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Sam's Club Return Policy: 11 Details To Know Before You Buy Anything

Make sure you know these important details the next time you buy something at the warehouse retailer.

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Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Sam’s Club members enjoy deals on bulk purchases, health services, travel options, and more great membership perks.

But despite the retailer’s great reputation, there might be times you are not satisfied with your purchase and want to return it.

Here are some important things you need to know about the Sam’s Club return policy to help you avoid some frustration.

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Shipping charges won’t be refunded

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Shipping an item back to Sam’s Club can be convenient, but the retailer won't refund shipping and delivery charges.

The only exception to this rule is if the return is due to Sam’s Club making a mistake or an item being damaged in transit.

Most online purchases can be returned to a store

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Sam’s Club has a website where you can order items. Most items you purchase online can be returned to a store.

However, there are exceptions. Sam’s Club says an item’s product page will clearly state if the item cannot be returned to a store.

You can ship online purchases back to Sam’s Club

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If you purchase something online and want to return it, you can simply ship it back.

If you do so, it is important to include accessories and packing slips that came with the package.

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You can return most items at any time

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Sam’s Club has a generous policy for most of the items you buy from the retailer.

You can return most of the things you buy from Sam’s Club at any time. However, there are some exceptions when it comes to specific items.

Check the Sam’s Club website for details. Or, call customer service at 888-746-7726 to speak to a member services associate who can answer any questions you might have before returning something.

Eyeglasses and hearing aids may have restrictions

Alexander Raths/Adobe hearing aid

Sam’s Club has some affordable options if you need eyeglasses and hearing aids.

However, check with your local Sam’s Club to find out what kind of restrictions it has on returns. Policies can vary from store to store.

Prescriptions can’t be returned

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Sam’s Club has great prescription deals for members, especially for commonly filled prescriptions. Being a Sam’s Club Plus member can also get you additional benefits at the pharmacy.

However, it’s important to remember that prescription sales are final.

Ask your local store about alcohol returns

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Sam’s Club locations may have policies that vary from place to place.

One of those policies is the ability to return alcohol purchases such as beer and wine. So, check with your local Sam’s Club to find out what its restrictions are.

There are time restrictions for returning some items

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Not all of the items you purchase at Sam’s Club can be returned at any time. So, check for any restrictions, especially when it comes to big-ticket purchases.

For example, electronics and major appliances must be returned within 90 days of purchase, and cell phones must be returned within 14 days of purchase.

If you buy commercial heavy equipment through Sam’s Club, you have a 30-day return window.

Store purchases have to be returned to a store

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If you purchase an item at a Sam’s Club store location, you must return it to the store.

There's no option to ship the item back to Sam’s Club.

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You don’t need a receipt

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Sam’s Club prefers that you have a receipt if you return an item. But if you don’t have a receipt, it’s not a deal-breaker.

It is best to keep your receipt in case you might want to return something. However, the retailer will do its best to accommodate a return even if you throw away or lose the receipt.

You can’t return gift cards

Andrey Popov/Adobe gift card on desk near laptop

Buying gift cards at Sam’s Club can be a great shopping hack because the cards usually cost less than the face value. For example, you can purchase a Nintendo gift card worth $100 for just $89.98.

However, once you purchase a gift card at Sam’s Club, you cannot return it. Gift card purchases are final.

Bottom line

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Sam’s Club is a good place to save money on many items. It also has a generous return policy in most cases.

However, before you purchase an item, you need to understand some rules about returns. Study the rules on this list so you can continue to save money on groceries at the bulk warehouse.

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