When it comes to being able to take back something you’ve bought, it doesn’t get much better in the world of retail than Costco’s return policy.
The warehouse club has a near-legendary return policy that is so generous it is sometimes abused by customers. (Have you ever tried returning a dead Christmas tree in January? Costco will evidently take it.)
We know you’ve got questions — and we’ve got answers. Here’s what you need to know before you head to the store.
Costco Return Policy: Know Before You Go
The ground rule when it comes to Costco’s refund policy is that you can basically return anything, at any time, no questions asked — with a few exceptions.
The return policy applies to merchandise like computers, mattresses, TVs and even your membership. So, yes, in theory, you could cancel your membership and get a full refund on your annual dues if you’re not happy at any time.
Now, let’s take a deep dive into Costco’s return policy.
Table of Contents
- I Don’t Have My Receipt. Can I Still Return the Item?
- What Is the Costco Return Policy for Electronics and Appliances?
- What Is the Costco Diamond Return Policy?
- Can I Return Cigarettes and Alcohol?
- Special Considerations for Tires and Batteries
- Custom Products Can’t Be Returned
1. I Don’t Have My Receipt. Can I Still Return the Item?
Costco’s refund policy is very lenient when it comes to this common scenario.
“It helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process your return,” the warehouse club says online.
2. What Is the Costco Return Policy for Electronics and Appliances?
The Costco electronics return policy is a notable exception to the generous way the warehouse club handles returns.
Here’s a list of electronics and appliances that you can return only within 90 days after you receive the item:
- Televisions
- Projectors
- Computers
- Touchscreen Tablets
- Smart watches
- Cameras
- Aerial cameras (drones)
- Camcorders
- MP3 players
- Cellular phones (details vary by carrier contract)
- Refrigerators above 10 cu. ft.
- Freezers
- Ranges
- Cooktops
- Over-the-range microwaves
- Dishwashers
- Washers and dryers
- Range Hoods
- Water Heaters
Costco also has a special requirement when returning Apple products. It is required that you perform a factory reset and unlock the device.
3. What Is the Costco Diamond Return Policy?
Jewelry and diamonds less than 1.00 carat are eligible for refunds.
However, there is some important fine print to review if you’re returning a diamond that is 1.00 carat or larger:
“Members returning a diamond over 1.00ct must also present all original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) at which time they will receive a Jewelry Credit Memo. Within 48 hours, our Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect for authenticity.” Costco notes online.
So, if you are returning a large diamond, be prepared to wait on an inspection and then to receive a jewelry credit instead of a refund.
4. Can I Return Cigarettes and Alcohol?
The ability to return wine, beer and spirits varies by state law — same for cigarettes — so you should check with your local club for specifics.
5. Special Considerations for Tires and Batteries
Some items you buy with the understanding they won’t last forever. Case in point: tires and batteries.
Items like these “may be sold with a product-specific limited warranty,” according to Costco.
So does that mean you can’t return them? Not necessarily, but things get a little gray here.
It may depend on how persuasive you are face-to-face. As with all returns, it’s up to the manager to make a final decision about whether or not to accept your return.
This is particularly true with tires.
We’re not advocating that you buy tires from Costco, use them up and then return them to get your money back. Nor should you do that with batteries.
But the nice thing is that Costco has a consumer-friendly safeguard in place so it doesn’t have to come to that. Its five-year Road Hazard Warranty protects your wallet from treadwear damage and tire failure for 60 months after purchase.
Read more about buying tires at Costco.
6. Custom Products Can’t Be Returned
As a general rule, items purchased through special order kiosks or that are customized in some way can’t be returned.
For example, the Costco Photo Center offers a wide range of photo gifts. Beyond just custom cards, there are things like mugs, banners, calendars, throw rugs and more that you can put a picture on to personalize them.
Items like this can’t be returned.
Final Thoughts
Costco has a very customer-friendly return policy. But there are limits, so keep that in mind and check out the website before you head to the store to make a return.
Should a dispute arise when you try to return something, remember that all returns are processed at the manager’s discretion. And understand that, if you try to abuse the policy, it could lead to your membership being canceled.
Have you found it easy to make returns at Costco? Let us know about your experience in our Clark.com Community!
