Costco’s return policy has become legendary for its generosity, with countless stories of customers testing its limits. In one such case, TikToker Kayla (@kaylarahman01) decided to return scratched-up cooking pans she had been using for over a year, just to see if the store would honor its 100% satisfaction guarantee policy.
Testing the Limits of Costco’s Return Policy
In a TikTok video with nearly a million views, Kayla documented her trip to Costco with her husband. The video showed the worn-out pans, with Kayla describing them as “toxic” due to their peeling coating. “I was unsatisfied with these pans as the coating started peeling quickly,” Kayla explained in the caption.
The couple walked into the store, placed the pans on the counter, and waited for the staff to assess them. To their surprise, Costco accepted the return. Kayla showed her receipt in the video, confirming that she received a full refund, which she then used to purchase new pans. She also revealed that she didn’t need the original receipt or packaging to complete the return.
Costco’s Generous Policy
According to Costco’s official website, the membership-based retailer allows customers to return products at any time if they are unsatisfied. While there are exceptions for electronics, appliances, and consumables, the policy covers most items sold in the store. Kayla shared in her caption that this was her first time using the policy and noted that she genuinely felt dissatisfied with the product’s performance. However, she cautioned viewers against abusing the policy, warning that “bogus returns get flagged by the store.”
“It was awesome to be able to return the pans, actually try the product out longer than 30 days, and put the in-store credit towards better pans,” Kayla shared.
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Reactions and Similar Stories
The comment section of Kayla’s video was filled with astonishment and similar tales of returns. One viewer wrote, “So you’re saying the pan I just threw away I could’ve returned it.” Another shared a surprising story, stating, “My grandpa returned our childhood swing set from 2008 and got a full return.”
Others admitted to hesitating when making returns but praised Costco’s policy. One user said, “I returned some AirPods after 6 months because the left one was not working… I’m embarrassed when it comes to returning things, but I love Costco’s return policy.”
Even employees confirmed the store’s flexibility. “They have a 100% return policy no matter how used or how old,” one commenter wrote. “Used to work there and had someone bring in a mattress that was 10+ years old and got a new mattress free.”
A Reminder to Use the Policy Responsibly
Kayla ended her video by encouraging customers to use the policy only for genuine issues, ensuring the system remains fair and sustainable for all members. Stories like these highlight Costco’s commitment to customer satisfaction while also emphasizing the importance of responsible use of its return policy.