Did Costco Reject Your Return? Here's How to Make Sure It Never Happens Again
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One of the great things about Costco is that it stands behind the items it sells. So if you end up making a purchase you're not happy with, you can generally bring it back at any time for a complete refund.
But there are some exceptions to that rule. Here's what you need to know so you don't hit any snags in the course of making Costco returns.
1. Some items can only be returned within a limited time frame
Many things you buy at Costco can be taken back indefinitely. This means that if you buy a coat in January and realize you haven't worn it or no longer like it, you can return it in August or September without a hassle.
But if you're buying electronics at Costco, you should know that you only get a 90-day window to bring them back for a refund.
These include:
TVs
Laptops
Cellphones
Large appliances
Tablets
Smartwatches
You may also only have a limited window to return items with a limited useful life, like batteries.
2. Some items can't be returned at all
There are some items you can't bring back to Costco once you swipe your credit card and take them home. These include:
Cigarettes
Alcohol
Custom products
Live event tickets
Gold bars and silver coins
Gift cards, including Costco Shop Cards
It's important to familiarize yourself with these items, so you don't get stuck with products that aren't of use to you.
3. Items need to be returned in a reasonable fashion
It's true that Costco will take back almost anything you bring in. But your return needs to be reasonable in nature. You shouldn't, for example, expect to buy patio furniture, use it for two seasons, and then bring it back all battered.
For food items, you can return partially eaten food if it doesn't meet your standards, which means if a given item just plain doesn't taste so good to you, you can bring it back for a refund. But you can't bring back a food purchase that's 80% eaten and expect your money back. You generally need to bring back at least 50% of the item in question to get refunded.
Know the rules
For the most part, you should have a pretty easy time making returns at Costco. But be mindful of the store's policies so you don't end up in a situation where you can't get your money back.
And if you're not sure whether a given item you're buying is eligible to be returned, one easy way to find out is to pop over to customer service and ask. A representative will be able to explain the rules on a per-item basis, so you don't have to stress about being unclear on the rules.
Finally, don't sweat it if you have a Costco item to bring back but can't find your receipt. A customer service representative can look up your purchases based on your membership ID number, so a lack of a receipt shouldn't stop you from getting a refund when you're eligible for one.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
