15 Details in Costco's Return Policy That Even Experienced Shoppers Overlook

Costco has generated a cult-like following, in large part because customers can take advantage of lower prices offered through its in-store brand Kirkland Signature. 

In fact, a great Costco hack is to stick strictly to the Kirkland brand for staples like toilet paper and paper towels. 

But with the sheer volume of products at the big box store, it’s not uncommon to get a little carried away and buy more than you need — or simply change your mind about a purchase.

Whatever the case may be, the following list will tell you all you need to know about Costco’s return policy.

Costco advertises its return policy as risk-free and with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for both memberships and items.

If you’re dissatisfied with your membership, you can terminate it anytime. The same goes if you’re not pleased with a particular item, given it doesn’t fall under one of the policy's exceptions (which we'll outline).

You will receive the entirety of your purchase price upon return, and you don’t necessarily need the original packaging or receipt.

Costco does have a limited return window for electronics (more on that in the next section), but for the most part, there is no limit on when you can return an item that leaves you dissatisfied. 

Costco will more than likely accept your return, though it may be up to the discretion of their member services team.

Electronics must be taken back within 90 days of receiving the merchandise in question. After that, though, Costco offers free technical support and warranty plans.

Items considered electronics under Costco's return policy include televisions, computers, tablets, cameras, smart watches, phones, projectors, major appliances, and more.

Apple products — including iPads, MacBooks, iPhones, and Apple Watches — can be purchased at Costco, but their return process on electronics has one extra step.

Apple electronics fall into the electronics return policy, meaning you have a 90-day return window (which is a solid perk of Costco Apple purchases). But you also must perform a full factory reset on the item in question before taking it back (unlocked) to the warehouse.

Impulse buying delicious-looking snacks or bulk purchasing a ton of food because it’s on sale is one of the core Costco experiences. 

However, if you get home and realize you have more than you need or try something and don’t like it, they’ll take it back.

That’s right, food falls under the retailer’s generous return policy, even once it’s been opened. They won’t accept expired foods, though.

That being said, items like cigarettes and alcohol cannot be returned, even if they’re unopened. At least, not at every Costco.

Different laws regulate the purchase and distribution of wine, beer, spirits, and tobacco in each state, so it is a good idea to check with your local Costco about their specific policy.

If you’ve purchased something like a tire or car battery at your local Costco, you may receive a limited warranty on the item with your purchase. This warranty will have some limitations, though.

For instance, through Costco’s Road Hazard Warranty, tires purchased through the wholesaler are covered by a five-year warranty on routine damage. 

Conditions with this warranty expect the owner to keep up with regular tire maintenance and hold on to their original purchase receipt.

There’s truly nothing you can’t find at Costco, precious jewelry and diamonds included. Even these items fall under the box store’s lenient return policy. 

However, if you are returning a diamond larger than one carat, there are a few extra steps involved.

You will need to bring the stone’s paperwork and certification — either IGI or GIA will work. After that, it will take as long as 48 hours for it to be authenticated, at which time you’ll get a Jewelry Credit Memo.

Merchandise from Costco’s Special Order Kiosk, or from their Custom Installed Program, cannot be returned under any circumstances. They also won’t offer refunds for customized products and items.

However, if the item doesn’t match what you ordered, you can get it repaired or replaced under the terms of its warranty.

Costco members can purchase travel packages through Costco Travel, but they are only partially refundable. No-shows or unused airline tickets, hotel reservations, and so on are always non-refundable.

If you cancel a package trip, you will also have to pay supplier fees, and airlines and hotels may not offer you a refund.

A good rule of thumb is to ask about refunds and cancellations before booking any travel arrangements or vacation packages.

Costco members can also purchase tickets to sports games, concerts, and live events through their website, which tends to be cheaper than other ticketing services.

However, keep in mind that there are absolutely no exchanges or returns for live performance events — they are entirely non-refundable.

Aside from what can and cannot be returned, remember how you should return certain items as well. For example, if you purchase an item from a Costco warehouse in person, you will have to return it in person.

Luckily, there are no stipulations when it comes to the store itself. You could buy an item out of state, for instance, and return it to your local store.

Luckily, you can return online items online or in person.

To return it online, you’ll need to log into your account and find the order in question, then the item you want to take back. Select the “Return and Replace Items” option, and you’ll either schedule a pickup or receive a label for shipping.

While receipts can definitely speed up the return process, Costco doesn’t always require you to show one at the time of return. Bringing the item in its original packaging is also not always necessary.

If you skip out on the receipt, make sure you know roughly when and where you bought the item so someone from their team can look up your order more easily.

If you purchased a larger item (like a couch) from Costco, your purchase might be delivered by freight. As long as the item is eligible for return, it will be picked up in the same manner it was delivered — either curbside, threshold, or white glove.

Know that it will take five to seven business days for someone to contact you to schedule a pick-up. Once it’s picked up, you’ll receive your refund.

Costco is a great store to shop at if you have a large family, prefer to stock up on supplies in bulk, or just love to save on groceries. 

But with how much is available, you’ll likely find yourself having to return an item at some point. Luckily, the store has a generous return policy, with only a handful of conditions for specific items like jewelry or electronics. 

Before making your final decision on an item, though, be sure to double-check their return policy. You might learn something.