Costco’s reputation for quality and value keeps loyal shoppers coming back for everything from fresh produce to big-ticket electronics. However, not every purchase is a keeper. Whether due to product malfunctions, unmet expectations, or sizing issues, certain items seem to find their way back to Costco’s return counters more often than others. Curious about which items shoppers tend to return the most? Here’s a closer look at the top 11 most-returned items at Costco—and yes, the #1 item may surprise you!
11. Hoses
Garden hoses may be an unexpected item on this list, but issues like durability, leaking, or faulty fittings have led to frequent returns.
Costco’s Return Policy for Hoses
Costco’s return policy for outdoor items is fairly lenient, especially if a product doesn’t meet advertised standards.
Recommendation
Consider investing in a well-reviewed model for durability, as cheaper options may be prone to quicker wear and tear.
10. Keurig Coffee Makers
Keurig models have been notorious for malfunctions and performance issues. Problems like water leakage, failure to heat properly, or clogging can lead users to reconsider their purchase.
Costco’s Return Policy for Keurig Coffee Makers
Small appliances, including Keurig machines, are typically returnable within 90 days. This window allows users to test the product and decide if it meets their needs.
Recommendation
Consider researching specific Keurig models for reliability, as some may have mixed reviews. Alternatively, some shoppers may find other coffee-making methods to be more dependable.
9. Dyson Vacuums
Dyson is known for innovation, but some shoppers report that certain models don’t perform as expected on all surfaces or that battery life declines faster than anticipated.
Costco’s Return Policy for Dyson Vacuums
With a 90-day return period, shoppers have time to assess the product’s performance and decide if it’s the right fit.
Recommendation
Check Dyson model reviews and user experiences with battery life before making a final purchase.
8. Alcohol
Customers often return alcohol due to taste preferences or quality issues. For larger gatherings, over-purchasing may also lead to returns of unopened bottles.
Costco’s Return Policy for Alcohol
Policies vary by state due to regulations, but in most areas, unopened alcohol can be returned if there’s a genuine reason.
Recommendation
Try out smaller quantities or sample sizes if available before committing to bulk purchases.
7. Meat & Fish
Costco’s meat and fish are top-quality, but freshness can vary. Some shoppers find that they need to return items that don’t stay fresh long enough or have unexpected odors.
Costco’s Return Policy for Meat & Fish
Like produce, Costco is accommodating with perishable returns if the product does not meet expectations.
Recommendation
Consider shopping early in the day for maximum freshness and refrigerate or freeze items immediately at home.
6. Refrigerators & Freezers
Large appliances like refrigerators and freezers can sometimes fail to meet expectations due to noise, energy efficiency, or space compatibility.
Costco’s Return Policy for Refrigerators & Freezers
Appliances have a 90-day return window, allowing plenty of time to assess their functionality.
Recommendation
Measure your space carefully before purchasing and review energy ratings to ensure the appliance meets your needs.
5. Small Automated Kitchen Appliances
From food processors to blenders, some small kitchen gadgets might not perform as advertised, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
Costco’s Return Policy for Small Kitchen Appliances
These items are generally returnable within 90 days, so buyers can experiment and decide if they’re worth keeping.
Recommendation
Read user reviews and compare features for reliability before purchasing small automated gadgets.
4. Fresh Produce
Fresh produce is high on the list of returns due to its limited shelf life. Sometimes items can spoil faster than expected, especially when purchased in bulk.
Costco’s Return Policy for Fresh Produce
Costco is incredibly generous with returns on perishables, allowing refunds for produce that doesn’t meet quality standards.
Recommendation
Only buy what you can realistically consume within a week, especially for delicate items like berries or greens. Alternatively, consider freezing items to prolong freshness.
3. Air Fryers
Air fryers are popular, but not all models perform equally well. Some may have uneven cooking results or challenging controls.
Costco’s Return Policy for Air Fryers
As with other small appliances, air fryers can be returned within 90 days.
Recommendation
Look for models with positive reviews on even cooking and durability, especially since air fryers vary widely by brand and model.
2. Televisions
With Costco’s selection of high-end and budget TVs, customers sometimes find picture quality or features don’t meet their expectations.
Costco’s Return Policy for Televisions
TVs fall under Costco’s 90-day electronics return policy, giving users time to set up and test them fully.
Recommendation
Research screen quality, user interface, and brand reputation before making a purchase to avoid disappointment.
1. Clothing
Most Returned Item
Clothing takes the lead, mainly due to fit issues and sizing inconsistencies. Costco’s variety of brands and limited fitting options often leave shoppers uncertain until they try items on at home.
Shoppers may find that certain brands don’t fit as expected or that items shrink after washing. With Costco’s bulk-focused displays, customers can’t try on clothing in-store, leading to more returns after an at-home trial.
Costco’s Return Policy for Clothing
Clothing returns are straightforward at Costco. They accept returns at any time for almost all apparel purchases, making it easy for customers to exchange or refund items that don’t fit.
Recommendation
If you’re buying clothing at Costco, it’s smart to check the sizing chart or even look for online reviews on how particular items fit. And remember, trying it on at home is always an option thanks to Costco’s flexible return policy.
Conclusion
Costco’s generous return policy allows customers to shop confidently, knowing they have the option to return items that don’t live up to their expectations. However, understanding why certain items are returned more frequently can help shoppers make more informed choices, potentially reducing the need for returns. Next time you’re at Costco, keep these tips in mind to ensure you’re bringing home items that truly meet your needs. And remember, Costco’s customer-friendly return policy has you covered if an item doesn’t live up to the hype!
