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[Patrick Klepek]

I am one of the socalled people who abuse this system. I don't think of it as abusing it though. In 4 years I have only paid $200, for 3 different phones total. Around each year I return my phone, and use the money for a new one. It is great.

I don't think of it as abusing the system, more like making full utilization of a good policy. glad to see it hasn't changed.

That is abusing the system. The reason they're so lax is because it means customers are given more options. You're ripping Costco off.

 

[scissorfight]

I am one of the socalled people who abuse this system. I don't think of it as abusing it though. In 4 years I have only paid $200, for 3 different phones total. Around each year I return my phone, and use the money for a new one. It is great.

I don't think of it as abusing the system, more like making full utilization of a good policy. glad to see it hasn't changed.

People like you are the reason why people like me (who are using it as a legitimate replacement for warranties, with no plans to return fully-functioning electronics) are worried that it will be changed.

 

[monchi-kun]

ever wonder why COSTCO can do this in the first place? they probably have a lot of serious pull on their suppliers/vendors which is something they pass on to consumers.

Probably has something to do with the fact that they don't accept anything besides a Debit or American Express card?

 

[maynerd]

Any of you who are returning things that aren't broken, to save money, to get a better price after prices come down, etc...are all abusing the system. You guys suck because you are going to ruin it for all of the people who use it legitmately. The only time I have ever returned something at Costco is when something stopped working thru no fault of mine.

Punks

 

[Patrick Klepek]

I'm clumsy as hell, so I love Costco's policy; I can break my cameras as much as possible, and still be okay. Problem is, often times they rotate stock so often you can't actually get the old camera again -- but something better is usually out, anyway.

 

[monchi-kun]

Any of you who are returning things that aren't broken, to save money, to get a better price after prices come down, etc...are all abusing the system. You guys suck because you are going to ruin it for all of the people who use it legitmately. The only time I have ever returned something at Costco is when something stopped working thru no fault of mine.

Punks

sorry but Costco has a 100% Satisfaction guarantee:

Costco.com has a 100% guarantee on all of our merchandise. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase,
we offer two convenient return methods. Costco.com refunds include shipping and handling fees.

right now I don't like my HDTV because it only goes up to 1080i (bought it 2 months ago) so i'm returning it and getting the new 1080p TV for the same exact price.

i heart you COSTCO

 

[maynerd]

sorry but Costco has a 100% Satisfaction guarantee:

I understand what you are saying. But let's be honest here. There is a line between being fair and honest and abusing the policy. Do you think it is fair to costco that costco is essentially lending you a product while you wait for a better product to come out or to drop in price? You've only had the product for 2 months so I'd probably give you a break on the abuse thing but you're pushing the line.

 

[shuri]

is this confirmed that this will also cover consoles?

 

[rc213]

is this confirmed that this will also cover consoles?

It worked for my friend. He purchased a Xbox Bundle and 2 1/2 years later it died so he took everything included in the bundle and was offered a replacement or a full refund.

 

[Wario64]

Meh, there's a rumor on the Costco return policy like every other week it seems and it never becomes true. There was one right before the new years too.

 

[monchi-kun]

Do you think it is fair to costco that costco is essentially lending you a product while you wait for a better product to come out or to drop in price?

There's a reason why they're still in business even with this policy in place. A satisfied customer is a loyal customer. You also have to think what kind of leverage Costco has with their vendors/suppliers. They may have special conditions that need to be met before they carry a product in their store and this could include the ability to return product they sell back to the supplier.

It's this drive to satisfy the customer that keeps me renewing my membership. Heck, our household probably spends close to 10k a year at Costco and 90% of what we buy can't be returned (Food, Gas, etc.)

 

[knitoe]

Wow. I need to shop at Costco from now on. Apparently, free upgrades for life.

 

[HomerSimpson-Man]

So it's not true?

If it is...son of a bitch!! Thanks for ruining it for the rest of us you bastards!! I like shopping for the big expensive items and having piece of mind knowing that Costco has such an awesome policy that's equivalent to an extended warranty for free....not to abuse it for free upgrades you ninnies!!

 

[monchi-kun]

like i mentioned before...maybe Costco has special arrangements with their vendors. you guys can't honestly think they'd implement a 100% satisfaction guarantee policy without thinking things through

 

[Spastic Colon]

Well, you also, you know, kinda pay 50 bucks a year to shop there, so they have more room to be generous than other retail establishments.

 

[monchi-kun]

Well, you also, you know, kinda pay 50 bucks a year to shop there, so they have more room to be generous than other retail establishments.

I actually have the executive membership ($100). Costco gives me 2% back on my yearly purchase.

We may "think" we have Costco by the balls but they're much smarter than us...much much smarter.

 

[ChrisReid]

I am one of the socalled people who abuse this system. I don't think of it as abusing it though. In 4 years I have only paid $200, for 3 different phones total. Around each year I return my phone, and use the money for a new one. It is great.

I don't think of it as abusing the system, more like making full utilization of a good policy. glad to see it hasn't changed.

Do you not understand that if enough people abuse it like you do, it will go away like the original post said?

 

[monchi-kun]

Do you not understand that if enough people abuse it like you do, it will go away like the original post said?

see, this is what happens when people are conditioned by the horrible return or customer satisfaction policies of other stores.

what percentage of Costco's business is electronics, i'm guessing it's 10% or less? their profit margin on other items they sell is probably more, and people always leave Costco buying something more than what they intended in the first place.

like i said before, they have everything figured out which is why they can offer this service to customers.

 

[maynerd]

see, this is what happens when people are conditioned by the horrible return or customer satisfaction policies of other stores.

what percentage of Costco's business is electronics, i'm guessing it's 10% or less? their profit margin on other items they sell is probably more, and people always leave Costco buying something more than what they intended in the first place.

like i said before, they have everything figured out which is why they can offer this service to customers.

Sorry but they offer it until it gets abused so much that they are forced to take it away. Don't be a fool. Don't act like you know what sort of agreements Costco has with vendors. Besides you doing what you are doing just drives up the prices on other things. This kind of abuse leads to these types of benefits being cut and them rasing prices.

 

[Man of Knowledge]

I actually have the executive membership ($100). Costco gives me 2% back on my yearly purchase.

We may "think" we have Costco by the balls but they're much smarter than us...much much smarter.

Get the Costco Amex, and you get another 1-2% off your goods. We do that, and end up getting well over 100 back each year, some times 200-300 back a year.

 

[monchi-kun]

Don't be a fool. Don't act like you know what sort of agreements Costco has with vendors.

i assume you've never worked as a buyer for a retail chain so let me give you the 411. I was a software buyer for a few years and had "standard" agreements with our vendors like most places that sell software (ie. you open it and it's yours).

a company's return policy and/or customer satisfaction policy is DIRECTLY influenced by whatever terms (basic points of doing business) they have with their suppliers. one manufacturer or supplier can have different terms in place depending on the retailer buying from them. these terms tend to be negotiated before a product is sold in stores. the more powerful stores like ones that can move VOLUMES of inventory can demand special terms from suppliers. at this point both parties do the math to see if they can be profitable.

some of the perks of being a retailer that moves tons of inventory faster than others is lower pricing because you tend to place murch larger purchase orders to the vendor.

I might as well post the 'Why be a member" page from the COSTCO website:

What Is Costco?
We are a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With hundreds of locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

The History of Costco
The company's first location, opened in 1976 under the Price Club name, was in a converted airplane hangar on Morena Boulevard in San Diego. Originally serving only small businesses, the company found it could achieve far greater buying clout by also serving a selected audience of non-business members. With that change, the growth of the warehouse club industry was off and running. In 1983, the first Costco warehouse location was opened in Seattle. Costco became the first company ever to grow from zero to $3 billion in sales in less than six years. When Costco and Price Club merged in 1993, the combined company, operating under the name PriceCostco, had 206 locations generating $16 billion in annual sales.

Our operating philosophy has been simple. Keep costs down and pass the savings on to our members. Our large membership base and tremendous buying power, combined with our never-ending quest for efficiency, result in the best possible prices for our members. Since resuming the Costco name in 1997, the company has grown worldwide with total sales in recent fiscal years exceeding $50 billion. For additional information about Costco, download the Costco Story in a PDF format to learn more.

Costco's Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
On merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Please note, as of November 4th, 2002 , the return policy for all desktop and notebook computers are six months from the date of purchase. Six months after purchase, all computer services and technical support will be subject to the applicable remaining manufacturer’s warranty.
On membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.

The company keeps growing even with a more than generous return policy? they must be up to something because according to GAF it would be impossible for them to make a profit!

 

[maynerd]

i assume you've never worked as a buyer for a retail chain so let me give you the 411. I was a software buyer for a few years and had "standard" agreements with our vendors like most places that sell software (ie. you open it and it's yours).

a company's return policy and/or customer satisfaction policy is DIRECTLY influenced by whatever terms (basic points of doing business) they have with their suppliers. one manufacturer or supplier can have different terms in place depending on the retailer buying from them. these terms tend to be negotiated before a product is sold in stores. the more powerful stores like ones that can move VOLUMES of inventory can demand special terms from suppliers. at this point both parties do the math to see if they can be profitable.

some of the perks of being a retailer that moves tons of inventory faster than others is lower pricing because you tend to place murch larger purchase orders to the vendor.

I might as well post the 'Why be a member" page from the COSTCO website:



The company keeps growing even with a more than generous return policy? they must be up to something because according to GAF it would be impossible for them to make a profit!

You know nothing of how Costco runs its business so don't even pretend to know. I don't but what I can tell you is. If everyone abused the program, Costco would no longer be making a profit. Therefore by this simple point of logic if 1 person abuses the system it affects Costco negatively. Costco does not BENEFIT or make PROFIT from people abusing their return policy. You are grabbing at straws to defend your unethical behavior.

 

[Community Forum]

Even if the policy changes, why would it be retroactive? It would only apply to new purchases from that point forward, not something you bought under the old policy.

Right?

Yes.