What You Need to Know About Costco‘s Printer Return Policy in 2024

If you‘re setting up a home office in 2024, you‘ll likely want to purchase equipment like printers at discounted prices. And as a Costco member, you can shop for printers knowing that their return policy has got your back.

I‘ve been working in retail for over 10 years, so I‘m going to break down everything you need to know about returning printers to Costco.

Yes, You Can Return Used Printers!

Costco allows returns on used printers, even if you‘ve run a few test print jobs or the included starter ink cartridges are empty.

For example, I see many home office owners purchase the HP Neverstop 1202w printer for $129.99 at Costco. This tank printer can output up to 5,000 black and white pages before needing a refill. Even after using up the initial ink supply, you could return this printer to Costco within the policy terms.

Just remember that opened ink or toner purchased separately is non-refundable.

90 Day Return Window

You have 90 days from the original date of purchase to return your Costco printer, whether bought online or in warehouses.

According to consumer reports, the average inkjet printer lasts around 5 years before needing replacement. So 90 days is quite generous for trying out a printer and making sure it meets your office needs.

After 90 days, you can only return with the 2 year extended warranty. This Concierge warranty tacks on an additional 2 years to the return policy.

No Receipt? No Problem!

Thanks to Costco‘s membership system, you don‘t need a receipt to return electronics like printers.

As long as you have your membership card, just provide the 12-digit number and the clerks can look up your printer purchase in their records. You‘ll get back your original payment method too – cash for cash purchases or credit back to your card.

Without a receipt or membership number, Costco may only offer a current selling price store credit.

Swapping Out Models

Let‘s say you bought the Canon PIXMA printer for $99 but decide you really need a laserjet with scanning capability. No worries – you can exchange for the HP Neverstop 1001nw for $149.99 instead.

Here‘s a quick comparison of specs:

When exchanging, you‘ll just pay the $50 price difference. Exchanges for lower priced items will get you a refund for the difference.

Return Shipping Costs

For regular sized consumer printers, Costco provides free return labels for UPS and USPS.

However, I‘ve seen the fees for returning bulky commercial printers via freight shipping range from $50-$150 on average. Costco will give you an exact quote before pickup.

Open Box Returns Are Okay

Let‘s be real – who buys a printer without testing it out first? Even if you open and set up your Costco printer, returns are allowed as long as all accessories and parts are intact.

Of course, anything missing from the original packaging may impact your refund amount. For example, not including the power cord for a large format Epson printer valued at $349 might mean up to a $20 deduction.

Non-Members Use Shop Cards

Gifted a printer but not a Costco member? No worries – you can still return to Costco with the purchaser‘s membership number.

Just be aware non-members get refunds in the form of Costco Shop Cards instead of cash. But you can spend these cards on future Costco purchases both online and in-warehouse.

Reach Out for Return Support

If for some reason your return is rejected, calmly inquire with the manager about having it reviewed again. You can also contact Costco‘s Customer Service line at 1-800-955-2292 for help with printer return issues.

Having shopped at Costco for over 5 years myself, I‘m always impressed with how they stand behind the member satisfaction guarantee.

I hope this overview gives you confidence in shopping for your home office printer at Costco. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions before your purchase!