Costco Return Policy Explained!

Costco members are famous for their enthusiasm about the store, which sometimes leads to buying a bit more than intended or picking up the wrong items. Fortunately, Costco’s return policy is exceptionally accommodating. It’s straightforward and hassle-free, so returning items should be a breeze.

If you’re not familiar with their policy, keep reading. To make your shopping experience smoother, we’ve put together a straightforward guide based on the information available on Costco’s website.

❓ Tip: did you know the 7 secrets to Costco prices?

Costco Return Policy

First things first – Costco offers a membership with a risk-free, 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at any point you’re not happy, Costco will cancel your membership and refund the fee. Naturally, you’ll forfeit any rewards you’ve accumulated, which is especially significant if you have an Executive membership that earns 2% back on all purchases.

Keep in mind that canceling your Costco membership will also result in the cancellation of your Costco credit card.

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Regarding merchandise, nearly everything Costco sells is eligible for return for a full refund, with only a few exceptions mentioned below.

For in-store purchases, you’ll need to return the item to a physical Costco location. Simply head to the returns counter. You can return items you buy online either in-store at any Costco or through Costco.com.

Costco’s return policy doesn’t specify a time limit for returns. While return windows vary depending on the item, most non-electronics don’t have a specific return period. This is confirmed by Costco representatives!

Keep in mind that certain restrictions and exclusions may apply, so it’s a good idea to check with your local membership counter if you have any questions.

Costco Electronics Return Policy

You can return electronics within 90 days of receiving your item. This policy covers major appliances, televisions, projectors, computers, touchscreen tablets, smartwatches, cameras, drones, camcorders, and MP3 players. It also includes cell phone returns, though the specific terms may vary depending on your carrier.

Costco Food Return Policy

This part is awesome – you can return unopened or partially opened food to Costco and still receive a full refund, even if you’ve already eaten some of it. It’s a general recommendation to return food promptly and with at least half of the product remaining. Whether it’s a Costco-prepared meal or any other food item, they got you covered!

Costco Clothes Return Policy

You can return clothing from Costco at the store where you bought them. If you purchased the clothing online, you have the option to return it either in-store or through Costco.com. The return policy doesn’t specify a time limit, so you can likely return clothes at any time. While having your receipt is helpful, Costco’s website indicates that it may not be a requirement to complete the return.

Costco Furniture Return Policy

Similar to other Costco products, you can return furniture at any time if you’re dissatisfied with the item. Additionally, if you bought the furniture online and had it delivered, you can start the return process online and, where eligible, arrange for Costco to pick up the item from your location. Cool right?

Costco Mattress Return Policy

Now check this out – you can return a mattress to Costco at any time, as long as it’s in reasonable condition! Although you might get a few odd looks for returning a lightly used mattress, the store will still accept it. I even heard of one couple who recently returned a mattress two full years after buying it!

If you think you might need to return a mattress, it’s a good idea to purchase it online. This way, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of bringing it back to the store, as there’s a rumor that Costco offers home pickup for returns!

Costco Jewelry Return Policy

Jewelry is an exception to Costco’s standard return policy. For diamond items of 1.00ct or larger, you can receive credit upon return, provided you also submit all original paperwork. A Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect the jewelry within 48 hours to confirm its condition.

Costume jewelry and other items, however, follow the regular return policy and can be returned for a full refund, with no specified time limit.

Exceptions to Costco Return Policy

• In some states, you cannot return cigarettes and alcohol. Local laws may restrict these returns, so it’s best to check before making a purchase.
• Products with a limited useful life, such as batteries and tires, may come with specific warranties tailored to them.
• Custom or personalized products cannot be returned or refunded unless they are defective or were made incorrectly.
• Other items that are non-returnable at Costco include airline tickets, live performance event tickets, gold bullion, gold bars, and shop cards.

Costco Price Adjustment Policy

Costco sometimes reduces prices on items after you’ve made a purchase. If you notice a price drop within 30 days, bring your receipt back to the store, and they’ll gladly refund you the difference under their price adjustment policy. This is a great deal, especially for expensive things!

However, there’s a catch. Costco will only adjust in-store prices to match other in-store prices and online prices to match other online prices. This is because in-store prices are generally lower than online prices to account for shipping and handling fees.

Check out the full list of Stores That Offer Price Adjustment!

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