Costco is known for offering a vast range of products, from fresh produce to household essentials and big-ticket electronics, making it a popular one-stop shop.
However, not every item is a hit with customers. Costco’s generous return policy, which includes a “risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee,” makes it easy for shoppers to return items that don’t meet their expectations. Here are 11 items that customers frequently return to Costco—and the reasons why.
1. Clothing
Costco offers a variety of clothing options, from pajamas to outerwear, yet many of these items don’t make it past the return line. Due to the lack of dressing rooms, customers often purchase clothing items with the intent to return anything that doesn’t fit.
A shopper noted on social media that Costco’s lack of fitting rooms means that customers sometimes return multiple sizes of the same item. This inconvenience, coupled with potential sizing issues, makes clothing one of the most frequently returned categories.
2. Keurig Coffee Makers
While Keurig machines are popular for brewing single-serve coffee, they often end up in the return bin at Costco. Customers have shared on Reddit that they’ve noticed many returned Keurig coffee makers.
The issue may be related to the regular maintenance required to prevent lines from jamming, as some users find this tedious.
Despite the machine’s convenience, Costco’s return policy allows those who experience problems with maintenance to bring the item back without hassle.
3. Dyson Vacuums
Dyson vacuums are known for their sleek, cordless design, but not all users are impressed with their performance. Many shoppers mention that newer Dyson models don’t pick up debris as effectively as older models.
This dissatisfaction has led to a high volume of Dyson vacuum returns at Costco. However, customers who purchase these products have peace of mind, knowing they can take advantage of Costco’s customer-friendly return policy if the vacuum doesn’t perform as expected.
4. Fresh Produce
Costco’s fresh produce selection attracts many customers looking to buy in bulk, but some shoppers find that fruits and vegetables spoil faster than expected. A shopper shared an experience of purchasing a box of salad greens that turned mushy within two days—three days before the best-by date.
Shoppers have noted that they often have to return produce that goes bad too quickly, making it a frequently returned item. Costco’s return policy ensures that customers won’t lose money on perishable items that don’t meet freshness standards.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol returns at Costco vary by state, as local laws can limit whether these items can be brought back. In areas where alcohol returns are permitted, customers often bring back unopened bottles after events, like weddings, where they may have overestimated their needs.
While Costco’s return policy makes these returns possible, it’s advisable to check local regulations to confirm if alcohol returns are allowed.
6. Meat And Fish
Fresh meat and fish are staples at Costco, but like produce, they sometimes disappoint shoppers with shorter-than-expected shelf lives. Some customers report that the meat or fish they buy smells off before the best-by date, leading to multiple returns.
For example, one shopper mentioned having to return salmon that developed a strong fishy odor days before it was supposed to expire. Costco’s return policy gives customers confidence in returning perishable items that don’t meet their expectations.
7. Refrigerators And Freezers
Refrigerators and freezers are among the larger appliances offered at Costco, but they are also commonly returned items. Some customers have reported issues with specific brands, such as Galanz freezers and Samsung refrigerators, which they claim fail prematurely.
One Reddit user shared that they experienced issues with a Galanz freezer within six months. Given the high cost of these appliances, Costco members appreciate the ability to return faulty units under the store’s warranty policies.
8. Small Automated Kitchen Appliances
Costco’s inventory includes several automated kitchen gadgets that promise convenience, but some shoppers find them more trouble than they’re worth.
Automatic wine openers, for example, are popular yet commonly returned because they often malfunction or break after a few uses. Costco shoppers who face disappointment with these items can rest easy knowing they’re eligible for a return if the product doesn’t meet expectations.
9. Air Fryers
Air fryers have become a must-have kitchen appliance, and many Costco members purchase them to try out new recipes. However, some find that the air fryer doesn’t meet their storage needs or practical expectations.
Customers who lack adequate counter space often find themselves returning air fryers after realizing they don’t have a convenient spot to store them. Costco’s return policy allows these shoppers to return appliances that don’t fit into their kitchens seamlessly.
10. Televisions
Costco’s selection of televisions is another frequently returned item, primarily due to issues that occur during transportation. Customers may attempt to fit large TVs into small vehicles, leading to cracks or other damage.
Additionally, some buyers experience regret when purchasing a cheaper TV model, which may not meet their expectations for quality. Costco’s forgiving return policy lets customers exchange or return TVs that arrive in less-than-perfect condition.
11. Hoses
Costco’s kink-free hoses are popular among homeowners, but they’re not as durable as some might hope. Several shoppers report that these hoses tend to leak or detach within 30-60 days.
Customers have shared online that Costco employees frequently see these hoses in the return bin, reinforcing that they may not be the best option for long-term use. Thanks to Costco’s return policy, customers can bring back defective hoses without issue.
Final Thoughts
Costco’s generous return policy gives customers the peace of mind to try new products without the fear of being stuck with items that don’t meet their standards. From clothing to kitchen appliances, fresh produce to big-ticket electronics, Costco accepts a wide variety of returns, ensuring customer satisfaction remains a top priority.
This list provides insight into which items shoppers often bring back, helping you make more informed decisions on your next Costco run. Remember, Costco’s customer-first approach is evident in their hassle-free return policy, making shopping here an experience where satisfaction is guaranteed.