Costco's Legendary Return Policy: A "Life Hack" or Ethical Dilemma?

Costco's Return Policy Sparks Debate as Customer Plans to Return Six-Year-Old Couch Nashville, TN – A recent social media post by Chloe, known online as @strugglebusstation, has ignited a fervent discussion regarding Costco's famously lenient return policy. In a video uploaded on July 27, 2025, Chloe detailed her intention to return a couch purchased from the wholesale retailer in 2019, citing an employee's confirmation that such a return was permissible. Chloe, who is preparing to move, initially planned to sell her used couch on a marketplace. However, a visit to Costco prompted a change of plans. "I was at Costco today having to ask a question about my membership, and this guy brought in these coolers that were being held together by duct tape," she recounted in her video, expressing her initial surprise at the audacity. Inspired by this incident and a previous TikTok she had seen, Chloe decided to inquire about returning her own furniture. "I have this couch that I was about to try to sell on marketplace that I've had since 2019 and still has a tag on it," she explained. According to Chloe, the Costco employee's response was straightforward: "Just bring it back. We'll give you your money back." The revelation has sparked mixed reactions among consumers. Many online commenters expressed loyalty to Costco, with one stating, "This is why Costco customers are so loyal. Costco understands that they will make far more money by treating customers well-over the top even." Another user shared a similar experience, "I saw a man return a dead plant at Costco 😂." However, others raised ethical concerns and warned of potential consequences. "Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should," one comment read. Another user, claiming to have worked at Costco, cautioned, "what they DONT tell you is, if you do it too many times (especially high priced items) they will flag your membership and revoke it without telling you." Concerns were also voiced about the policy being "abused," potentially leading to changes. "They are changing their policies because people were abusing it," one commenter claimed. Despite the debate, Chloe remains enthusiastic about the "life hack" and plans to provide an update on her return attempt, leaving many to wonder about the future of such generous retail policies.

The Mary Sue

one month ago

‘Just bring it back’: Woman buys couch from Costco in 2019. 6 years later, she …

A woman tries out Costco's generous return policy for herself by hauling a 6-year-old couch back to the warehouse.