A Costco customer criticized another shopper for returning three unexpected items. The customer hoped that "karma" would catch up with the person who returned a half-eaten jar of pickles.
Shocking Returns at Costco: Reddit User's Experience
A Reddit user, Nicey713, shared their in-store experience on the subreddit r/Costco.
Nicey713 visited the store to return some clothes that didn't fit and was shocked by the shopper in front of them returning three bags of food.
The returned items included a half-eaten container of pickles held together with rubber bands, a half-used bag of frozen peas cut open with scissors, and a half-empty box of frozen egg rolls.
Nicey713 expressed surprise at Costco's return policy, saying they "had NO idea you could return everything."
When they asked a Costco employee about it, the employee shrugged and confirmed that they accept all returns.
According to The U.S. Sun, a Reddit user named Nicey713 was not impressed with a fellow Costco shopper's actions and suggested such behavior should not be allowed. "I hope she pays with karma because I left thinking this was an abuse of the policy," Nicey713 wrote.
The post on the subreddit r/Costco described witnessing a shopper returns three bags of food, including a half-eaten jar of pickles, half a bag of frozen peas cut open with scissors, and a half-empty box of frozen egg rolls.
Other Costco shoppers shared their unusual return experiences in the comments. One user mentioned returning a mushy watermelon, noting, "I asked if I'd have to bring the whole cut melon back, and they said no, just a big chunk in a zip lock. No problem getting my return, as it was unsatisfactory."
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Costco's Return Policy Sparks Debate: Memberships at Risk
As reported by the Franchise Herald, Nicey713 isn't the only person who has expressed confusion about Costco's return policy.
While the policy is flexible, certain products, like AirPods and other electronics, must be returned within 90 days. Costco can cancel memberships if customers abuse this system by making frequent or improper returns.
A store employee shared frustration over a specific return of crab legs. According to The Motley Fool, misuse of the return policy leads to more membership cancellations than theft, fraud, or disrespectful behavior.
Costco's official website states that the company can refuse or terminate memberships at anytime.
Maryam Nicksolat, a Costco member since 2006, lost her membership in 2018 after attempting to return a printer purchased eight years prior. Despite Costco's lenient return policy, the store manager denied the return, citing her excessive return history.
Nicksolat escalated the issue to Jeff Long, Costco's senior vice president of Northeast operations, who confirmed the termination of her membership.
Nicksolat received a formal letter stating she could not appeal the decision. Costco refunded her for the annual membership fee, the printer, and the ink purchased. Long explained that the frequent returns indicated dissatisfaction with Costco's products, concluding, "We cannot satisfy you as a member."
This incident highlights a broader issue with Costco's return policy. New York and Texas stores actively monitor return patterns, especially frequent and expensive ones.
A Costco employee with three years of experience revealed that the lenient policy has led to extreme cases. One customer returned two dirty toilets purchased online more than five years ago.
Related Article: Costco Employees Speak Out: Excessive Returns Could Lead to Membership Termination
