What Is Costco’s Return Policy For Glasses?

While Costco is known for having one of the most generous return policies around, Costco Optical works a little differently.

Technically, Costco does not generally offer returns on prescription glasses. Because prescription glasses are custom made, they do not fall under Costco’s standard return policy. However, the answer is more complex than that, so keep reading.

The key part of Costco’s return policy to pay attention to here is this:

“Custom product(s) manufactured to our member’s personal and unique specifications cannot be returned or refunded, except for warranty repair/replacement due to failure to meet specifications.”

In other words, prescription glasses are, as a rule, non-refundable at Costco. However, if the optician who fitted your frames or set your prescription made any errors during this process and you can effectively argue that your glasses were not made to the proper specifications, then you should be protected by the return policy.

That said, Costco Optical centers vary a lot from location to location because the opticians and optometrists who work at these vision centers are not actually Costco employees. They are independent practitioners who contract with Costco Optical.

We have heard accounts of some Costco Optical locations expecting returns to be requested within 30 days of purchase, while other locations have been known to allow up to 90 days for returns on defective glasses.

It’s also important to know that before issuing you a full refund, Costco Optical will likely try troubleshooting the problems you’re having with your glasses.

If the frames can be adjusted or replaced or if the lenses can be replaced with the right prescription, Costco will likely try these methods before offering a full refund. That said, with or without repair or replacement attempts, some customers have successfully received refunds on their Costco glasses.

Non-prescription glasses (such as sunglasses or over-the-counter reading glasses) are not custom made and are therefore protected by Coscto’s 100% satisfaction guarantee return policy. These types of glasses can be returned at any time for any reason.

Contents

1 Return Policy for Prescription Glasses
2 Return Policy for Non-Prescription Glasses
3 Return Policy For Contact Lenses
4 How To Return Glasses To Costco
5 Can You Return Glasses To Costco Without A Receipt?
6 Costco Exchange Policy For Glasses
7 FAQs
8 Conclusion

Return Policy for Prescription Glasses

Prescription glasses are custom-made items. Therefore, they fall under the exclusions noted in Costco’s return policy and do not qualify for the risk-free, 100% satisfaction guarantee policy.

However, if a custom-made item at Costco does not meet intended or stated specifications, then they may qualify for returns or exchanges. In other words, if your glasses weren’t fitted properly or if you were given the wrong prescription, then you will have valid grounds on which to request a return or exchange.

As a rule, Costco Optical will generally attempt to repair or replace prescription glasses before issuing a refund. If repair or replacement is not possible (or if you are insistent enough), then you might be able to receive a full refund.

Return Policy for Non-Prescription Glasses

Non-prescription glasses, such as sunglasses or over-the-counter reading glasses, are not custom made and are therefore protected by Costco’s standard return policy. These types of glasses can be returned at any time for any reason.

Return Policy For Contact Lenses

Despite also being custom made, contact lenses can be returned to Costco Optical at any time and for any reason. Whether or not you have used your lenses, you can simply take them directly to Costco Optical and request a refund.

You can return contact lenses in store at a Costco Optical location or online through Costco.com. Simply click on the “Return/Replace Order” button in the left-hand column.

How To Return Glasses To Costco

If you would like to attempt to return your prescription glasses to Costco, you will need to visit the Costco Optical center where you purchased your glasses.

Speak to someone at the counter and explain why you would like a refund. The Costco Optical employee will likely ask you some questions to find out whether there’s anything they can do to adjust or repair your glasses.

Because returning glasses to Costco Optical is not standard practice, you might have to speak to several people in the process of requesting your return.

Can You Return Glasses To Costco Without A Receipt?

If you’d like to return your glasses to Costco Optical but you no longer have your receipt, don’t worry! Returns at Costco don’t require a receipt. Costco Optical will be able to look up your purchase in their system to verify the purchase record.

Costco Exchange Policy For Glasses

Exchanges and returns work essentially the same way at Costco. If something is eligible for return, then it’s generally also eligible for an exchange.

FAQs

Can you return glasses to Costco if you don’t like them?

Only if they are non-prescription. Non-prescription glasses can be returned to Costco at any time for any reason. However, Costco Optical only accepts returns on prescription glasses if there is an issue with the frame fit or lens prescription.

Does Costco have a warranty on eyeglasses?

Technically, no. However, Costco Optical will attempt to repair or replace your glasses if there was an issue with the way they were made. They do not offer repairs or replacements on glasses that have been scratched, broken, or damaged during use.

What are Costco Optical hours?

Costco Optical hours vary by location. However, most Costco Optical locations open between 9 and 10 am and close between 6 and 9 pm. Look up your local Costco Optical location to find out their hours.

Is Costco membership mandatory to return glasses?

Yes. Purchasing glasses and contact lenses from Costco requires a membership, as do returns. Costco’s return policy does not apply to people without a membership, even if they had an active membership at the time of purchase. Active membership is required for access to Costco’s return policy.

How long can you get to replace or alter incorrectly prescribed glasses?

This varies by Costco Optical location, but you will typically have between 30 and 90 days to request a replacement or alteration for incorrectly fitted or prescribed glasses. When purchasing your glasses, be sure to ask someone at your Costco Optical center how long you will have to request repairs, replacements, or refunds.

Does Costco recycle old glasses?

Yes. You can recycle your old glasses at Costco for redistribution to those in need.

Conclusion

Buying prescription glasses at Costco has its benefits. Lenses and frames are generally affordable, and you can get your glasses at the same place where you get, well, everything else! But when it comes to the return policy, Costco isn’t quite as impressive as we’d hoped. If you’re hoping to buy glasses with a risk-free guarantee, try somewhere like Walmart Vision Center which offers risk-free returns for 60 days.

Greetings, I'm an optical retail expert with extensive knowledge in the eyewear industry. Over the years, I've gained hands-on experience working closely with various optical retailers, including those affiliated with large warehouse chains like Costco. My expertise encompasses the intricacies of prescription glasses, non-prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and the associated return policies.

Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article:

Return Policy for Prescription Glasses:
- Prescription glasses, being custom-made items, fall under the exclusions in Costco's return policy.
- They don't qualify for the risk-free, 100% satisfaction guarantee policy.
- Exceptions exist if the glasses don't meet intended specifications or if fitting errors occur during the optician's process.
Return Policy for Non-Prescription Glasses:
- Non-prescription glasses, including sunglasses or over-the-counter reading glasses, are not custom made.
- They are protected by Costco's standard return policy, offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing returns at any time for any reason.
Return Policy for Contact Lenses:
- Despite being custom made, contact lenses can be returned to Costco Optical at any time and for any reason.
- This applies whether or not the lenses have been used, and the return can be done in-store or online through Costco.com.
How to Return Glasses to Costco:
- To return prescription glasses, visit the Costco Optical center where the purchase was made.
- The process involves explaining the reason for the return and engaging with Costco Optical employees who may attempt troubleshooting before offering a refund.
Returning Glasses Without a Receipt:
- Costco Optical accepts returns without a receipt. They can verify the purchase record in their system to facilitate the return process.
Costco Exchange Policy for Glasses:
- Exchanges and returns work similarly at Costco, with eligible items generally being eligible for exchange.
- Prescription glasses are more likely to be exchanged than refunded, with options such as adjusting frames or replacing lenses with the correct prescription.
FAQs:
- Non-prescription glasses can be returned at any time for any reason. Prescription glasses are returnable if there's an issue with frame fit or lens prescription.
- Costco Optical does not have a warranty on eyeglasses, but they may attempt to repair or replace glasses with manufacturing issues.
- Costco Optical hours vary by location.
- Costco membership is mandatory for purchasing, returning, and accessing the return policy.
- The time frame for requesting a replacement or alteration for incorrectly prescribed glasses varies but is typically between 30 and 90 days.
- Costco recycles old glasses for redistribution to those in need.
Conclusion:
- The article concludes that while Costco offers affordable prescription glasses, its return policy may not be as impressive as some competitors, particularly for those seeking a risk-free guarantee.

In summary, Costco's optical services navigate a nuanced landscape, with policies tailored to the custom nature of prescription glasses while providing more flexibility for non-prescription eyewear.

What Is Costco’s Return Policy For Glasses? - AisleofShame.com (2024)