Sam’s Club vs. Costco: Which Has the Better Return Policy?
Wholesale clubs Costco and Sam;s Club are both known for low prices and high-quality groceries, prepackaged foods and tons of other merchandise, not to mention cheap gas. For many people, their wholesale club of choice comes down to which store is closer to their home.
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Ideally, you’ll always be thrilled with your Sam’s Club or Costco purchases. But, just in case you aren’t, how do the return policies at these stores stack up?
Sam’s Club Return Policy
Sam’s Club has a generous return policy backed by a “100% Satisfaction Guarantee,” according to the website. The club says it will take back most items at any time, and this may include items that are years old.
However, you may need all the original packaging and parts, as well as any warranty cards. “There are some instances in which we may have to deny the refund in full or provide a partial refund if only part of the purchase is returned,” according to the website.
Additionally, Sam’s Club says it “prefers” all returns to include an original receipt or printed order, but the store will do its best to accommodate a return without a receipt. Although it doesn’t specifically state on the website, it’s likely that returns without a receipt will result in a store credit rather than a cash or credit to your account.
There are a few restrictions to the policy. Electronics and major appliances must be returned within 90 days. Commercial heavy equipment and motorsports must be returned within 30 days. Cell phones must be returned within 14 days. Custom-made items, tickets, gift cards and prescriptions are not refundable.
Costco’s Return Policy
Like Sam’s Club, Costco offers members a risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee. Costco has less fine print than Sam’s Club when it comes to returns. The club is known for taking back virtually any merchandise at any time, either for a cash refund, credit to your account or store credit.
Some exceptions apply, similar to Sam’s Club. Costco will not refund gift cards, or tickets, such as event or airline tickets. Gold and silver bullion and bars are not refundable. Cigarettes and alcohol are not refundable where prohibited by law.
Finally, Costco has a 90-day return policy for electronics and major home appliances.
Conclusion
Upon reading the terms, both stores seem to have comparable return policies. However, in-store returns may be at the discretion of employees or store managers, which means the policies may be open to interpretation. Since Sam’s Club specifies that items must be in their original packaging with all parts, employees may have more leeway to deny a return.
If you’re trying to return merchandise at either store and the employee denies your refund, you might ask to speak to a manager or visit another store location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Sam’s Club vs. Costco: Which Has the Better Return Policy?
