Shopping at Acme Tools is generally a great experience, but their return policy has a few “traps” that can catch new buyers off guard—specifically the 15% restocking fee. This guide breaks down the fine print of Acme’s Return, Warranty, and Shipping policies so you know exactly what to expect before you buy.

1. The Return Policy (And The 15% Fee)

Acme Tools offers a standard 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. You can return most items within 30 days of receipt for a refund or exchange. However, there are two major caveats you need to know.

The Restocking Fee Trap

If you return an item simply because you changed your mind, ordered the wrong part, or didn’t like it, Acme Tools reserves the right to charge a 15% Restocking Fee. On a $300 tool, that means you lose $45 just to return it.

How to avoid the fee: The restocking fee is typically waived if the return is due to:

• A defective product.
• Shipping damage (Must be reported within 24 hours).
• Acme sending the wrong item.

The “Gas & Oil” Rule

Like almost all power equipment retailers, Acme cannot accept returns on gas-powered equipment once it has been fueled. This includes chainsaws, generators, and lawn mowers. Once you put gas in it, it is yours. If it breaks, you must take it to an authorized service center for warranty repair.

Source: Official Acme Tools Return Policy

2. Warranty Information

Acme Tools is an Authorized Retailer for every brand they sell (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, EGO, etc.). This is crucial because it means your full Manufacturer Warranty is valid.

Defective Items (First 30 Days)

If a tool dies within the first 30 days, do not contact the manufacturer. Contact Acme Tools immediately. They will typically issue a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and exchange it for a new unit without charging you shipping.

Defective Items (After 30 Days)

After 30 days, you fall under the manufacturer’s warranty. You will need to take the tool to a local service center. Because you bought from an Authorized Dealer, your receipt from Acme is your proof of purchase.

3. Shipping Rates & Oversized Freight

Acme Tools has strict shipping tiers based on order value and weight. While many items ship free, “hidden” handling fees can apply to large items regardless of price.

Standard Ground Rates

• Orders $199 or More: FREE Standard Shipping (48 contiguous states).
• Orders Under $199: $6.49 Flat Rate.

⚠️ The “Oversized” Handling Fee

Be careful with long or irregular items (like long levels, shovels, or certain power equipment). Acme charges a per-item Handling Fee for these products due to carrier surcharges.

Important: This fee applies even if your order qualifies for Free Shipping. It is calculated at checkout and is separate from standard freight charges.

Freight & Lift Gate Rules (Orders Over 150 lbs)

Items weighing more than 150 lbs (large air compressors, table saws, tool chests) ship via LTL Freight (e.g., ABF, Old Dominion). Standard free shipping only gets the item to the back of the truck.

• Lift Gate Service ($75.00): If you do not have a forklift or loading dock, you must pay for “Lift Gate Service” to have the driver lower the item to the ground.
• The 1,500 lb Limit: Lift gate service is only available for items under 1,500 lbs. If you buy heavy machinery over this limit, you must provide a forklift or telehandler for offloading.