We’ve all been there: You’re staring down the end of a home improvement project and wondering how the bill got so high. You thought you’d calculated all of the costs, but of course, it turned out to be more. And the rising cost of inflation means you’re seeing that price increase not just at home stores but everywhere.
That’s why we want to help you save as much money as possible. If you like to buy your home materials from Lowe’s, you’ll want to read this list and follow our tips.
How to Save Money at Lowe’s
In 2019, Lowe’s changed their slogan to: “Do it right for less. Start at Lowe’s.” So let’s help you do it for even less.
1. Be Aware of Current Promotions
Lowe’s has a savings section of its website that shares the latest deals. If you’re looking for something specific, make sure to browse by category, like tools, flooring or building supplies. You can also flip through the weekly sales ad—online, of course—and make sure to check out what’s on clearance. You can even sort by price. And don’t forget the Daily Deals.
When you’re in the store, keep your eye out for yellow tags that indicate marked-down prices. But know that there is a method to these tags: yellow tags that say “new lower price” are only marked down for 60 days while yellow tags bearing the “clearance” name are marked down permanently.
2. Download the Lowe’s App
Whether on iPhone or Android, download the Lowe’s app for free from Google Play or the App Store. With the app, you can compare prices, check availability, read product reviews, watch DIY videos and more.
3. Sign Up to Receive Lowe’s Emails
You know that your email can be the key to the best deals. Well, signing up for Lowe’s emails is no exception. In fact, you’ll find exclusive offers and sales promotions in your email, plus the weekly ad, DIY tips and sneak peeks of upcoming in-store events. Register for emails by putting your email in the window at the bottom of the Lowe’s homepage. You can also sign up for mobile alerts for savings opportunities.
4. Sign Up for a MyLowe’s account.
You may not benefit from direct savings from your MyLowe’s account, but you’ll be able to keep track of past purchases with this tool. Having that knowledge comes in handy when you’re shopping for replacement tiles or the same shade of paint you bought two years ago.
5. Use the Price Promise
If you find a current lower price on an identical, in-stock item at Lowe’s from another local store, they will match that price at time of purchase. You’ll have to bring the ad, printout or photo and show it to an associate, so they can ensure the price is correct. If so, you’re set.
For online purchases, the promise is much the same, although the competitor must ship to your location. If they do, just call 1-877-465-6937 and Lowe’s will confirm your find. Don’t forget to factor in shipping or delivery. And be sure to check the website for specific exclusions.
6. Take Advantage of Free Shipping and Delivery
No one wants to see their price at the online checkout and then realize shipping is tacked on top of that. Lowe’s customers get free standard shipping on qualifying orders of $45 or more. MyLowe’s members can even get free 1-4 business day shipping. Note that there are certain qualifications, like that the item must weigh less than 150 pounds and doesn’t apply to special order items. The store also offers free delivery of certain appliances, like washers, dryers and electric ranges.
7. Use Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card to Save 5% off Everyday Purchases
If you buy something over $299, you may be eligible for six months of no-interest financing. With your first purchase, you may even be entitled to 20% off once you open and use a new account. There’s also low-interest financing for orders over $2,000. Lowe’s has a payment calculator so credit card holders can figure out their monthly payments.
8. Take Advantage of Lowe’s Military Discount
Active military personnel and retired veterans can save 10% off eligible purchases every day. Before getting the discount, you’ll have to verify your status as a military service member or spouse through ID.me. Another bonus: Lowe’s has four specially designated priority parking spaces for vets at every store.
9. Purchase a Discounted Gift Card
Sites like Raise, CardCookie and Gift Card Granny sell Lowe’s gift cards for slightly less than the card’s value — meaning more savings for you. Think paying $22 for a $25 gift card—you’ll love the extra money you get in return.
10. Check for Rebate Offers
Remember rebates? They may seem like a thing of the past, but they can be a very useful way to get cash back. Visit Lowe’s online rebate center to see if a recent purchase or an item you’re considering buying comes with a rebate. For example, at this moment, you could save $350 on the Samsung four-piece kitchen-suite, $200 on a Whirlpool four-piece suite or $200 on a four-piece Frigidaire suite. You can submit your rebate online and check the status of when you can expect your money to arrive. You can also search all rebate offers here.
11. Use Coupons and Promo Codes from Sites like RetailMeNot, CouponCabin or Groupon
While some report that Lowe’s will take coupons from competitors, it seems that, on the whole, the store does not. You also might find coupons for Lowe’s in the moving package when you change your address at the post office.
12. Know the Right Time to Shop
We hesitate to say plan your calendar around the sales, but if you have a big purchase you need to make, it’s best to go to Lowe’s when you know there will be discounts. You’ll find major sales around Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, July 4, Labor Day, Black Friday and the holidays. A few times a year, the retailer holds special sidewalk sales where you can find substantial deals. If you’re shopping for a specific item — like tools, a grill or patio furniture — our guide on the best time of year to buy anything can help.
13. Ask for a Lower Price for Damaged or Used Goods
Put your haggling skills to use to negotiate deals for a floor model or items that may be slightly damaged or worn. Lowe’s will often discount paint that was returned from another customer or scraps of lumber left over from cutting a piece for someone else. You may also find deals on wilting plants that need a bit of reviving. Associates can negotiate up to 10-20% off each item, according to SlickDeals, so it’s worth a try.
14. Exchange Dying Plants for New Ones
Yes, even plants can be returned. Lowe’s has a one-year replacement or refund policy for any tree, shrub or perennial purchased there. Just make sure to keep your receipt. Other types of plants fall under the store’s normal 90-day return policy.
15. Learn DIY Skills for Free
One way to save money on a project is to do it yourself. Check out Lowe’s How-To Library to learn how to tackle small projects so you don’t have to pay a professional for the cost of labor. Get detailed instructions on how to install a shower door or clean a dishwasher. The store also shares gardening tips if you don’t have room in your budget for a landscaper. We want to know how to build a retaining wall! You can also watch Lowe’s YouTube channel where new DIY videos are regularly posted.
16. Occupy the Kids with a Free Craft Project
Children can participate in free crafts projects through Lowe’s DIY-U Program. DIY-U workshops by Lowe’s teach children project-based DIY skills and offer a sweet incentive for parents: get a $10 coupon on your next $75 purchase for attending a workshop. Attend workshops in-store or via livestream online.
17. Shop Like a Contractor
Get the contractor discount even if you’re not a contractor. Lowe’s has special deals for contractors who buy materials and supplies in bulk as part of the MVPs Pro Rewards program. The rewards program works through tiers based on how much you spend per year. If you spend between $2,500 and $9,999, you can earn 1% of your purchases on a Lowe’s e-gift card. You can also get a free drink or snack coupon each month. Spend more than $10,000 and earn 1.25% in e-gift cards. More than $25,000? Earn 1.5%.
You can also buy in bulk and find savings through contractor packs and volume discount pricing. Read more here to find out how they work.
18. Get Free Design Advice
If you need advice for your remodel, get assistance from store technicians at the service desk or use the Lowe’s Kitchen Planner designer tool. Take the style quiz, calculate an estimate and work with the store’s free consultation service to make your dream space come to life.
19. Work for Lowe’s
If you’re a Lowe’s employee, you can get up to $2,500 to become certified in a trade (such as carpentry or plumbing) as a part of the company’s Track to the Trades program.
Nicole Dow was a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Writer Elizabeth Djinis is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, often writing about selling goods online through social platforms. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Smithsonian Magazine and the Tampa Bay Times.
