Costco Return Policy: What You Need to Know

Costco is an American staple, and finding ways to save money in these increasingly expensive times is becoming more and more popular. For a small fee of $65 or $130 per year, depending on your membership type, you can shop at Costco and receive wholesale prices year-round. Costco is popular for groceries, but it also sells a wide range of goods and services, including furniture, liquor, jewelry, electronics, and even vacation items.

When you walk through a huge store with such a vast selection of items, you’ve likely made a few impulse purchases. Even the smartest shoppers make mistakes. Maybe you bought a few things you didn’t really need, chose the wrong size or color, or realized after you got home and unpacked that the item might not fit you. Or maybe you received a gift from Costco that you don’t want. The question is, what do you do when you need to return something at Costco? Is the return policy for shorts and toothpaste the same as for a washing machine and a television?

We’ve put together a guide to understanding Costco’s return policy. We’ll show you how to return an item, help you understand the return policy, and let you know which items have different return policies. So whether you realize right away that you need to return an item or decide months later that you need to, you’ll know what to expect and how to get your money back.

Official Costco Return Policy

We’re happy to tell you that Costco has a pretty generous return policy. In fact, if you’re not happy with your Costco membership, you can return it! Costco wants its members to feel safe knowing that they can return almost anything they buy.

This satisfaction guarantee policy allows shoppers to feel more confident when stocking up on their favorite items. The reasons why Costco accepts returns are surprisingly wide ranging, including no longer wanting to complain about an item, purchasing it by mistake, receiving the wrong item, duplicate items, damaged boxes being refused delivery, missing items, lost shipments, etc. There are only a few items that fall outside this generous policy, which we will list below.

Costco Electronics Return Policy

Costco's electronics return policy is a bit more stringent. All electronics must be returned within 90 days of purchase. Items covered by this return policy include projectors, major appliances, computers, touchscreen tablets, smartwatches, cameras, aerial cameras (drones), camcorders, and MP3 players. Cell phones can also be returned, but you should check with your carrier for specific contract details.

Costco TV Return Policy

TVs have a more stringent return policy than other purchases. TVs must be returned within 90 days. Like many electronics (but not all, so double-check), TVs are included in Costco’s concierge service. That means you get free troubleshooting and tech support, plus an extra year of Costco’s warranty. So if your reason for returning is a technical issue, call Costco’s concierge to see if they can help you resolve the issue.

Costco Diamond Return Policy

For fine jewelry purchases, especially diamonds over 1.00 ct, returns are only accepted for credit. All original documentation must be provided, and diamonds must be examined by a Costco Graduate Gemologist to verify authenticity. Costume jewelry and lower grade jewelry may be returned under a more lenient return policy.

Costco Tobacco and Alcohol Return Policy

Most Costco stores do not accept returns on alcohol or tobacco. However, laws regarding returns of tobacco and alcohol are determined by each state, so check with your local Costco to determine their specific policies.

Costco Special Order and Custom Installation Return Policy

If you have customized your order, do not expect returns. These items cannot be resold once they have been altered to fit your specific criteria or measurements. However, if there is a quality issue, check the product warranty. Repair or replacement may be possible.

Costco Gift Card and Ticket Return Policy

Be sure to check non-refundable gift cards, shop cards, tickets, airlines and live performance event products before purchasing.

How to Return Items at Costco Stores

Costco offers flexible returns. You have the option to return items purchased in-store or online directly to your local Costco warehouse store.

• Go to the Membership Counter and speak with a member of the Membership Services team.
• Please bring the item you wish to return in its original packaging along with your receipt.
• If you've lost your receipt or have already unboxed your item, don't despair. Depending on the item, Costco may accept returns without a receipt and in unoriginal packaging.

How to Return Items Online at Costco

Returning items purchased online through our website is quick and easy. Items returned online will also receive a refund for shipping and handling. The good news? If you need to return an item, Costco will pay for the return shipping.

Costco.com Returns Process:

• Log in to your account at Costco.com.
• Select “Orders & Returns”.
• Locate your order and click the “Return Items” button next to the order that contains the return.
• Complete your return or exchange according to the message.
• Print your return label immediately or schedule a pickup if needed. Larger item returns will be followed up with an email detailing instructions.

Exclusions to online self-service returns: Most items are relatively easy to return, but there are a few items that are not eligible for online returns. Excluded items include: countertops, custom flooring, garage doors, special order kiosk items such as home organization and closets, generators, HVAC systems, water treatment, solar, gutters, water heaters, optical products, tires, tickets, digital products, iTunes and Google Play, jewelry, perishable items, and all Apple products. Custom items are also generally excluded from returns. Apple products are covered by Costco’s 90-day return policy for electronics.

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