So what's the deal with costco's return policy?

Shawn

Lifer
Apr 20, 2003
32,236
53
91
Yes, I know i've been out of the loop but what's the deal with costco's return policy and why has it received so much attention?
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Last I checked, Costco's return policy was better than a public library's.
 

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
When my fiance and I got our memberships this last spring the woman taking care of us mentioned that, with some exceptions, you can return anything at any time with receipt. So when we bought our HDTV we asked about that and they mentioned to tape the receipt to the back of the TV because if it ever breaks or dies, then we can just bring it back.

Dunno how valid that is, but that's what they said.
 

Gunslinger08

Lifer
Nov 18, 2001
13,234
2
81
Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
When my fiance and I got our memberships this last spring the woman taking care of us mentioned that, with some exceptions, you can return anything at any time with receipt. So when we bought our HDTV we asked about that and they mentioned to tape the receipt to the back of the TV because if it ever breaks or dies, then we can just bring it back.

Dunno how valid that is, but that's what they said.

They don't even ask why you brought it back half the time. A lot of people use Costco as a free rental store.
 

Art Vandelay

Senior member
Jul 30, 2006
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Originally posted by: joshsquall
Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
When my fiance and I got our memberships this last spring the woman taking care of us mentioned that, with some exceptions, you can return anything at any time with receipt. So when we bought our HDTV we asked about that and they mentioned to tape the receipt to the back of the TV because if it ever breaks or dies, then we can just bring it back.

Dunno how valid that is, but that's what they said.

They don't even ask why you brought it back half the time. A lot of people use Costco as a free rental store.

I heard that they don't renew your membership if you abuse the policy.
 

BCYL

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
7,803
0
71
Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
When my fiance and I got our memberships this last spring the woman taking care of us mentioned that, with some exceptions, you can return anything at any time with receipt. So when we bought our HDTV we asked about that and they mentioned to tape the receipt to the back of the TV because if it ever breaks or dies, then we can just bring it back.

Dunno how valid that is, but that's what they said.

Very valid. My brother in law works for Costco, and he buys all his electronics there... Use a digital camera for a few years, go return it and upgrade...

I plan to buy my new TV there as well, free lifetime warranty
 

Riverhound777

Diamond Member
Aug 13, 2003
3,360
61
91
That is why I am hoping to get my Wii from there. The policy applies to pretty much everything but computers if I recall. Computers are only 6 months?
 

ScottFern

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2002
3,629
2
76
I bought my Vizio 50" Plasma TV from Costco this past January to its almost coming up on a year. It's been great, but it is an off brand and I feel very confident knowing that I purchased it from Costco so if anything ever goes wrong I am convered. Great feeling to have.
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: 911paramedic
A friend of mine returned tires after putting about 20K on them. No questions asked.

:confused:
It is sad that people abuse such a customer-centric store. We may switch to Costco when the Sam's membership runs out and while we'll be buying stuff like tires and home theather equipment there, I'm not going to do bullsh!t like return worn tires :disgust: That's just plain wrong
 

Shawn

Lifer
Apr 20, 2003
32,236
53
91
Hmm, the reason I ask is because my dad got a Vizio HDTV from there about 6 months ago and it was too big to fit in the wall space of our built-in entertainment center. It was a really good deal tho so he just kept it and put it in the living room and kept our old 36" Sony Wega CRT in the family room. He found out that the new 37" Vizios have less of a boarder around the LCD so it will fit in the wall space. He was going to buy a second HDTV until I told him that I thought that he could still return the old tv. So he might do that now. :p
 

Riverhound777

Diamond Member
Aug 13, 2003
3,360
61
91
Hmmm if I remember right, you may not even need a receipt. I heard somewhere that they can check your account and see if you purchased that item in the past.
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: 911paramedic
A friend of mine returned tires after putting about 20K on them. No questions asked.

:confused:
It is sad that people abuse such a customer-centric store. We may switch to Costco when the Sam's membership runs out and while we'll be buying stuff like tires and home theather equipment there, I'm not going to do bullsh!t like return worn tires :disgust: That's just plain wrong

yeap. i think they should ban people who do crap like this. it will eventually ruin it for everyone.
 

lokiju

Lifer
May 29, 2003
18,526
5
0
Good to know, I just signed up with them last weekend since my Sams Club recently expired and Costco is much closer.
 

Pantoot

Golden Member
Jun 6, 2002
1,764
30
91
Originally posted by: Riverhound777
Hmmm if I remember right, you may not even need a receipt. I heard somewhere that they can check your account and see if you purchased that item in the past.

You are correct, if they don't carry the item anymore (which happens a lot at Costco) they will refund you the money as long as they can find out how much you paid for it.

(Will = might...YMMV)
 

Art Vandelay

Senior member
Jul 30, 2006
642
0
0
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: 911paramedic
A friend of mine returned tires after putting about 20K on them. No questions asked.

:confused:
It is sad that people abuse such a customer-centric store. We may switch to Costco when the Sam's membership runs out and while we'll be buying stuff like tires and home theather equipment there, I'm not going to do bullsh!t like return worn tires :disgust: That's just plain wrong

yeap. i think they should ban people who do crap like this. it will eventually ruin it for everyone.

as i said above, i believe they refuse to renew your membership if you abused their return policy in the past 12 months.
 

Ticks

Golden Member
Jun 9, 2003
1,111
0
0
I wouldn't expect that TV policy to last a lot longer.

I work there and we are getting hammered with HDTV returns/people abusing the policy to upgrade their systems every six months.
 

moks78

Lifer
Jan 5, 2001
10,581
1
0
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: 911paramedic
A friend of mine returned tires after putting about 20K on them. No questions asked.

:confused:
It is sad that people abuse such a customer-centric store. We may switch to Costco when the Sam's membership runs out and while we'll be buying stuff like tires and home theather equipment there, I'm not going to do bullsh!t like return worn tires :disgust: That's just plain wrong

yeap. i think they should ban people who do crap like this. it will eventually ruin it for everyone.
Trudat. Eventually they're going to clampdown on the abusers. Computers were returnable with out time limit before but now it's down to 6 months. Other items will follow suit. No legitimate business can forever tolerate a money losing practice...either they have to increase membership fees to cover for it or cut down on this ultra "nice costumer service."
 

FP

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2005
4,568
0
0
You don't need a receipt or even the original box. The can look up what you paid for anything you bought there.

I bought a printer that refused to pick up paper (damn HP POS) after 8 months. HP was giving me the go-round about needing to talk to level 2300 service reps and blah blah. I said screw it and just returned it to Costco. I will never buy another HP product but I sure as hell will be buying all my large electronic purchases from Costco.
 

akshatp

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
8,349
0
76
We have been costco members for a long time, but I have yet to return anythign there. I have not bought any electronics items there, but do get my tires/contact lenses/groceries there. Maybe i will stop and look at some of their other items. Cant go wrong with a lifetime warranty. Dont think I would be buying and returning big ticket stuff for no reason though.
 

ponyo

Lifer
Feb 14, 2002
19,688
2,811
126
Originally posted by: PhoenixOrion
yea, but i'm getting tired of kirkland signature items.

i need some variety!

Say what?! I :heart:Kirkland items. It's one the reason I shop at Costco.
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Yep. Kirkland Signature t-shirts are like the absolute best on earth. The gray toe and heel white socks rule too.