Costco Return Policy
Return Ease Factor
Quick View!
Time: 90 Days
Fees: NONE!
Return Shipping: Free!
Customer Service: 1-800-955-2292
Return Verification: Yes!
Return Policy Guide
Return Policy Guide
Costco’s return policy is one of the best in the retail industry, offering customers a wide range of options for returning items. Here are 12 must-know facts about Costco’s return policy.
Costco does not charge any fees for returns. The company has a very generous return policy, and customers are generally able to return items for any reason within 90 days of purchase.
There are a few exceptions to this policy. For example, Costco does not accept returns for gift cards, food items that have been opened, prescription drugs, custom-made items, or items that the customer has damaged.
Costco also has a few restrictions on returns for certain types of items. For example, returns for electronics and major appliances must be made within 90 days of purchase.
12 Things to Know About Costco’s Return Policy
- Customers have a full 90 days to return most items.
- The policy applies to all Costco members, including those with basic memberships.
- There are no time limits for returning electronics, appliances, and tires.
- The policy also applies to items purchased online through Costco.com.
- Costco does not require a receipt for returns, but having one can help the process.
- Items must be in their original packaging and in good condition to be eligible for return.
- Custom-made items such as jewelry and custom-ordered furniture cannot be returned.
- Most items are eligible for a full refund, but some such as tires may be prorated.
- The policy applies to both in-store and online purchases.
- Costco may refuse a return if the item appears to have been excessively used.
- Defective or misdescribed items can be exchanged.
- Costco’s return policy is subject to change, so it’s always best to check with a store associate or online before making a purchase.
Costco has a Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
With few exceptions, Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Simply bring the product to any Costco warehouse and our Member Services Team will be happy to assist you*. It helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process your return.
How can I return an item purchased in a Costco Warehouse?
Please keep in mind that, in order to continue delivering the low prices you expect from Costco, some items do need to be returned within 90 days. View Costco’s Return Policy.
We also offer free technical support for TVs, computers, cameras, printers, and more—and that’s across their lifetime.
*Limitations apply. See the membership counter or Costco.com for details.
On Membership:
We will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you are dissatisfied.
On Merchandise:
We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price*, with the following exceptions:
- Electronics: Costco will accept returns within 90 days (from the date the member received the merchandise) for Televisions, Projectors, Major Appliances (refrigerators above ten cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range microwaves, dishwashers, water heaters, washers, and dryers), Computers, Touchscreen Tablets, Smart Watches, Cameras, Aerial Cameras (drones), Camcorders, MP3 players and Cellular Phones (return details will vary by carrier service contract).
- Our Costco Concierge Services representatives are available to assist with technical support and warranty information for many of the products above. You’ll find a list of eligible items here.
- Diamonds: 1.00ct 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.
- Cigarettes and alcohol: Costco does not accept returns on cigarettes or alcohol where prohibited by law.
- Products with a limited useful life expectancy, such as tires and batteries, may be sold with a product-specific limited warranty.
- Special Order Kiosk and Custom Installed Programs: Custom product(s) manufactured to our member’s personal and unique specifications cannot be returned or refunded, except for warranty repair/replacement due to failure to meet specifications.
How to Return an Item from Costco.
When it comes to returning products, Costco offers customers a few options:
- Items purchased at a Costco location must be returned at the returns counter of any Costco warehouse.
- For items ordered online, customers have the option of returning them at any Costco warehouse or initiating a return through Costco.com.
- Keep in mind that the accepted payment methods for returns may differ between online and in-store purchases, so it’s best to check with a store associate or Costco’s website for specific details.
*Limitations apply. See the membership counter or Costco.com for details.
Costco Online Return Policy.
You can return or replace your purchase through Costco.com for the following reasons:
- You no longer want the item
- You’re dissatisfied with the item
- You purchased it by mistake
- The item received is incorrect
- You received duplicate items
- You refused upon delivery due to damage to the item or box
- An item is missing (replacement only)
- The shipment is lost
Return or Replacement on Costco.com:
- Log into your account through Sign In / Register.
- Select Orders & Returns.
- Choose the Return Items button next to the appropriate order, and follow the prompts to complete your return or replacement request.
- Receive your return label immediately or schedule a pickup (where eligible). For large items, you’ll be sent an email with additional instructions.
Who Pays For The Shipping Back To Costco.com?
Costco pays for shipping for returns made online. Customers can return items to any Costco warehouse, even if they purchased the item online. However, if a customer chooses to ship an item back to Costco, Costco will cover the cost of shipping.
To return an item online, customers can initiate a return through the Costco website or app. Costco will provide the customer with a shipping label and instructions on how to return the item. Customers can then ship the item back to Costco using any carrier they choose.
Once Costco receives the returned item, the company will process the refund and issue the customer a credit to their Costco membership or a refund to their original payment method.
It is important to note that Costco does not pay for shipping for returns made in-store. Customers are responsible for paying for the cost of shipping any items that they return to a Costco warehouse.
Overall, Costco has a very generous return policy, including free shipping for online returns. This makes it very easy for customers to return items that they are not satisfied with.
What is the alcohol return policy at Costco?
Does Costco Use A Return Verification System?
Costco does not publicly disclose whether or not it uses a Return Verification system. However, the company likely uses some form of system to help ensure that returns are processed accurately and fairly.
One possible way that Costco could verify returns is by using its membership database. When a customer returns an item, Costco could check their membership history to see if they have a history of returning items. Costco may be more likely to flag the return for further review if the customer has a history of returning items.
Another possible way that Costco could verify returns is by using a barcode scanner. When a customer returns an item, Costco can scan its barcode to verify it is a genuine Costco product. Costco may be more likely to deny the return if the barcode is invalid.
Costco may also use other factors to verify returns, such as the condition of the item and the reason for the return. For example, Costco may be more likely to flag a return for further review if the item is damaged or if the customer is returning the item for a reason that is not covered by the company’s return policy.
Overall, Costco likely uses some form of Return Verification system to help ensure that returns are processed accurately and fairly. However, the company does not publicly disclose the specific details of its system.
It is important to note that Costco has a very generous return policy. The company accepts returns for most items for any reason within 90 days of purchase. As a result, it is unlikely that Costco’s Return Verification system is very strict. However, the system may be used to flag suspicious returns, or that appear to be fraudulent.
