Costco now stocks a huge variety of laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.
Their range of laptops includes everything from standard HP and Lenovo units, right through to gaming Laptops such as MSI’s Stealth and Prestige Models. It also stocks the MacBook Pro and Chromebooks.
But what if you’ve purchased a laptop from Costco and it has developed a fault or you’ve decided that you jumped in too soon and no longer want it, or perhaps you have a laptop you want to return as an unwanted gift.
In such circumstances, you’ll want to consider Costco’s returns policy for electronic items such as laptops.
Most retailers have their own unique company policy when it comes to exchanging and returns and this is especially so for high-ticket items such as laptops.
It is, therefore, vitally important that you understand what that policy is so you don’t come unstuck.
Luckily, we have studied Costco’s laptop returns policy in detail. We’ve also researched and considered the experiences of Costco customers to see what their experiences were when returning products to Costco.
Additionally, we’ve looked at 5 of Costco’s main competitors to show you how Costco’s laptop returns policy holds up in comparison.
With all that, we’ve put together a simple-to-understand guide on exactly what Costco’s laptop returns policy is and what to expect.
Keep reading if you want to find out more…
What is Costco’s Return Policy for Laptops?: The Short Answer
Costco’s return policy for laptops is 90 days from the date you receive the product from them, whether that be a product you purchased in-store or online. You can return the product for a full refund or exchange within this time period.
While Costco usually provides an unlimited window on other goods such as food like meat etc… this is shortened to 90 days for electronic items like laptops.
How Do I Return a Laptop to Costco?
Returns In-Store
If you purchased your laptop in one of Costco’s wholesale warehouses then you need to return it to any Costco warehouse.
If you’ve purchased your laptop online, then you can return it to one of Costco’s warehouses or you can do it online (see below).
If you decide to return your item to your local wholesale warehouse, when you get to the warehouse, approach the counter and ask them to process your return.
You should then receive an immediate refund, including any delivery and handling fees.
You can find your local Costco using their handy warehouse locator.
Online Returns
Costco also allows you to return a laptop for a refund or replacement using their online returns process.
Simply:
- Log into your Costco account
- Go to the menu and choose Orders and Returns
- Pick the returns option and complete the necessary requests
- You then have the option of printing off a returns label or arranging for your item to be picked up (usually reserved for larger items)
- Place the label on your item and drop it off at your USPS drop-off point or wait for USPS to pick it up
Note:
You should note that all Apple products, including Apple laptops, cannot be returned using the online process so you will need to contact Costco directly or visit one of their wholesale stores to process your return.
Can You Return a Laptop to Costco Without a Receipt?
Yes, you can return your laptop to Costco without a receipt.
It’s easier for Costco to do this as people who use their warehouses to purchase goods have to be members, so their purchases can easily be traced.
Whilst you don’t have to be a member to shop at Costco.com, there will be a paper trail because your order was made online and this makes it easy for Costco to trace your order.
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Will Costco’s Returns Policy Allow an Open or Used Laptop?
Yes, the fact that your laptop has been opened or used does not prevent it from being exchanged for a refund or replacement.
We advise trying to make sure that the box, packaging, and accessories are returned when you seek a refund or replacement.
Will Costco’s Returns Policy Allow me to Return a Laptop Without the Box and Accessories?
You should be able to return a laptop to Cosco without any issues if you’ve lost the box and packaging.
However, you may have more difficulty if you have lost the main accessories like the charger or the battery for example.
We advise speaking to Costco using their chat function if you’ve lost accessories.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund When Returning a Laptop to Costco?
Costco says that you should receive an immediate refund if you return your laptop to your local wholesale warehouse.
However, you may have to wait for the money to reappear in your account depending on how fast your bank processes reimbursements.
If you return your laptop using Costco’s online returns procedure then it will take longer to process your refund.
You will need to wait until Costco receives the item and then for the money to appear back in your account. Expect to wait up to 14 days if you’ve returned your product online.
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Will it Cost to Return My Laptop to Costco?
No, Costco doesn’t charge you for returning a laptop, whether that be for an exchange or refund.
There is no restocking fee for them to restock the item like some of their competitors will charge.
The returns delivery is also free via USPS when you use Costco’s print-off returns label.
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What to Do if Costco’s 90-Day Returns Window has Lapsed?
If you are already beyond Costco’s 90-day returns window, then you have a few options:
Speak to a Manager
A manager may have the power and flexibility to extend the 90-day window, especially if it has only just expired.
We suggest doing this in-store rather than over email, phone, or using Costco’s online chat function. We find you tend to get better results in person.
Check the Warranty
If your product has developed a fault outside the 90-day window then you will want to check the manufacturer’s warranty.
Here’s a list setting out the lengths of the warranties for 5 popular laptop brands:
| Brand | Warranty Length |
| Sony | One year but this can be extended up to 4 years |
| Apple | One year but some shops will extend this |
| HP | One year but this can be extended up to 3 years |
| Lenovo | One year but this can be extended up to 5 years |
| Dell | One year but this can be extended up to 5 years |
To claim under the warranty you should first take your laptop back to Costco but they may ask that you deal with the manufacturer directly.
If you need more information about warranties you should check out the FTC’s Guidance on Warranties.
Sell the Item
Another option if you’re outside the 90-day returns window, is to simply sell your laptop.
If the laptop is fairly new and comes with all the accessories, you should be able to sell it for close to what you purchased it for.
Try:
- Facebook Marketplace (free)
- eBay
- Craig’s List
- Any tech forum with a buy and sell section (usually free)
Check Your Home, Car or Other Insurance
Many policies of insurance now come with coverage for accidentally damaged items or those that develop faults.
People are often unaware of this extra cover within their various insurance policies, or simply fail to check.
Don’t be one of those people as this extra cover can often save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars even if there is a small excess to pay.
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Costco Laptop Returns Policy vs Walmart vs Best Buy vs Target vs Microcenter vs Lowes vs Kroger
We thought it would be useful for you to see Costco’s main competitors’ laptop returns policies to see how their policies compared.
To do that we’ve looked at 5 of their main competitors:
| Store | Returns Window Length |
| Amazon | 30 days from receipt |
| Costco | 90 days from the date you receive the product |
| Micro Center | 15 days from purchase |
| Walmart | 15 days from purchase |
| Best Buy | 15 days from receipt of product |
| Target | 30 days from purchase or 60 days with Target red card |
| Lowes | 30 days from purchase |
| Kroger | 30 days from purchase |
| Lenovo.com | 30 days from invoice |
As you can see, Costco has by far the best returns policy compared to its competitors with 3 times the length of Target and Lowes and 6 times the length of Walmart, Best Buy, and Micro Center.
It is a lot more generous than Office Depot’s laptop returns policy which only offers a measly 14-day returns window.
Check out our post on returning games consoles to GameStop to see how their returns policy compares for electronic goods.
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Final Thoughts
It’s fair to say that Costco’s laptop returns policy is excellent and probably class-leading.
It offers a free, convenient, and simple solution for returning your laptop which can be done both online and in-store.
Costco’s returns window of 90-days is the best we have seen and is well in excess of its main competitors’ policies which range from a measly 15 days to an average of around 30 days.
If you’re just outside Costco’s 90-day returns policy, it still may be worth contacting them to see if there’s any wiggle room. You may get lucky if you speak to the right person.
If not, then remember that most laptops come with a 12-month warranty as standard and this can often be extended upon purchase.
