Comments on: The Beauty of Costco’s Return Policy http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy Make your mark. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:18:08 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Blake http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-70747 Blake Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:15:41 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-70747 i bought my ps3 in 2007 and it just died. since it has been 3 years i cant find the box. do you think i will have a problem returning it? i bought my ps3 in 2007 and it just died. since it has been 3 years i cant find the box. do you think i will have a problem returning it?

]]> By: JB http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-62495 JB Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:30:20 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-62495 So heres a serious question for this community of Costco return policy abusers (haha)... I have a PS3 that I bought over 1 year ago that has begun having some serious problems, essentially the red blinking lights of death. Unfortunately I bought this console from Circuit City which is now out of business. Do you guys think I could buy a PS3 from Costco and in 2 months return my OLD PS3 from circuit city? I know the serial numbers will not match, but I have returned other items to costco and it does not seem to me that they check for matching serial numbers, other than scanning the outside box... Maybe I can even consider manipulating the cases of the consoles.... Someone please give me your feeedback especially a costco employee maybe. Thanks all So heres a serious question for this community of Costco return policy abusers (haha)…

I have a PS3 that I bought over 1 year ago that has begun having some serious problems, essentially the red blinking lights of death. Unfortunately I bought this console from Circuit City which is now out of business. Do you guys think I could buy a PS3 from Costco and in 2 months return my OLD PS3 from circuit city? I know the serial numbers will not match, but I have returned other items to costco and it does not seem to me that they check for matching serial numbers, other than scanning the outside box… Maybe I can even consider manipulating the cases of the consoles….

Someone please give me your feeedback especially a costco employee maybe. Thanks all

]]> By: Ron http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-61083 Ron Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:25:42 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-61083 Costco indeed has an outstanding return policy and will probably continue to have one until abuses reach an intolerable level, as was the case with their electronics. With that said, I have recently learned that Costco WILL at times cancel a person's membership if he uses the no-questions-asked-return-anytime policy too frequently. While I have no patience with those who abuse Costco's great policy on returns, I think Costco is wrong to penalize people who play within their own rules. At the very least, Costco should make it very clear that is "unconditional" return policy actually has some hidden "conditions," i.e., if you use it too often we'll kick you out. Rather than have a sneaky underhanded policy of canceling memberships of those who abuse the Costco return policy, I would much prefer that Costco impose sensible, transparent restraints. For example, a member's ability to return an item that has mechanical moving parts, such as a vaccum cleaner, might be unreturnable after a set period of, say, 2 years. Or maybe a years after the warranty expires. After all, things with moving parts do wear out, in some cases by design. Frankly, I would imagine that Costco's return policy goes a long way toward reinforcing the excellent company's sterling reputation, so the gains probably outweigh the losses by a wide margin. Costco is, after all, the nation's best retailer, so it knows what it is doing. I for one have sold several friends on joining Costco and the company's return policy has been a key selling point. Furthermore, I seriously doubt that the return policy costs Costco very much money. My guess is that the vast majority of the items go back to the vendor. I mean, what vendor in its right mind wants to piss off an account as vast and lucrative as Costco? But the overarching point is that Costco can't have it both ways. If it wants to brag about its amazing return policy and promote it aggressively, it needs to be completely honest and open about it. I think the company just needs to accept the fact, without applying punitive measures, that some folks will abuse the policy. Such is life. Costco indeed has an outstanding return policy and will probably continue to have one until abuses reach an intolerable level, as was the case with their electronics. With that said, I have recently learned that Costco WILL at times cancel a person’s membership if he uses the no-questions-asked-return-anytime policy too frequently. While I have no patience with those who abuse Costco’s great policy on returns, I think Costco is wrong to penalize people who play within their own rules. At the very least, Costco should make it very clear that is “unconditional” return policy actually has some hidden “conditions,” i.e., if you use it too often we’ll kick you out.
Rather than have a sneaky underhanded policy of canceling memberships of those who abuse the Costco return policy, I would much prefer that Costco impose sensible, transparent restraints. For example, a member’s ability to return an item that has mechanical moving parts, such as a vaccum cleaner, might be unreturnable after a set period of, say, 2 years. Or maybe a years after the warranty expires. After all, things with moving parts do wear out, in some cases by design.
Frankly, I would imagine that Costco’s return policy goes a long way toward reinforcing the excellent company’s sterling reputation, so the gains probably outweigh the losses by a wide margin. Costco is, after all, the nation’s best retailer, so it knows what it is doing. I for one have sold several friends on joining Costco and the company’s return policy has been a key selling point. Furthermore, I seriously doubt that the return policy costs Costco very much money. My guess is that the vast majority of the items go back to the vendor. I mean, what vendor in its right mind wants to piss off an account as vast and lucrative as Costco?
But the overarching point is that Costco can’t have it both ways. If it wants to brag about its amazing return policy and promote it aggressively, it needs to be completely honest and open about it. I think the company just needs to accept the fact, without applying punitive measures, that some folks will abuse the policy. Such is life.

]]> By: Eric http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-60617 Eric Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:27:10 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-60617 My friend here just returned (1st week of Jan.09) a 42" TV they bought 4 years ago that died. It was $4,000 at the time of purchase. They took it back with the receipt and got all of their money back on a Costco gift card. They bought a 45" LCD for $1,500 and have a gift card for $2,500 now. WOW. This may be because the policy wasn't in effect when they bought it. But who knows. My friend here just returned (1st week of Jan.09) a 42″ TV they bought 4 years ago that died. It was $4,000 at the time of purchase. They took it back with the receipt and got all of their money back on a Costco gift card. They bought a 45″ LCD for $1,500 and have a gift card for $2,500 now. WOW. This may be because the policy wasn’t in effect when they bought it. But who knows.

]]> By: Gwardy http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-58274 Gwardy Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:13:45 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-58274 Also good for GPS's too ;-) My friend wanted one and I mentioned Costco and their return policy, so I bought it for him and he paid me back. It is the way to go though. even the new 90 day return on TV's and 2 year warranty is a great deal, I'll be getting a Plasma from them soon. I'll be buying a new Grill next year and Costco is on top of my list for me to make the purchase at...that way in 5 years I'll just roll it into my Costco and swap to a new one (my cousin did that), I mean how long do they expect Grills to last...LOL My Uncle took up a part time job at his local Costco and he says people return seasonal equipment all the time, get a lawn mower, and return in fall for a snow blower, and return that in spring for a lawn mower. Not sure why Costco has such a return Policy. From a business standpoint it is stupid, but I guess most people don't take advantage of it or know it is that easy going there. As for other stores LL Bean has a no questions asked return policy. I returned a leather $300 Jacket I had got from my father during my High School (92-95) years and this past spring (2008) I boxed it up and mailed it to LL Bean...no questions asked, and they called me saying they did not have the one I wanted and if I would like the other one (yes they still had the same style jacket)....it is FREE so I said no problem I'll be okay with the other colored one...LOL They even paid for shipping to LL Bean and back to me...great company and people are amazed they did that. I tell you what it makes me want to buy more from them even if their prices are higher. Also good for GPS’s too ;-) My friend wanted one and I mentioned Costco and their return policy, so I bought it for him and he paid me back. It is the way to go though. even the new 90 day return on TV’s and 2 year warranty is a great deal, I’ll be getting a Plasma from them soon. I’ll be buying a new Grill next year and Costco is on top of my list for me to make the purchase at…that way in 5 years I’ll just roll it into my Costco and swap to a new one (my cousin did that), I mean how long do they expect Grills to last…LOL My Uncle took up a part time job at his local Costco and he says people return seasonal equipment all the time, get a lawn mower, and return in fall for a snow blower, and return that in spring for a lawn mower. Not sure why Costco has such a return Policy. From a business standpoint it is stupid, but I guess most people don’t take advantage of it or know it is that easy going there.

As for other stores LL Bean has a no questions asked return policy. I returned a leather $300 Jacket I had got from my father during my High School (92-95) years and this past spring (2008) I boxed it up and mailed it to LL Bean…no questions asked, and they called me saying they did not have the one I wanted and if I would like the other one (yes they still had the same style jacket)….it is FREE so I said no problem I’ll be okay with the other colored one…LOL They even paid for shipping to LL Bean and back to me…great company and people are amazed they did that. I tell you what it makes me want to buy more from them even if their prices are higher.

]]> By: Mark http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-57519 Mark Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:57:33 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-57519 Here's their official, no questions return policy on merchandise: "We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Exceptions: Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund." If you have a PS3, Xbox360 or whatever, anything electronic-related at all that's not mentioned in the paragraph above, you can return it at anytime—even years later—for a full refund. You even get your shipping refunded if you purchased the item at costco.com and had it delivered to your door. I live in CA. I've returned 3 Xbox 360s that gave me problems and one 40GB PS3 to upgrade to a 80GB one. FREE. No problems, no hassles. Plain and simple. It's not that complicated, folks. Here’s their official, no questions return policy on merchandise:

“We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Exceptions: Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund.”

If you have a PS3, Xbox360 or whatever, anything electronic-related at all that’s not mentioned in the paragraph above, you can return it at anytime—even years later—for a full refund. You even get your shipping refunded if you purchased the item at costco.com and had it delivered to your door.

I live in CA. I’ve returned 3 Xbox 360s that gave me problems and one 40GB PS3 to upgrade to a 80GB one. FREE.

No problems, no hassles. Plain and simple. It’s not that complicated, folks.

]]> By: Jeff http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-56023 Jeff Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:06:14 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-56023 Just as an update, my 360 gave up the two flashing lights after 11 months. I had purchased it at Costco, and had no difficulty returning it. They were able to look up the receipt, give a refund, and I was able to buy a new 360 as a replacement. Costco has great service!! Just as an update, my 360 gave up the two flashing lights after 11 months. I had purchased it at Costco, and had no difficulty returning it. They were able to look up the receipt, give a refund, and I was able to buy a new 360 as a replacement. Costco has great service!!

]]> By: Robert http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-10078 Robert Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:23:37 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-10078 Costco has now resorted to other tactics when you return something broke, after you had it awhile. I've been told by store manager I was being unfair to return something after they had told me I could return it anytime, for any reason, and I didn't need to keep the box. Then on top of that they now look for one little thing missing so they can reject the return. Lately Costco has been keeping track of all your returns in their computer so now they tell you any more returns and you will be barred from the store. Is this an isolated store situation or is this happening to other customers in other areas at Costo? Costco has now resorted to other tactics when you return something broke, after you had it awhile. I’ve been told by store manager I was being unfair to return something after they had told me I could return it anytime, for any reason, and I didn’t need to keep the box. Then on top of that they now look for one little thing missing so they can reject the return.
Lately Costco has been keeping track of all your returns in their computer so now they tell you any more returns and you will be barred from the store. Is this an isolated store situation or is this happening to other customers in other areas at Costo?

]]> By: Rob http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-5221 Rob Mon, 14 May 2007 18:20:41 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-5221 Mike, My 360 died after about 8 months and I talked to Customer Service at a Costco two weeks ago to see if I could still return it and they told me that the XBOX 360 was not on the restricted list and could be returned at any time for any reason...Though they did tell me that without a receipt I'd get a Costco Cash Card...But you might want to wait until they get a bundle deal on the Elite...just an idea, since yours is already broken. Mike, My 360 died after about 8 months and I talked to Customer Service at a Costco two weeks ago to see if I could still return it and they told me that the XBOX 360 was not on the restricted list and could be returned at any time for any reason…Though they did tell me that without a receipt I’d get a Costco Cash Card…But you might want to wait until they get a bundle deal on the Elite…just an idea, since yours is already broken.

]]> By: carlos http://pitelspot.com/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/comment-page-1#comment-4975 carlos Sat, 12 May 2007 01:42:13 +0000 http://www.pitelspot.com/index.php/2006/10/15/the-beauty-of-costcos-return-policy/#comment-4975 hello i have a question because i actually have returned stuff after a year and it worked... this time i have an iPod video that i bought for christmas... i heard that zune has a ZUNE PASS... i was wondering if i would get my money back... hello i have a question because i actually have returned stuff after a year and it worked… this time i have an iPod video that i bought for christmas… i heard that zune has a ZUNE PASS… i was wondering if i would get my money back…

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