One of the qualities that sets Costco apart from other retailers is that it truly goes out of its way to offer top-tier customer service. Costco maintains an extremely generous return policy that could, in some cases, make it possible to get a full refund even if you've been sitting on a given purchase for a solid year.
Costco will even let you bring back half-eaten food if there's something off with the taste or it goes bad prior to its sell-by date. All you have to do is bring the item back, and if there's at least 50% left, you can get a full refund.
But there are certain products you might buy from Costco that aren't so easy to return -- or that can't be returned. Here's a list of eight you should know about so you don't accidentally waste your money.
1. Electronics you've had for more than 90 days
Most Costco items can be returned to the store at any time. Bought swimsuits in April that your kids never wore? You can return them in November -- even though it's way past the season.
However, Costco only gives you 90 days to return electronics. Items that fall into this category include laptops, TVs, projectors, tablets, cameras, and major appliances.
2. Cigarettes
Smoking can be an expensive habit. If it's one you choose to uphold, buying cigarettes at Costco could help you save money. But once you walk out the door with cigarettes, you can't bring them back. If you're thinking of quitting smoking, you may want to hold off on a huge Costco stock-up.
3. Alcohol
Not every Costco location sells alcohol. But if yours does, you'd better make sure you'll get good use from your purchases. Costco generally does not allow returns on alcohol.
4. Batteries
Bought batteries at Costco? If you've not happy with their performance, you may be eligible for a refund if you bring them back shortly after your purchase. But unlike apparel, you can't bring batteries back nine months later and expect your money back, since batteries have a limited useful life.
5. Tires
If you buy tires at Costco, you're eligible for perks that include free rotations, balances, and inflation checks. You also get a five-year road hazard warranty with your tire purchase, and free repairs for flats. However, you can't actually bring used Costco tires back to the store.
6. Gold bars
Many people will tell you that gold is a great investment, and not so surprisingly, you can buy gold bars at Costco (though there's usually a limited quantity per member). However, you can't return gold, so make sure you've done your research and are comfortable with your purchase. Unlike shares of stock, gold can be kind of hard to sell once you decide you don't want it.
7. Gift cards
Costco sells a wide selection of gift cards for other retailers at prices less than face value. But those gift cards are non-refundable, so before you load up, make sure you'll be able to use them. In a worst-case scenario, you could always go online and swap your gift cards for cash on sites like CardCash, but you might lose a little money in the process.
8. Costco Shop Cards
Costco's Shop Cards are the store's version of a gift card. For some reason, Costco will not give you your money back if you buy a Shop Card and decide you don't want it. But since you can spend that Costco cash on anything, that's really not a huge deal. If you can't get refunded for your $50 Shop Card purchase, just use it the next time you need groceries or household essentials.
Any time you shop, whether it's at Costco or another retailer, it's important to understand the return policy's rules. This could help you avoid losing money and getting stuck with purchases that aren't of good use to you.
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