This TikTok Trick Might Lead to a Costco Ban

Many shoppers head to Costco for the great prices and bulk items. But if you’re a frequent customer, you’re probably familiar with other perks, like the company’s notably flexible return policy. But how forgiving is it really?

You may have come across the viral TikTok video featuring a woman returning a two-year-old couch at her local Costco, and the store accepts it. No receipt was needed, as the original purchase was found in the system.

This has to be one of the most remarkable returns, and while it’s sparked a new TikTok trend, it’s one that you might want to approach with caution, as it could lead to a Costco shopping ban.

So, what exactly is Costco’s return policy?

While it seems like Costco will accept nearly any return, there are a few conditions. According to Costco’s website, they offer a “100% satisfaction guarantee… on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price.”

Costco doesn’t specify a general return window, except for electronics, which must be returned within 90 days. Products with a “limited useful life expectancy,” like batteries, may have specific warranties and return windows. Some items, like cigarettes, alcohol, customized products, and shop cards, can’t be returned under any circumstances.

Costco’s website also mentions its membership terms, including the right to refuse membership to any applicant, and the ability to terminate membership at Costco’s discretion, without cause. Upon further research online, it seems that one common reason memberships are revoked is that some members exploit the return policy.

It can be tricky to pinpoint what taking advantage actually means, especially considering Costco accepted an old couch. Frequent returns might be the issue that raises a red flag. Even if your return falls within Costco's rules, if you repeatedly buy and return expensive items, it might appear suspicious, and your membership could be canceled.

Though the return of this couch is certainly unusual, it’s not an isolated incident. On Reddit, a user sparked a discussion with the thread, “You really can return anything,” after seeing a person return a "half eaten container of pickles," along with other items.

Other users chimed in, sharing their own bizarre return stories, including “dead live Christmas trees” and “800 bucks of lamb” being returned.