About Costco
Costco Wholesale is a wholesale retailer, originally founded under the name “Price Club” in 1976. The first Costco warehouse location was opened seven years later in 1983, in Seattle, Washington. Just ten years after that, Costco and Price Club merged to become PriceCostco. At that time there were 206 locations, which generated $16 billion in sales annually. “Kirkland Signature,” Costco’s store brand, is a reference to Kirkland, WA, where their headquarters resided at the time they launched the label. Costco is known for offering amazing deals on bulk quantities, free samples throughout the store, and passing the savings on to the consumer.
Price Matching
Costco does not specify a price match guarantee.
Return Policy
Costco is praised for having one of the most generous return policies, and guarantees satisfaction for every product. If you find that an item is not meeting your expectations, you can get a refund for the full purchase price. The only exceptions are as follows: Electronics can be returned within 90 days (counting from the date the merchandise was received, not purchased). This includes Major Appliances (like fridges, freezers, dishwashers, stoves, cooktops, washers and dryers), Computers, Tablets, Smart Watches, Cameras, Drones a.k.a. Aerial Cameras, Camcorders, MP3 Players, and Mobile Phones (for phones, the service carrier contract will determine the exact return details.) Any diamonds larger than one carat must be returned with the accompanying paperwork (either from IGI or GIA) and a Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect the gem within 48 hours, to assure authenticity. Costco is not able to accept the return of alcohol or tobacco products where prohibited by law. Products such as batteries or tires that have a limited use or life expectancy will have a warranty specific to the individual product.
Loyalty Program
Costco has a Membership Program with a number of tiers: - The Gold Star Membership starts at just $60, which covers a year of access to everything Costco has to offer, and the exclusive membership discounts on their wholesale products. - Gold Star Executive Membership has an annual cost of $120, and includes an annual 2% reward on eligible Costco purchases, which effectively discounts Costco’s already low wholesale prices! - Costco also offers a Business Membership for $60 and a Business Executive Membership for $120, which offer the same bonuses respectively as the Gold Star and Gold Star Executive Memberships, but give you the opportunity to add additional people to the membership, at $60 each.
Seasonal Sales
Costco’s focus has always been on offering the best possible prices to their members every day, favoring consistent quality and wholesale savings over short term deals or promotions. That being said, Costco will occasionally have rotating Holiday Savings Offers, giving their members even better deals and discounts.
Qualified Discounts
While Costco does not currently offer discounts on membership, they are proud to offer both a Military Membership Promotion for members of the Armed Forces, as well as a Student Membership Promotion when you sign up for a new membership.
Trade-In Policy
Costco does not specify a trade-in policy for customers.
Credit Card
The Costco credit card is offered through Visa and will net you: - 4% back on eligible gas purchases, up to $7,000 per year, after which you will accrue only 1%. - 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases - 2% back on all other purchases from Costco or online through Costco.com - 1% back on all other purchases The credit card also serves as your membership ID to access Costco Wholesale locations.
