What Costco takes back, the electronics that have a 90-day limit, what's non-refundable, and how to return, from Costco's own policy page.
Costco's return policy is generous: it promises a refund on almost every product it sells, with no general time limit listed. But there's a short list of exceptions, and the most important one is electronics. TVs, computers, tablets, phones and several other categories have to come back within 90 days. If you're buying a big-ticket gadget, that 90-day window is the number to remember.
Costco calls it a “Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.” On merchandise, it says: “We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price,” followed by a list of exceptions. Costco also marks the guarantee with “limitations apply” and points members to the membership counter or Costco.com for details. (Costco)
The guarantee covers the membership itself, too. Costco says: “We will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you are dissatisfied.” (Costco)
Costco accepts returns within 90 days, counted from the date you received the item, for these categories (Costco):
Recreational carts ordered online have the same 90-day window. For many of the electronics above, Costco says its Technical & Warranty Services team can help with technical support and warranty questions.
A few categories have their own process rather than a flat “no”: tires and batteries may come with a product-specific limited warranty, diamonds of 1.00 carat or larger need their original IGI or GIA paperwork, and contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids and large freight-delivered items each have separate instructions on Costco's site. (Costco)
Items bought in a warehouse go back to the returns counter at any Costco warehouse. Items ordered online can be returned at any warehouse, or you can start the return on Costco.com. (Costco)
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Costco's policy lists no general time limit, but electronics such as TVs, computers, tablets, phones, cameras and major appliances must be returned within 90 days of the date you received them. Limitations apply.
Costco's policy says televisions are accepted within 90 days. After that, its Technical & Warranty Services team can help with warranty questions.
Costco says it will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you're dissatisfied.
Gift cards, tickets, Shop Cards, precious metals, airline and live event items, and custom orders made to your specifications are non-refundable. Cigarettes and alcohol can't be returned where prohibited by law.
Policies change. Check Costco's page before you rely on a return.
Related: holiday return policies at big stores, Costco vs Sam's Club, which stores price match, and Home Depot's online return policy.