Costco’s return policy is designed with customer satisfaction in mind, offering refunds on nearly all purchases if you're not completely satisfied. It's flexible, generous, and hassle-free – everything you and your wallet could hope for in a return policy.
There isn't usually a time limit for making returns at Costco Canada either, which makes it even more convenient. There are some limits to the generosity of this policy, but it's more flexible than most Costco members probably realize.
In this guide, we break down and highlight the key elements of Costco's return policy.
Key Takeaways
- The Costco return policy states that it guarantees satisfaction for every product it sells and will provide a full refund in most cases.
- Exceptions include electronics, diamonds, cigarettes, alcohol, products with a limited useful life expectancy, and a few others.
- Costco memberships can also be refunded at any time.
Costco return policy in Canada
Costco has the most amazing return policy in the history of return policies. They’ll allow you to return practically anything, for almost any reason, with no time limit on when you can make the return. Costco will even refund your membership if you’re not satisfied.
To sweeten the deal, Costco will accept returns without a receipt, and you don’t need the original packaging either – as long as they can verify it’s a Costco product.
There are only a few (very) reasonable exceptions for merchandise. We cover each of these in detail below.
| Item | Return policy |
|---|---|
| Electronics (computers, cameras, watches, phones, TVs, major appliances, etc.) | * Within 90 days |
| Grocery items | * Original product packaging preferred * Have 50% (if possible) of the item left for return |
| Mattresses | * No limits * Pickup can be arranged for purchases initially made online |
| Alcohol and cigarettes | * Eligible for return under specific conditions |
| Diamonds | * Returnable with positive verification |
| Car batteries or tires (products with limited specific warranty) | * May be returned if unused * Subject to warranty-specific policies |
| Custom home installations (flooring, kitchen cabinetry and countertops, doors, windows, garage, etc.) | * Custom installation services are non-refundable * May be eligible for repair or replacement under warranty |
Costco electronics return policy
Costco has an impressive selection of electronics, including speakers, TVs, appliances, and more. So what happens when you get home and decide you don’t want or need the item anymore?
Costco allows returns on electronics for up to 90 days from purchase, including these items and more:
- Ovens
- Washing machines
- Dryers
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Range hoods
- Dishwasher
Appliances also come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Another lesser-known perk for Costco members is free technical support. They answer questions related to your electronics, whether you need help setting up your computer, troubleshooting a problem, or getting warranty information.
Costco return policy on groceries and food items
There is no specific return policy for groceries but these purchases still fall under Costco's policy on returning merchandise and therefore can be returned for a full refund. This includes packed and prepared foods, so that delightfully cheap roast chicken you picked up for dinner can be returned without issue if you discover it's not cooked properly.
Despite the lack of restrictions of this policy, it's still important to keep a few things in mind:
- Costco prefers that you return items in their original packaging, so do your best to keep track of this.
- It's preferred that you have at least 50% of the item left to show them upon return.
- Having the original receipt is also preferred, especially if the item has a "best before" date that's relevant to your return. Still, this isn't 100% necessary since you have a membership and Costco has records of your purchases anyway.
Returning mattresses at Costco
Mattresses also fall under Costco's general, generous return policy, so you can return this item for a full refund if you're not satisfied. If you've had and used the mattress for a while, or if it's in poor condition, you may want to contact customer service to ensure the return will be accepted before you haul the item to the warehouse.
If you made the purchase online, you can schedule a pickup and return the mattress that way. Simply head to the Costco site, fill out the required information for a return, and wait to be contacted by a representative to schedule a pickup appointment.
Costco return policy for alcohol and tobacco
Costco return policy states that they will not accept alcohol or cigarette returns where prohibited by law, meaning that, unless the provincial law restricts it, you can usually return these substances to Costco.
Costco liquor stores are only in select provinces. Returns can typically be made if the alcohol is in resalable condition, you have your receipt, and it’s returned within a reasonable time frame.
Tobacco seems to be a very location-specific offering, but the same rules apply. If in doubt about the return policy, it’s best to contact your local Costco warehouse.
The Costco return policy for jewellery and diamonds
Diamond jewellery can be returned for a full refund, but there is a process involved for 1.00 ct diamonds or larger. In these cases, the gem and your paperwork must be inspected and verified.
A Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect your item(s) for authenticity, and this can take 2 to 5 days. You may also need to present the certification you received at the time of purchase. Your refund will be processed once the verification process is complete.
This policy applies to diamond jewellery purchased online too. If your initial purchase was via the Costco website, you can either return the item to a warehouse location or contact customer service online and arrange pickup.
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$25 GeniusCash + Delicious meal choices with fresh ingredients + Front-door delivery.Costco’s return policy for tires and car batteries
Car batteries and tires are examples of products with a limited useful life expectancy, meaning they won’t last forever. For this reason, these products are sold with specific warranties:
- Tires come with a manufacturer’s warranty, a mileage warranty, and a road-hazard warranty.
- Costco car battery warranties vary by product and depend on the lifespan of the battery. For example, the Kirkland Signature Automotive (flooded battery) is eligible for a free replacement if it falls within a certain timeframe (4 years).
However, if tires or a battery haven’t been used or installed on your vehicle, they can be returned just like any other item at Costco.
In short, there’s a lot of variation by manufacturer, so it’s always best to check with your local Costco tire department about your product’s warranty.
Costco's return policy for custom home installations
As you can see, Costco is extremely flexible with its return policy. But, when it comes to custom installation services, such as cabinets or countertops for your kitchen, flooring, custom closet installations, windows, doors, or even HVAC systems, Costco won’t allow returns or issue refunds. It’s because these products are customized to each member’s specific needs.
There are exceptions if an item needs to be repaired or replaced because it didn’t meet the installation specifications. In this case, if you’ve purchased a custom product from Costco, call and ask if your request meets the requirements for warranty repair or replacement.
For more information, see: What is Costco’s return policy?
My $1,000 Costco return
When preparing for our recent move, my family and I realized that we'd accumulated plenty of things from Costco that had either broken or weren’t quite right. The frustrations of packing and the cost of moving expenses finally motivated me to dig up the receipts and make those returns.
Here are a few examples of the items we'd purchased and eventually returned to Costco:
- Exercise bike: The resistance on the bike went down significantly and fairly soon after purchase. Didn't return it until 2 years later, but still received a full refund.
- Bicycle: Returned, completely unused and with tags still on it, several years later for a full refund.
- Fruit stand: We kept this (and tried to like it) for a few years and eventually returned it for a full refund.
- Cushioned floor mats: We purchased several more than we needed and had no problem returning them for a full refund.
- Snorkel kit: An impulse purchase that we never used and received a full refund upon returning it (still in its original packaging).
- Towel holder: We never got around to installing it and then moved to a new house, so we returned it for a full refund.
- Frying pans: They were supposed to be professional grade but warped quickly. A full refund was issued without any problem.
Costco return policy horror stories
You might think the long list of returned items (above) is crazy, but my experience is tame compared to the stories you'll read online. Some people will shamelessly return used and abused items and then walk out of the store with a brand-new replacement.
| Item | What happened |
|---|---|
| 10-year-old TV | Costco changed its policy so old electronics can’t be returned for a full refund, allowing people to upgrade to the latest technology at no cost. Still, one man returned a 10-year-old TV because he figured he was "grandfathered in" under the old policy. |
| Baby stroller | A parent returned a very well-used stroller simply because their child/children had outgrown it. |
| Electronics | One man purchased a GPS for a road trip and then returned it when he returned home again. Other customers purchase big-screen TVs for a Super Bowl party or similar event and then return them shortly afterward. |
| Plants | Some customers purchase plants, bring them home, and put them in the ground… only to dig them back up at a later date and return them. |
Does Costco ever reject returns?
If you don't have a receipt and the customer service department can't find a record of the purchase under your account, your Costco return will likely be rejected.
There are also stories on Reddit of people trying to return items that are quite obviously old and overused, and their attempts are rejected.
Based on this, it's clear that some things are left up to the discretion of the Costco representative. For the most part, though, representatives are very generous with the condition of the items they accept as returns.
Don't miss out on extra rewards with the best Costco credit cards
Return policies aside, most members will tell you that they love Costco. But its strict credit card policy (Mastercards only) makes it hard to earn valuable credit card reward points on your purchases – and if you shop at Costco with any frequency, this means you're missing out on a lot of points.
Luckily, they do accept Mastercard. So what's the best Mastercard to use at Costco?
The Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including Costco. This is even better than the CIBC Costco Mastercard, which only earns 1% back.
It also comes with:
- No annual fee
- 3% cash back on purchases made in USD
- Six types of insurance
- World Elite Mastercard benefits (Membership to Mastercard Travel Pass, World Elite Concierge services, etc.)
FAQ
What’s Costco’s return policy in Canada?
Costco’s return policy is extremely liberal, and they’ll often let you return anything, for any reason, and with no time limit. All you have to do is bring the item to the return counter and ask.
What are some exceptions to Costco’s return policy?
There are a few exceptions to Costco's return policy, and these include electronics over 90 days old, diamonds (under certain circumstances), cigarettes, alcohol, and groceries with less than 50% of the item left in the package.
What is the Costco electronics return policy?
Costco allows returns on electronics within 90 days of the purchase date. This category includes computers, cameras, projectors, tablets, watches, phones, televisions, home appliances, and more. You can always call Costco to see if your item falls within this category.
Can I make a Costco return without a receipt?
Yes, Costco will allow items to be returned without a receipt as long as it can be identified and verified as a Costco product. The Costco policy states that returns may be up to the discretion of the store manager.
What’s the best Costco credit card?
Using the right credit card can help you earn valuable rewards every time you shop at Costco, and your best bet is the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard, which provides 1.5% cash back for every $1 you spend.
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Comments
Yup, they accept returns for any reason.
Just return it with no questions asked and buy a new one from them or anywhere else. No problem at all.
Yes indeed, it's all about making a loyal customer out of you and hoping you won't get too extreme with it.
Yes, it definitely applies to all types of membership.