Costco's Return Policy: Everything You Should Know Before Splurging For Your Home

Costco members enjoy so many more benefits than just great deals on bulk food. Shoppers also save money on prescription glasses, enjoy discounted gas prices, and have access to the food court and free samples galore. Furthermore, the home goods section at Costco features a wide variety of items, from electronics and bedding to appliances and decor. Customers can also enjoy perusing the superstore's large selection of garden items — a section you don't want to skip over when shopping at Costco. Shopping aside, one of the biggest perks customers like about this retailer is Costco's return policy. With a few exceptions, Costco essentially has a 100% satisfaction policy, with no restrictions for returns based on how long ago an item was purchased.

So, if you're looking to splurge on some new home products from Costco, you should shop without fear. If a blender or coffee maker doesn't work the way it should or a new rug doesn't match the aesthetic of your home, you can return it for a full refund. Yes, this means you may even be able to return that couch you bought from Costco over two years ago if you're no longer satisfied with it, like one woman did per CBS News. Here's how.

Returning something you bought from Costco is very simple. All you need to do is bring the item you'd like to return to a Costco warehouse, show the member services team your membership card, and you should be given a full refund for eligible items. No, you don't even need a receipt. While the return process is easier if you have your receipt and the original packaging for the item, it's so easy to lose receipts into the abyss of purses, center consoles, junk drawers, and the like. Costco is very understanding of this and can look up the receipt with your membership card to issue your refund. If you're returning an item to Costco that has several different parts or attachments like a set of dishware or a vacuum cleaner, you must bring in all of the original parts and pieces to be issued a refund.

The process for returning items purchased online on Costco.com is also very straightforward. You can return your item purchased online at any Costco warehouse, or you can request a return label to mail your item back on the Costco website. This retailer even covers shipping and handling fees on returns. Therefore, you don't need to fear that you'll be stuck with a home goods item you bought online if it ends up looking different in-person than it did on the website.

While Costco accepts the majority of returns brought to them regardless of date of purchase, there are a few exceptions to the Costco return policy. Electronics must be returned within 90 days of purchase. This includes typical electronics like televisions, phones, cameras, and watches. Further, major appliances like fridges, freezers, dishwashers, ranges, cooktops, and other similar items also must be returned within 90 days.

However, smaller appliances like blenders, space heaters, and electronic toothbrushes don't fall into that category, so they should be able to be returned even after the 90 days are over. Many readers wonder if they can return their portable AC units to Costco, and the answer is yes! Portable AC units don't fall under Costco's list of major appliances, so they can be returned to Costco even after 90 days.

There are a few other items that don't fall under the 100% satisfaction policy like cigarettes and alcohol, gift cards, airline tickets, and anything sold with a limited warranty. However, the majority of home items do fall under Costco's 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can shop for your home with confidence. While you're at it, keep these Costco home section secrets in mind to score the best deals at this retailer.