Costco Returns: 6 Guaranteed Items and 5 Surprising Exceptions

Costco has a much more generous return policy than most retailers. However, that doesn’t mean you can return anything forever.

The popular store has some limits, and some products have better return policies than others. Here’s a list of the common products that you can and cannot return.

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What you can return years later

Costco promises “risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee.” That means it lets you return most merchandise at any time, but some merchandise is limited to a 90-day refund window. Some of the items you can return may surprise you, such as food that hasn’t yet reached the expiration date (in case you buy too much for an event you’re hosting, for instance) or clothing.

The company says on its site that “it helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process your return.” Be sure to bring your Costco card.

You can visit the returns counter at the warehouse for items you purchased in person, and for items you bought online, you can either bring them to the returns counter or initiate the return via Costco’s website.

You can even return your membership, which is $65 per year for a standard membership and $130 per year for an executive one that comes with perks like early shopping hours and the annual 2% reward. Costco says it will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time.

5 items with restrictions

There are several exceptions to the Costco rule. You can see them all listed on the company’s website, but here are three items you cannot return at any time:

1. Electronics and major appliances

This is one of the exceptions to Costco’s lifetime refund rule. There is a 90-day refund window for electronics such as televisions, computers, phones, cameras and smartwatches, and big appliances, such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and washers and dryers.

2. Cigarettes and alcohol

Costco doesn’t accept returns of tobacco products. When it comes to alcohol returns, it depends on where you live. Because states have their own laws regulating whether you can return wine, beer and spirits, Costco’s rules vary by state. You should check with a representative at your local warehouse.

3. Gold and silver

Precious metals purchases at Costco — as in, gold and silver — are non-refundable.

4. Shop Cards and gift cards

Costco Shop Cards can be used like cash or credit cards at the store. They’re reloadable and they don’t have an expiration date. But they can’t be returned.

Costco offers a wide range of gift cards, including to restaurants, movie theaters, lifestyle companies and more. But again, you can’t return the cards once you’ve bought them.

5. Event tickets

You can also buy tickets for live events, such as sports and music festivals. All of these sales, though, are final.

How to not abuse the system

Costco’s standard lifetime satisfaction guarantee is one of the most generous refund policies available. However, the company has reportedly tightened its rules through regarding refunds.

Planning your shopping ahead, only buying what you can store and use before its expiration date and sharing bulk items with friends and family can help you avoid the need to return items. Costco also has technical support available, so if your electronics appliances are having issues, you can contact a representative first before jumping to a return.

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