Costco is one of the largest retailers in the United States, which sells a wide range of products that includes, but is not limited to, technology such as desktop computers, laptops, and other related computer peripherals.
Costco’s return policy centers around its 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, where they will refund the purchase price of a product if it does not meet the customer’s need.
However, given the wide range of products available at Costco’s warehouse stores, some high-end items like computers may not qualify for the standard return policy.
Costco’s Return Policy for Computers and Laptops
You can return a laptop to Costco within 90 days from the date that the customer received the merchandise. Costco will provide a full refund for computers, laptops, tablets, and other technology products that are returned.
While other products can be returned at any time, if you may need to return your computer, be sure to be aware of when you purchased the item. If you are within the 90 days, read below to learn more about the process for returning your computer.
How you return your computer purchased at Costco will depend on whether you bought the device within a Costco Warehouse or online at Costco.com.
How do I return my Laptop at Costco?
To return your product purchased in Costco simply bring the computer or laptop to your nearest Costco Warehouse and locate the returns counter. A member of the Costco team will assist you in processing the return.
If you saved the receipt or original product box it will help streamline the process, but Costco indicates it is not necessary to complete your return.
If you purchased the device online, there are two ways to facilitate a return. You can bring the product to a local Costco returns counter, or you can return the item directly through the website. Below is a step-by-step guide to returning a product online:
- Login to your membership account
- Click on Orders & Returns
- Select the Return Items button, which will be located next to the order
- Follow the prompts, including why you are returning the item
- Choose Select UPS Drop Off or UPS Pick Up
- Print the shipping label and pack your product for return
- Make sure you return it before 90 days
Can You Return a Computer or Laptop After 90 Days?
Generally, Costco will not accept a return for a computer or laptop 90 days after purchase. If you are unhappy with the model or no longer need the device, be sure to return it before the 90-day time frame has passed. However, if you run into technical issues after 90 days, you will not be able to return it.
Laptops, desktops, and other computers are eligible for free technical support through Costco’s Concierge Service team. If your device runs into any technical issues, you can call this concierge team and they will provide steps to resolve the issue, whether guiding you through a technical process or escalating the issue to the device manufacturer.
Can You Return an Opened or Damaged Computer to Costco?
You can return a computer or laptop to Costco even if it is damaged or opened, so long as it is within the 90-day return policy outlined for certain products such as computers.
For an opened device, it is helpful if you still have the box or receipt to help the customer service agent expedite your return. With that said, Costco’s return policy does not require either the original packaging or receipt.
If your device is damaged, Costco will provide a refund or replacement if the request is made within 90 days of the products purchase without additional fees. If not, you can work with the Costco Concierge team to help identify and fix the problem with the device.
Is There a Restocking Fee for Computers and Laptops at Costco?
Costco does not charge a restocking fee for laptops, computers, or any devices. If the device is returned within 90 days, that device is eligible for a full refund with no additional fees. Costco will not charge a restocking fee, or any product sold in its stores.
Restocking fees are a common charge associated with returns and refunds of merchandising. Restocking fees can be a percentage of the price of an item or a flat fee.
For example, Best Buy charges a restocking fee of $45 for cell phones, and 15% of purchase price for cameras.
Compared with other major retailers, Costco has a more flexible policy that has a longer return window and does not require the hassle of keeping receipts and packaging.
Costco vs Competitors on Laptop & Computer Return Policy
Best Buy is another retailer that sells computers, laptops, and other computer essentials. Like Costco, you can return an opened computer. Best Buy’s return policy is slightly more limited, however, as the window is 15 days instead of 90.
Furthermore, Best Buy requires a receipt, packaging, and ID to validate the return.
To better understand how Costco’s technology retail policy compares to other comparable retailers, reference the table below:
| Company Name | Accepts Computer Returns? | Accepts Opened/Damaged Devices? | Return Window |
| Costco | Yes | Yes | 90 days |
| Best Buy | Yes | Yes | 15 days |
| Target | Yes | No | 30 days |
| Walmart | Yes | Yes | 15 days |
- Best Buy: May not accept return if damaged; requires receipt and original packaging
- Target: Requires store receipt; return window is 60 days with Target RedCard
- Walmart: Must have original packaging; receipt encouraged
Ultimately, Costco has a competitive return policy that should give customers peace of mind when purchasing products through their store.
Can You Return Computers or Laptops to Costco in 2024?
As of 2024, you can return computers and laptops to Costco as long as your return is within Costco’s return policy window. Even if it is opened or damaged, as long as you return the device within 90 days, you will receive a full refund or replacement with no restocking fee.
To return your purchased computer or laptop, simply go to Costco’s return counter located at the membership area and tell the customer service rep that you want to return. If you bought it on Costco’s website, you also have an option to return it online.
Costco offers concierge technical support to ensure your device works as expected. If your purchase did not work out for you, Costco has a more flexible policy that has a longer return window and does not require the hassle of keeping receipts and packaging.
