Bought something from Costco that broke too soon?
What does Costco's warranty cover?
Costco Australia doesn’t offer a separate extended warranty. Instead, every item is backed by:
- The manufacturer’s standard warranty (e.g., Hisense TV = 3 years, Samsung = 1 year).
- Australian Consumer Law protections (products must be of acceptable quality).
- Costco’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you’re unhappy with a purchase or it fails prematurely, Costco will refund or replace it.
Electronics and appliances include a 90-day change-of-mind return policy. Outside of that, faulty items are handled under manufacturer warranty, ACL, or Costco’s satisfaction guarantee.
How to claim a warranty with Costco
- Visit the warehouse returns counter with your product and membership card. Staff can look up purchases linked to your account.
- Bring proof of purchase (receipt, membership lookup, or online order confirmation).
- Contact Member Care if you can’t visit a store:
- Phone: (03) 5316 7223 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm AEST).
- Online: Costco’s support portal or website chat.
- Phone: (03) 5316 7223 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm AEST).
- Resolution options: Refund, exchange, or in some cases, Costco will facilitate manufacturer repair.
- Escalate if needed: If staff push you to the manufacturer, remind them that under ACL, the retailer is responsible. Managers can usually resolve this quickly.
Tip: Keep your membership active. Expired memberships may block claims.
Exclusions & limitations - when Costco's warranty doesn't apply
- Electronics: Change-of-mind returns limited to 90 days.
- Diamonds/jewelry: Items over 1ct or high-value watches require verification (2–5 days).
- Custom/special orders: Non-returnable unless defective.
- Hearing aids: Covered by separate purchase agreement.
- Membership status: Active membership required for returns and warranty claims.
- Misuse/damage: Physical damage or wear-and-tear isn’t covered.
Required documentation for Costco warranty claims
- Membership card/number (links to purchase history).
- Receipt/order confirmation (helpful but not mandatory).
- Product + accessories (bring included parts, chargers, remotes).
- Photo ID (sometimes requested for large refunds).
- Proof of fault (photos or videos can help if the issue isn’t obvious).
How long does the warranty claim process take with Costco?
- Instant in-store refunds/exchanges: Often resolved within minutes.
- Verification items (e.g., diamonds, luxury watches): 2–5 business days.
- Manufacturer repairs (when Costco facilitates): Usually 1–2 weeks, depending on parts/service.
- Online returns: Typically 1 week including courier collection + refund processing.
- Refunds: Card refunds show in 2–5 business days.
Costco cases submitted through Ajust
The Bref toilet freshener I bought from Costco didn’t work at all — no fragrance or cleaning, just a complete fail. I expected it to perform as advertised, especially for something that should be simple and reliable. I reached out to Costco hoping they’d help replace or refund it since it didn’t do what it promised. - Michael
Recent Costco customer warranty experiences
Quick & generous: Members often report instant refunds/exchanges on faulty items, even past 90 days.
Membership lapsed: Claims sometimes denied if membership has expired. Renew first to avoid issues.
Consumer law invoked: Customers who reminded staff of ACL rights got Costco to process claims rather than being redirected to the manufacturer.
Official Costco Warranty Policies & Support Links
Costco Warranty FAQs
What does Costco’s warranty actually cover in Australia?
Costco’s warranty in Australia combines the manufacturer’s warranty, Australian Consumer Law rights, and Costco’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. This means you’re protected for faults, early failures, or dissatisfaction. Electronics and appliances also come with a 90-day change-of-mind return window. After that, faults are handled through the manufacturer, ACL protections, or Costco’s satisfaction policy, giving you multiple layers of coverage.
How do I make a warranty claim at Costco?
To claim a warranty, visit your nearest Costco warehouse with your item and membership card so staff can verify your purchase. Bring proof of purchase or your online order confirmation. If you can’t visit in person, contact Costco Member Care by phone or online chat. Costco can issue refunds, exchanges, or facilitate manufacturer repairs, and you can escalate issues if the process stalls.
What items aren’t covered by Costco’s warranty or return policy?
Certain items have restrictions. Electronics have a 90-day change-of-mind limit, and high-value jewelry may need verification. Custom or special orders are non-returnable unless faulty, and hearing aids follow separate agreements. Active membership is required for all claims, and misuse or wear-and-tear isn’t covered. These rules ensure fair use while protecting members from genuine product faults.
How long does Costco take to process warranty claims or refunds?
Most in-store refunds or exchanges are instant. Verification items, like diamonds or luxury watches, take 2–5 business days. Manufacturer repairs arranged through Costco usually take 1–2 weeks, while online returns average around a week including courier collection. Once approved, refunds typically appear on your card within 2–5 business days.
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