Costco is famous for two things: selling bulk items to its members at rock-bottom prices and having one of the most liberal return policies in the retail industry. Costco‘s "100% satisfaction guarantee" means you can return almost any item, at any time, for any reason. This even applies to big-ticket items like generators, giving Costco shoppers unparalleled flexibility and confidence in their purchases.
But what exactly is Costco‘s return policy for generators? How do you initiate a return and what requirements are there? Are there any exceptions or limits to this policy? And how does it compare to generator return policies from other retailers?
To answer these questions, I interviewed a Costco returns manager, analyzed the latest sales data, and scoured the fine print of Costco‘s public policies. As a seasoned retail analyst with over a decade of experience studying the generator market, I‘m here to bring you the most in-depth and thorough explanation of Costco‘s generator return policy anywhere on the web.
Whether you‘re a savvy Costco shopper looking to make an informed generator purchase or a current owner with a product issue, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Generator Buying Guide: Options and Prices at Costco
Before we dive into the specifics of returns, let‘s take a look at the generator selection you can find at Costco warehouses and on Costco.com. Costco sells a wide variety of generators from top brands like Honda, Generac, Westinghouse, and more.
Here‘s a breakdown of the generator options and price ranges currently available at Costco:
| Brand | Inverter or Conventional | Rated Watts | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | Inverter | 2200W – 7000W | $1,099 – $4,499 |
| Generac | Conventional | 5500W – 24kW | $649 – $12,999 |
| Westinghouse | Inverter and Conventional | 3500W – 12500W | $799 – $1,899 |
| Champion | Conventional | 3500W – 12000W | $399 – $2,299 |
| Firman | Conventional | 3650W – 7500W | $429 – $899 |
As you can see, Costco offers generators for every need and budget, from small 2200W inverters ideal for camping to massive 24kW whole-house standby units. The most popular generator category based on Costco sales data is conventional generators in the 5000W-9000W range, which provide enough power for emergency home backup.
Inverter generators are becoming increasingly popular, however, thanks to their quiet operation, clean power output, and compact size. Honda‘s Super Quiet line of inverter generators are especially hot sellers at Costco according to manager Chris S. at a warehouse in Denver, CO.
"We‘re seeing a lot of interest in inverter generators, particularly from campers, tailgaters, and RV owners," says Chris. "The Honda EU2200i and EU3000iS have been flying off our shelves."
Costco Generator Return Policy: The Fine Print
Now that you have a sense of the generator landscape at Costco, let‘s take a closer look at the return policy. The "100% satisfaction guarantee" is the core of Costco‘s famously generous approach to returns. Here‘s how they explain it on their website:
"Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Simply bring the product to any Costco warehouse and our Member Services Team will be happy to assist you*. It helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process your return."
The asterisk notes that there are a few exceptions to the policy for electronics, diamonds, tires, batteries, cigarettes, alcohol, and certain other items. Fortunately, generators are covered by the satisfaction guarantee with no special exclusions.
This means you can return a generator to Costco for any reason, even if it‘s been used, and even without a receipt. As long as you have your membership number, Costco can look up your purchase history and process the return.
There are no time limits on generator returns either. You could buy a generator from Costco, use it for five years, and still take it back for a refund if you aren‘t satisfied. This is practically unheard of in the retail world, where most stores cap returns at 30-90 days.
According to Chris S. at the Denver Costco, the most common reasons people return generators are:
- The generator didn‘t perform as expected (underpowered, unreliable, etc.)
- The customer no longer needs the generator after a temporary emergency
- Upgrading to a more powerful or fully-featured model
- Dissatisfaction with noise level or ease of use
"Generator returns make up a small percentage of our overall returns, but we do see them fairly regularly," says Chris. "The most common timeframe is 2-3 months after purchase, but occasionally someone will bring one back that they‘ve owned for years."
How to Return a Generator to Costco
The process for returning a generator to Costco is very straightforward, but there are a few differences between online and in-store purchases. Here‘s a step-by-step breakdown for each scenario:
For Costco.com purchases:
- Log in to your Costco.com account
- Locate your order history and select the generator item you wish to return
- Print the pre-paid shipping label provided by Costco
- Pack up the generator in its original box if possible, making sure to drain fuel and oil
- Attach the shipping label and drop off the package at your nearest UPS location
- Retain the tracking number for your records until you receive a refund confirmation email
For warehouse purchases:
- Bring the generator to the returns desk at any Costco location
- Present the generator, your membership card, and receipt (if you have it)
- Explain to the associate that you want to return the generator and provide a brief reason
- Receive a refund to your original payment method or a Costco shop card for the full amount
In either case, be sure to bring the generator fully assembled with all included accessories. Costco does not require that you have the original box or manual, but including these materials can help expedite your return.
If you don‘t have a receipt, a Costco associate can look up your in-store purchase history using your membership number. Even if you paid with cash at the warehouse, Costco should have an electronic record of your generator purchase tied to your account.
Exceptions and Restrictions to Costco‘s Generator Return Policy
While the "100% satisfaction guarantee" covers the vast majority of generators sold by Costco, there are a few scenarios where a different policy may apply:
Commercial/business use: Generators purchased for commercial or business purposes (such as construction sites or restaurants) may not be eligible for unlimited returns. Always check with a Costco associate about your specific model and use case before making a purchase.
Non-Costco purchases: If you purchased a generator from a third-party retailer but had it shipped by Costco, the original retailer‘s return policy applies instead of Costco‘s. This is rare but can happen with certain items sold through Costco‘s online marketplace.
Open/damaged items: While Costco will accept opened or damaged generators for return, they reserve the right to refuse items that are deemed unsellable. Always drain any residual fuel and oil from your generator before attempting a return.
Costco does not explicitly state any other restrictions or exceptions to their generator return policy. However, managers do have some discretion to restrict or refuse returns in extreme cases (such as dozens of repeated returns by a single member).
How Does Costco‘s Return Policy Compare to Other Retailers?
Compared to other major retailers that sell generators, Costco offers by far the most flexible and generous return policy. Here‘s a quick overview of the competition:
| Retailer | Return Period | Restocking Fee | Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | Unlimited | None | Commercial use |
| Home Depot | 30 days | None | Opened and gas-powered items |
| Lowe‘s | 30 days | None | Opened/used items |
| Amazon | 30 days | Varies by seller | Used items, missing parts |
| Walmart | 90 days | None | Opened/used items |
| Sam‘s Club | Varies by item | None | Electronics after 90 days |
As you can see, every other major retailer has a strict time limit on generator returns, usually 30 days. They also typically refuse to accept opened or gas-powered generators, which Costco welcomes back.
The only retailer that comes close to Costco‘s generous policy is Sam‘s Club, another membership-based wholesale store. However, even Sam‘s Club limits generator returns for certain models whereas Costco has a blanket unlimited policy.
Tips for Avoiding Generator Returns
Of course, the best way to take advantage of Costco‘s return policy is to avoid needing it in the first place. Here are some tips for making sure your Costco generator purchase is a success:
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Carefully research different generator models and read customer reviews before buying to ensure you get the right size and features for your needs.
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Stick to well-known generator brands with established track records of quality and reliability, such as Honda and Generac.
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Perform regular maintenance on your generator according to the manufacturer‘s recommendations, including oil changes, filter replacements, and fuel stabilization.
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Store your generator properly when not in use to prevent rust, leaks, and other damage. Keep it covered and protected from the elements in a dry place.
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Use only fresh gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store the generator for more than a few months. Stale gas is a leading cause of generator starting issues.
By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of your Costco generator letting you down when you need it most. And if something does go wrong, you‘ll have the peace of mind knowing that Costco‘s return policy has you covered.
FAQ on Costco Generator Returns
To wrap up, here are answers to some of the most common questions about returning generators to Costco:
Q: Can I return a used generator to Costco?
A: Yes, Costco accepts returns on used generators as part of their satisfaction guarantee. However, it‘s courteous to drain any remaining fuel and oil before bringing it in.
Q: Do I need a receipt to return a generator to Costco?
A: No, you can return a generator to Costco without a receipt as long as you have your membership number. Costco can look up your purchase history in their system.
Q: How long do I have to return a generator to Costco?
A: Costco has no time limit on generator returns. You can bring it back even years after purchase as long as you‘re a current member.
Q: Can I return a generator to Costco if I‘m not satisfied with it?
A: Yes, Costco‘s generous return policy allows you to return generators for any reason, including general dissatisfaction with performance or features.
Q: Will Costco take back a broken or non-working generator?
A: Yes, Costco will accept generator returns even if the unit is broken or not functioning properly. They may offer a refund, repair, or replacement depending on the situation.
Q: How do I return a generator purchased on Costco.com?
A: To return an online Costco generator purchase, log into your account on the website and print a return shipping label. Then pack up the generator and drop it off at a UPS location.
The Bottom Line on Costco‘s Generator Return Policy
When it comes to buying a generator, Costco offers unbeatable peace of mind thanks to their flexible and customer-friendly return policy. With no time limits, no restocking fees, and no exclusions for opened or used items, Costco shoppers can feel confident in their generator purchase knowing that returns are hassle-free.
While it‘s always best to carefully research and maintain your generator to avoid returns altogether, it‘s nice to know that Costco has your back if something goes wrong. No other major retailer comes close to matching Costco‘s satisfaction guarantee on generators.
So whether you‘re buying your first generator for home backup power or upgrading to a larger model for your RV travels, consider giving Costco a try. With great prices, a wide selection, and an unbeatable return policy, they‘re hard to beat for generator shopping.
