114 Responses so far ↓

1. 1 Rickie M // 2009.09.01 at 9:15 am

   No matter what you do there will always be those who abuse a policy and Costco must get plenty of abuse. I suppose they feel the goodwill generated by having such a generous policy outweighs the cost of those who abuse it (which it probably does; that is one of the reasons I shop there because I know if anything is wrong with the purchase they won’t hassle me about returning it like other stores might). The other week when I was leaving Costco, I saw someone standing in the return line with one of their 6-foot folding tables standing up in a cart. The table had huge black marks all over it and had obviously seen better days. I wondered to myself if they were actually going to try and return this thing. Another time on a food message board someone complained about Costco because they had bought too much food for their party (as in fresh, prepared food) and when they came back to return the unused portions the return clerk took it back but told them that the food would have to be thrown away because they were not allowed to resell it. The person returning it got offended at the ‘tude he got from the clerk. At least everyone who replied to his message told him what a jerk he was instead of sympathizing with him!

2. 2 thuan // 2009.09.01 at 10:16 am

   I know of people who have bought tv from Costco and returning it three years later then buying another model. They were upgrading without paying. Costco has since amended their electronic return policy. I hope they amend their general merchandise return policy also!

3. 3 Melissa // 2009.09.01 at 10:33 am

   Stuff like this really gets me going too. Its hard to let it go. I can’t believe what people will try and do and how they will take advantage of companies. Its disgusting in my opinion. I know a couple of people who used to work for Costco and they would have all kinds of shocking stories all of the time. One time a lady returned an EMPTY pumpkin pie box (from their bakery) around Thanksgiving, and said “Her family didn’t really care for the pie” – There was no part of the pie even brought back. They ate the whole thing (and I am SURE enjoyed every bite because it is awesome) – and then thought “hey lets get our money back so we can get another one” – ….Really?? GRRRR.

4. 4 Kimberly // 2009.09.01 at 12:22 pm

   There’s no way you wouldn’t be satisfied with one of those pumpkin pies. So right there you know she’s telling a big fat lie. But to bring back an empty box?!? What the hell are people thinking with things like that?

   And getting a free television upgrade is like this guy and his violin return. You shouldn’t just use stuff for extended period of time and then take it back for a return.

   I’m glad to hear that these people don’t get sympathy from others, at least.

5. 5 Ben // 2009.09.01 at 12:37 pm

   You’ll be suprised by this one as well. There was someone who bought refrigerated items for an event and being that they were not oppened the person decided to return it to costco, costco simply took it back (with a smile) according to their return policy, only that this person discovered that his/her costco membership had been revoked.
   I don’t understand how people can do this?

6. 6 Dave // 2009.09.01 at 12:39 pm

   Perhaps Costco could come up with a policy where, for anything really questionable, they ask 10 random customers in the check-out-lines (so it’s almost impossible for the returnee to stack the deck) if the item is ‘returnable’. That way, people have to risk the embarrassment of others knowing what they’re doing to get their money back, plus there’s the chance the “wisdom of the crowds” will recognize some of this abuse for what it is, without Costco getting the blame. “It wasn’t us, our policy is to take almost anything back, but 9 out of 10 customers thought you were scamming us, so instead we’re putting your membership on suspension. Have a great day!” Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be to walk up with an empty pie box then? Or a violin your daughter has played for a year and still has nothing wrong with it?

7. 7 Dave // 2009.09.01 at 12:41 pm

   Oh, and there are times I think I wouldn’t be satisfied with one of those pumpkin pies. But the conversation would go like this:
   Me: I’d like to return this empty pie box.
   Costco: Oh. Was there something wrong with the pie.
   Me: Yeah, it wasn’t big enough for me. My wife didn’t get any. Can I get a refill?

   

8. 8 Jen // 2009.09.01 at 1:03 pm

   I knew someone in college who regularly abused the return policy. Examples: “upgrading” to a new laptop every year, returning the last bottle of a case of water, last roll of a case of toilet paper, etc. It was so bad that he hit a certain limit – $10,000 I think, and was told by the local Costco that while they were happy to sell him merchandise, he was no longer able to return items to that Costco. Did he think he had done anything wrong? NO. Instead, he was angry at Costco and promptly began going to the next nearest one. His fundamental belief that the policy was there for him to exploit is what made me applaud Costco for actually taking a step to limit him.

9. 9 Jenna // 2009.09.01 at 1:16 pm

   I have returned a few unused items a little later than the ideal (2-3 months) but never used, abused, or discarded. The abusers make me mad too. The policy however makes me happy to buy things there because I know that I will be happy (especially digital cameras, printers, Tvs). I can live within the guidelines. The pie & the violin make me squirm.

10. 10 Suzanne Chang // 2009.09.01 at 1:19 pm

    even though that’s disappointing, but one time, a man in front of me returned a almost finished rotisserie chicken. he just said that he didn’t like it. come on, if you didn’t like the chicken why is it almost gone? plus, it’s only $4.99…why return a $4.99 item?

11. 11 TK // 2009.09.01 at 2:10 pm

    Me and my wife usually buy from Costco thinking that if we are not satisfied, we will return it. But we have NEVER returned anything at Costco because we were not satisfied. The merchandise from Costco is of such high quality. The only thing on my return checklist right now is OOMA voip phone. But that is only if company goes down within one year of my purchase.

12. 12 Cathy // 2009.09.01 at 4:20 pm

    A few years ago, we bought the glass top patio table and matching chairs they always have. Very reasonably priced and affordable. I think the table was $75 and each chair $30ish. The table and chairs cost under $200 for decent patio furniture.

    Storm rolls in suddenly here in MN. DH tried to get the umbrella down, but it stuck. The wind and hail started and he dashed inside. The wind got so strong, the open umbrella snapped and the table toppled over, shattering the glass. I was so upset b/c I LOVED that table! It was too late in the season to get another, so I ran to Target to get a cheapy to do us until they are available in Costco in the spring.

    Fast forward to this spring. I make a special trip to Costco (which is far from me – I don’t know why they don’t have more in the Minneapolis area!) to get the table. Gone up to $95, still worth it.

    When they were helping me out, I told the guy the story of how the other was destroyed. You know what he said??? He said – I should have saved the frame and returned it! I was like WHAT???????????????? I said but it was our fault it broke. He said no problem. They would have taken it back.

    As far as I was concerned, it was our fault and we would have to buy another. It didn’t remotely cross my mind to return it after we broke it. This came from a Costco employee!

    ========================

    We bought a bedroom suite at Costco.com a few years ago that cost $5K which replaced my childhood bedroom furniture that we still used in our early 40′s. A new bedroom suite was never in the budget until I got a small inheritance.

    The first mirror we got was cracked, so they replaced it. The delivery guy, part of the ‘supposed’ white glove delivery used my new dresser to write on his carbon copied sheets, with nothing underneath. Everything he wrote on the carbon was etched into my brand new dresser. I called Costco and they replaced it. I took it up with him at first and he pretended he couldn’t see it. A few weeks after having the suite, the bed caved in. Turns out the installer didn’t screw the slats into the frame. When he came back, he made comments about our bedroom activity that made the bed cave in!! I complained to Costco about that.

    The new mirror came and was installed, but we promptly moved after that across the country. Our stuff was in storage for several months and then I had major surgery after we moved into our home. Once I was able to get upstairs to our bedroom (I had hip replacement and didn’t go upstairs for a very long time), I noticed the replaced mirror had a funhouse effect to it… the reflection was distorted and it made me dizzy to look at the mirror.

    I didn’t think Costco would do anything about it b/c it had been a couple years since we received the replacement. I wrote them to express disappointment in the quality of the item for an expensive bedroom set and to let them know in future dealings with the manufacturer. I did not ask for a replacement.

    Imagine my shock when they called to say that I would receive a replacement. I couldn’t believe it!

13. 13 Tampa Slim // 2009.09.01 at 5:02 pm

    I tend to draw the line on returns with food items. I don’t believe I’ve ever bought some food item, tasted it and then returned it. If I didn’t like it, I just won’t buy another one. Simple as that. Costco should not be punished for my personal palette issues.

    And on other items, if it fails to meet a standard of excellence, I’ll return it. Almost always there is some issue with it. But taking stuff back because daddys little girl isn’t interested in playing an instrument or because they lost interest is just plain wrong!

    I’d a given that guy a piece of my mind, Kimberly.

14. 14 tomblue // 2009.09.01 at 6:42 pm

    I think one of the selling features of shopping at Costco is the liberal return policy they have in place. This return policy practically shouts “We stand behind everything we sell!” and it speaks volumes to me about the quality of their merchandise. The fact that certain people take advantage of the generous policy to such extremes speaks to that individuals character. Which other retailers in the marketplace offer you this type of service?
    Anyone else would not be so kind when items are returned, so I hope that people will find a heart and if something is questionable as a return, let it be. What is fair is not subjective. It either is fair or it isn’t.

15. 15 Susie // 2009.09.01 at 6:59 pm

    We saw a guy return an opened box of pots and pans that were very used…as in had food still crusted on the bottom of the pan.

    GROSS. I love me some Costco but I don’t think these are the kinds of things they intended!

    I nominate Dave as best response ever! If I was working I’d totally give you a pie just for making my day!

    Ha!

16. 16 Rickie M // 2009.09.01 at 8:22 pm

    To Dave: Your suggestion probably wouldn’t work on a lot of these people who return things because they have no shame. If they had any sense of decency they wouldn’t try to return it in the first place so I doubt that anything will dissuade them. Along similar lines, it really angers me to see people abusing the snack bar area, too – like bringing their own cups for soda (I have only seen this a couple of times, thankfully). The other day I did see some woman filling up a big plastic bag with ice, though. I was wondering why is hardly any ice coming out of the dispenser and then I saw her and figured she must have cleaned out my section and then went to the next one. I stood there staring at her but she could care less. Then I’ve heard stories of people filling up their empty cups with the chopped onions, etc.

17. 17 Greg // 2009.09.01 at 8:37 pm

    Maybe for your blog, you could hang out by the return counter for a while. Maybe using one of those listening enhancers advertised on tv.
    Taking notes. Then posting the best ones.

18. 18 Jennifer // 2009.09.01 at 9:08 pm

    I once bought an array of fresh peaches. The peaches were bad, but I couldn’t tell until I cut one open. So I threw it away and cut another one. It was bad, so I cut open a 3rd one. I’d never returned anything to Costco before, so I wasn’t aware of their amazing return policy. I brought the peaches back and tried to explain why I was returning them. It was clear that it didn’t matter — not in a mean way, they were smiling and very polite — just that it didn’t matter *why* I was returning them. The clerk very efficiently rang up the return and handed me the cash. It was great!

    Oh – and I buy a lot of produce from Costco, and those peaches were the only time I’ve returned anything. I continue to buy their produce for the great value and great quality.

19. 19 Andrea // 2009.09.01 at 9:22 pm

    These stories make me sad. I only recently made my first returns at Costco, after years of membership. One was a fan that stopped working a month after we bought it….I thought about just throwing it away, but decided a month really wasn’t enough and I should take it back. The others were normal things– a shirt I bought my kid, who rejected it, for instance.

    I just hope they do track returns by membership and take action when people are doing crazy stuff like that.

20. 20 Kissen // 2009.09.02 at 1:36 pm

    Honestly, all of you gave me a good laugh here! I’ve seen some of these things happen, too, and have been equally amazed and stunned, just like all of you. But talking about it here is GREAT comic relief!!! lol Thanks!

21. 21 Trina // 2009.09.02 at 10:39 pm

    I had a similar experience as Jennifer. Planned a special dinner of king crab legs for my first Valentine’s Day being single after a LTR-breakup. Spent a very reasonable $20-ish for a nice package of king crab from the refrigerated section. The next day, heated it briefly and went to eat it … ammonia smell. So strong it made my stomach swirly! It was so so so disappointing. I tossed it out and went back the next day with my receipt. I’d never returned anything before, but this was so disappointing I just had to! They did ask if I had any of the product left over, but I was so grossed out I threw it away. I sure hope no one thought I was scamming them for a free Valentine’s Day dinner!

22. 22 JT // 2009.09.03 at 9:48 am

    I bought a case of water and when I put it in the car, I noticed they were sloppy in the package. Oops, I was missing two of the waters. I took it right back in and got a full case of water. While I was waiting for another case of water to show up, a very sloppy woman showed up with one of those big cartons of strawberries. There were six in the bottom. She said they were bad and wanted her money back. Yes, stupid, six out of 40 were bad, they were at the bottom and she had bought them several days ago. Grrr, I couldn’t help but look at her with disgust. So much so that when she left the Costco return girl looked at me and laughed. She said, you should work here. I said, no, I’d get fired, at least from that position!

23. 23 H. // 2009.09.04 at 8:09 am

    I wonder if the guy will one day approach his wife (assuming anyone would stay married to him) and try and return his daughter? You know, when he gets tired of being a parent after realizing he needs to be a good role model and doesn’t want the daughter anymore. Someone should buy the violin so they can play tearful music in the background for all the sob stories at the return counter.

24. 24 Jodi-o // 2009.09.04 at 9:51 am

    I work at Costco – the most amazing return I’ve seen is a huge dinosaur big screen TV obviously purchased in the 80′s – returned for full value – nearly $2,000. People also buy folding tables and chairs – right before Thanksgiving – and return them the day after. Ugh. Addicted is right though – the people working in membership – have champion poker faces – but we hear about it later lol!

25. 25 John // 2009.09.04 at 1:56 pm

    My wife works for Costco and the last 2 years in a row, a bicycle rental company has purchased 20 to 30 bikes at Costco in the spring, rented them out all summer and returned them in the fall for full refunds. His reason for returning them was he did not need them at this time and prided himself on having new bikes to rent out every year to his customers. He had no shame in retuning the bikes after making his money over the season. Must be nice to have a business where someone else provides “you” with the equipment needed to make “you” the money with free of charge.

26. 26 Chun // 2009.09.04 at 1:56 pm

    As long as these unreasonable returns are kept at a tiny fraction of Costco’s overall sales revenue, keeping and honoring this policy is doing good to Costco. I buy a lot from Costco due to this policy and also the quality of its products. But I rarely return stuff even if I know I can do it. People tend to buy more if they know full satisfaction with 100% money back is ensured, and most people have good morality and self-discipline to not abuse the policy. I had been a Sam’s Club member for many years and did not buy as much. Only after switching to Costco I came to know Sam’s actually has the same policy on many (not all) of its items. I probably would have bought more at Sam’s had I known this.

27. 27 Alain // 2009.09.06 at 7:41 am

    How about buying and Air Conditioner and BBQ, patio furniture etc… in June and returning it in September.
    I heard from Costco employees lots of people do that .
    In the winter they buy a snow blower and other winter stuff (xmas decorations etc…) and do the same.

    Hate to say it but these people will ruin it for the rest of us.

28. 28 Tiff // 2009.09.06 at 6:42 pm

    One time I had gone to Costco for a chipotle Tri-tip and realized when I got home that I had accidentally purchased the “original” flavor. So I kept it refrigerated and brought it back to exchange the next day. Imagine my disappointment when the clerk threw it in the trash. I felt happy that I got to replace that steak with the flavor I wanted so easily, but I felt so guilty that a perfectly good steak was completely wasted. In the future I am going to try to be more careful because I don’t want to waste food like that, I really wish Costco would give some of that “garbage” to the homeless, I can only imagine how much wasted food must pile up every day.

29. 29 agnes bennett // 2009.09.06 at 8:27 pm

    I think returning refrigerated food should not be allowed. How does anyone know it was refrigerated? You made a mistake – eat it. I feel Costco’s return policy is far far too liberal.

30. 30 Seattleite // 2009.09.07 at 12:45 am

    I have had to return refrigerated food to Costco several times – I had tilapia fillets and pork chops which smelled spoiled just one day after the sell-by date. 15 (!) years ago, a co-worker almost bought a package of sushi from there, until he looked at the sell-by date sticker, and realized that it was covering up 2 previous stickers, each with earlier dates. I have no sympathy for people who try to cheat Costco, though.

31. 31 TK // 2009.09.07 at 7:19 am

    I was waiting on-line to return something at my local Costco on Long Island. A woman was returning bananas because they had browned, and she felt she could not eat them. Now, here’s what amazed me. she did not bring any of the bananas back to the shop, she said she had obviously thrown them away because they were no good. She also did not have a receipt! Costco did give her a refund, and the clerk and I had a good laugh when she left.

32. 32 Mike Hawke // 2009.09.07 at 10:31 am

    I love Costco return policy!!! I returned a $900. Firepit and chairs I bought last fall just a month or so ago. It was just too hot to justify the expense. My picture tube went out on my $5000.00 plasma christmas before last after using it for only a year. I bought it three weeks before the policy change on electronics so the change did not apply!!! I used the cash to buy a new upgraded model Plasma for only $3000.oo and used the extra $2000.oo to get this kick-ass Dell computer I am typing on right now!!
    I have returned cameras, computers, clothes, 12 year old Life Jackets (no reciept but the purchase was in their computer, $14.99 each), TV’s, picture frames, toys, faxes, and I am on my fourth Brother MFC $500.00 printer in 4 years. You know they don’t check the toner levels on the returned machine. 4 cartidges x $100.00 each. The new ones come with full cartridges.

    I love to shop at Costco!!! I have saved a ton of money!! I Love the return policy!!! It keeps me coming back!

33. 33 Emily // 2009.09.07 at 2:20 pm

    My husband and I had to return a king-sized mattress/box spring we’d had for over 2 years to Costco because it was literally caving in, and we were waking up in pain every single morning. There was definitely something wrong with the construction. I felt MORTIFIED returning a used mattress, but they took it back without question, and I appreciated it. I hate when people abuse the policy.

34. 34 Harry Morgan // 2009.09.07 at 3:08 pm

    The Costco Return Policy is great. Costco make hundreds of millions of dollars on its membership alone. To have your product returned to Costco no questions asked for any reason over any period of time is nothing that anyone should ever be embarrassed about. What many don’t know is that at the end, the manufacturer pays. That’s part of their deal to get the product in the store. So who ever you are feel no shame and don’t judge others, feel admiration for them being smart enough to use their membership within Costco’s customer guidleines.

35. 35 Tiff // 2009.09.09 at 12:10 am

    You eat it, Agnes.

36. 36 Cordelia // 2009.09.09 at 12:18 am

    I have returned clothing items because I guessed wrong on the size, books because I guessed my husbands favorite author and was way wrong. But the only return I felt slightly bad for was when I bought a 12 pack of fruit smoothy drinks that were really expensive only to have my son(whom would be the only one drinking them) turn to me and go UGH I don’t like these. My husband also turned up his nose to the fruit drinks. I honestly to cusotmer service that I thought they was a good product but must be too nice for my family. She laughed and took it back, and added she totally understood. I like the fact that it isn’t a huge deal. I have gotten a few items that I should have returned but forgot about…even though it has been over a year I couldn’t bring myself to return…I like shopping there too much.

37. 37 Josh // 2009.09.09 at 4:34 am

    We supplied to Costco 11 years ago for 3 years in a row & Costco Canada about 5 years ago for 6 years. All manufactures need to be members no matter you have access to warehouse or not.

    Costco will return “defect goods” back to manufacturers. Like us overseas, we will just took the loss without too much complaints. So they were all covered by the supplier agreement. Costco marks up 15% for sale to members. If they need to clear up the stock, we as manufacturers have to sacrifice to join the clearance sales. 15% mark-up is way higher than industry standard, it should covers the product insurance in there.

    I personally think that we should just rest the case. Costco charge us membership fees, ultra high mark-ups and multiple holidays, benefits for themselves. The return policy is the last thing we can expect from Costco.

38. 38 Joe // 2009.09.12 at 12:05 am

    I’m sure glad I continued reading to the end of this list. From #1 and quite a ways down the list, I was beginning to feel that I was one of the abusive jerks. However, I don’t thinks so any longer. Basically I was told today by the general manager of the local Costco store that I returned far more electronics than a “normal person” would have. I was stunned by that, but have been thinking about the rest of the evening. That happened at 5pm, over 7 hours ago, and I’m still steamed about it. This year I’ve had to return two notebook computer and last year a desktop.

    First, both laptops reported errors during start up. I would get the error “HP MediaSmart TV Resident Program Has Stopped Working.” It would give me the option to search the web for a solution and close the program or to just close the program. This appeared every time the computers would be turned on or rebooted, and I’d select search for a solution. At no time would the solution be found. Second, calling HP was a complete pain, and they weren’t helpful. Searching on the internet, I found the error had been occurring for many months. It made me aggravated that HP was supplying Costco with computers that had errors. This is not something caused by a virus, worm, trojan, or other malware, but a bug in one of the updates that HP automatically installs once these laptops are online! Finally, I’m buying computers to make my life easier–not because I needed another problem to solve. So, the notebooks were returned.

    To make a long story short, I’m now barred from returning ANYTHING related to electronics. I can still purchase them, but returns of electronics are disallowed. Some of you may be thinking I deserve it. For all of you, consider their return policy of “risk free” returns and “guaranteed” satisfaction. That policy should reflect a caveat for what Costco deems as abusive. Moreover, they never warned me that I was approaching that mark! In fact, it’s not their policy to do so. I don’t know about you, but I’ve purchased electronics from Costco that were dead out to the box. For example, I purchased a Sony Vaio that wouldn’t even turn on with the battery installed and plugged into a working outlet. Certainly not something I’m taking the chance on happening again. Time I guess to part ways with Costco.

    Someone earlier made an excellent point about membership fees and markups that Costco charges. As a member since January 2001 (and mostly an executive member), I’ve paid over $600 in membership fees. I feel I’ve earned the right to employ their return policy, and not be blindsided by hidden policies. As for what Costco earns from it’s members, I won’t even speculate and what they make off of the database of information they maintain on each and everyone of their members. The information they gather is quite extensive. Keep that in mind for those of you who buy the wrong sized clothes, an extra of something by mistake, or purchase an overpriced DVD — Costco is keeping detailed notes of your returns too. You’ll be barred next and accused of not being normal.

39. 39 Cathy // 2009.09.13 at 1:50 pm

    Joe,

    I really feel for you. It sounds like you had legit returns. If anyone should be banned, it is the bike company and the guy above who uses the return policy to replace his equipment to get free toner.

    Can you call Costco Head office and complain? I wonder if the manager of this store made an arbitrary decision that can be overruled. I bet they keep close tabs on electronic returns, but obviously did not pay attention to the reasons…that the product was defective.

    Call Head office. I bet they will help you.

40. 40 Joe // 2009.09.14 at 8:41 am

    Hi Cathy,

    I’ll give that a try. Thanks.

41. 41 Mike Hawke // 2009.09.15 at 3:08 am

    Joe, there is no limit. The Costco return policy is part a legal agreement that you enter into with Costco when you make a purchase. Some manager blew smoke up your skirt and you squeeled because it tickled. Try growing a pair and explain to the manager that He does not make Costco policy he follows it. Your purchase is a contract made with the company. The return policy is part of that contract. Read your receipt, or have someone read it to you. For that matter read the fricken wall while you are scratching your butt dreaming about the 3 gallon jars of Vasoline on aisle 9. Bunch of Sheep on this page.

42. 42 Kurt // 2009.09.21 at 4:09 pm

    I have to agree with Mike Hawke , but I was returning a reclining chair to Costco that was five years old and it was in pristine conditon due to the fact that it was in storage. We were told by the store to bring it in and they would evaulate its condition. Well the manager never looked at it and said if I kept it this long I was satisfied with it, if I had it so long. I understand tvs and computers having limits but they should place an actual time frame if they are not going to honor returns. It’s hard enough to bring it in. I still feel they should have honored the return due to the fact that it’s now a subjective decision by the manager.

43. 43 How to Keep Your Bedroom and Bedroom Furniture Smelling Amazing « Wicked Blogging // 2009.09.23 at 1:45 am

    [...] Return Policy Abuse at Costco | Addicted To Costco! [...]

44. 44 kk // 2009.09.28 at 4:24 pm

    You people make me sick. Sticking up for a billion dollar corporation and somehow you think you returning a $14 DVD 2 years later is going to crumble their financial structure?! Or returning a violin because the child no longer wants to play it? Whatever the reason. you are entitled, yes entitled for a refund. Get real, even if everyone abused their policy they would still make money. They make gross profits on just their membership fees alone. If they couldn’t afford their return policy they would change it. Off topic but realize how you are raping this planet by buying 50 rolls of toilet paper at one time!! Jesus Christ!

45. 45 Dave // 2009.09.28 at 6:53 pm

    @kk: Costco’s profits from membership fees are what allow them to make a *business* out of selling things at no more than a 15% markup. Given that most of us can save much more than the membership fee cost in a year, I doubt most people agree with your poor attitude and extreme exaggeration of their profit as being “gross”. Keep in mind that the capital they use to grow the business and bring the benefits of Costco pricing to more people is available exactly because of this profit.

    I vehemently disagree with your statement that you’re entitled to a refund on something with no defects after having used it for a year or more. At that point, you are not entitled to a refund, you’re abusing a policy that is meant for other situations. Costco is just too polite to tell you to get lost. Anyway, Costco isn’t paying for the cost of the things you return in this situation, other customers are. If too many people follow this pattern of abuse, one of three things will happen. Either Costco will go out of business, or they’ll change/discontinue the return policy to stop the abuse, or prices will rise for everyone to pay for the larger amount of abuse. They’re a business not a charity.

    BTW: Buying 50 rolls at once doesn’t say anything about how fast it gets used. You probably use just as much, but pay more for packaging rather than product. IMO, you’re the one raping the planet.

46. 46 Dan T. // 2009.10.10 at 12:23 am

    I have definitely purchased things at Costco that I’ve been unsure of because I knew I could bring them back if they didn’t work out for me. About to take advantage of the policy on a shower head whose threads stripped off after a year. Will likely pick up a suitcase at the same time — I’m a little bit unsure of the expansion system’s durability, but if I have a problem I know I can take it back.

    I probably won’t have a problem, though, and that’s the point — it’s a sale Costco wouldn’t have gotten were it not for their return policy. I’m sure plenty of those make up for the violins.

47. 47 Remar M. // 2009.12.04 at 4:09 pm

    For those here saying you can return your TV after years of use, you better check for Costco return policy on electronics, TV’s, DVD players, computers, etc only can be returned in the 6 months after the purchase.
    For those thinking Costco is the good guy loosing money, please wake up! If Costco knows about something is about making business. Prices are not that cheap in Costco and basically they only sale the top of the line. Did you forget how much Costco’s membership was 10 years ago? …$35 dollars. Only the $50 bucks membership is a LOT of money. Not to mention the $100 dollars one.
    If Costco doesn’t provide an attractive return policy, which by the way can not be found any where in total writing. Why is the reason to buy there!?
    I don’t abuse any return policy but it is good to know I pay a membership for some worthy deal in case I need it.

48. 48 Eddie // 2009.12.05 at 12:50 am

    @ Remar M. – I work at Costco and the return policy is clearly posted in a board next to the return counter, and get your information correct the return policy is now 90 days for electronic items. Costco wouldn’t have had to change the return policy if people weren’t treating us like a rental store. Bought something and when they were done with it would return it even though there was nothing wrong with the product. These are the low life people that are to blame!

49. 49 Gary // 2009.12.17 at 11:47 pm

    For those that feel the returns mostly affect costco’s bottom line, its time to wake up. Costco as a business is extremely well operated, especially so in their agreements with their suppliers. I have worked with several companies that have supplied Costco, all of them not only agree to a full refund without time limit to costco in the case of returns, but they also agree to pay for the shipping costco will incur to take it out of the warehouse. While this may not be true for all of Costco’s items, it certainly was the case for electronics companies who were just sick of losses through laptop and tv returns and probably threatened to pull out of costco. Of course, none of this affects Costco’s bottom line, all they lose in the process is the administration cost of the returns in the hourly wages they pay their return clerks and RTV people. My point – don’t think Costco is losing anything in the returns process, in most cases, its the companies that have their product in Costco. Will this cause problems for others? Sure, return enough of one TV brand in a year, and its a good chance that it won’t be there next year across all warehouses.
    Its the manufacturers that get burned when you return things, and I have personally witnessed several companies that have indeed pulled out as a result of the ridiculous return policy they have. So go ahead and take full advantage of the policy, afterall Costco probably doesn’t care a whole lot what you return, but if everyone abused the policy, its a good bet that you’ll only see Kirkland brand in Costcos in the future – albeit still with the fantastic return policy.

50. 50 Costco Employee // 2009.12.23 at 2:28 am

    Hellloooo all Costco members ! I came across this blog about Costcos return policy. This is no suprise to me. Ive seen rusted bbq grills, rusted outside heaters come in and be returned. Ive seen old socks and underwears, old beds with stains on them, and the best of all, a lady returned a half bottle of wine because it gave her a head ache hahah, come on people. I cant say this at work so ill take advantage of this site. Alot of members think there king or queen because they pay for a membership, im sorry but us employees arent your little bitches. Dont talk to us like we are and dont look at us as if we will do anything for you. You pay for a membership to shop in bulk and get quality products at a good cost. You’ve been a member for so long, dont forget your other fuckin bagel, they come in a 2 pack remember the last time you bought it ? Dont get to the line and decide you dont want a cold item, we dont like to run back and put it away for you guys, stop being LAZY !! All we take is american express and debit, so dont tell us you used another credit card last time !

51. 51 Eddie // 2009.12.27 at 6:36 pm

    LMAO Costco Employee – I work at Costco as well we think alike!

52. 52 Dapheel // 2010.02.16 at 3:09 pm

    Here’s the membership policy from their website.

    Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

    On Membership: We will refund your membership fee full at any time if you are dissatisfied.

    On Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase

    1. Electronics: Costco will accept returns within 90 days from the date of purchase for Televisions and Projectors, Computers, Cameras, Camcorders, iPod/MP3 players and Cellular Phones.

    2. Diamonds: 1ctw or larger: Membership returning a diamond over 1.00ctw must also present all original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) at which time they will receive a Jewelry Credit Memo. Within 48 hours, our Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect for authenticity. Upon approval, a refund will then be issued to the member.

    3. Cigarettes: Costco does not accept returns on cigarettes.

    Key item to note:
    Costco reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant and membership is revocable without cause.

53. 53 Tracie8 // 2010.03.24 at 11:14 am

    I work at Costco in returns and have seen some people really abuse the return policy. The worst is when they return perishable foods that we have to throw in the garbage. Most people will keep an item if I tell them, “If we take it back, it’s going straight into the garbage.” Some people could care less. I’ve seen people return food after holidays that never was used like expensive meats, turkeys, cheeses, etc. I don’t think Costco should have to eat it because you planned poorly. Put it in your freezer and use it later. But, we uphold the Costco policy. I feel that they have to face themselves and God someday–what they are basically doing is stealing!

    When you join a warehouse club like Costco, you are basically buying down your prices. Our membership fees are why we can charge under $2.00 for a gallon of milk which is $1-$3.00 cheaper than grocery stores. If you buy only one gallon of milk a week, you have already saved over $50.00 the cost of your Gold Star Membership. And don’t forget about the coupons Costco sends out regularly.

    As for our members, the majority are completely awesome and bring a great vibe to everyone’s shopping experience, however, there are a few that are complete bastards! These members think because they have a membership they can take advantage of whomever, and whatever suits their needs. They think they should never get no for an answer.

    I’ve shopped at Costco for 10 years and will continue to do so whether or not I work there.

54. 54 Rachel // 2010.04.22 at 5:50 pm

    Just the other day , while I was in line at the customer service desk waiting to renew my membership, I was standing behind a man (foreign and dressed in a nice suit) trying to return a laptop computer. I overheard the conversation he was having with a manager arguing over the computer he was trying to return. He was trying to return his computer after 8 years (YES, I said 8 YEARS!!!) of use. It was so banged up, DIRTY, scratched, had permanent marker written on it and even stickers. I couldn’t believe it!!! After the manager said “No, I’m sorry sir, but you have had this for over 8 years and it has obviously been used A LOT considering the wear and tear on it.” To my disbelief, the man started to try to negotiate a lower price for it. The manager almost laughed because it was so outrageous what he was asking for. The manager asked him, “Well sir, how much money are you thinking I should give you for it?” The man answered, “How about $800?” The manager said “No, I’m sorry but I can’t do that.” The man said, “Well how about $200?” I almost laughed in disbelief. Finally, the manager stopped entertaining his ridiculous offers, said NO and walked away. I was SOOOO relieved that he said NO!!!!! Who does that????? What nerve. UNBELIEVABLE.

55. 55 Kimberly // 2010.04.23 at 7:49 am

    Wow, that is completely outrageous! And also really hilarious! How could anyone reasonably think that was a valid return? It’s like he lost a bet or something. That’s just so so strange. That is definitely the best story about Return Policy Abuse at Costco though; hands down winner.

56. 56 Dave // 2010.04.24 at 10:59 pm

    I work for Costco and have a pretty good understanding of our return policey,1st we take back everything and most things are valid. I have seen people abuse the system many time, I have seen people take modems, hard drives out of computers try to return them. Return one coumputer maybe, return three or four there is a problem. If you purchased the computer say dell, HP, Sony, you would have had to pay for warrantee. Not at Costco so please dont cry wolf when they say enough is enough. How much money did you save? And if Costco let you return the computer you are very lucky. I have read some of the complains on the return policy. Most are not valid, abuse is abuse you can spine it anyway you want at the end of the day its still abuse. I can justify anything. Most company dont let you return anything after 3 months and we take things back 2 , 3 , 5 yrs old. We have the easyest return policy going or may I say the best return policy. The tv and computer return policy was change due for the very fact 8yr computer return. I will give you a little info,
    The person who take that rotisher chicken to the register and decides not to take it, that chicken goes in the garbge Why you might ask? We dont know if you touch it or tampered with it, spit in etc. Same with food that is returned to the warehouse, its for your protection. If you are going to return something just make sure you dont abuse the return policy in doing so you make us look like the bad guys when and if they say no. Because we doing ervything and any thing we have to so we never say NO.

57. 57 Spang // 2010.04.25 at 8:34 am

    The return policy is there to provide extra assurance while buying their quality merchandise and to protect both the consumer and Costco if there is a rare lapse in quality. Recently, I purchased a package of 36 snack size bags of gourmet chips (stacy’s pita chips, food should taste good rice crisps, etc) for my lunches. Obviously, I would not eat one bag a day, but rather would expect to have about two or three bags a week, which I believe is reasonable. Well, one day at lunch I looked at the expiration date on my pita chips and they were already expired…less than a week after I bought them! It took me another week to get to my Costco store (it is about an hour away, so I have to plan a trip there) with both my receipt and the box of about 32 bags remaining. I explained to the clerk that I bought a 36 pack of these chips and they expired a week after I bought them…obviously not enough time to eat 36 bags! She still gave me an annoyed look and acted very frustrated as she made the return, even though I was more annoyed that I had to make the trip to return merchandise that really should not have been sold in the first place. In this case, I am glad the policy is in place, and I would expect to be able to return something that has a long shelf life (such as chips) but was sold too close to the expiration date at ANY store. Unfortunately, if people continue to return violins and bikes in the fashion of the stories previously listed, we will be stuck eating expired food!!

58. 58 fair deal // 2010.05.26 at 3:50 pm

    Are you kidding, they crank this electronic crap out knowing that a percent will fail. A $3000 TV should last as long as a $200 dollar TV and Costco knows it. So if the thing breaks, who’s fault? NOT the customer, agreed. So replace it, what the heck is wrong with you do gooders, just because your too woosy to return anything less big brother be watching. Give me a break…you sell it and back it up. A $3000.00 tv should last 10-20 years like grandpa’s old tv in the basement. Feel guilty for returning, why? why? They wanted us to feel assured when we bought it? I can’t fix it and neither can a repair person, not a plasma tv, no way. Audio goes out, pixels die.

    Costco should jump for joy that people return items. I haggled with a manager who was in my face for 2 hours. What a waste of time. Just ask this question of every manager (if you are grandfathered in) “Will you refund the full purchase price of the item I returned?”, remember keep asking, do not negotiate. They have to say “Yes.” But they will avoid the question as long as possible, that could be for days so you give in. Now giving in is not always bad because you may get a great replacement TV but it would not seem to fit the agreement, have the nerve?

59. 59 John // 2010.05.27 at 4:03 pm

    Fair deal, So you are saying, anytime something breaks, it’s up to the seller to replace it for free? How about getting it fixed instead? You are right, things break, or require service to maintain the operation. TV’s are not designed to last 20 years, some do, most don’t, parts wear out, it’s a fact of life. People are too quick to return said $3000 tv because it needs a $200 part that has worn out over time. Returning an 8 year old tv and expecting a full refund after years of satisfied use is abuse, plain and simple. By the way, the agreement does not say full refund at any time. It’s says if you are not satisfied, they will refund the product in full. Having a product for several years, means you were satisfied with it. Just to clarify. I bought a TV at Costco in 1998, 10 years later it started acting up, I could have got it repaired for $450, abused the return policy and try to return it for a full refund ( never crossed my mind as I have ethics) or by a new, far superior unit. I chose the latter.

60. 60 Katy // 2010.05.28 at 5:06 pm

    I completely agree with John. If you buy something and it breaks, it’s called a warranty…you contact the manufacturer for repair. Any time you take something back to the store whether or not it is broken, even if you have had it for 5 years and you’ve “changed your mind” it gets sent back to the supplier. That means the supplier eats the cost of the item as well as the cost of shipping the item back to their distribution center. And by the time it reaches the supplier, it is broken into pieces and completely un-useable because YOU returned it w/o a box. If you think that these suppliers should eat the cost because they are making millions of dollars, think again. Many of Costco’s vendors have gone broke as a result of Costco’s liberal return policy. These suppliers are the companies that you, your husband, daughter, son, relative, friend or neighbor works for. So when the company goes down, guess who’s out of a job? Nobody expects to sell a product to Costco only to have it “rented” and returned for a FULL refund after years of use. There are many small vendors who supply product to Costco…they are not all corporate giants like Sony or HP. As a supplier to Costco, I have seen products that were not ours shipped back to our warehouse like old used pillows, dirty, disgusting, used cookware, old dented cans of Nectar, etc… This is total abuse. I’ve heard horror stories about people returning plants to Costco because they didn’t care for them properly and the plants died. The membership fee that Costco charges is for members to be able to purchase items in bulk and save money that way…it is not a fee for members to be able to RENT items. I do agree with some of the others in the sense that you shouldn’t feel sorry for Costco because Costco isn’t the one losing anything…you should feel sorry for their suppliers. Costco makes 15% on their items which just covers their overhead costs. Their profit is made on their membership fees which is why they have such a liberal return policy. It’s to keep their greedy, unethical, and corrupt members happy and renewing their annual memberships. Believe me, Costco isn’t hurting but their suppliers are. They bankrupt one supplier and then just move on to the next because there is an endless supply of new vendors who don’t know what they are in for. Reading some of these stories is simply horrifying, the next time you think about abusing their return policy, you should ask yourself if that’s how you would want to be treated if you owned a business.

61. 61 Cindy // 2010.10.26 at 11:09 am

    Hi, i recently tried giving back a cordless phone set at Costco in Nanuet NY that was bought over a year ago, (i understand that i maybe got the money’s worth using it a year,) when i tried returning it they made a whole deal that i have over $2,000 in returns over the last 2 years and they are not taking it back, i told them that my monthly bill for Costco is approx over $1,000 so i spent over the last 2 years over $24,000 at Costco, but nothing doing, they called their manager mike and he embarrassed me in front of other people that i return too much,

    i know that there is abuse with their return policy, but i dont think that i abused the system while most returns that i did make was still closed boxes in the 30 days of purchase.

62. 62 HappyCostoCustomer // 2010.10.26 at 11:25 pm

    Hello everybody,
    Costco return policy is great, but before going in any subjective discussion about policy abuse, we all should look Costco business model. As resent information, Costco does not lose any penny with your returns, it pass all cost to the suppliers. The Costco works different then the other resellers does business. Costco charge very low fee from supplier to sell their product, and same time any return expenses passed to supplier. Anything you return to Costco – supplier losses and responsibility. Costco get it profit from any item it sells. I know that from person who is dealing with Costco as a supplier and he is the most who struggle from Costco return policy, but same time he is so happy to be Costco supplier because of value he can sell with 4-5 times lower margin other retailer charge for selling his product.

63. 63 Anonymous // 2010.10.29 at 8:11 am

    I can not say my name because I work for Costco and at the return counter but just as response to this story that surprisingly isn’t bad…. We had someone who was cleaning out his freezer and had chicken in there for 5 years and tried to return it, I obviously told him absolutely not, he rolled his eyes and he told me why don’t I get a manager because my opinion doesn’t matter, he didn’t need the “damn” chicken! Thats why anything within 2 years is no problem to us….we get verbally abused by the abusers daily when it comes to refunds… Last week a guy came in with a microwave that had a cup of milk inside of it, we lifted it up and were like “why didn’t you tell us there was a cup of old milk in there.” and he said oh I know it’s in there! Thanks for the warning!

64. 64 Anonymous // 2010.10.29 at 8:13 am

    Also costco does lose money after a certain about of time and major items we never get the full amount back! Know the facts

65. 65 lillian hunt // 2010.10.29 at 3:42 pm

    I do most of my shopping at Costco. If Costco does not have what I want I simply wait until they do have it. I have returned several items that were defective and buy with confidence that Costco will stand behind me. It is difficult to judge others without knowing all the information. I know that when I returned a dead ponytail palm the employee asked if I had watered it. In fact I purchased two and one thrived and the other quickly died. I returned a kitchen faucet that had a recall -never installed and still sealed in the original box – five years after I purchased it. Once Costco notified me of the recall I purchased another Costco product.I found the stories entertaining but as a member I would agree that some limits on returns are more than reasonable.

66. 66 Dave // 2010.10.31 at 8:21 pm

    I read some of the comments people make about Costco return policey and I am glad I dont work for the refunds @ Costco. I watched a person return a kids playset which he bought 6 or 7 yrs earlier not just in pieces but a chain saw was used to take it apart. You mean you were not satified with the product. himmm. Oh how about the person who bring back a loung set after 3 years and nothing was wrong with the item except the legs of the table was water damaged from about a foot down, meaning it was left out side all year. And how about a ladie bring back a Champian top which had little cotton balls on it and claimed that it was worn once and washed and that was what happened. Problem with that is it was purchased last Nov. People at the return desk @ Costco are not dumb they know when your trying to pull one over us. They cant say anything which is why I would never work in that spot. I could not hold my mouth. Abuse is abuse so please dont justify it. Costco return policey is the best there is for company that does not charge for that privlag. Better yet buy that same item @ BJ, Walmart, Best Buys ,Target see if they would allow you to return those items or any other item after 30 days.

67. 67 Cj // 2010.11.19 at 9:10 pm

    This is an interesting post. I have to say Costco is on the front line of the disposable, poorly made product culture and their return policy reflects that. A couple cases in point. I purchased a couple of nylon outdoor foldable chairs from them, which I used a few times a year. They lasted about three years, for a total of ~ 10 actual uses. Now to me, putting a chair after ten uses, regardless of purchase date, into a landfill is unacceptable. When I went to return the item they could not find them in the system. My bad for not keeping the receipt, so I let it go. It was only $40-50 or so.

    Next, I purchased a small spa from them. After 4 years it started falling apart. Again, 4 years is a long time, but spas can last 20 plus, and this was lightly used to say the least. I tried to get it serviced but the manufacturer seems to be some fly by night organization. Parts are hard to come by, service harder. I count on Costco to vet their suppliers. If they choose to get product from a vendor who might not be around I consider that to be their risk, not mine. Their pricing isn’t the cheapest for many products, but I count on them to be my last line of defense against a disposable mindset.

    So it’s my contention that having them pick up this #$%#@$ thing is reasonable. If I purchased spas every 4-5 years the landfills would be a mess and my wallet would be empty. Still, they are trying to argue the issue, despite knowing the manufacturer is out of business. They say “the spirit of the return policy is x”. Forget the “spirit” of the policy. The LETTER of the policy is satisfaction, period.

    They are not the same company these days, and frankly I’m happy to pay more (or sometimes less) to local businesses who are at least honest with their policies. I’d rather someone say they give you a year and live up to it than someone say satisfaction guaranteed but not.

68. 68 holly wein // 2010.11.21 at 12:04 am

    Costco is dishonest in giving it’s customers a false sense of security with it’s return policy. You have to pay them for membership and supply them with your personal info, which they will and often do supply to anyone from telemarketing to the local police. Yes, that is correct, the local police. The people who work at Costco are not the best and brightest, so you should be aware that these rather frustrated criminologists who work behind the return counter do and will turn your name and address in if, say, they do not like you. And they will not like you if you do alot of returns, whatever that means. Alot of returns is subjective. If Costco sells a side of lamb for forty bucks and you get home, unroll it and the underside’s a thick roll of fat all across would you return it, or be too embarrassed? Think of your membership purchase as if you’re buying yourself a big pair of balls, then use them. The Costco poker faces at the return desk are not foolproof either, as we can all see they’re poker faces (as per comments on this site alone). Does anyone realize how much money Costco makes by giving this false sense of return security to customers and leaves it up to the customer to suffer that dirty deed, the stigmatic embarrassment of returning something?

    Don’t feel sorry for Costco; if all the returns were getting in it’s way, the behemoth would have shut down long ago.

69. 69 EngineerChic // 2010.11.21 at 9:59 am

    If I bought a side of lamb for $40 I’d feel thrilled to get such a deal since a lamb carcass typically runs around $150-$200 here, half of that would be roughly 2x to 2.5x what you paid. Oh, and the lamb would be roasted with the fat side up.

    I can only imagine how many returns you had to make, or how mean you had to be, for the Costco employee to give your name & addy to the police. No one would do that unless they felt you were a professional scammer (flim-flam artist, shoplifter, whatever you call it) or unless they were threatened by you. And I’ve seen plenty of people get really nasty toward the return desk folks.

    Costco makes money & reports their results quarterly like every other publicly owned company. Unlike most, they treat their employees extremely well & have low turnover as a result. If you would rather shop at Walmart, please do, they’d be happy to have you as a customer – you’ll fit in marvelously.

70. 70 Dave // 2010.11.22 at 12:04 am

    Please tell me what company would take something back after 6 month or 90 days with out a restocking fee. I read what Cj and Holly wrote and cant beleave it. People will justify anything, that why acholic have a hard time. When you get honest you know that there is no reason for drinking as there is know reason to bring something back that you used. Years ago things were made to last a long time, but that was years ago. Now we live in a diffrent world where people as your selfs try to shift blame on others and the fact is if you bought something and got use out of it well over a year you were satified. Blaming other and expecting them to hold the bag is wrong today, tomorow and always.

    Second thing Costco does not sell your info. PS if they could not find the chairs in the system chance are it was not bought at Costco and if it were than you had those chair a lot long than you said. They can track any item by your membership as long as you can pin point the month and year that the item was bought. The only reason TV has a 90 day return was due to abuse of the policy. They would buy a TV a year latter would return it for a newer model. Please tell me thats not abuse. Same thing with coumputers. tHATS WHY THE POLICEY WAS CHANGED. It will again if people continue to abuse it.

    PLEASE BE HONEST WITH YOUR SELF BEFORE YOU START BLAMING COSTCO OR ANY OTHER COMPANY.

71. 71 bella // 2010.11.23 at 3:26 am

    Hey maybe, Electronic Chic, if someone raced out of Costco holding half a rack of lamb carcass without paying the forty bucks you say you’d be privy to pay, that’s heads up for calling the police. But otherwise are you a spy?

    Seems alot of Costco employees caroozing this site, trying to deflect the point there’s a return policy customers are adhering to. But I think Electronic Chic above let the cat outa the bag…she’s a Costco spy, but not too smart telling someone to go to Walmart. Everyone knows it’s Sam’s Club.

72. 72 Kim // 2010.11.23 at 6:32 am

    I agree with the spirit of this blog and the violin was indeed ridiculous. On the other hand, if an item broke sooner than I thought was reasonable, even 2 years later for something I expected to last 10 years, I might return it. That’s the reason I buy nearly everything at Costco, so I figure we have a good relationship (I actually never have returned anything after years but I save the receipt such as my sewing machine in case it turns out to be a lemon. We decided NOT to return some dishes that chipped more easily than expected, because we have been using them for about 2 years.)

    The only food I have returned were some apples that weren’t good once we opened them. Had I not been able to get to the store in a couple of days, though, I would have just returned the box and receipt. Look at the other side of the issue: I once bought bad fish in a grocery store and they wanted to know where the fish were when I went back in a few days later. Really? Where am I supposed to keep that sort of stuff?

73. 73 Kim // 2010.11.23 at 6:34 am

    As for the televisions, I agree there was an obvious need for a change, but what happens if the TV is a lemon?

    I bought a very expensive Pioneer at an electronics store 10 years ago. It was just out of warranty 14 months later when it needed a major repair. Neither Pioneer nor the store would help. Had I bought that at Costco, I would have returned it. That’s the intended benefit of a policy like that. But it’s clear to see why it was so abused with electronics.

74. 74 Kimberly // 2010.11.23 at 7:37 am

    I find it so highly unlikely that Costco would turn your contact information over to the police for making returns. That’s so ridiculous it is almost laughable. In fact, I did laugh when I read that. The only reason they would do that is if you were a belligerent and abusive customer while trying to make your returns or if they suspected you of shoplifting or fraud. Definitely NOT because you return too many items.

    I return things to Costco, not often, but when I feel I need to do so. I’ve returned a couple of food items that were spoiled when we bought them, I’ve returned clothing, books, DVDs, and various household items. If you’re not satisfied or something is actually defective, you should return it because that is what Costco has their great return policy for, plus it helps them to see what products are lousy and the items that they should stop carrying. However, if you are just returning something because you’re tired of having it (like the violin in the original post) or you have actually used something for years and years and it’s worn out, then you are abusing the return policy. I’m sorry if you don’t like to hear it but that’s the way it is.

    And really, where else do you shop that you could even entertain the idea of having the option to return something that you bought a year or more ago?

75. 75 Andy // 2010.12.10 at 11:38 am

    Costco has unions for their workers, they have good pay, they sell quality items, cheaper than almost everywhere, they take returns for any reason electronics being 90 days and still they turn huge amounts of profits. I know for one if I can buy something at costco, I will buy it there. From electronics, to food to clothing etc… I only shop outside if I cant find the item I need in a costco warehouse or costco online. This is exactly what costco wants. They want to be your private store for everything you need, they want to be entitled to the profit of everything you ever buy, and in return they give you great things stated above, I think it is a good exchange and even if costco return policy is being abused, it brings in way more profit than the return. Retailers such as Circuit city go bankrupt for bad customer service, if not for all the hype, best buy would be shut down with their horrendous customer service, prices and return policy’s. I think Costco is pretty happy with where they stand. They took the whole Walmart idea to a new level, by improving customer satisfaction in every way, more power to them.

76. 76 Kris // 2010.12.10 at 8:37 pm

    Andy, original Costco stores did not have unions. Most of the Price Clubs, who they bought out, had them.
    I worked in both and Jim Sinegals employee package was far more generous than what any union could offer.

77. 77 holly // 2010.12.17 at 3:15 pm

    Who kneels before a retail outlet? Kimberly…the Costco addict (just click on Kimberly, the long winder about all that is Costco, and acquaint yourself with her verbose sessions about all that is Costco.) Never trust an addict, especially when their fingers are streaming across the keys and they haven’t left the house for days because they are kneeling down to a retail outlet or maybe snorting it up their nose.

    When you laughed about the police being called and made your ass umptions, you were probably high on Costco.

78. 78 Kimberly // 2010.12.17 at 3:36 pm

    Like I said, I’ve returned lots of things without issue and heard so many great reports from others of the same that I trust Costco. If you weren’t joking about the police being called, I think we all must be left with the belief that you have engaged in criminal activity of some sort that Costco can prove. Making returns is not a crime, unless you have stolen goods. Did you have stolen goods or were you taking part in some other criminal activity? Because there’s no way anyone at Costco is calling the cops on you and giving them your personal information unless you are guilty of something criminal. Or, like I said, being a belligerent, abusive ass when making your returns. If either of those things applies to you and it resulted in a police visit, you deserved it and you should stop blaming Costco for your issues.

    This is a *personal* blog, based on my opinions. If you don’t like my opinions and thoughts, I encourage you to stop reading my blog. If you make another personal attack like this in a comment, either towards me or any other reader, I’ll be forced to delete your comment and block you from my site.

79. 79 Dave // 2010.12.17 at 8:38 pm

    Holly, You must get off picking on people. Not a very nice thing. You must have a trust issue and of course you also more than likly had issues with cops. I have a problem when people make comments that are not true as you have. I work for Costco and take it personel. People I work with dont go out to take advantage of others and they dont write thing to hurt others, be real get a life.

80. 80 Steve // 2010.12.22 at 7:56 pm

    I personally love the return policy at costco, and it is that policy that wins me over for all of my large purchases. A year ago I returned a fridge I had bight at Costco 5 years prior and exchanged it for a new one. Normally I would be ashamed of such an action, but the life of a fridge should be longer than 5 years, and I figure that my membership fees give me the moral authority to use their return policy. FYI for the haters, I regularly shop at costco and this is the only return I’ve done in the 10 years i’ve been a member.

81. 81 Ruben // 2010.12.29 at 2:43 pm

    ”
    Dear Ruben,

    Thank you for your e-mail to Costco Wholesale. All orders or items over two years old is up to the discretion of the warehouse or online Returns department. Since these orders are past the 2 year time frame they would be denied.

    Thank you,

    Tryfena
    Costco Wholesale Corporation
    ”

    Date: 12-29-2010

82. 82 Kim // 2010.12.29 at 4:53 pm

    Ruben, Are you copying a real response from Costco or making a suggestion? If Costco puts a 2-year limit on, I have never heard of this before. I have never returned anything after 2 years, but I agree with the sentiment of the person who returned the 5-year refrigerator. While I’m not sure if I could actually bring myself to do that, the possibility is the reason why I choose to buy so much from Costco.

83. 83 Jesse // 2010.12.30 at 12:25 pm

    I’ve had to take stuff back to Costco a few times, mostly for quality issues. Probably my biggest cop out return had to be some some clothes I bought in July that didn’t fit but I kept forgetting to take back until December. I lost the receipt but the merchandise still had tags on them. The poor return clerk had to look up the transaction and override all the prices to give me a full refund. I felt bad during that one because it was my fault I held on to them for so long and should have donated or gifted the merchandise.

    However, the person next to me was returning an XBOX 360 and its accessories in plastic grocery sacks so maybe I’m not such a terrible person!

84. 84 kATE // 2011.02.06 at 1:54 am

    I JOINED Costco after hearing how they repeatedly told a friend to RETURN a lawnmower that had hit a rock…they said, but it was our fault, and the costco person on the phone just kept repeating the return policy. That was so nice!

    I, too, buy 99 percent of my stuff at Costco due to they pick good quality things basically do my review shopping FOR me….I know at least one year I spent 19,000 dollars there……When a gps stops at about a year, yes, I take it back, it should say it will only last a year, once I was 2 hours away from home and the gps just stopped saying it needed new maps, they always returned these gps’s. with no problem, but through the years I have met a couple ornery managers…..
    Today I was really upset, I had a vitamix blender boxed, april 2009, the manager kept saying almost 2 years or whatever, she kept repeating, if there is nothing wrong with it we cannot take it back…I said, you mean I need to open and break something and then I should bring it back, and she said, if you want to! (and i have a vitamix at home that is defective but i cant find the tamper or receipt so i cant take it back)

    I had an extra blender attachment to return which they found the item (i didnt have receipt for that one). it broke early on, so i said, THIS MEANS THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT………IF THE BLENDER PART BROKE RIGHT AWAY…)

    NO SHE KEPT SAYING

    and I also had bought this vitamix for a gift for a sister but i was making dog food with the OTHER FIRST vitamix and it kept overheating, SO WHY WOULD I GIVE IT TO MY SISTER?

    i later switched to blendtec and never used the vitamix again and elderly in family were terminally ill so i was late bringing back the unopened box….I argued with her and three times she said she would not take it back and then she finally did. I was so angry I got a stomach ache.

    At SELF checkout one of the ladies I see often said she was glad to help me with self check because I was a favorite of hers, i said i’m so happy you said that the manager made me feel sick i’m so upset!!!!

    They also changed the policy, the 30 day price change, 2 of my friends and i bought spice racks for about 20 on sale and in 24 days i saw they were 5 dollars each cheaper……..so they now refuse to make the price change even when you know what day you bought it, __without a receipt__… I can see if the product was around a long time but this was a fairly new product in the store, I didn’t think that was very nice. A friend with me went to car to look for my receipts as that is why we even WENT shopping today……….of course he didn’t find them.

    When I got to my car I found the receipts were there after all and I went back in, but they would only refund the price difference of the two i had receipts for even though they were bought 3 days apart and one was bought in between those dates on _my_ membership card.

    Jim Cramer of mad money said “buy from costco”, everyone says it’s a great place to work, very ethical…and he said buy from costco because you don’t have to pay for “extended warranty”……like best buy… i mentioned that to the manager and she smiled a little and said “i like cramer too”

    oh and what i was really upset about, i read the notes they had on me and it started with a comment that I buy things and when they go cheaper I take them back. Well why shouldn’t I if they are 20 or 10 dollars cheaper? Especially if i havent even used them yet and they went on sale!
    yes, i returned an unopened hard drive once because it was like 50 cheaper before i even opened it. and I got money back because my online purchase went on sale, they even credited me just calling their 800 number….

    I am sorry if someone thinks this is stealing, I hate the thought of lying or being dishonest and i’m sorry if this was ever taken wrong.

    I have loved Costco for a long time….

85. 85 Ann // 2011.06.28 at 2:40 am

    My son’s xbox 360 bought the Xmas before last, just died, they told us it didn’t fall under the 2 year warranty, which I know they told us it had. My HP computer broke after having it 6 months, they did repair it, so we’ll have to try tom. to see if they’ll take it back or give him a new one if it can’t be fixed. plus there is a new $50 game stuck in it. The reason for shopping there (we buy all our dog food, and any major purchases at Costco because of the return policy and extended warranty. It’s all chinese junk now, a Sony TV bought 11 years ago at Circuit City still works, I’m worried that the new one we just got will die 2 days after the warranty wears out. So I think we will be returning it before the 90 days are up.

86. 86 Kim // 2011.06.28 at 6:41 am

    Ann, call the concierge number rather than taking the computer into the store. My laptop tied nearly 2 years after purchase and they really were VERY helpful. They had me try just 1 thing at home, then they agreed it needed repair. They quickly sent me the box to mail it to Toshiba, and I had it back within a couple of weeks working great.

87. 87 Ann // 2011.06.28 at 9:53 am

    Thanks Kim, We bought it in the store, I’ll tell you what happened when we get back. I called the concierge number when my computer broke. Same thing, I did what the guy on the phone said, and since I had done a system recovery to no avail, they told me to bring it in to the store, and fed-ex brought it back to us when it was done. I bought a camera from them online, it’s been fine, The thing has the red ring of death, which is common from what I’m reading, I tried to talk him in to getting the PS3 instead, but his friends had the X boxes.

88. 88 kATE // 2011.06.30 at 7:58 am

    the flip videos will no longer be supported or made in a couple years. i bought several of the 2 hour ones, some for gifts, and a week after i had the first three…i dropped my bag and one NOW when i turn it on, has a crash mark on screen and it works but you cannot see any of the screen so you are guessing if it is taping.
    i read online that some of the hdmi cables dont work and you return the whole unit.
    I tried to returnthis crashed one because i was told with the blender (vitamix) that if it was broken they’d take it back but they would not take an almost 2 year return from an unopened box (i again had bought for gifts but prefer blendtec now, as the vitamix blender broke on bottom AND the machine kept overheating when making raw dog food).

    What gives? i have asked two local stores, they say if it’s broken they wont take it back (flip video) is this just because it’s an electronic?

    i really like that they have serial number on receipt now. I did not know and brought the wrong receipt, It did not matter however, i had only bought it the week before…..but they wouldnt do anything when they saw the screen broken looking corner.

89. 89 Lisa // 2011.06.30 at 12:26 pm

    kATE,

    What you’re doing really is the abuse of the Costco return policy. You BROKE something and you want to return it? This is different from a simple malfunction of the item. Yeesh! No wonder Costco has a file on you.

90. 90 Heather // 2011.06.30 at 9:34 pm

    Bought a small appliance for a relative from Costco.com….for about $150. 2 years later I find said appliance basically new in the box while cleaning out relatives shed. Asked the relative what was wrong with it, they said the sensor did not work so they could not use the product. Emailed costco.com they said NO because it was too long ago. So NO they do not have an unlimited satisfaction guarantee. I wonder if I should bring it in to the store so they can see first hand that this appliance is absolutely new looking other than it doesn’t work right?? Or do you think they have notes on me asking Costco.com….I kinda feel bugged out they keep notes on people…very big brotherish…

91. 91 Kimberly // 2011.07.01 at 6:32 am

    @Heather – I would take the appliance back directly to the store. I’m going to guess you don’t still have the receipt but if you have some idea of when you purchased it, they can look it up in their system. But if you try to return it in person, that gives them the chance to see that it isn’t all used and beaten up and just broken from something you did.

    I think they only keep notes on people that have a reason to have notes made about them. The chronic returners or the people that are belligerent to staff or things like that.

92. 92 Kimberly // 2011.07.01 at 6:36 am

    @kATE – Um, I’m not sure why you think that Costco should take back an item that you broke by dropping it. That isn’t the product’s problem and it isn’t Costco’s issue, it’s your problem. You can’t expect a company to refund or fix something because you broke it; that’s just ridiculous. When you dropped it you messed up the screen and that has nothing to do with cables or any kind of manufacturing defect.

93. 93 kATE // 2011.07.08 at 10:01 pm

    Because……………….Jim Cramer on Mad Money Always says to go to costco.
    A year or two ago he said, go to Costco, instead of Best Buy, because there is a built in guarantee instead of the Best Buy extended warranty, extended warranties as such are free at Costoc,. THAT is why i misunderstood.
    The flip video will not be made anymore.
    I talked to Cisco people….they said it wasn’t cost effective with all the cell phones doing similar videos……………. well I had THREE flip videos in a bag, it just tipped over and I think that is not harsh use, I was getting them ready to send to people in Poland and Mexico, with videos on them. If they could not survive a fall a few inches and only one of three had the problem, I assumed Costco, after a week that I purchased the flip video, would do something as per Jim Cramer.

    I’m sorry if I offended you, but the negativity is a little much as I buy everything at Costco and this flip video is a very small fraction of my purchases.

    I wish when we get emails that there are comments that we would be directed to the comments, it’s rather laborious trying to find the correct link.

94. 94 Reply // 2011.07.17 at 1:38 pm

    You wrote “I felt bad… I felt a little less shame.” Why do you have to feel guilty? There is an agreement between you and Costco, where Costco describes their return policy with all exclusions (if they want to add other exclusions, they can, but they didn’t). You think, some customers return not appropriate items or too many items…??? Why do you insult such customers calling them abuses? Costco can prevent ”abuse”. Look, Costco can easily change its policy, make it FULL, CLEAR AND UNDERSTANDABLE for everybody, sets the limits (for example, number of items, amounts or % of returns, period of time for returns, items that can’t be returned (for example, food unless it’s bad,… and so on)). .. Why should customers guess? I feel Costco cheats customers by not providing them with full information regarding their return policy. Customers believe that they can return items according to the written policy, come to Costco and get a headache, insulting and guilty feelings. Nobody wants to ague, feel shame, guilty, … to shop and to live in such atmosphere. Sometimes returns depend on Costco employees, how much he/she likes you, in such case it is not equal to everybody.

95. 95 KATE // 2011.08.20 at 3:45 am

    Okay, it’s getting better. This page comes up with email addicted to costco sent, but I cannot find the post that just came in starting with: Comment Author: Dallas Short Sale Agent
    Comment Excerpt: Can I just say such a relief to uncover one who really knows what theyre talking about on the web. You actually know how to bring a worry to light and make it important. More and more people have to read this and understand why side with the story. I cant believe youre less popular since you also definitely provide the gift. read the full comment

    What Jim Cramer said (and he just commented AGAIN how he loves Costco)…. was that Costco gave you a warranty that at Best buy would cost you, and as far as i know, the best buy warranty for instance for ipods, is if you drop it and break it.

    Jim Cramer should retract all this since Costco has changed its policies and are now rather ouchy about returns. Also…. they can look up and see the last time you were there you paid for something and within 30 days the price went down, new rule, you have to have receipt to get the difference in price within 30 days. I do not believe they used to have this policy, not in our stores anyway.

96. 96 Betty // 2011.08.21 at 6:07 pm

    You abuse it…you lose it!! You cannot believe things people return….chairs and tables after a graduation party (rather than rent), lawn mowers where the blade was bent (because they hit a rock), cake 2/3 eaten (said it was stale)….I could go on and on. AGAIN….
    You abuse it you lose it….come on people, wise up and be honest…how do some of you sleep at night!!!

97. 97 Jeff // 2011.08.22 at 10:00 am

    Abuse drives up costs for all of us. Think healthcare costs aren’t up because some foolish twenty-something thinks they’re immortal, has no healthcare, and crashes their motorcycle? Now the state pays to keep him alive for the next 25 years…extreme example, but abuse costs.

98. 98 KATE // 2011.08.23 at 6:35 am

    That is why i first tried costco. my organizer said they bought a lawnmower. they hit a rock. they called to see if there was someplace to get it fixed through costco. the person said, return it ….they said, no, we hit a rock, it’s our fault, the costco rep said RETURN IT. they said third time, it was our fault, we need to get it fixed, we hit a rock. RETURN IT. this was the original policy when costco came to kane county IL. no…you shouldnt buy intending to return. but you are supposed to be able to buy and if something wasnt right (like the software doesnt work for the flip videos)…..should have option to return, i buy a lot more thinking if it doesnt work out they wont mind me returning. be more positive about people please. i dont appreciate getting fruit that one day after i stored it in frig, it’s moldy. either. but most of the time that never goes back… re define abuse, that is how costco has high sales…people like us that spend 19,000 a year there for almost everything we buy.

99. 99 Betty // 2011.08.28 at 6:19 pm

    I have gotten a gallon of milk more than once that went bad before the expiration date. I did not take it back but sent Costco’s custom,er service and email. They thanked me and said they would check into it. Since that email, the milk at my store has been fine with no problems. We are all human and too many people have their hand out today for a free lunch. Well, your free lunch costs the rest of us in the long run when the price goes up because you couldn’t simply inform them there is a problem.

100. 100 KATE // 2011.08.29 at 8:53 am

     When I see mold in the store (ie oranges almost always have one moldy orange in that huge box of them, CNBC special indicated this is on purpose from orange growers) on fruit or veggies, if there is an attendant I do let them know, or place the box in odd position so someone will notice it hopefully.

101. 101 Kat // 2011.09.10 at 9:46 am

     Costco really should charge a Restocking Fee on certain items after a period of time. Sure it will loose some customers and decrease some sales dollars; but it will mostly loose those RETURN ABUSERS, customers who don’t deserve a generous return policy. However, like what happened to Netflix, should Costco change the policy, it does run a risk of loosing some good and loyal customers who might strongly believe in the principle of “free” returns.
     Here is a story of a return abuser that didn’t get her return honored, not at Costco though. So, my roommate wanted to buy a portable AC because it was so hot lately. But fall was coming around and she would be moving to San Diego the following year where she wouldn’t be needing an AC. Firstly, she went to Costco, Home Depot, and Target, but neither of the above store had what she wanted. In the end she found it at Sears. Here is her plan: PURCHASE THE AC, USE IT FOR 2-3 WEEKS; AND RETURN IT WHEN THE WEATHER COOLS. I actually told her that it is pretty unethical to do that; and that I would just try to resell it instead of returning it. She didn’t comment. Anyway, I was so happy when we found out that Sears’ return policy required the item TO BE RETURNED WITHIN 2 WEEKS AND THE CUSTOMER WOULD BE CHARGED A 20% RESTOCKING FEE. She didn’t buy it in the end. Let her suffer from the heat; that’s what she deserves.

102. 102 Praveen // 2011.09.13 at 10:45 am

     Hi,
     I have been a Costco member since January 2011 (this year) and purchased an Acer laptop. I decide to exchange it unopened for another one that was cheaper. The Costco customer service rep was surprised I returned it unopened since the vast majority of people return opened items and Costco is unable to sell it. I don’t buy much from Costco, but I have mostly purchased electronics since I became a member and besides the exchange on the laptop, I haven’t had to return anything! The quality of Costco’s merchandise is very good and I am able to use the product without having to return it. Plus I got this laptop in January so even if I wanted to I am unable to return it anyway since it is past the 90 day return policy. That is pretty frustrating since this policy came about from people who grossly abused the electronics return policy and returned 2+ year old TV’s and computers. I think a 180 days return policy is more reasonable than a 90 day return policy on electronics. What if my laptop crashed for no apparent reason and I have trouble with the manufacturer’s warranty?

     But overall I am pretty satisfied with Costco in general and their overly generous return policies and how they back the quality of their merchandise. I just wish so many LOSERS wouldn’t abuse the return policy and return used food so prices go up on all items or the return policy is tightened like it was on electronics. Wal-Mart has a very tight conservative return policy on electronics since it can be only returned within 14 days. I just wish so many people would have a conscience and not abuse return policies even if it is not “just” Costco’s.

     Praveen

103. 103 Luda // 2011.09.22 at 3:28 pm

     How about i jut purchased food that was molded and it came from refrigirator of course i took it back because i lived close enough, but i thought their policy would be giving me something more back, sense every single veggie patty had mold on it. Then i look at the expiration day and it was a week left before it expires, and they had the product for sample in the store, that makes me thinking.

104. 104 Evie // 2011.11.20 at 7:02 am

     Costco is a thing of the past. Notice how you used to have to be a business owner to shop there? When they discovered years later they didn’t get enough business from other business’s they opened it to the public charging the public a few dollars more for membership. Costco’s deals are not especially great, especially their electronics so-called deals. Last computer I purchased, a Sony Vaio, began heating up uncontrollably two days after the three months return policy expired and of course they wouldn’t take it back for a return. It was almost like the computer was programmed to do this, and actually, when I called Costco warranty they said the Vaios indeed have problems heating up and to send it in. Ok, so I have to be without my computer now for How Long? Of course by not allowing it’s return they were following policy, but don’t blame the shoppers for utilizing their return policy. They sell alot of crap at Costco and they don’t give a darn about the stuff they sell as they like you to believe. Their policy is about quantity, not quality, and the things you return to them? They don’t lose out, they sell it to discount stores. If you like eating apples grown with pesticides from Ecuador, and yumm, you’ll be eating alot of them because you have to buy the ten lb bag if you want the discount.. If you’re into going on the after holiday diet this year, give up Costco and start a more cognizant buying style and life.

105. 105 dublin // 2012.01.21 at 12:37 am

     thats why people pay big membership fees! am sure the blog writer must have returned many things herself/himself before posing that its shameful! comeon.. confess man !

106. 106 Kimberly // 2012.01.21 at 5:00 am

     @Dublin – Did you even read the post? I say that I return things when I have a valid reason to do so. A valid reason is not that my kid decided that they didn’t want to continue playing the violin after more than a year. I’m not saying returning items is so horrible, it’s more the people that abuse the policy (as the name of the post suggests), by returning something they’ve broken or misused or just gotten sick of or is not the latest technology so they want an upgrade, that disgust me.

107. 107 Kate // 2012.01.21 at 3:15 pm

     I was told that I could not return a vitamix that was unopened but the one that overheated a lot and the pusher broke, was okay to return. They WANT to take back broken items.

108. 108 Kimberly // 2012.01.21 at 6:02 pm

     Yeah, but they don’t want to take back your old junk that you are just sick of having in your house or have decided that you want to upgrade.

109. 109 patrick // 2012.01.22 at 4:07 am

     so a valid reason FOR YOU is that you bought a DVD that you decided not to watch, so are returning it almost a year later later. There was nothing wrong with it. You weren’t “dissatisfied” with it. You just didn’t want to keep it on your DVD shelf anymore just in case you did want to watch it.

     You don’t have to worry about costco. They know what they are doing. They don’t have this policy because they are losing money from it.

110. 110 Kimberly // 2012.01.22 at 7:23 am

     Patrick – Guess you didn’t really read that. It was a DVD that I had bought two of and the one I returned wasn’t even opened at all and was not even a year old but more like 6 months old. Plastic and sticker still on it. And I don’t really think that compares to returning a violin that my kid had played for over a year and now decided that they didn’t want to play anymore. A brand new $10 DVD in all packaging versus a musical instrument that probably cost more than $200 and has been dragged around for over a year and looked like it, are not the same. And a cheap DVD isn’t the same as a ping pong table left out in the rain, or a television that is just out of date because it is a couple of years old, or any of the other silly things that people try to return.

     I’m still disgusted by this story and it’s been a couple of years now since I even wrote the post. It has nothing to do with Costco knowing what they are doing or not. It’s about all of the ignorant people who think they should use Costco as their own Rent-a-Center. To me that is unethical and smacks of a sense of entitlement and those people should be ashamed of themselves.

111. 111 JMSCE // 2012.01.29 at 6:18 pm

     You have got to be kidding to think that returns don’t hurt Costco’s bottom line. It is negotiated in the contracts with the suppliers how long Costco has to return a product for a refund and after that time frame if the product gets returned Costco eats that money. The supplier negotiates on and agrees to a time frame and if they don’t agree they have the choice to either try to negotiate a time frame that is agreeable to both parties or not to do business with Costco so it isn’t like they are the only ones losing anything or like they are being held at gunpoint. Costco has several manufactures that are no longer in business, not because of Costco as Costco is certainly not their only customers, just because it happens and anytime any of those products are returned it is Costco that is paying that bill and not the supplier as there is no supplier to collect from so to think that you should return anything and everything at any time just because it doesn’t hurt Costco or because you can is absurd.

     I honestly can’t fathom why you would want to abuse a policy that is there for you if needed to the point where it can no longer be used. (electronics for example) Use it, be happy and enjoy it but when you abuse it, you will lose it. It is inevitable that with the thinking of the people from some of these posts that Costco will not have their wonderful return policy for long and the only ones that will suffer are the people that aren’t abusing it because those that are abusing it will most likely cancel their memberships and move to another company to destroy and be rude and abusive to.

     The sense of entitlement in some of these posts is astonishing. Do you really think your petty $55 membership fee covers the cost of a $3000 television return simply because you want an upgrade? A first-grade math student knows that doesn’t add up. Everyone wants better products, lower prices, more stores in their area and more membership perks but there is no possible way to make all of that happen and still have garbage like this going on. If you ran a business would you want customers who scream at you to return something that they purchased from you 8 years ago? No? Didn’t think so. How about a customer that returns an empty container because they didn’t care for the product even though it has been completely consumed? You would tell them to take their $55 and go elsewhere because no amount of money that they spend each year will make up for those kinds of stupid returns, the waste it creates or the loss of business it would create due to the need to amend policies such a return policy.

     Either you love Costco and will continue to shop their without using it as a rental facility or you don’t and should cancel your membership. I speak on behalf of all of the members at Costco in saying that we don’t want customers like you shopping in our stores and ruining our chances at having the ability to return a product within a reasonable amount of time. If you don’t care for Costco and their policies then the answer is simple, cancel your membership and get your membership fee returned to you and move on because not only do we as consumers not want you abusing our stores to the point that we can no longer shop there but I am sure the Costco employees don’t want to deal with your complaining and abuse either.

112. 112 kate // 2012.01.29 at 7:58 pm

     back to the vitamix, i got stage 3 cancer, then my mom had cancer again, then died, and after the motor kept overheating and then the blender part of the vitamix broke right off, i am sorry, but i think there is nothing wrong with returning a brand new whole vitamix unopened, (i had bought two cuz i had thought it was good product and wanted to share with family….i always respected costo research on products)…. when i start getting my act back together again, especially since in a normal year i spend 19,000 at costco. dont be so negative and all knowing, these posts are not all very nice or knowledgeable. or even helpful. 8-(

113. 113 Lisa // 2012.01.29 at 9:44 pm

     JMSCE,

     (clap, clap, clap) Thanks! That was wonderful. And thanks for not burdening us with your life story.

114. 114 Sarah // 2012.01.31 at 6:37 pm

     Geez people get over it! Yes people are going to take advantage, people do it all the time in many different ways. That is life, it amazes me that so many of you are so nosey for one and sitting there complaining saying ” I just cant let it go” REALLY!!! Do you have nothing better in life that you are going to sit and lament over some strangers lack of charecter?
     I for one am glad for this policy, I bought a bluetooth less then a week ago and the dang thing just stopped working, unfortunatly the guy i work with took it upon himslef to thrown the box away and I was scared they would not exchange it. Yes people take advantage but the policy is there for a reason and not everyone lacks in the morals department. So drop it and get on with life, there are much more beautiful things to focus on anyway. : )