You are advised not to bring in the receipt into the HD when doing the return. What I did was buy something from the garden area separately from the required items. I went outside, put the plant in the car, did some texting in order to wait the 10 minutes, and then returned to the HD saying that my husband called to say he couldn't wait for me to shop for the items on his shopping list and try to return the items without the receipt. This is the part to note how they handle the return and why you need to use your credit or debit card. First I handed the customer service lady the wrong receipt (the one for the plant) and looked flustered when she asked for the receipt for the $200 worth of items I bought. What she did was look up my purchase by using my card number and the return was done. If they insist on the receipt, then go back to the car to "find it" and do the return. Make sure you are getting the return back onto the card and not getting store merchandise credit. AND watch the associate to see if she looks into the drill box to make sure you are turning an item that belongs in that box.
I just read everyone's post and I do another HD next week at a different location. Thanks for the inside scoop. I'll use a different card than what I used last time,,,,,,in fact, I might use my husband's issued credit card so my name isn't listed again in the system. Yes, having to count what is left on the shelf is a pain, but even more is taking the pictures of each bay without looking suspicious. When an associate asked why I was taking a pic I said, "my husband wanted to see which section had the items so he'll know where to go if he needs to come in for more". The guy even moved aside a box blocking the full view, I thanked him and he walked away. My poor husband is my catch all excuse.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/02/2019 05:14AM by MSpalter.