If you’re thinking about buying a new television, understanding the return policy for TV at Costco is a smart first step. Costco is famous for its generous return guidelines, and this applies to their electronics too. Knowing the details can give you real peace of mind with such a significant purchase. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from time limits to condition requirements, so you can shop with total confidence.
Return Policy for TV at Costco
Costco’s return policy for televisions is straightforward and member-friendly. In most cases, you can return a TV at any time if you’re not satisfied with it. This open-ended approach is part of what makes a Costco membership valuable for big-ticket items. However, there are a few important exceptions and specific procedures you should be aware of. We’ll cover all those details in the sections below.
What is the Standard TV Return Timeframe?
For the vast majority of televisions bought at Costco, the return period is essentially unlimited. You can return it after 30 days, six months, or even several years later if you have a valid reason. This applies to both in-warehouse and online purchases. The key is that you must be a current Costco member in good standing. Your membership must be active at the time of the return.
There is one major exception to this rule, which we will discuss next. But for standard LED, QLED, and most OLED TVs, the generous return window stands.
The 90-Day Rule for Specific Electronics
Costco has a 90-day return policy for certain categories of electronics. This rule was created to prevent misuse with frequently upgraded tech. It’s crucial to know if your TV purchase falls under this category.
- Televisions 55 Inches and Larger: All TVs with a screen size of 55 inches or larger are subject to the 90-day return window. This includes projectors and projection TVs as well.
- Connected Devices: This category includes computers, touchscreen tablets, smart watches, cameras, and more. While not directly TV-related, it’s good to be aware of.
If you buy a large-screen TV, mark your calendar. You have 90 days from the purchase date to decide if you want to keep it. After that, returns are generally not accepted unless there’s a manufacturer’s warranty claim.
Condition of the Item for Return
To process a return, your television must be in acceptable condition. This doesn’t mean it has to be perfect, but it should be substantially complete and in resellable shape. Here’s what Costco typically expects:
- All Original Parts: The TV, remote control, power cable, stand, and any included manuals or accessories should be included.
- Original Packaging: While not always an absolute requirement, having the original box and inserts makes the return process much smoother. It protects the TV during handling and is often preferred, especially for larger sets.
- No Significant Damage: The TV should not have physical damage caused by you, like a cracked screen or deep scratches. Normal wear is understandable.
If you’re missing a remote or the box, it’s still worth contacting your local warehouse. They may still accept the return, possibly with a small restocking fee deduction, but this can vary by location.
Step-by-Step: How to Return Your TV to Costco
Returning a TV is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure it goes smoothly.
- Gather Your Items: Collect the TV, all accessories, the original packaging (if available), and your receipt or membership card.
- Locate Your Proof of Purchase: If you have the receipt, great. If not, Costco can look up your purchase using your membership number. Online purchases can be looked up via your order number or account.
- Bring it to the Returns Desk: Take everything to the Returns or Membership desk at any Costco warehouse. For larger TVs, you may want to bring help or use a cart.
- For Online Purchases: You can start a return online through your Costco.com account. For large TVs, Costco will often schedule a pickup from your home, which is a huge convenience. Alternatively, you can bring an online purchase to the warehouse.
- Receive Your Refund: Once processed, your refund will be issued to the original form of payment. If that’s not possible, you’ll receive a Costco Cash Card.
Understanding Restocking Fees
A common question is whether Costco charges restocking fees for TV returns. The answer is usually no, but with a caveat.
Costco does not charge a restocking fee for most returned items, including televisions. However, if you return a TV without the original packaging or key accessories, some warehouses might deduct a small fee (often around $25) to cover handling. This is not a corporate-wide policy but a possibility at the warehouse manager’s discretion. It’s always best to return everything together to avoid any potential fees.
What About Concierge Services and Extended Warranties?
This is a major benefit of buying a TV at Costco. Every TV purchase automatically receives Costco’s Concierge Services support. This is a free, complimentary service that provides technical help and support over the phone.
More importantly, Costco extends the manufacturer’s warranty on televisions at no extra cost.
- For TVs Purchased In-Warehouse or Online: Costco adds a second year to the manufacturer’s warranty. So a TV with a standard 1-year warranty gets 2 years of total coverage.
- For TVs Purchased with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: You get an additional two years on top of that. This means you could recieve a total of 4 years of warranty coverage (1 yr manufacturer + 1 yr Costco + 2 yrs Visa) without buying a separate plan.
If your TV has a defect after the 90-day return window but within the warranty period, you would contact Concierge Services to start a warranty claim instead of a return.
Special Considerations: Holiday Season and Sales
During the holiday season, Costco often extends its return policy. Purchases made in November and December may have a return deadline in January. This is fantastic for holiday gifts. However, it’s critical to remember that the 90-day rule for large electronics still applies. The holiday extension does not override the 90-day limit for TVs 55 inches and larger.
Always check the receipt for the specific return-by date for items purchased during this period. Don’t assume everything gets the extended window.
Can You Return an Opened or Mounted TV?
Yes, you can. Costco accepts opened TVs for return. They understand you need to set it up to see if it works properly and if you like the picture quality.
If you’ve mounted the TV on a wall, you are responsible for safely taking it down and preparing it for return. Be careful not to damage it during removal. As long as the TV is in good condition with all parts, being opened or mounted is not a problem for the return.
What If Your TV is Damaged or Dead on Arrival?
If your new TV arrives damaged or doesn’t turn on, the process is slightly different. You should not return it to the warehouse immediately.
- Contact Costco.com Delivery: If it was delivered, call the delivery service or Costco.com directly. They will often send a replacement and arrange to pick up the damaged unit.
- For In-Warehouse Purchases: If you brought it home and found the damage, you can bring it back. Having the packaging is especially helpful here. They will likely exchange it for a new one on the spot.
In these cases, the return/exchange is handled as a damaged item claim, not a standard satisfaction return, so time limits are less of a concern.
Comparing Costco’s Policy to Other Retailers
Costco’s policy is generally more lenient than most. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Best Buy: Standard 15-day return window for most TVs, with restocking fees on opened large appliances and electronics (including TVs) in some cases.
- Walmart: 30-day return window for most electronics, including TVs. A restocking fee may apply for opened TVs over a certain value.
- Amazon: Usually 30 days for TVs, and you are often responsible for shipping it back, which can be costly and difficult for large screens.
Costco’s combination of a long window (or 90 days for large screens), free concierge service, and extended warranty makes it a standout choice for TV purchases.
Tips for a Hassle-Free TV Return Experience
To make sure your return goes off without a hitch, keep these tips in mind:
- Save the Box: If you have space, keep the TV box and packaging for at least the first 90 days. It makes transport and handling much easier.
- File Your Receipt: Take a photo of your receipt and save it in a dedicated folder on your phone or computer. Also, keep the physical copy in a safe place.
- Register Your Purchase: While not required for returns, registering your TV with Costco Concierge Services online can streamline any future warranty support.
- Know the Dates: For large TVs, set a reminder for 80 days after purchase to evaluate the TV and decide if you want to keep it. This gives you a 10-day buffer to initiate the return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I return a TV to Costco after 90 days if it’s under 55 inches?
A: Yes. Televisions smaller than 55 inches are not subject to the 90-day rule. They fall under Costco’s satisfaction-based return policy, which has no set time limit for members.
Q: What is Costco’s return policy for OLED TVs?
A: The policy depends on screen size. An OLED TV that is 55 inches or larger follows the 90-day return rule. An OLED TV that is 54 inches or smaller (like a 48-inch model) has the unlimited return window.
Q: Do I need the original box to return my TV at Costco?
A: It is highly recommended but not always mandatory. Returning without the box may be accepted, but some warehouses might deduct a small handling fee. It’s best to call your local warehouse to check their specific preference.
Q: How does the Costco TV return policy work for online orders?
A: You can initiate a return through your Costco.com account. For large TVs, Costco will typically schedule a free pickup from your home. The refund is processed once the item is recieved by the warehouse or carrier.
Q: Is there a difference in the return policy for TVs bought on sale or clearance?
A: No. Sale, clearance, and full-price TVs all follow the same return policy guidelines. The 90-day rule for large screens applies regardless of the price you paid.
Q: What if I used a Costco Shop Card to buy the TV?
A: Your refund will be issued back onto a new Costco Shop Card. This is standard practice when the original form of payment was a shop card or gift card.
Q: Can I return a television without the remote?
A: It’s possible, but it may complicate the return. The TV is considered incomplete, and the warehouse may refuse the return or deduct a fee to cover the cost of a replacement remote. Always try to include all accessories.
Final Thoughts on Costco’s TV Return Policy
Costco’s return policy for TVs is designed to protect you, the member. It offers remarkable flexibility, especially for smaller sets. The key takeaway is to remember the 90-day limit for screens 55 inches and up. Beyond that, the extended warranty and concierge services provide excellent long-term support. By saving your packaging and receipt, and being aware of the simple steps, you can enjoy your new TV with the confidence that Costco stands behind your purchase. This customer-centric approach is a big reason why so many people choose to buy their electronics from Costco year after year.