If you’ve shopped at Costco, you’ve probably heard that their return policy is one of the most generous in retail. But how generous is it really? While most customers are happy with the return policy, some report consumer issues with returns, refunds, and replacements, particularly for online returns. In particular, 13% of the Costco reviews on PissedConsumer are about returns. Get Answers You’re Looking For: What is Costco’s return policy? What are exceptions to Costco’s return policy? How to return items purchased at Costco? In-store Online Without a receipt What Is Costco’s Return Policy? Costco boasts a “risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee” that promises customer satisfaction for every product, or else they will refund you. The Costco satisfaction guarantee allows customers to return eligible items or cancel their membership anytime for a full refund if dissatisfied with their purchase. However, Costco reviews on Pissedconsumer.com indicate mixed experiences. For instance, in one review, the customer shared: “I LOVE COSTCO!!! If you buy something from Costco and you are not satisfied, you can RETURN IT ANYTIME…” On the flip side, in review, the customer expressed their frustration about being accused of abusing the Costco return policy. …The lady pulled up my account and started questioning me about previous purchase & returns and then accused me of abusing their return policy and then went as far as to say Does your son keep breaking the computers… What Are Exceptions to Costco’s Return Policy While Costco offers a generous return policy, there are some exceptions, with some product categories being non-refundable and others having a return time limit. According to the Costco website, non-refundable products are: Airline and live performance tickets Precious metals Shop cards Gift cards Cigarettes and alcohol (where prohibited by law) Special-order kiosk and custom-installed products – the warranty covers repairs or replacement if the product fails to meet specifications. Costco further clarifies the return policy for the following products: Electronics. The Costco electronics return policy stipulates a 90-day return period from the date you received the merchandise. The Costco warranty is also applicable to electronics as per the stipulated terms. Diamonds (1.00ct or larger). There is no indication of a time limit for returning diamonds to Costco. However, you must present all the original paperwork and allow 48 hours for the Costco Graduate Gemologist to inspect the authenticity of the diamonds. Tires and batteries. They are sold with the respective limited warranty, and their returns are subject to manager approval. However, Costco’s five-year Road Hazard Warranty covers treadwear damage and tire failure. How to Return Items Purchased at Costco Most returns are easier in-store, but online returns are also available. Here are a few quick answers at a glance. Receipt needed? No, Costco tracks purchases by membership, but having a receipt helps. Time limit? Most items: unlimited; electronics: 90 days; diamonds: see above. Refund method? Same as purchase method; online returns are credited to the original card. Shipping cost? Free for online returns. In-store returns Their returns and refund policy stipulates that items purchased at a Costco location should be returned to the returns counter at any warehouse. Use the Costco warehouse locator to find one near you. Source: costco.com There is no Costco return policy time limit except for a few product categories. People on TikTok have been testing out the no-limit-on-return timeline with some being able to return food to Costco, used, or over a year-old cooking pans and other items for a full refund, no questions asked. Source: costco.com Online returns You can return items ordered online either to a Costco warehouse or by applying for a return through Costco.com. Below are the steps for Costco online returns: Go to Costco.com Log in to your account. If you do not have an account, register for one. Select “orders & returns” Find the specific item you want to return and select the “return or replace items” button next to the order. Follow the prompts to receive your return label or schedule a pickup. For most items, you will receive your return label within an hour. Items such as food, high-end jewelry, floral products, and paper products may require additional processing time for the return label. For large items, you will be sent an email with additional return instructions. Costco stipulates exceptions to their self-service returns for the following items: Special order kiosk items such as custom flooring garage doors, HVAC systems, water heaters, and more. Optical items Tires Tickets and digital goods iTunes and Google Play Jewelry items Perishable items All Apple products In this case, you need to contact Costco customer service or visit your local warehouse for assistance. Source: costco.com The Costco online returns policy stands out because you can return items for almost any reason. However, different customers report different experiences with Costco returns. In review # 3794184, the customer describes Costco as “Simply, the best”. While in other review, the customer expressed their dissatisfaction explaining that they bought a vanity from Costco.com, but the product delivered was poorly made and defective. It has been difficult to get a replacement or refund. …My option is to find something else, have the contractor come back, it took 5 months to get one, and take the unit out, replace it, and then I can get a refund from Cosco. So it is going to cost me more time, money, and headaches to get this fixed… Returns without a receipt According to their website, a Costco return without a receipt is allowed as they track purchases on members’ accounts. However, having a receipt or the original product packaging can help make the process smoother. Does Costco Truly Guarantee Customer Satisfaction? Costco has one of the most customer-friendly return and refund policies among retailers. Aside from the above-noted exceptions, you can return most items for a full refund for any reason. Returning items to Costco is easy, either online or at a warehouse. Item Category Return Window Key Notes Most items Unlimited No receipt needed; return in-store or online Electronics 90 days Keep original packaging; in-store faster Diamonds (1.00ct+) No limit Must show paperwork; gemologist inspection Tires & Batteries Warranty period Manager approval may apply; Road Hazard Warranty Custom / Special Orders Warranty applies Contact the warehouse for returns Gift cards / Tickets / Alcohol / Cigarettes Non-refundable Cannot be returned