What is Sam’s Club Return Policy? (Exceptions Included)

The Sam’s Club return policy is generous and straightforward. With a few exceptions, Sam’s Club offers 100% satisfaction guaranteed and will gladly accept returns and issue full refunds at any time for most items.

Keep reading to find out about the exceptions to this policy.

How Long Is Sam’s Club Return Policy?

The length of time you will have to return something at Sam’s Club varies based on the type of item.

On most items, there is no time limit on how long you can wait to request a return. However, on items like electroncis and major appliances, returns must be requested within 90 days.

For things like commercial heavy equipment and motorsports items, that window shrinks to just 30 days.

And for cell phones and mobile devices, you’ll want to get those returns in within two weeks, otherwise you might be out of luck.

Exceptions To Sam’s Club Return Policy

While most items can be returned to Sam’s Club with no strings attached at any time, there are a few limitations to this generous policy.

The following items must be returned within 90 days to qualify for a full refund:

• Electronics
• Major appliances

The following items must be returned within 30 days to qualify for a full refund:

• Commercial heavy equipment
• Motorsports items

The following items must be returned within 14 days to qualify for a full refund:

• Cell phones and mobile devices of any kind (prepaid, postpaid, or no contract)

The following items cannot be returned to Sam’s Club:

• Gift cards and prepaid cards
• Tickets
• Custom items, such as personalized gifts or photos
• Purchases made through the Sam’s Club Wholesale Trading Program
• Prescriptions

The following items may or may not qualify for returns, depending on location and state law:

• Alcohol (beer, wine, and spirits)
• Automotive tires and batteries (check with Sam’s Club Tire & Battery Center)
• Cigarettes and tobacco
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses (check with Sam’s Club Optical)
• Hearing aids (check with Sam’s Club Hearing Center)

Can You Return Open Items At Sam’s Club?

As far as we can tell, Sam’s Club is pretty generous when it comes to accepting returns on opened items. After all, you might not know that you want to return something until after you’ve opened it.

The only thing specified in Sam’s Club’s return policy is that full refunds may be denied if not all of the packaging or components can be returned along with your item. If you are only able to return the item without or with only part of its packaging, then you may be issued a partial refund instead.

But when it comes to returning opened items, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

How To Return An Item To Sam’s Club

Returning unwanted items to Sam’s Club is super easy!

To process a return in person, simply follow these steps:

1. Bring your unwanted item(s) to any Sam’s Club location (if you have it, bring your original purchase receipt as well as all of your item’s original packaging and accessories)
2. Bring your item(s) to the member services desk and let an employee know you would like to process a return
3. If your return is accepted, you will be issued a refund as either cash or credit to your original form of payment

To return an online order:

1. Log in to your Sam’s Club account
2. Navigate to your order history and locate the order containing the item(s) you would like to return
3. Click “View Details” on the right side of the page
4. Select “Return Item” and follow the instructions (this will involve filling out a returns form)
5. Once you’ve submitted the form, print the return label
6. Package the item(s) you are returning along with all of their original packaging and accessories
7. Attach the return label to the outside of the box and ship

It’s important to note that while online purchases can generally be returned in person to any Sam’s Club location, items purchased in person at a warehouse cannot be returned through the online method.

If you have any questions about the returns process for online orders, you can find out more here or contact Sam’s Club Customer Service at 1 (888) 746-7726.

What Is Sam’s Club Return Policy Without Receipts?

Lucky for us, Sam’s Club isn’t too strict when it comes to receipts.

Although their return policy does state that they prefer that their customers provide their original purchase receipt or other proof of purchase, it’s not a requirement for processing a return.

Sam’s Club should be able to pull up a record of your transaction so that you don’t have to provide the proof yourself. If Sam’s Club is unable to verify your purchase on your account through their system, then there’s a chance your return won’t be granted without a receipt.

Is Sam’s Club Return Policy As Good As Costco?

Although it’s a close call, Costco undeniably has a better return policy than Sam’s Club. While both stores certainly offer a generous policy on returns, Costco has fewer exceptions to their policy. Costco also offers extended warranties on major appliances, unlike Sam’s Club.

Does Sam’s Club Have A Strict Return Policy?

When it comes to return policies, Sam’s Club is definitely on the low end of the strictness scale. They’re lenient when it comes to receipts, and they even allow returns to be made long after the purchase date (like, years later!).

But while Sam’s Club doesn’t specify in their policy whether or not they place any limits on returns, it’s possible that you might run into trouble if you try to return too much stuff. Again, there’s no hard-and-fast rule around this, but every Sam’s Club location is unique. So, if a warehouse gets wind of you returning stuff, say, every day, then you might want to be a little cautious.

FAQs

Can you return items to a different Sam’s Club?

Yes. Regardless of which location you purchased your item from, you should be able to return your item to any Sam’s Club warehouse location.

Are online returns free at Sam’s Club?

Yes. When returning an item through SamsClub.com, you will be provided with a return shipping label and you will not be expected to pay shipping or any other fee for the return. However, original shipping delivery charges will not be refunded unless the item was damaged during shipping originally or the shipment was made in error by Sam’s Club.

Is there a restocking fee at Sam’s Club?

No. Sam’s Club does not charge restocking fees.

Can you return a promotional item to Sam’s Club?

Yes. There are no restrictions on returning promotional or sale items to Sam’s Club. However, you will only be refunded the amount you paid, even if the item has since returned to its full, non-promotional price.

Can you return items purchased with a Sam’s Club gift card?

Yes. There are no restrictions on returning items purchased with a gift card. If your return is granted, the amount you paid will be refunded to your gift card.

Can you immediately get a refund on the returned item?

Yes. If you return your item in person at a Sam’s Club location and your return is granted, you will immediately be issued a refund. However, if you paid with a card, you might have to wait 1-3 days for the funds to be deposited back into your account.

Conclusion

Overall, Sam’s Club has a great return policy with a competitive edge over most similar wholesalers, retailers, and grocery stores. Generally speaking, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Most items can be returned to Sam’s Club at any time with no questions asked. You don’t even need a receipt, and it doesn’t matter if items have been opened or used.

There are a few exceptions to the Sam’s Club return policy on things like electronics, mobile devices, and major appliances, though.

So make sure to pay attention to the timeframes when you’re making bigger purchases and be sure to get your returns in before it’s too late.