BTN News: Costco’s return policy has always been a major selling point for its members, but a former employee has recently revealed some surprising details about just how far this policy can stretch. According to the insider, some Costco members are taking advantage of the store’s generous returns, bringing back items like worn-out couches, heavily used mattresses, and even half-eaten cakes, sometimes years after purchase. Despite a stated 90-day return window for certain items, the reality is often different, leading to some bizarre and unexpected returns at this popular wholesale retailer. This article uncovers the surprising ways members are using Costco’s return policy, as explained by an insider who witnessed it firsthand.
The Unwritten Rule: Costco’s Unlimited Returns
Costco is known for its customer-friendly return policy, but what isn’t as widely known is just how far that policy extends. According to Alex, a former employee who shared his experiences on the popular Mexican podcast hosted by YouTuber Jonathan Vest Samano (Gusgri), the official policy states a 90-day return period for items such as electronics. However, in practice, this rule is far more flexible, with some members returning products years after purchase.
Unexpected and Unusual Returns: From Couches to Cakes
What are Costco members returning? Alex shares some shocking examples. Among the most unusual returns he witnessed were worn-out sofas, mattresses that had clearly been used for years, and even cakes with only a single slice left. These instances demonstrate how some customers are exploiting the policy to an extreme, sometimes with items that most would consider well beyond their usable life.
“One time, I saw a customer bring back a mattress that was over eight years old,” Alex recalls. “It was unbelievable. The customer didn’t hesitate, and neither could we. The return had to be accepted.”
Generous Yet Controversial: Is the Return Policy Too Lenient?
While Costco’s return policy is undoubtedly customer-friendly, it also raises some questions about fairness and feasibility. Alex points out that although some returns may be justified — for example, if a cake turns out to be stale or defective — many cases seem like clear attempts to take advantage of the system.
“No employee can refuse a return,” Alex notes, “unless the warehouse manager intervenes, and even then, it has to be backed up by higher management.”
Membership Matters: Types of Costco Memberships and Their Perks
Costco offers three membership types: Executive, Business, and Basic. Each membership comes with its perks, but all include access to the store’s broad return policy. Despite the 90-day clause stated for certain categories, members generally have the freedom to return almost any item. This flexibility might explain why a small percentage of customers feel empowered to make such unusual returns.
How Does Costco Handle Returns? The Inside Process Explained
Alex explains that the method of return depends on the original payment type. For purchases made with debit cards or cash, refunds are provided in a store gift card. Customers can use this card to make further purchases, withdraw cash, or retain the balance for future use. For credit card payments, refunds must be credited back to the same card used during the purchase.
This flexible process ensures customers have multiple options, but it also enables the kind of “no questions asked” returns that have made Costco’s policy both famous and controversial.
A Rare Practice: Major Returns That Stand Out
While unusual returns do happen, Alex assures that such cases are relatively rare. The vast majority of customers do not take advantage of the policy. He mentions one specific example that stood out: an attempt to return an iPhone with a different serial number than the original box — a return that was ultimately rejected.
Why Members Love (and Sometimes Exploit) Costco’s Policy
Costco’s return policy is one of its biggest draws, providing peace of mind and guaranteeing satisfaction for all its members. Yet, as Alex’s experiences show, there is a fine line between a customer-friendly approach and a policy that can be exploited.
“Some people return products because they have a valid reason, like a defect,” Alex concludes, “but others clearly abuse the privilege, returning items long past their expected lifespan.”
Conclusion: A Policy Under Scrutiny, But Still a Major Attraction
While there are some clear abuses of Costco’s return policy, the company continues to uphold it as a mark of its commitment to customer satisfaction. As long as the majority of members respect the policy’s intent, Costco seems likely to maintain its position as a leader in customer service and satisfaction — unusual returns and all.
