How Do I Exchange an Item from Costco?

Costco is known for its 100% satisfaction guarantee on most merchandise. Although there are exceptions, Costco often refunds the full purchase price of returns. It may even be possible to return some items without a receipt or the original packaging. Costco exchanges are handled a bit differently than you may expect, though.

Exchanging at Costco

Due to the nature of their inventory system, Costco does not perform true exchanges. Even items that are the same brand and product may have different codes in the system, so simply swapping items over the counter could make inventory inaccurate. Costco exchanges are therefore considered a return followed by a repurchase. In order to avoid a delay in credit being refunded, it's best to exchange merchandise at a local Costco warehouse instead of shipping it back. Costco will not refund the amount owed until it has received and fully processed the return.

Returning and Repurchasing Online

While merchandise purchased at a warehouse must be returned to a warehouse, online order returns can be initiated online. After signing in on the Costco website, take the following steps to begin the return and repurchase process:

1. Select the link that says My Account. It is located in the upper right-hand corner and to the right of the search bar.
2. Click on My Orders, located in the left-hand column.
3. Your recent online orders will appear. Select Return Items to the right of the order you'd like to return items from.
4. Place checkmarks next to the items you want to return and hit Return Selected Items.
5. If the merchandise can be returned by mail, options such as printing a return label or scheduling a pickup will appear. Choose the option you prefer.
6. The website will prompt you to select a reason for the return and provide an area to type additional details. Fill out the form and select Continue.
7. To complete the return request, you will need to select whether you'd like to download the shipping label immediately or send it to an email address.
8. The label needs to be attached to the package with the merchandise inside when you provide it to the postal carrier.
9. Once the original merchandise is returned, the final step is to repurchase any desired replacement through the regular checkout process.

Exceptions for Costco Returns

Some items can't be returned and some items can't be returned through self-service. In general:

• Personalized products are non-refundable.
• Electronics only have a 90-day return window.
• Fine jewelry has to be inspected by a professional before the return is processed.
• Products that deteriorate over time, such as batteries or tires, often have product-specific warranties.
• Depending on state laws, alcohol and cigarettes are often non-refundable.
  

If the option to return your merchandise doesn't appear online, you'll have to contact Costco or visit a Costco warehouse for additional support. Costco's support team can also assist you in checking inventory during the repurchasing process.