Last Updated on February 5, 2022 by Laura Ritterman
Costco has a very forgiving return policy. From memberships to used products, they will take almost everything back, and give you a full refund. Most of their items don’t even have a return window on when you have to take them back.
However, some items can’t be returned at all, and some have their own rules. Keep reading to learn the answers to some frequently asked questions and the specifics of Costco’s return and exchange policies.
Table of Contents
What is Costco’s return policy?
Costco is pretty open about accepting returns. They’ll even give you a return for their membership if you are dissatisfied. Also, they will accept returns for almost any reason. This includes changing your mind, missing items, mistake purchases, and lost shipments. Most of their items can even be returned at any point, with no return windows.
| Return Policy | 90 Days |
| Exchange Policy | 90 Days |
| Return Method | In Store or by mail |
| Refund Method | Original form of payment |
| Membership | Can be refunded at any time |
| Electronics | Can return for 90 days (Cell phone returns depend on the contract) |
| Diamonds | If over 1.00ct, the diamond can be returned for store credit after being checked for authenticity. Unlimited return time |
| Cigarettes, alcohol, and medication | Depends on the state, but most Costcos do not accept returns |
| Perishable or used products | Depends on the specific warranty |
| Customized orders | Cannot be returned, a warranty may apply |
| All other items | Can be returned at any time, depending on the item |
How To Return a Costco item?
Costco offers two easy ways to return an item, either online or back to their stores.
Warehouse Return
Costco accepts returns to their warehouse. This is beneficial as they will give a refund right away. You can even get refunds for your shipping costs.
Having your original packaging and some form of a receipt is the best way to get a return. However, they may still give some returns without them.
Online Returns
Returning to Costco’s website is almost as easy as going to a warehouse. It just takes four easy steps.
- Log into Costco’s website.
- Go to “orders and returns”.
- Next to the order, you will want, choose “return items”. There will be prompts to follow to return or replace your item.
- You will be sent a label right away or you can schedule a pickup.
Special items, jewelry, perishable items, Apple products, digital goods, tires, and vision products can’t be returned online.
Can you return an online purchase to the store?
Yes, you can return an online purchase from Costco to the store. Doing so allows you to get your refund or return faster.
How strict is the Costco return policy?
Costco’s policy is fairly strict. However, since their returns are pretty open and all-encompassing, it is pretty easy to get a return for your item. If you are ever unsure, it is always worth speaking to someone in customer service and they can let you know.
Costco Exchange Policy
Costco doesn’t have a specific exchange policy. Essentially, they will do their best to exchange an item. You can also go to any store or online to return an item, even if it wasn’t the same place you bought it from.
See Also: Costco price match
Costco Refund Policy
Costco will refund the card you used to purchase something at full price for most items. For jewelry, you may not get a refund, but Costco credit instead.
Does Costco take returns without a receipt?
Costco runs on a membership setup. Because of that, whether you bought an item online or in the store, Costco can simply look back on your membership to verify a purchase. Therefore, no receipt is necessary. Just make sure you have your membership with you to make a return.
Does Costco accept returns after 30 days?
For most items, Costco can accept returns after thirty days. 90 days is their return policy, as long as the item wasn’t perishable or had its specific warranty that was less than 30 days,
What items Cannot be returned to Costco?
Cigarettes, alcohol, and medication are generally items that cannot be returned to Costco. Almost everything else, from mattresses to contacts, can be returned thanks to their 100% satisfaction return.
See Also: Lowes Returns
Exceptions (to return policy)
Pretty much anything can be returned to Costco. Open food, used products, or anything else you could think of can all be returned to Costco at pretty much any time. There are a few exceptions to this.
Cigarettes and medications can never be returned. Alcohol returns depend on the state but generally are also not returnable.
Electronics can be returned in 90 days, although cell phones depend on the provider.
Jewelry can be returned at any time, but all the official paperwork and an authentication test must happen first. Items that get worn down such as tires or batteries can be returned, but they each have their own warranties that stipulate their return window.
FAQs
Does Costco give full refunds?
Yes, Costco gives full refunds for items, including any shipping and handling costs. Even if you return items online, they will cover return costs and shipment costs on a new item if you are getting a replacement.
Can I return a Costco product after use?
As long as it is an item that doesn’t fall under the exception category, used items can be returned to Costco with a full refund. Even if the item has been used, partially eaten, or damaged, they will likely take the item back.
How long do Costco refunds take?
If done in a warehouse, the refund immediately. If you return an item via their online store, Costco will send a return to the card you purchased the item from as soon as they receive and verify the item.
Conclusion
Costco will take a return on almost any item. There have been stories of opened and partially eaten food returned and even used toilets. They don’t seem to care as long as it doesn’t directly violate the few return policies they have.
If you are ever unsure, it is worth taking an item to Costco just to see. You may be surprised to find out you do get a refund after all.
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