Some stores have more generous return policies than others and Costco is famous for theirs. The warehouse chain offers members a “100 percent satisfaction guarantee” and will even let them bring back half-eaten food if there’s a problem with it. According to their website, Costco doesn’t specify an expiration date on refunds or even require a receipt for returns.
Some shoppers have made headlines for testing the limits of the policy, by returning two-year-old vacuums and couches, and they’ve gotten their money back. But the retailer has to draw the line somewhere and these are the items Costco won’t let you return.
- Electronics purchased more than 90 days ago - Sure, some electronics are part of their limitless return policy, like vacuums, but most can’t be returned for a full refund unless they were bought less than three months ago.
- Cigarettes - Even if they’ve never been opened, you can’t return cigarettes.
- Alcohol - The same goes for alcohol, including wine, beer and spirits.
- Batteries - They’re not generally allowed to be returned for a refund, unless the batteries don’t work or customers aren’t satisfied with their performance in some way.
- Tires - Costco is known for their tire check and fix policy, which even includes free rotation, balance and inflation checks, but you can’t return tires you buy there.
- Gold bars - This isn’t an item shoppers are filling their carts with often, but if you do buy a gold bar, just know it’s not returnable.
- Gift cards - They sell gift cards for other retailers at Costco, and they’re often cheaper than face value, but they’re non-refundable.
- Costco shop cards - Even the gift cards for Costco itself can’t be returned, but you can use them to buy anything in the store.
Source: Daily Mail