5 Unbelievable (but True) Stories About Costco’s Famous Return Policy

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Costco’s return policy is famously lax. Keep reading for tales of folks taking the company at its word. [[{“value”:”

One of the qualities that makes Costco so popular is its super generous return policy. Really, other than a few exceptions, most purchases can be returned pretty much any time.

For the majority of people, this means returning moldy cheese. Or maybe returning that malfunctioning coffee maker.

However, there is a subset of Costco shoppers who take that policy to its absolute limit. The shameless folks who will stretch the letter of the policy so far it simply boggles the mind. I tracked down some of these truly unbelievable tales and present you with five of the most outrageous.

1. The original big screen TV

Once upon a time, televisions were not the thin, light, compact pieces of technology we have hanging on our walls today. No, if you wanted a big screen TV in 2002, you got a hulking 200-pound monstrosity stuffed full of tubes and wires.

Not only were these TVs tough to move, but they’re even harder to get rid of — that is, unless you happened to purchase it at Costco. One excited Redditor happily shared a photo of such a TV that had been returned to Costco, ostensibly for a refund (though, according to employees in the comments, it may have also been exchanged for a new TV of similar size).

The age of the TV is important here, since Costco changed its return policy in 2007. Prior to the change, TVs were included in the blanket 100% satisfaction guarantee. After the change, TVs — and other similar large electronics/appliances — are limited to 90 days for returns or exchanges.

2. Mattresses of questionable condition

This is a story I’ve heard in many variations from a lot of sources. While it’s odd enough that Costco sells mattresses at all, those mattresses are actually covered under Costco’s very generous policy.

Indeed, so much so that I’ve heard accounts of mattresses being refunded not only after many years of use, but also in conditions that are…questionable, at best. (But really, it’s probably not a good idea to ask. You probably don’t really want to know what created those stains.)

3. Collegiate backyard playsets

Is there anything sweeter than watching the kids enjoying the outdoors on a backyard playset, expending all their energy so they actually go to bed on time? Perhaps it’s returning that playset when they graduate high school and head off to college!

Sound ridiculous? And yet, I’ve seen several stories on social media from employees and customers alike describing this very thing. So, really, I suppose the truly ridiculous thing is that it’s actually well within the bounds of the return policy.

4. The Grinch Who Returned Christmas

This is a common tale of sheer audacity being consistently rewarded: holiday item returns. I’ve yet to meet a returns agent who hasn’t had to accept returns for obviously-used holiday decor, food, or gear.

For example, I’ve heard dozens of people talk about seeing folks returning Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments just days after the holiday. I’ve even seen a story of someone returning fully cooked, fully eaten turkey carcasses (complete with empty stuffing boxes) the day after Thanksgiving.

Another variation on the theme is the vacation “rental.” Folks who buy beach or camping gear when they get to their vacation destination, then return it before they head back home. Despicable.

5. The pet bed Fluffy passed in — Fluffy included

Content Warning! Super gross.

I’ll be honest, this one made even my jaded-by-retail eyebrows rise. But if one Redditor is to be believed, they witnessed a customer return what he stated was a pet bed. Now, the bed was apparently well-sealed in a black garbage bag, and the man refused to open it. He was quite adamant that the customer service folks not open the bag, either.

Well, pretty much any store — yes, even Costco — will insist on actually looking at the item you want to return. They need to verify that it is, in fact, the stated item.

When the staff opened the bag, they indeed found the pet bed. They also found the pet, who had apparently passed away some time ago, as the remains were covered in…let’s just call it “insect life” and let it go at that, huh?

According to the witness, the fellow got his refund. (Though I sincerely hope he thinks twice about getting any more pets.)

How far is too far?

There’s a fine line between being impressed by someone’s chutzpah — and absolutely appalled at their entitled audacity. I’m not even entirely certain where I draw that line, but that’s not important. What’s important is, where does Costco draw that line?

In general, if it’s within the bounds of the return policy, Costco will accept your return. The company takes that “100% Satisfaction Guarantee” pretty seriously.

However. If you are recognized as abusing the return policy, Costco can (and will) take action:

Limiting your purchase/return ability: If you overuse the return policy for specific items, such as frequently returning electronics or food, then you may lose return privileges for those items. In some cases, I’ve heard of Costco restricting your ability to buy certain types of items.Revoking your membership: If you really push it, Costco may choose to cancel your membership entirely. And yes, this is absolutely within Costco’s rights as a private business.

From what I can gather, there is no official “line in the sand.” But a general rule of thumb is that Costco will act if a member is returning 50% (or more) of the purchases they make. Whether that’s consistent across stores, or even if that’s by quantity or purchase amount, is unclear. Just use common sense and you should be fine.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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