Not sure if you can return your Costco purchase?
Can you return an item to Costco? Check eligibility first
- General merchandise: Most items can be returned at any time for a full refund under Costco’s 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Electronics & appliances: Must be returned within 90 days of purchase/delivery (TVs, computers, cameras, appliances, etc.) for change of mind.
- Exclusions:
– Gift cards & tickets (non-refundable unless required by law).
– Custom/special orders (made-to-order items).
– Bullion/precious metals.
– Diamonds ≥1.00ct (returnable with original certification; verification required).
– Hearing aids & Costco Travel bookings (covered by specific agreements, not the general return policy). - Faulty items: Covered under Australian Consumer Law. Members are entitled to repair, replacement, or refund for major failures, even after the 90-day electronics window.
- Membership requirement: Returns are a member benefit. Purchases are tied to the original membership account.
How to return an item to Costco
- In-warehouse returns: Take the item to the returns desk at any warehouse. Bring your membership card, receipt optional (purchases can be looked up by membership). Refunds are usually processed on the spot.
- Online orders by mail:
– Log in at costco.com.au → “My Orders” → request a return.
– Print the prepaid return label or request one by email.
– Pack securely with all parts and drop at the post office/courier. - Large/bulky items: Costco can arrange free pickup via its logistics partners. Call Member Services to book a collection.
- Without receipt: Costco can usually find the purchase using your membership account. ID may be required in some cases (e.g. gifts).
Costco return timeframes and item conditions
- No time limit: Most items returnable anytime, even if opened or lightly used.
- 90 days: Applies only to electronics and major appliances.
- Condition: Returns accepted even if opened or tried, but bring all parts/accessories. Excessive misuse may void eligibility.
- Packaging: Original packaging helps but is not required.
- Proof of purchase: Membership lookup usually sufficient. Receipts recommended for cash purchases.
- Seasonal items: Can be returned after holidays, but obvious overuse may be challenged.
- Policy abuse: Excessive high-value returns may flag accounts. Costco expects members to act in good faith.
Who pays for Costco return shipping?
- Free return shipping: Online order returns include prepaid courier/postage labels provided by Costco.
- In-store returns: Always free, simply bring the item to a warehouse.
- Large items: Costco covers pickup and transport for big appliances/furniture.
- Original delivery charges: Refunded if the product is faulty or if the entire order is returned.
- No fees: No restocking or service charges applied.
Costco refunds after a return - how and when you’ll get your money back
- Refund method: Back to the original payment method.
– Card → refunded to the same card.
– Cash/EFTPOS → refunded in cash (large amounts may be cheque/EFT).
– Gift card → refunded back to a gift card.
– PayPal → refunded back to PayPal. - Processing times:
– In-store: immediate initiation; banks may take 1–3 business days to post.
– Online/mail: 7–10 days (includes shipping + processing). Refund confirmation email sent once approved. - No partial refunds: Refunds are full unless parts are missing (e.g. bonus items deducted).
- Membership refunds: At any time, dissatisfied members can cancel and get their full membership fee back.
Costco cases submitted through Ajust
I bought a pack of Turkish bread and some potatoes that looked fine on the shelf, but when I opened them, the bread was mouldy and the potatoes had gone green. I couldn’t use either for dinner and just wanted to return them for something fresh. It really made me second-guess the quality checks at Costco. - Sofie
I picked up a Bref toilet bowl freshener from Costco, but it didn’t work at all — no fragrance, no cleaning. It felt like I’d just wasted money on something useless. I went back hoping they’d take it back and refund me since it clearly wasn’t doing what it promised. - Michael
We bought lamb shanks that were well within the use-by date, but when we opened the pack, the smell was awful. For $22, I expected them to be fine, not off. All we wanted was to return them and get our money back for something we couldn’t even cook. - Richard
I was looking forward to the sourdough I’d just bought, but when I opened it at home it was still yellow and soggy inside. Clearly not baked properly. I took photos straight away to show Costco and asked for a return — fresh bread shouldn’t come out like that. - Peter
Customer experiences with Costco returns
No receipt needed: A member returned a faulty item with no paper receipt. Costco staff found it via membership records and refunded the charge instantly.
Opened food returned: Customers successfully returned opened food that didn’t meet quality expectations, receiving full refunds.
Electronics refund: A faulty TV returned within 90 days was refunded on the spot, with staff helping unload the large item.
Official Costco Returns Resources & Links
Costco Return FAQs
What is Costco’s general return policy for most products
Most items at Costco can be returned anytime, even if opened or lightly used. Costco’s generous “no time limit” return policy prioritises member satisfaction. Electronics and major appliances, however, must be returned within 90 days. Always include all parts or accessories, and while original packaging helps, it isn’t required. Excessive misuse may void eligibility.
Does Costco offer free return shipping for online orders?
Yes, Costco provides free return shipping for online purchases. You’ll receive a prepaid label for courier or postage returns. Large items like furniture or appliances are picked up by Costco at no cost. In-store returns are always free. If a product is faulty or you return an entire order, original delivery fees are refunded too—no restocking or service charges apply.
How long does a Costco refund take after returning an item?
Refunds are usually processed immediately in-store and may take 1–3 business days to appear, depending on your bank. Online and mail returns take 7–10 days, allowing for shipping and processing time. Refunds go back to your original payment method, and you’ll get an email once it’s approved. Costco doesn’t offer partial refunds unless bonus items are missing.
Can I return something to Costco without a receipt?
Yes, Costco can usually find your purchase using your membership record. A receipt helps with cash purchases, but it’s not required for card transactions. Members have successfully returned opened or faulty items this way. Just bring the product, all accessories, and act in good faith—Costco monitors excessive returns to prevent policy misuse.
Every day you wait, your refund gets harder.
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