Lowe's is likely on your list of shopping destinations if you're starting a home improvement project or doing some decorating. Lowe's stocks everything a budding DIY expert could want, often offering impressive discounts and sales.
But for the uninitiated, it's easy to overspend at Lowe's and end up more out of pocket than you might expect.
Here are 10 mistakes that are easy to make at Lowe's, along with ways to avoid wasting money.
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Forgetting to check prices elsewhere
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Wherever you're shopping, you must shop around before committing. Lowe's in particular offers its "Lowest Price Guarantee" policy. This means that if you find the product you're after at a lower price elsewhere, Lowe's will match that price, whether it's online or in a store.
There are some exclusions, including custom products, professional services, and membership-based wholesale pricing. They also won't price-match things sold online from third-party vendors. Be sure to carefully read their policy before asking for the match.
Believing that you're a DIY expert
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Many people watch some of their favorite episodes on HGTV and believe they can perform any task with just a few pieces of wood and a hammer. However, it's never as easy as it looks. A common trap is overspending by buying too much of a material, such as a surplus of screws or an excess of paint.
Plan your project carefully so you only buy what you need and save a few dollars for a well-deserved treat once you've finished your project.
Buying all your household items at Lowe's
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Lowe's has some impressive discounts, but not on every item. Cleaning products, for example, are often cheaper at other stores. You can get a twin pack of Clorox bleach for $6.98 at Lowe's, but an identical pack from Walmart costs just $4.98. Depending on the length of your list, these tiny differences can add up quickly.
Check prices at your usual stores to ensure you're not overspending on everyday products.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
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Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Thinking you can wing it without a list
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While browsing Lowe's can be fun, it's generally not productive unless you know what you're looking for. There are so many items in the store that it's easy to get distracted and make one or two impulse buys.
Before heading out to the store, write down exactly what you need, set a budget, and limit yourself to only what's on the list.
Forgetting to claim rebates
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For those unfamiliar, a rebate is an incentive offered to someone who purchased an item (usually a refund of some sort). Rebate amounts vary based on your purchase, but they're worth taking advantage of, especially for big-ticket items like appliances.
Lowe's has a designated "Rebate Center" on their site where you can submit your rebate, check your rebate status, and find current rebate offers.
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Not using discounts or promo codes
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Always keep an eye out for promo codes, whether they appear in your inbox or through direct mail. Lowe's also offers various ongoing discounts, including its military discount for active-duty service members and veterans.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Forgetting about the Back Aisle
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The Back Aisle is Lowe's clearance area on both its website and in-store. At a physical location, it's updated regularly with daily and weekly deals and includes clearance bins for particularly outstanding deals.
Be sure to check these items for damage and verify whether they've passed their expiration dates, when applicable, to ensure you're making a good investment, though. Minor damage is sometimes why items end up here.
Not looking up seasonal sale offers
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Most retailers offer big sales around specific holidays, and Lowe's is no different. Popular weekends to find big discounts include Black Friday, the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day.
Savvy shoppers tend to hold off on big purchases, such as appliances, until these holidays roll around, as they can usually score a great deal along with added bonuses like free installation.
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Quick tips: How to cut costs on your utility bills
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Many people overlook their monthly utility expenses as fixed costs. But with small changes, you can see immediate drop in your bills. Here are some tips:
- Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures
- Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than incandescent
- Wash clothes in cold water and hang items to dry
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degree Fahrenheit
Don't waste money. Remember that every dollar saved on a monthly bill turns into $12 annually.
Forgetting to join MyLowe's Rewards
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You also want to join the MyLowe's Rewards program to maximize your purchases. You earn points with each eligible purchase, and 500 points is $5 of MyLowe's Money. Members move through Bronze, Silver, and Gold Key reward membership statuses that each offer their own unique benefits.
To join and make money moves, simply create an account online using your email address or download the Lowe's app on your phone.
Assuming what's online will be available in store
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Another mistake shoppers can make at Lowe's is believing everything they see online is available in store. Lowe's has a larger selection of items online because some are shipped rather than being carried at a physical location.
If you want to make sure what you're looking for is available in store, be sure to filter using the "Pickup Today" option and choose your local store.
Bottom line
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If you want to save money shopping at Lowe's, it's easier than you think. You just need to know what you're looking for and what sets the home store apart from its competitors.
Lowe's also offers discounts for bulk buys, so depending on your project, be sure to consider this as an alternative to take advantage of significant savings.
A home improvement project is a great way to add additional value to your home. You just want to make sure you don't make costly mistakes when sourcing supplies.
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