Home Depot
Driver license demanded to return plant bought with gift card

This incident happened earlier today at the South Brunswick (US Highway 1) New Jersey Home Depot location.

I returned an Azalea plant which was purchased on May 14th (just 2 weeks ago) with my receipt in hand. There was no problem in returning the item EXCEPT when I was asked for my driver license!

When I refused, I was told it was company policy because my purchase was done with a gift card. If I had made my purchase using cash or a credit card, no ID or driver license would be needed. This does not make sense. I asked for the store manager, who said nothing could be done. So it was either give my information or walk out of the store. Remember, I had my receipt from the same store.

I then contacted Home Depot Customer Service, where "Allison" confirmed the same. She said she would file a formal complaint on my behalf but offered nothing else. I doubt this will go anywhere.

In review: with a cash purchase receipt or a credit card purchase receipt, no questions asked and no need for any ID. But with a gift card purchase receipt, you must give your driver license, and Home Depot will record your information before you get your store credit.

So much for Home Depot. I guess I will use Lowe's, which is closer. After all, the only reason I used Home Depot was because of AMEX gift cards.

Company: Home Depot
Country: USA

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