William Lipovsky
Short Answer — Costco accepts gift returns from members and non-members. To make a return, you’ll need either the original receipt or the membership number of the person who made the purchase. Most gifts can be returned at any time, although there are certain exceptions — such as electronics and appliances — which must be returned within 90 days of purchase.
Costco Gift Return Policy Explained
Costco Wholesale has a lenient return policy for its members which allows returns for most items with or without a receipt.
If you are a Costco member who received Costco items — like clothing — as a gift, you can return them to any Costco location.
Likewise, non-members may also return items that they received as a gift, representatives from Costco’s corporate customer service and Costco locations in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and New York told us.
Each of the Costco corporate associates we spoke with said that members and non-members may return gifts to Costco.
A receipt is not necessary. However, if you do not have a receipt, you will need the membership number of the person who purchased the gift for you.
You cannot make a return without either the receipt or the membership number.
Customer service representatives from 100% of the Costco stores we called said that they accept returns from members and non-members.
They confirmed that a receipt is not necessary, but you will need the membership number if you don’t have a receipt. You will have to ask the member for it prior to returning your gift to Costco.
Contact your nearest Costco to find out what options your local store has for looking up membership numbers.
How to Make Gift Returns at Costco
If you need to make a return to Costco, bring your items, all packaging, and all other information to the Costco customer service desk.
Most items do not have a specific time frame in which they must be returned. However, certain items, such as electronics and appliances, must be returned within 90 days of purchase per Costco’s return policy.
Costco will process your return once you have provided either the original receipt or the membership number of the person who made the purchase.
Store locations have discretion when it comes to refunding gift purchases and how the return amount is paid, corporate customer service representatives said.
All of the locations we spoke with said they refund gift purchases onto a shop card, which acts as a Costco gift card. Both members and non-members can use the shop card.
For non-members, the shop card serves as a temporary membership card and will allow you to complete your purchase. The shop card can be used to shop at Costco.com in addition to Costco stores.[1]
If you purchase something that costs more than the shop card amount, you will just pay the difference with cash or a credit card.
I bought 2 dozen roses 1-15-2020 and more than half never opened and are drooping, I added the packet to the vase with plenty of water and snipped ends. Very unhappy they didn’t last even 5 days. Not sure if this type of item is returnable?
Hello, Dennis! You should be able to return your roses for a full refund. Costco has a very accommodating return policy and will accept most items for return, including “fresh” items like food or flowers. Best of luck with your return!