You’re heading to Home Depot for a project, and the bill is stacking up fast. Sound familiar? Most people think the only way to save is to wait for a sale, but there are smarter ways to get a better price.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Home Depot, and I’ve found a few tricks that go way beyond just looking for a sale. From unlocking special pricing to finding hidden discounts, here are eight ways I’ve learned to save serious money.
1. Get a Pro Xtra Account (You Don’t Need to Be a Pro)
This is the easiest way to start saving. The Pro Xtra account is free and you can sign up online with any name—you don’t need an official business. It unlocks special “Pro” pricing on certain items and lets you access project pricing if you’re buying a few items at once. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot.
2. Check the “Special Buy of the Week”
Every week, Home Depot features limited-time promotions on popular products. These are not fake markdowns; they’re genuine discounts designed to drive foot traffic. Keep an eye on the website or the flyers for these deals, especially on tools or appliances you’ve been waiting to buy.
3. Hunt for Yellow Tag Clearance
When you’re in the store, look for yellow clearance tags. You’ll often find these on end caps, in the tool cages, or on return racks. These are typically open-box items or returned products that are marked down significantly. If you find something you like, don’t be afraid to ask an associate, “Can you do any better on this?” The worst they can say is no.
4. Take Advantage of Price Match + 10%
Home Depot has one of the best price-matching policies. If you find the exact same model number cheaper at another Canadian retailer (including Amazon.ca), Home Depot won’t just match it—they’ll beat it by 10%. This is a great way to get an instant discount on tools or materials that are on sale somewhere else.
5. Ask for “Project Pricing”
If you’re buying more than three of the same item or have a decent-sized haul for a project, go to the Pro Desk and ask for project pricing. They can often give you an additional 5-15% off the total. This works especially well for things like lumber, drywall, or tile.
6. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Before you even step into the store, you can save money by buying discounted Home Depot gift cards. Websites like CardSwap or even local Facebook Marketplace groups often sell them for 5-10% off their face value. It’s an easy way to get an extra discount on your entire purchase.
7. Look for “Buy X, Get Y Free” Promos
Home Depot frequently runs these types of promotions, especially on power tools. For example, they might have a deal where if you “Buy a Milwaukee kit, you get a free tool.” You can use the tool for your project or, as some people do, sell the freebie to make your original purchase much cheaper.
8. Time Your Purchases with Seasonal Sales
Home Depot has predictable sales cycles that are worth waiting for. The best times to buy are during Spring tool events, Father’s Day, Black Friday, and Boxing Day. If you can, hold off on a major purchase until one of these events. The savings can be substantial.
These tips can help you save a few bucks or a few hundred. The next time you head to Home Depot, you’ll be able to shop smarter, not harder.
