A California woman is encouraging Costco members to use their memberships to their “fullest potential.” She claimed to return a three-year-old air fryer and got a new upgraded version for only $10 more.
TikToker Julia Kaitlin (@j0llibae) shared the video with over 482,500 views.
The viral clip opens with Julia at the return counter.
“That would be $436, OK,” the cashier said, which appears to be her return amount. The caption states that when asked if anything was wrong with the item, she replied that it wouldn’t turn on.
Then it quickly cuts to Julia enthusiastically announcing, “Wow! Let’s get a new air fryer.”
She pointed out her intended purchase, and a man carried the box.
Julia’s move gained attention because many viewers believed Costco’s generous return policy had limits on electronics and appliances.
How Does Costco’s Return Policy Work?
Costco built a reputation for offering members a relatively generous satisfaction guarantee. The current policy states no time limit on returns.
The retailer generally allows members to return merchandise when they aren’t satisfied with their purchase, a benefit often associated with a Costco membership.
However, one viewer pointed out that Costco’s return policy only accepts returns up to 90 days for electronics and appliances.
“I thought we couldn’t return electronics/appliances only 90 days?” he wrote while wondering if an ice cream maker purchased the previous year could potentially be returned.
Costco’s policy confirms that certain electronics and appliances are subject to a 90-day return window. Yet, the 90-day rule applies to specific categories, including major appliances, televisions, computers, cameras and other listed electronics.
That distinction has led to plenty of confusion among Costco shoppers. Products not included in the restricted categories may fall under Costco’s general satisfaction guarantee. These are subject to the company’s regular return-policy terms and restrictions.
Can Costco Members Really Return An Air Fryer After Three Years?
Costco does not include air fryers in its published list of 90-day exceptions. So, Julia may have been able to return the air fryer under Costco’s broader satisfaction guarantee.
Nonetheless, Costco can evaluate individual returns and reserves the right to limit its return policy, so shoppers shouldn’t assume every three-year-old appliance not on the exception list will automatically qualify.
Some Shoppers Believed Returns Like This Could Ruin Costco’s Policy
Some were not impressed.
“People like this cause policies to change,” one commenter wrote.
Viewers were concerned that if customers routinely return merchandise after years, that can cut into company profits, encouraging more stringent oversight. Resulting in the retailer adopting stricter rules and limiting return windows.
This perspective suggests that there is a major difference between a return for a genuine concern and someone abusing the system and using it as a replacement program.
What Does Costco Do With All Those Returns?
With such a generous return policy, Costco developed a system to handle merchandise no longer suitable for resale.
Costco’s Wholesale Liquidation Auctions Marketplace sells these items in bulk.
The liquidation marketplace includes everything from electronics and appliances to furniture, apparel, and other merchandise.
However, this isn’t another perk available to regular Costco members. The auctions are business-to-business, and buyers must meet Costco’s approval requirements to participate.
How Far Should Members Take the Return Policy?
Julia’s air fryer upgrade continues to be a hot topic.
Some viewers believe her return was just a perk that comes with her Costco membership. But others were concerned that she may be abusing a lenient policy.
For Julia, it was simple.
Her Costco membership allowed her to return an air fryer after three years. And she walked out with a newer model for only $10 more.
Subplot News reached out to Julia via email and Costco via the contact form for comment.
