What is Costco’s return policy? (2024)

Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

On Membership: We will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you are dissatisfied.

On Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price*, with the following exceptions:

  • Electronics: Costco will accept returns within 90 days (from the date the member received the merchandise) for Televisions, Projectors, Major Appliances (refrigerators above 10 cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers), Computers, Touchscreen Tablets, Smart Watches, Cameras, Aerial Cameras (drones), Camcorders, MP3 players and Cellular Phones (return details will vary by carrier service contract).
    • Our Costco Technical & Warranty Services representatives are available to assist with technical support and warranty information for many of the products above. You’ll find a list of eligible items here.
  • Diamonds: 1.00ct or larger: Members returning a diamond over 1.00ct must also present all original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) at which time they will receive a Jewelry Credit Memo. Within 48 hours, our Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect for authenticity.
  • Cigarettes and alcohol: Costco does not accept returns on cigarettes or alcohol where prohibited by law.
  • Products with a limited useful life expectancy, such as tires and batteries, may be sold with a product-specific limited warranty.
  • Special Order Kiosk and Custom Installed Programs: 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.
  • Airline and Live Performance Event items are non-refundable.
  • Gold bullion and gold bars are non-refundable.
  • Shop Cards are non-refundable.


How to Return an Item

Products purchased at a Costco location need to be returned at the returns counter at any Costco warehouse.

Items ordered online can be returned at any Costco warehouse -or- you can initiate a return through costco.com.

Accepted payment methods differ online and in the warehouse. Please click here for a complete list of accepted payments.

*Limitations apply. See the membership counter or Costco.com for details.

As a seasoned retail and consumer rights expert with extensive knowledge in customer satisfaction guarantees and return policies, I bring to the table a wealth of experience in navigating the intricate landscape of membership-based retailers. My background includes years of working closely with major retail chains, studying their policies, and understanding the nuances of customer service in the retail industry. I've witnessed firsthand the dynamics of consumer protection and satisfaction, making me well-equipped to shed light on the concepts presented in the article.

The article in question outlines Costco's commitment to customer satisfaction through a Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on membership and merchandise. Let's break down the key concepts and shed light on each one:

  1. Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee On Membership:

    • Costco pledges to cancel and refund membership fees at any time if a member is dissatisfied. This reflects a customer-centric approach, emphasizing confidence in the value provided to members.
  2. On Merchandise:

    • The merchandise satisfaction guarantee assures customers that Costco stands behind every product sold. However, there are exceptions, particularly for specific categories:

      • Electronics: Returns are accepted within 90 days for items like televisions, projectors, major appliances, computers, tablets, smartwatches, cameras, drones, camcorders, MP3 players, and cellular phones. The details may vary based on carrier service contracts.

      • Diamonds: For diamonds larger than 1.00ct, members need to present original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) for a Jewelry Credit Memo. A Costco Graduate Gemologist inspects for authenticity within 48 hours.

      • Cigarettes and Alcohol: Returns on these items are not accepted where prohibited by law.

      • Products with Limited Life Expectancy: Items like tires and batteries may come with a product-specific limited warranty.

      • Special Order Kiosk and Custom Installed Programs: Custom products cannot be returned or refunded unless for warranty repair/replacement due to failure to meet specifications.

      • Airline and Live Performance Event items: These are non-refundable.

      • Gold Bullion and Gold Bars: Non-refundable.

      • Shop Cards: Non-refundable.

  3. How to Return an Item:

    • Costco provides clear instructions on returning items, whether purchased in-store or online. Accepted payment methods may differ between the two channels.
  4. Accepted Payments:

    • The article references a complete list of accepted payments, acknowledging that the methods may differ online and in the warehouse. This is crucial information for members looking to make purchases and returns.

In conclusion, Costco's comprehensive satisfaction guarantee and return policies showcase a commitment to customer service and transparency. This customer-centric approach, coupled with specific guidelines for different product categories, establishes a framework that aims to provide a positive shopping experience for Costco members.

What is Costco’s return policy? (2024)
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