What You Can't Actually Return to Costco

While Costco has one of the most generous return policies in retail, there are some items that can't be returned. Understanding these exceptions helps you know what's returnable and what's not, preventing disappointment and helping you shop wisely.

Items That Can't Be Returned

Category 1: Cigarettes and Tobacco

Policy:

• Cigarettes: Not returnable
• Tobacco products: Not returnable
• Health regulations
• Legal restrictions

Why:

• Health and safety regulations
• Legal restrictions
• Cannot be returned
• Final sale

Best Practice: Cigarettes and tobacco products are final sale and cannot be returned to Costco.

Category 2: Customized Items

Policy:

• Engraved items: Not returnable
• Customized products: Not returnable
• Personalized items: Check policy
• May be final sale

Why:

• Customized for you
• Cannot be resold
• Personalization
• Final sale

Best Practice: Check return policy before purchasing customized items. They may not be returnable.

Category 3: Some Electronics (Time Limit)

Policy:

• TVs, computers, cameras: 90 days
• Shorter window
• Still generous
• Check specific items

Why:

• Electronics depreciate quickly
• Technology changes
• Shorter window
• Still flexible

Best Practice: Return electronics within 90 days for sure acceptance, though Costco may still accept outside window.

Category 4: Diamonds Over Certain Value

Policy:

• Diamonds over $500: Special policy
• May have restrictions
• Check policy
• Varies

Why:

• High value items
• Special handling
• May have restrictions
• Check before purchase

Best Practice: Check return policy for high-value diamonds before purchasing.

Category 5: Some Food Items

Policy:

• Perishable food: Varies
• Opened food: May not be returnable
• Health regulations
• Check policy

Why:

• Health and safety
• Perishable nature
• Opened items
• Regulations

Best Practice: Check return policy for food items, especially opened or perishable items.

Items with Special Restrictions

Restriction 1: Electronics Time Window

The Restriction:

• TVs: 90 days
• Computers: 90 days
• Cameras: 90 days
• Tablets: 90 days
• Some electronics

Still Flexible:

• May accept outside window
• Case-by-case
• Very flexible
• Check with store

Best Practice: Return electronics within 90 days for sure acceptance, but Costco may still be flexible.

Restriction 2: Receipt Requirements

The Restriction:

• Receipt helpful
• May be required for some items
• Membership lookup available
• Very flexible

Still Flexible:

• Can look up by membership
• Very accommodating
• Still easy
• Not strict

Best Practice: Keep receipts when possible, but Costco can often look up purchases by membership.

Restriction 3: Condition Requirements

The Restriction:

• Should be returnable condition
• Not destroyed
• Reasonable condition
• Fair use

Still Flexible:

• Very lenient
• Used items accepted
• Years old accepted
• Very flexible

Best Practice: Return items in reasonable condition, but Costco is very understanding.

Understanding "Final Sale" Items

What Final Sale Means

Definition:

• Cannot be returned
• No exceptions
• Clear marking
• Final purchase

Where to Find:

• Item description
• Price tag
• Clear marking
• Ask if unsure

Best Practice: Check for "final sale" marking before purchasing. These items cannot be returned.

Common Final Sale Items

Examples:

• Clearance items (sometimes)
• Special promotions
• Customized items
• Some categories

Best Practice: Ask about return policy for clearance or special promotion items before purchasing.

Items That Are Returnable

Most Items Are Returnable

Generally Returnable:

• Most merchandise
• Clothing
• Home goods
• Appliances
• Furniture
• Most categories

Return Reasons:

• Changed mind
• Not satisfied
• Defective
• Any reason
• Very flexible

Best Practice: Most items at Costco are returnable with no time limit, making it very customer-friendly.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Check Before Purchasing

Why:

• Know return policy
• Avoid surprises
• Make informed decisions
• Understand restrictions

How:

• Read item descriptions
• Check for "final sale"
• Ask if unsure
• Understand policy

Best Practice: Check return policy before purchasing, especially for expensive or special items.

Practice 2: Ask Questions

Why:

• Clarify policy
• Understand restrictions
• Make informed decisions
• Avoid issues

How:

• Ask store associates
• Contact customer service
• Check website
• Get clarification

Best Practice: When in doubt, ask. Costco associates are helpful and can clarify return policies.

Practice 3: Keep Receipts

Why:

• Full refund
• Original price
• Faster processing
• Best outcome

How:

• Keep receipts
• Use Costco app
• Digital receipts
• Organize

Best Practice: Keep receipts when possible for best outcomes, though not always required.

Common Questions

Q: Can I return opened items?

A: Yes, Costco accepts opened items. They're very flexible about used or opened items.

Q: Can I return items years later?

A: Yes, Costco has no strict time limit. Items can often be returned years later.

Q: Do I need a receipt?

A: Receipt is helpful but not always required. Costco can often look up purchases by membership.

Q: Can I return electronics after 90 days?

A: Costco may still accept electronics after 90 days, though the official window is 90 days. Check with store.

Q: What items can't be returned?

A: Cigarettes, customized items, and some special categories. Most items are returnable.

Conclusion: Understanding Costco's Exceptions

While Costco has an extremely generous return policy, some items can't be returned: cigarettes, customized items, and some have time restrictions (electronics: 90 days). Most items are returnable with no time limit. Check policies before purchasing and ask questions when unsure.

Key takeaways:

• Cigarettes: Not returnable
• Customized items: Not returnable
• Electronics: 90-day window (but flexible)
• Most items: Returnable with no time limit
• Check policies before purchasing

For busy shoppers, return pickup services can help manage Costco returns and ensure they meet any requirements while taking advantage of Costco's flexible policy.

Need help with a Costco return? Learn how Returnful handles Costco returns with professional service and proper documentation.

---

Have questions about what you can return to Costco? Text us at 469-790-7579 and we'll help you understand the policy!