Costco Appliance Return Policy 2023: Everything You Need To Know

Shopping for new appliances is an exciting yet stressful undertaking. You‘re making a major investment on items you expect to last for years. Naturally you want total confidence you‘re choosing the right product before committing.

That‘s where Costco‘s renowned return policy gives them a key advantage in appliance sales. Their 90-day satisfaction guarantee and 2-year warranty provide a safety net other retailers can‘t match.

But exactly how does the Costco return process work for appliances specifically? As a 10-year member, I‘ll share all the details you need for a risk-free appliance purchase.

How Long Do You Have To Return an Appliance at Costco?

Costco allows 90 days from the date of purchase to return any new, unused appliance. This applies to all major appliances like:

• Refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Ranges
• Cooktops
• Wall Ovens
• Microwaves
• Washers and Dryers

The 90-day rule is valid at all Costco warehouse locations and for items ordered online at Costco.com.

One exception is that some discounted or clearance appliances may have a reduced 30-60 day return period, so check at the time of purchase.

Tips for Easy Appliance Returns

To make your return seamless, be sure to follow these tips:

• Keep the original receipt – Have this to verify date of purchase and speed up the refund
• Check packaging requirements – Appliances may need original box or pallet
• Note restocking fees – These can apply for returns past 90 days
• Arrange appliance haul away – Costco does not pick up returns

Returning an Appliance Without the Original Packaging

Costco will accept returns on appliances without the original box or styrofoam. However, there are important caveats:

• All included parts, materials must be returned
• Appliance cannot have any significant damage
• Food debris or odors may be grounds for refusal

I‘d recommend keeping all packaging materials if possible. But returns without the box can be done. Just transport the item carefully and thoroughly clean/defrost beforehand.

Getting a Refund Without The Receipt

Lose your receipt? No problem. Costco can still process appliance returns without a receipt under certain conditions:

• Provide your Costco membership card so they can look up the purchase
• Be prepared to show valid photo ID matching the membership
• Refunds may be given as a Costco Shop Card, not original payment
• Returns past 90 days may carry a restocking fee

While returns without a receipt are allowed, having the receipt makes it much easier. Just keep it filed away in case needed down the road.

Average Wait Time for Costco Appliance Refunds

Once returned, how long do appliance refunds take to process? Here‘s a breakdown:

• Returns under 90 days with receipt: Refund is immediate, typically within 24 hours if via credit card.

• Returns past 90 days: Approximately 5-7 business days for Costco to verify purchase and issue refund

• Shop card purchases: Usually 5 business days for refund to be loaded onto new shop card

So while not instant, Costco processes refunds relatively quickly considering the value of most appliance purchases.

Returning Appliances Bought with a Shop Card

Can you return an appliance paid for with a Costco Shop Card? Yes – you‘ll just need to provide the original shop card used.

The refund would then be issued back onto a new shop card with the full amount. If you no longer have the card, a lookup of the purchase can be done using your Costco membership details.

Costco Return Policy Exceptions

Costco is quite lenient regarding appliance returns, but there are certain scenarios where a return may be refused:

• Missing parts/accessories – All original components must be intact
• Evidence of excessive wear – Scratches, dents, stains etc that denote use
• Expired 90-day window – Discretionary after this point
• Refurbished/open-box items – Often have 30-60 day limit

As long as the appliance is in "like new" condition and within the 90-day policy, you can expect a full refund. Just beware of the exclusions above.

Returning Large Appliances Purchased Online

One major perk of online Costco orders is they‘ll arrange pickup of appliance returns from your home. Just log in to Costco.com, select return, and schedule a haul-away. They‘ll send a carrier to pick up the item free of charge.

Much easier than disassembling and loading up a heavy fridge or stove by yourself!

For extra large items, they may require you to have a ramp ready for the driver to roll it up into the truck safely. But otherwise very convenient.

How to Return Defective or Faulty Appliances

Make a faulty appliance return within 90 days and Costco will cheerfully refund the full amount. But they also offer an excellent 2 year warranty on appliances for added protection.

If any mechanical issues pop up later on, contact Costco Concierge Services at 1-866-861-0450. They will arrange for free repair service under the warranty. Or authorize a replacement item if unable to fix.

According to Costco‘s 2021 annual report, they processed over $4 billion in warranty claims globally. Proof of their strong backing of products long after purchase.

Costco Return Policy vs. Competitors

How does Costco‘s return policy stack up against key competitors? Here‘s a high-level comparison:

Costco clearly stands out with their 90 day satisfaction window and 2 year warranty coverage. Giving you the most flexibility if an appliance doesn‘t meet expectations.

The Bottom Line

Costco‘s return policy for appliances is extremely fair and designed to give you complete peace of mind. Take full advantage of their 90-day trial window and 2 year warranty to find the right fit for your needs.

Just be sure to follow the guidelines, keep all packaging materials, and work through Costco for any warranty claims. Then you can enjoy your new appliance with total confidence it‘s built to last.