and pricing are at the sole discretion of the local store manager or owner. Always retain your original paper or digital receipt to make the return process as smooth as possible.