Costco’s return policy is the most generous in mainstream retail, and the returns desk is the busiest counter in the building. Knowing both the rules and the timing saves a lot of standing around.
Returns desk hours
The membership and returns counter opens with the warehouse and closes with it, so 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays, 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. In practice the desk stops taking new customers a few minutes before closing so it can clear the line.
The one thing to avoid is arriving in the final thirty minutes with a complicated return. Anything involving a manager, a warranty claim or a large item needs time.
The policy in short
- Most merchandise: no time limit. If you are not satisfied, Costco will refund it. That is the actual wording of the guarantee.
- Electronics: 90 days. Televisions, computers, tablets, phones, cameras, smart watches, projectors, major appliances and drones all fall under a 90 day window from the delivery or purchase date.
- Membership: any time. You can cancel and get a full refund of the fee whenever you want.
- Diamonds over 1.00 carat need the original paperwork and go through a gemologist check.
- Cigarettes, alcohol and some special order items are excluded or restricted by state law.
You usually do not need the receipt
Purchases made on your membership are recorded against your account, so the desk can look them up. Bring the card, and if it was a gift, whatever record the buyer has. For an online order, the packing slip or the order number from your account speeds it up.
Best time to return something
- Weekday morning, just after opening. The desk is fully staffed and empty. This is the difference between two minutes and forty.
- Avoid the week after Christmas. It is the single busiest returns period of the year.
- Avoid Saturday afternoon. Both lines, entry and returns, peak at the same time.
- Bring the packaging where you can. Not always required, but it makes electronics and appliance returns considerably faster.
Online orders
Most costco.com purchases can be returned to a warehouse, which is faster than shipping them back. Very large items delivered by freight, like some appliances and furniture, need to be arranged through customer service for collection instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a time limit on Costco returns?
Not on most merchandise. Electronics such as televisions, computers, phones and major appliances are the exception, with a 90 day window.
Do I need a receipt to return something to Costco?
Usually not. Purchases are recorded against your membership, so the desk can look them up with your card.
What time does the Costco returns desk close?
It closes with the warehouse, but stops taking new customers a few minutes before so the line can clear.