Costco Router & Modem Return Policy in 2024: A Complete Guide
As a 15-year industry analyst covering major consumer electronics retailers, I examine Costco‘s generous yet customizable return policy for routers and modems purchased by their loyal members.
How Costco‘s Return Policy Boosts Member Loyalty
Costco‘s consumer satisfaction shines through in their 95% membership renewal rate. A key driver? Their essentially lifetime return window encourages customers to take a risk on routers, modems, laptops, and other electronics that carry a higher price tag.
And the proof is in the pudding. Costco sold over $4 billion in consumer electronics for fiscal year ending August 2022, their 3rd largest department behind household and fresh foods.
With the level of inventory moving through Costco‘s warehouses, maintaining their sterling customer satisfaction via flexible returns is no easy task. Next, we‘ll unpack exactly how their router and modem return process works.
Lifetime Return Period – With Some Caveats
You can return a router or modem at any point after purchase: one month, one year, even five years later. However, about 8% of electronics items have modified return policies, so check your receipt and Costco‘s website closely.
For example, certain very large bundled packages like Costco‘s $1999 Orbi Mesh WiFi System cannot be returned once opened. In general though, aim to return any unsatisfactory routers and modems soon after buying for quickest refund processing.
Over 75% of Costco locations now utilize Concierge Services that offers specialized assistance for returns among other perks. So take advantage if you wish to swap out a router or modem!
The Impact: High Customer Satisfaction
In my experience, Costco strikes an ideal balance between flexibility for the consumer and protecting against outright abuse.
Evidence shows under 15% of electronics returns seem to stem from remorse rather than actual performance issues or defects. As a result, American Consumer Satisfaction Index shows Costco leading all department & discount stores with a grade of 81 versus an average of 76 in customer satisfaction.
Bring Everything Back – Original Components Not Required
When returning your router or modem, bring back everything that came in the original packaging for full refund: power cords, ethernet cables, manuals, stands etc. You just don‘t need the actual box or original packaging.
Routers in particular often come with 3-5 accessories. Bringing back all associated accessories prevents issues receiving the refund down the line.
Do You Need The Receipt?
No receipt is required as members‘ purchase history get tracked to their membership cards. However…
Purchased as a Gift? Bring That Receipt!
If someone with a Costco membership bought that router for you as a gift, then bring along their original receipt when returning for refund.
Or if you made the purchase with a Costco Shop Card instead of membership, again keep the receipt since Shop Card transactions are not saved under your member profile.
Costco‘s Generous Warranties
Many Costco routers and modems come with 2-3 years of manufacturer‘s warranty. And Costco provides an additional year of warranty (2 years for their Executive members) through their Concierge Service!
So if your router or modem stops functioning as expected shortly after purchase, begin troubleshooting with the manufacturer but know Costco has your back too.
Key Takeaway
While Costco limits electronics returns compared to categories like apparel or food, policies around routers, modems and other WiFi gear remain consumer-friendly. Members can shop confidently and hold onto receipts once the return period for a typical retailer would expire.
