How to Save at Home Depot ( + How to Spot a Home Depot Sale)

How to Save at Home Depot ( + How to Spot a Home Depot Sale)

When shopping at Home Depot …  things are a-changin’ and a change in decor or changes in the outdoor landscape of our home and these changes are always very welcome. 🙂  Knowing how to save at Home Depot is important, as there’s nothing more frustrating than paying full price, right? Being knowledgeable in how to spot a Home Depot sale is of utmost importance so let’s talk about that as well, shall we?

1. Get a Home Depot Price Match + 10% Discount! 

Home Depot price matching policy

Did you know that the Home Depot price matching policy is kickin’ with awesomeness? You see, Home Depot will not only match the price of their competitors (think Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Sears) but they’re even going to beat that price by 10%. The item must be identical and in-stock at both locations, but this is generally not a problem for everyday items. You can see the policy over on the Home Depot Sale page.

2. Take Advantage of Price Protection

If you buy something from Home Depot and the price goes down within 30 days, simply head back in with your receipt and get the difference. A great way to save bis is if you make a big ticket purchase, add a reminder to your calendar and check the price for the next 30 days. Home Depot usually has sales around Holidays, so buy around then if possible to get the best deals.

3. Buy Discounted Gift Cards to Save 10-20% Off the Initial Purchase

Bog box stores rarely ever offer large discounts that we see at clothing stores, for example. So, saving 10% is a pretty big deal. A little known way to save at Home Depot is to buy discounted gift cards ahead of time and use that as your payment method. Using a gift card is just like paying cash, so you’re going to be able to shop sales and use coupons in conjunction with using your gift card that you got on sale.

Raise.com is a great, secure place to find Home Depot gift cards on sale.

4. Score a Rebate

Before heading out to your local Home Depot, search the Online Home Depot Rebate Center first. Rebates are very popular at the big box home stores and are a great way to spend less on items. Even those that offer your store credit to use in store are worth sending in, giving you a huge return on your investment.

5. Watch the Price Tag

Paying attention to the price tag on the Home Depot items can save big bucks. If the item ends in $0.06 then it will be lowered again in six weeks. But, if the item ends in $0.03 then it is at its lowest price – so you’re going to get it at the lowest it will be when buying new.

6. Look for Damaged Packaging

This is a rule of thumb for anywhere that you’re shopping … A damaged package means nothing about the inside of the package – always double inspect to be sure – but generally speaking, you’ll save some real bucks by purchasing an item that has a tear in the box, or a tear in the plastic packaging.  There’s usually an endcap with these items on it – take a peak-see, you never know what you’ll find!

7. Buy Paint and Other Home Improvement Items on a Holiday Weekend

The paint department will tell you that this is the time to buy and save the most money. The long weekends between the months of April and October are the times that everyone is ready to paint, fix up and ready their homes to hunker down for ‘ol man winter. So, we’re thinking Memorial Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day – Most times you’ll find that paint will be $5 off per gallon and $25 off for a 5-gallon bucket – and every little bit of savings adds up. Sometimes you’ll have to mail-in a rebate to get the discount and sometimes you’ll get it when you checkout – just don’t forget to send in that rebate! 🙂

8. Haggle on Clearance Items

OK. I get that Home Depot is not a garage sale. But I will be the first one to tell you that you can haggle a bit with Home Depot employees. I’ve personally saved 15% off the clearance price on a grill at the end of the season. It rocked!

9. Keep an Eye on the Home Depot Daily Deal

The Home Depot daily deal is usually something really great with some nice prices as well. Bookmark this page to have the Home Depot Daily deal ready to easily access.

10. Shop at the End of the Season

And, as I say this, I’m also speaking out of the other side of my mouth saying to shop at the beginning of the season as well. Bookending the popular seasons is when the big sales usually happen. So, buy your mulch during the Home Depot $2 mulch sale at the beginning of April, for example.  🙂