So my launch day Xbox 360 had a problem yesterday. The very first one, and it had nothing to do with the unit itself. My wireless controller would not charge. So, one call to Costco and they say bring in the entire thing (the Xbox 360 bundle) and we'll return it for you and give you a cash card to buy another. So, 1 hour later I have a brand new 360 in my home. Not bad considering I got it launch day and never had a single problem with the Xbox 360 itself. Feels good though to know that I now have a second or thir production run unit that might have some increased benefits of not being made back in Oct 2005.

Costco has the best return policy in the business. If it breaks 2 years from now, just go get a new one. Same for just about anything in their store.

I wish I had a Costco....We have a Sams Club and they flat out suck....They dont even sell coffins at Sams like they do Costco...Haha, I was in a Costco before and they had them on display...I got a good laugh....I love that store.

I wish we had a Costco and a Frys they seem to be so cheap and give great warranties...

Being a Costco member and appreciating their policy for some time I have to chime in and say it is awesome!

What about your saves?

What about your saves?

Just swap harddrives.

What about your saves?

Saves are on Xbox live as well right?

I agree Costco is awesome

Just swap harddrives.

Did he do that?

Saves are on Xbox live as well right?

No. You really think MS is going to hold gigs and gigs of info for everyone buying their console?

No. You really think MS is going to hold gigs and gigs of info for everyone buying their console?

If i get an acheivment for beating a level in a particular game, which is stored on Xbox live, shouldn't that be the same as game save? Anyhow, this is really not a big deal for me. Currently only playing LOTR BFMII anyhow, so not worried about game saves too much. Also, I don't think costco would allow me to swap hard drives, so I would have had to buy a memory card I guess. not really worth it to me.

If i get an acheivment for beating a level in a particular game, which is stored on Xbox live, shouldn't that be the same as game save? Anyhow, this is really not a big deal for me. Currently only playing LOTR BFMII anyhow, so not worried about game saves too much. Also, I don't think costco would allow me to swap hard drives, so I would have had to buy a memory card I guess. not really worth it to me.

There are 2 ways you can swap hard drives.. First talk to the manager at COSTCO, he may be very cool and let you do it (although it depends who you are getting). Next, you can go to target or walmart, buy a new hard drive, put that in the package you give back to COSTCO (keeping your old hard drive) and then take back the new hard drive to TARGEt that you get from your new package from COSTCO. This will work, because TARGET will take this item back for up to a month and it will be a new clean hard drive and they will never know the difference. I know that is a pain, but it will worik

There are 2 ways you can swap hard drives.. First talk to the manager at COSTCO, he may be very cool and let you do it (although it depends who you are getting). Next, you can go to target or walmart, buy a new hard drive, put that in the package you give back to COSTCO (keeping your old hard drive) and then take back the new hard drive to TARGEt that you get from your new package from COSTCO. This will work, because TARGET will take this item back for up to a month and it will be a new clean hard drive and they will never know the difference. I know that is a pain, but it will worik

All good ideas but like i said, it is not really and issue for me.

It would be for me, I'd hate to lose all my saves over a bad controller battery.

I think that trading up to a newer produciton run unit is worth more to me than losing games save, I didn't have that many anyhow, I play a lot online.

If Costco will give you a refund that makes things even easier. Buy a new one, swap drive, then return the old one, all in one visit.

Certainly good to discuss these types of things should these situations arise for folks around here.

Being a Costco member and appreciating their policy for some time I have to chime in and say it is awesome!


I agree, Costco is awesome. Doesn't Sam's club have a similar return policy now though?

I agree, Costco is awesome. Doesn't Sam's club have a similar return policy now though?
Yes if you are a member they will replace it.

Yes if you are a member they will replace it.


Sams doesnt offer nearly as good of a warranty neither do they give you as much time....

I have a friend who works their and he got a 360 it crapped itself on its 36th day and Sams even being an employee told him tough luck his 30 days was up...*ouch*

Sams doesnt offer nearly as good of a warranty neither do they give you as much time....

I have a friend who works their and he got a 360 it crapped itself on its 36th day and Sams even being an employee told him tough luck his 30 days was up...*ouch*

3 weeks ago I returned my launch day 360 to Sam's. At first they tried to swing it over to Microsoft, but after letting them know I had already done 2 warranty repais with MS, Sam's agreed to replace it with no further hassle. Gave me a gift card, and I bought a new one off the shelf.

Where does Costco ship all the Xbox 360 returns it is getting? I wonder how they make money on this product, since so many members have learned it is simpler to return the unit to Costco than wait for the Microsoft ship them a new console? Plus, Microsoft does not accept returns on controllers or hard drives that are more than 90 days old. Speaking to their customer reps on the phone is nerve-wracking too.

well costco is refining its return policy due to abuse. so there goes that. not sure what the new agreement will be, but i think its going to be like everyone elses....30days

Be careful, I bought some T.Vs from costco - missing parts, damages; turned out they had taken returned T.Vs and just resold them as new so I bought THREE T.Vs that were all missing parts or were damaged.

...And then they get pissy at me for making these expensive returns... dickwads...

Saves are on Xbox live as well right?

Saved games, no. Downloaded content (except for movies) yes. Any games you've downloaded from Live Marketplace will be associated with your account so you will not have to pay for them again when you re-download them. That goes for gamer pictures, additional content, themes, games.....Everything but movies.

Costco will work for you when the V2(HDMI) 360 comes out.

I have both Costco and Sams memberships - we like those stores and honestly even if I saved nothing I get entertainment out of going there. Sams is a lot closer so we tend to go there more but Costco is infinitely preferable to us, everything is just that little bit better (and their new very close store will be open in 3 months). Their return policies on electronics will likely get adjusted. I talked to them about laptops a while ago and after learning their policy I asked if they had people abuse it - "oh yeah" with a shake of the head. Considering it's a membership driven store a few bad seeds will ruin it for all of us. No problem with using but a lot of people like to exploit and abuse.

The other day when I returned 1 item back to Costco; I noticed a sign said "return within 30 days". I asked them and they said "it is nice to return within 30 days...but it is still life time return policy...however it will change around February to a standard 30 days"

but then again; their CEO said the policy will not be changing....at least from the dailytech.com article.

I don't know who to believe now.

If Costco changes their return policy. I'll be sitting there the day before they change it with about 10 grand worth of merchandise to return and closing my account. Half the reason they are such a great place is because of their customer service. Take the commitment to their satisfaction garauntee out of the picture and they are nothing.

In all honesty their deals really are not that good. Half the time I actually pay more for an item at Costco just because of the piece of mind should something happen to that product.

I for one do not like to abuse the policy however if something I buy ends up not working as I expected I will be right there with my return.

I have heard this ugly rumor and I have asked them at the store. I haven't heard that this is true.

I know for a fact they changed two policies PC's which has been for some time and recently their cell phones.

I really think they'd take a beating if they changed their policies.

If Costco changes their return policy. I'll be sitting there the day before they change it with about 10 grand worth of merchandise to return and closing my account. Half the reason they are such a great place is because of their customer service. Take the commitment to their satisfaction garauntee out of the picture and they are nothing.

.....

I for one do not like to abuse the policy however if something I buy ends up not working as I expected I will be right there with my return.
I think returning $10,000 of stuff because you can't rely upon them for a free, infinite warranty on all of it would be "abusing" the policy.

What is the return policy on those coffins? 30 days just barely breaks it in.

man, I wish you would try to return 10,000 dollars worth of merchandise right before the policy changed. If i was manager no way would it happen.

sir...im sorry...but this new policy has been written for people like you...no way will i take back these old products that just so happen to be working perfectly fine. If you want to cancel your membership I understand...frankly though...we will be more profitable without your business. I do hope you consider to do business with us after this, but we can't afford to support this specific behavior of yours and many others.

you'd get mad prob. and call a district manager and he'd pretend he would yell at me but at the end of the day he'd be saying to me "you drop a few more freeloaders like that and we might actually make quota this month:D"

Most likely if the policy changes, products purchased under the original terms will still honor the lifetime warranty. Only products purchased under the new terms will be subject to the 30 day policy. This is how they handled it when the policy changed for PCs.

I purchased my Xbox 360 from Costco in late August 2006. Sometime around December I started getting E74 errors. Also I'd say 2 out of every 3 times I started it, I would get nothing, no video, no audio.

Last week I decided enough was enough, and took it back to Costco. It was painless, they checked the box to make sure everything was there, and then issued a full refund. I then immediately purchased a new 360.

My original 360 was built in Nov 2005, my new one in Sept 2006. The new one is also much quieter.

Costco == Good.

Wow, I thought this internet rumor died when January rolled around and they said the policy wasn't changing...now it's going to happen in February? Guess in February, it'll become March...then March it becomes April, etc. Sooner or later, the rumor will be true. :D

If Costco changes their return policy. I'll be sitting there the day before they change it with about 10 grand worth of merchandise to return and closing my account.


Not if I was the manager. I'd tell you to pack up all your crap, get the hell out of my store and never come back.

I do not think its out of line and I'm very serious. Well maybe not 10 grand but I certainly can add up 5 grand of merchandise I purchased solely based on a warranty. Granted I like the products but the warranty sealed the deal.

I waited 4 years to purchase a TV. I finally felt like I had the TV I wanted and I liked the fact that they have a 100% satisfaction garauntee.

I didn't care what the prices were at other retailers because I knew I wouldn't have to buy a warranty at Costco.

So if they changed the policy. Which by the way is an incorrect statement I went to verify after readying this post.

Anywho- I based my decisions on buying products from there based on their warranty. You take that warranty away and I would more than likely chane my decision making.

My point of all this is you can't change the rules in the middle of the game. I purchased based on this factors. Change those factors and I change my mind.

This discussion is invalid in my opinion because this is just flat out not true. I really believe if they got rid of their policy they would see a tremendous drop in business.

I have seen people abuse the policy and yes it is ridiculous. I have seen people returning Halloween candy.

I would never abuse but I do expect that if my camera or camcorder or TV break in 3 years that they will refund my money if not the product.

Every 'big ticket' item inside my home is from Costco. I freaking love that place.....and the reason is simple, thier return policy. It's not for the selection...lets face it they do not have the widest variety of CE products out there. It's also not for the price as I find them competitive but certainly not the cheapest out there.
Over and above my membership costs, I paid more for my 360 there than I would have elsewhere.....but I did so happily. I know if it craps out one day (even years from now), I'll have either my money back or a new one within hours.
I do see Chicago's point however, I would not be impressed with a change in policy. Real or not, I think i pay a bit of a premium for this service and would not appreciate losing it in some retroactive act. IF the policy ever changed (and I don't believe it will).....I would hope all past purchases would be grandfathered to the old policy still.

Interesting discussion. I might switch from BJ's to Costco (not to take advantage of the policy, simply because it is better).

If the policy does change, there probably will be a grandfather clause for previously purchased products.

Anyway, I found this story about Costco's return policy. Is Costco's HDTV return policy ripe for abuse? (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6548193-1.html)

Here is the return policy from the Costco site (http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePageLeftNav.aspx?ProductNo=10166081).

As already stated by some, it seems like there is manager's discretion at some stores and PC returns are capped at 6 months.

I can't log onto to the LL Bean website for some reason, but I belive they have always had a similar return policy for the life of the product.

even years from now

Years from now? At what point do you think a product has lived up to expectations?

Years from now? At what point do you think a product has lived up to expectations?
That's how I see it as well.

You could hem and haw about CostCo builds in the price of an extended warranty into the product. But the CostCo return policy is way, way better than any EW you can buy. It's a full refund of your purchase price so basically a cost-free rental. Most EW's you can get will either give you a repair, a replacement unit (often refurb'ed) of the same unit you have, or a refund of the purchase price if you bought your unit at the time of return (often under 50% of the original price).

It depends on the specific product, obviously, but at some point you should just say, "I got what I expected out of this. I can pay to get a new one."

Because the real tragedy in all this is that CostCo is actually one of the few corporate good guys. Check out this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/17/business/yourmoney/17costco.html?ei=5090&en=8b3103305fea6d68&ex=1279252800&adxnnl=1&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1121705296-Q4tqPzmKJ9sYl9Q2a0xDYA

Absolutely it depends on the product. Please tell me at what point a $5000 Plasma has lived up to expectations? Would you tell me for example, I got my moneys worth after ....lets say 5 years? I would disagree. To expect me the consumer to bear the brunt of 'beta testing' is unreasonable.
I would agree however, that perhaps, when talking about an xbox the word years was an over statement. But lets say 2 years after buying it, I get the red lights of death.....should I not expect Costco to replace this. Would that be unreasonable of me?
They choose to stock items, they choose to offer the policies that they do....

For the record I have never returned anything to Costco, but one of the reasons I buy there so much is the return policy.

As already stated by some, it seems like there is manager's discretion at some stores and PC returns are capped at 6 months.




I wonder why certain manager does that? Isn't it against the company's policy that certain warehouse manager set their own rules?
So if he rejected a certain return item; he would get 10% raise or something?

I mean if the Corp Headquarter has a written policy "100% satisfaction return warranty"; then I expect all warehouses to following that policy.

Promise is a promise. But I don't condone those who return a functional item after 30 days. Within the first couple weeks of purchase; you either like it or don't like it.

Absolutely it depends on the product. Please tell me at what point a $5000 Plasma has lived up to expectations? Would you tell me for example, I got my moneys worth after ....lets say 5 years? I would disagree. To expect me the consumer to bear the brunt of 'beta testing' is unreasonable.
No. That's completely reasonable. Most manufacturers' warranty is 1 year. Most Extended Warranties are 2-5 years. So something breaking down after almost noone else would cover it? Yah. I think you got your money out of it.

If you don't want to take the risk, then don't buy it. That's what the rest of America does.

And if you do pay for an EW from anywhere, if it breaks, you get a replacement. You don't get all of your $5,000 back. You made a purchase, not a cost-free rental with a deposit.

For example:

http://www.shows.soundstagelive.com/shows/avtour2006/ced_diary_das.html

Almost three years ago, I saw Sony’s Qualia 004 projector demonstrated for the first time. Its eye-popping detail and flawless image quality were mind-blowing, and so was its price: $30,000. This was much cheaper than you’d expect for a projector of the 004's quality, but still out of reach for common folks.

Last year, though, Sony introduced the VPL-VW100, which was considered by many to be about as good as the Qualia 004, but it cost a fraction of the price. It retailed for just $10,000, making it almost a steal.

Now, though, we have a $5000 projector that may actually be a steal. The VPL-VW50 is a lot like the ‘100, but half the price. Finally, three years later, Qualia-like performance is available for the common man.
Now, if someone bought the Qualia 004 at the time of the release, $25,000 of the $30,000 total value would have been having it three years ahead of everybody else. So you can say you're paying the price for beta-testing. I'd say you're paying the price for having the, "Oooo... Ahhhhh...." new toy that makes all of your friends drool.

Well we're getting off topic here but I just have to say we'll have to agree to disagree here.
I really don't understand the opinion that says I got my moneys worth ($5000) after five years....If you're in the position of buying disposable $5000 items, I envy you.
I spent the first 20 years of my life watching the same 20inch General Electric, and I shouldn't expect the same from todays ISO manufactuerers?
The shortest life time quote Ive been able to find from a (LCD) panel maker is 55000 hours, that's over 6years.....always on.

Ever since getting my membership a year ago, I have made all my "big" purchases at Costco. I won't abuse the policy because it will effect everyone else if they decide to change it. My 360 died about 6 months after I purchased it, so I called Costco and spoke to a manager. He told me to just bring in the console and they would swap it out for another one. He said that he didn't want me to have to climb behind my TV and unplug a bunch of wires that were not bad. Talk about customer service!!!!

I got to the store and gave them my console and they cracked open another bundle and swapped it out. Apparently the manager didn't realize that the HDD was attached to the new console and handed me the console with the HDD attached. I proptly told him that he needed to take the HDD off, since I wasn't bringing one back. I could have walked out of the store with an extra HDD, but why rip off a company that is set on customer satisfaction.

Taking something back 3 years after you purchase just because the price has dropped is ridiculous. If it's damaged, that's another story.

WEll I guess that Chicago77 will be returning everything; they just changed their policy!!!

Link?

Here is some information of Costco's new return policy taken from http://www.hot-deals.org/

"Costco changed their return policy for all electronics purchases. Under the new policy, all electronics purchases as of 2007 can be returned "no questions asked" for up to 3 months after purchase, and up to 6 months for defective merchandise. This is a huge change to their policy, where all non-computer electronics returns were accepted for up to 3 years (sometimes 5 years) after purchase with the original receipt. The new policy is for all electronics, including televisions, stereos, GPSs, cameras, projectors, MP3 Players, and phones.

Costco stores will still accept returns for all electronics purchased within the last 3 years, but only for a few more weeks until members are notified about the new policy. The product being returned must include the original receipt, all manuals, cables, and everything which came in the original box. The original product box/packaging is not required for most electronics returns.

If you still have the original receipt from an electronics purchase made within the last 3 years, you may want to consider returning it soon before the new policy formally takes affect. For example, if you purchased an upconvert DVD player 2 years ago for $120, a 32" LCD HDTV 2 years ago for $900, a 37" LCD HDTV 2 years ago for $1700, or a Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS a year ago for $800, you can return it today for a complete refund which can be used toward anything including a brand new HDTV or GPS. HDTVs have dropped in price by half over the past 2 years, and GPSs have dropped in half over the last year. Getting a full refund for a past purchase and upgrading to a new model is definitely a hot deal.

It was only a matter of time until Costco changed their return policy on electronics. It certainly makes sense to use their return policy before it disappears. Someone may have an moral concern about getting money today for double the price of what your electronics item is actually worth today, but keep in mind this was an advertised return policy and not a loophole being exploited. For a lot of people, the existance of this return policy helped them make more Costco purchases than they normally would have, so Costco may have had more purchases because of this return policy. It is likely they decided to change this policy now because HDTV prices are dropping at a rate of about 20% to 25% per year, which is now similar the rate of which computers drop in price. That may encourage more returns than they like, plus big screen HDTVs are lighter than older big screen TVs making them easier to return to the store.

All non-electronics purchases still can be returned years after purchase, with the original receipt. This includes clothes, non-perishable food, artwork, books, furniture, and tools. For questions about their new return policy, visit the customer service counter at your local Costco store. "

Thanks.

Although I'm amazed at the contortions people do to make themselves think that they're not scumbags:

Someone may have an moral concern about getting money today for double the price of what your electronics item is actually worth today, but keep in mind this was an advertised return policy and not a loophole being exploited. For a lot of people, the existance of this return policy helped them make more Costco purchases than they normally would have, so Costco may have had more purchases because of this return policy.

Actually...........they have not changed thier return policy, check the same link again.


http://www.hot-deals.org/

Costco Electronics Return Policy NOT Changing: In response to our recent article about Costco's return policy on Electronics changing, we were contacted by a member at Costco Corporate who told us this was a rumor and is untrue. Costco Corporate is aware store managers circulated documents detailing a change in the Costco return policy, and are relaying this false information to their employees and customers. Their return policy continues be an unlimited return policy on all electronics purchases, including HDTVs, GPSs, stereos, projectors, cameras, MP3 players, and phones. While they have no limit on how long they will accept returns with the original receipt, some stores may give difficulty with electronics returns greater than 3 years old.

WEll I guess that Chicago77 will be returning everything; they just changed their policy!!!


I read the update post and then the this is a false rumor post.

I was just about to start gathering up my receipts and merchandise.

So again to keep the theme of this thread. Costco really does Rock!!!

Just for verification.....

My Maxent MX-26X3 26-inch LCD died today about a year or so after purchase from the local Costco. I had saved both the receipt and the box it came in...packed it up and brought it back. They checked to see if everything was there and credited my American Express card $750....no problems, no hassles. Im going back to Costco tomorrow to pick up another one when I finish researching the latest models. Costco does indeed....ROCK. :cool:

So just to add another little tidbit to this thread........
Two days ago (Saturday morning), my 4 month old XBOX 360 died....No rings od death but it would lock up (picture froze) after about 30secs of power.
I didn't have my reciept but I figured what the hell, packed it up and brought it back to costco.
They searched my records, found the purchase and 10 minutes later I'm out the door with a brand new unit. So including driving time I was down for a total of about 1 hour......Thanks CostCo!!!!

So MNMatthias I wonder .....did I abuse this policy, do you think I got my money's worth and should have bought a new one, or allowed M$ to fix the unit under warranty??

Here is some information of Costco's new return policy taken from http://www.hot-deals.org/

"Costco changed their return policy for all electronics purchases. Under the new policy, all electronics purchases as of 2007 can be returned "no questions asked" for up to 3 months after purchase, and up to 6 months for defective merchandise. This is a huge change to their policy, where all non-computer electronics returns were accepted for up to 3 years (sometimes 5 years) after purchase with the original receipt. The new policy is for all electronics, including televisions, stereos, GPSs, cameras, projectors, MP3 Players, and phones.

Costco stores will still accept returns for all electronics purchased within the last 3 years, but only for a few more weeks until members are notified about the new policy. The product being returned must include the original receipt, all manuals, cables, and everything which came in the original box. The original product box/packaging is not required for most electronics returns.

If you still have the original receipt from an electronics purchase made within the last 3 years, you may want to consider returning it soon before the new policy formally takes affect. For example, if you purchased an upconvert DVD player 2 years ago for $120, a 32" LCD HDTV 2 years ago for $900, a 37" LCD HDTV 2 years ago for $1700, or a Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS a year ago for $800, you can return it today for a complete refund which can be used toward anything including a brand new HDTV or GPS. HDTVs have dropped in price by half over the past 2 years, and GPSs have dropped in half over the last year. Getting a full refund for a past purchase and upgrading to a new model is definitely a hot deal.

It was only a matter of time until Costco changed their return policy on electronics. It certainly makes sense to use their return policy before it disappears. Someone may have an moral concern about getting money today for double the price of what your electronics item is actually worth today, but keep in mind this was an advertised return policy and not a loophole being exploited. For a lot of people, the existance of this return policy helped them make more Costco purchases than they normally would have, so Costco may have had more purchases because of this return policy. It is likely they decided to change this policy now because HDTV prices are dropping at a rate of about 20% to 25% per year, which is now similar the rate of which computers drop in price. That may encourage more returns than they like, plus big screen HDTVs are lighter than older big screen TVs making them easier to return to the store.

All non-electronics purchases still can be returned years after purchase, with the original receipt. This includes clothes, non-perishable food, artwork, books, furniture, and tools. For questions about their new return policy, visit the customer service counter at your local Costco store. "

some of that is wrong. not ALL electronics apply to this new policy. Lcd monitors for computers don't apply, projectors don't apply, video game systems don't apply.

I've received a similar mailer frm Costco stating that there will be a new policy and it will affect only Electronic components. If I remember you'll have 60 or 90 days to return electronic goods. And the rest of their items stay on the same old policy.

It's now 90 days, but they also extend manufacturers' warranties to 2 years now. Still the best deal in retail IMO.

Per costco.com and posted return policy:

"Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund."

IIRC, the only item that previously had a limit was computers/laptops (must return within 6 months of purchase). Game systems appear to still fall under the no-questions-asked policy.

so you brought the whole system in for a battery not recharging... thats a lil crazy to me.

I bought my 360 from Costco in June 2006.

I recently had a noisy defective power supply brick. It made a loud screeching noise that was VERY annoying (cranking the volume didn't drown it out). Microsoft didn't want to replace it under warranty because it still worked. I bought a new 360 from Costco, swapped out the HDD, then returned my old one with no problem whatsoever. My new 360 works much better :)

Strangely....the old power supply was a 3 prong grounded plug, while the new one is a 2 prong :confused:

If a 360 dies that wasn't purchased at Costco can you buy one there and swap it with the dead one and return it back to Costco? Not really a moral thing to do, but is there anything stopping it from happening such as serial numbers?

If a 360 dies that wasn't purchased at Costco can you buy one there and swap it with the dead one and return it back to Costco? Not really a moral thing to do, but is there anything stopping it from happening such as serial numbers?

If you're deft at this, you can crack the cases and swap guts. Obviously I do not endorse this, but since we're on the topic...

If a 360 dies that wasn't purchased at Costco can you buy one there and swap it with the dead one and return it back to Costco? Not really a moral thing to do, but is there anything stopping it from happening such as serial numbers?

I would hope that the person was caught, beat, thrown in the road, and used as a speed bump during the next rush hour. Why in the hell should costco have to eat one because of someone with a total lack of morals/ethics. People like this make me sick. Abusing the system, and causing higher prices for everyone else. May they all rot and die.

Now, on a lighter note...don't do it. Take the loss like a man. If you didn't buy the extended warranty, then its noones fault but your own.

I would hope that the person was caught, beat, thrown in the road, and used as a speed bump during the next rush hour. Why in the hell should costco have to eat one because of someone with a total lack of morals/ethics. People like this make me sick. Abusing the system, and causing higher prices for everyone else. May they all rot and die.

Now, on a lighter note...don't do it. Take the loss like a man. If you didn't buy the extended warranty, then its noones fault but your own.

I take it that you don't condone that scenario.

My 5 month old 360 is still working fine. It was purchased at Circuit City using their credit card for the no interest deal but I did not get the extended warranty. I find a thread here about credit card extended warranty services and call about the CC VISA card. It turns out that their card does have the plan which extends the 360 warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Same thing for my wife's laptop purchased with the same card. Most credit cards have this sort of coverage so you guys with older 360's with red lights may actually have some extended coverage.

I take it that you don't condone that scenario.

Hehe, that would be an accurate assessment. :)

I would hope that the person was caught, beat, thrown in the road, and used as a speed bump during the next rush hour. Why in the hell should costco have to eat one because of someone with a total lack of morals/ethics. People like this make me sick. Abusing the system, and causing higher prices for everyone else. May they all rot and die.

Now, on a lighter note...don't do it. Take the loss like a man. If you didn't buy the extended warranty, then its noones fault but your own.

If you feel that strongly about it maybe you should stand outside of Costco with a sign protesting "unethical" returns. There's nothing like a guy sitting at home in front of his computer blasting off his mouth about his deepest concerns, but doing nothing about it.

Really man you shouldn't let it bother you that much. There are plenty of things to be pissed about that you CAN do something about. Why not put that negative energy to good use.

If you feel that strongly about it maybe you should stand outside of Costco with a sign protesting "unethical" returns. There's nothing like a guy sitting at home in front of his computer blasting off his mouth about his deepest concerns, but doing nothing about it.

Really man you shouldn't let it bother you that much. There are plenty of things to be pissed about that you CAN do something about. Why not put that negative energy to good use.

Actually, I am not at home ;) . I just get tired of seeing all these threads on how to rip off the system and abuse policies, which in turn drives up prices for the rest of the consumers. take Chicago77, for instance, with his "if they change their policy I am taking my stuff back" crap...such BS, and Costco doesn't need a customer like him anyways.

Anyways, Just spouting off and throwing my 2 cents in. I, for one, am glad Costco changed their policies. The abuse they were seeing is insane, and people were lucky they tolerated it this long.

I think there is a problem when people refer to it as the "Costco's Big Screen Upgrade Policy".

I love Costco. I drive 15 miles out of my way to go there when there is a Sam's Club right down the street. There is also a Walmart about 5 miles away but I won't go there either. Costco takes care of their customers as well as their employees and that speaks volumes to me.

My launch day/week Xbox 360 died last night while trying to get Children of Men to play on my add-on. I bought it at Costco.com.

I know I can return it to the store and get a new one, but I'd be willing to wait a few weeks until the Elite comes out and pay the difference to upgrade. My big question is, do you guys think the Elite will hit Costco stores at the end of the month/beginning of May? Or will it be a longer wait? I don't think there is a big demand for the Elite, so I'm assuming once they get stock, it should be in stock from then on. It's just a matter of how quick they'll get them.

My launch day/week Xbox 360 died last night while trying to get Children of Men to play on my add-on. I bought it at Costco.com.

I know I can return it to the store and get a new one, but I'd be willing to wait a few weeks until the Elite comes out and pay the difference to upgrade. My big question is, do you guys think the Elite will hit Costco stores at the end of the month/beginning of May? Or will it be a longer wait? I don't think there is a big demand for the Elite, so I'm assuming once they get stock, it should be in stock from then on. It's just a matter of how quick they'll get them.

That really depends on if Costco wants to carry 2 lines of the XBOX360, and if they want to try to sell something that costs a few hundred more. The average consumer through Costco is not going to want to pay more for a 360 if the lower end model is right next to it.

That's true. They never did have the Core version in the store. Then again, I don't know that they had it on their website either. I am on hold with costco.com to see if they expect the warehouses to carry the Elite, too. I'll post any information I learn.

EDIT: They referred me to my local warehouse since they don't know which stores will and won't carry it. The guy at my store said he did not see it in the system. :(

Guess I'll exchange it for a Premium. At least I'll be able to play Guitar Hero again this weekend. :D

I bought a 26" LCD tv about half a year ago for about 700 dollars. I have all the original reciepts and the original manuel and everything, but I don't have a membership. I used my aunts. Do I need her card to go in the store to return it? Also I but it online would that affect it. I want to return it since the DVI doesn't display the picture right, yes, it doesn't display it right. ;)

I think Costco may carry the Elite System. If you look on their web site it is listed as a preorder. It doesn't come with a game and it is like $50 more then the premium bundle.

Yeah, that's what gave me the idea to check with the local warehouse. They may get it in at some point, but I don't think mine is getting it next week. Just not sure how long I want to wait to exchange my broken unit.

I bought a 26" LCD tv about half a year ago for about 700 dollars. I have all the original reciepts and the original manuel and everything, but I don't have a membership. I used my aunts. Do I need her card to go in the store to return it? Also I but it online would that affect it. I want to return it since the DVI doesn't display the picture right, yes, it doesn't display it right. ;)I know that buying it online won't affect it. I think they prefer you return stuff to a warehouse as opposed to mailing it back in. Now how you go about that without a membership card, I don't know. I'd think if you used your aunt's to buy it, you could use it to exchange/return it.

I'd say that your only option would be to return it locally and get the cash. Then order the Elite from costco.com for $529. Last time I checked they still had the pre-order link for the Elite.

Actually, I am not at home ;) . I just get tired of seeing all these threads on how to rip off the system and abuse policies, which in turn drives up prices for the rest of the consumers. take Chicago77, for instance, with his "if they change their policy I am taking my stuff back" crap...such BS, and Costco doesn't need a customer like him anyways.

You my man need to get the facts correct. How am I unethical by making a purchase at Costco based on a warranty? I would have returned my 67 inch television to Costco had they not grandfathered my purchase in. I would have returned everything had they not grandfathered it in. However they still back the products I purchased and I am happy with my purchases.

Here's the fact. I could have bought my TV for less money than Costco, but as an educated consumer I did my homework. Why would I not make a 4,000 dollar purchase from somewhere that backs their merchandise? Why would I spend 3500 hundred from somewhere else and then buy the warranty.

If Costco does not want me as a customer then let them make that decision. I have never returned anything unethically. However bet your rear end that if my TV goes anytime soon, I'll be wheeling that bad boy in there and picking out another one. This will all happen with a clear concious because I followed their policy. I didn't make the policy they did.

I understand where your coming from, I know people bought TV's only to return them for the latest and greatest. That is not me. However my decision making on where to purchase an item was based on cost/warranty and all the other things that go into making a purchase. Costco won, now the game has changed and so will my buying decisions.

Yes- please focus your attention on something else on the world instead of trying to make sure Costco can survive. They'll be just fine without your opinions.

Guess what- I'm buying a patio set from Costco tomorrow and if I'm not satisfied, I'm returning it! Call the return police!

I understand where your coming from, I know people bought TV's only to return them for the latest and greatest. That is not me. However my decision making on where to purchase an item was based on cost/warranty and all the other things that go into making a purchase. Costco won, now the game has changed and so will my buying decisions.


This is the way you came across in previous posts. As a person that would buy a set, use it for 3-6 years, then take it back and get a full refund to swap it out for a new one. If that is not you, I apologize as I have misinterpreted what you said. There is nothing wrong with returning defective merchandise, (or something you are unhappy with), if it is within a reasonable time period, (IE if a TV burns out in a year or two as opposed to returning it 5-10yrs later).

This is the way you came across in previous posts. As a person that would buy a set, use it for 3-6 years, then take it back and get a full refund to swap it out for a new one. If that is not you, I apologize as I have misinterpreted what you said. There is nothing wrong with returning defective merchandise, (or something you are unhappy with), if it is within a reasonable time period, (IE if a TV burns out in a year or two as opposed to returning it 5-10yrs later).

Man did you get owned by that guy pretty hardcore.

Man did you get owned by that guy pretty hardcore.

Hello Troll, and welcome to the forums. I don't view it as getting "owned". Just as misinterpretation, which happens all the time. At least I am big enough to apologize if I am in the wrong.

Hello Troll, and welcome to the forums. I don't view it as getting "owned". Just as misinterpretation, which happens all the time. At least I am big enough to apologize if I am in the wrong.

http://i17.tinypic.com/2qbhweg.gif

I guess really my point is, Costco made the policy. You or I did not, are their people out there that ruin a good thing, yes. Hence the policy is gone for Electronics, but for everything else, game on!

A warranty is just part of a decision making process in buying a product. I'm not sure why "satisfaction gauranteed" gets me, but it does. I feel comfortable in buying something from somewhere that allows me to return it.

I bought a wireless phone jack from Fry's and lazy me didn't get around to using it for about 6 months. Anyways low and behold this thing turns out to be a 80 dollar piece of plastic as it was terrible.

I tried to take it back to Fry's knowing it was 6 months ago but figuring I'll get a store credit with whatever the sales price is. They would not have it.

I am a consumer who will spend a little more to get great service.

And yes troll go away.

You my man need to get the facts correct. How am I unethical by making a purchase at Costco based on a warranty? I would have returned my 67 inch television to Costco had they not grandfathered my purchase in. I would have returned everything had they not grandfathered it in. However they still back the products I purchased and I am happy with my purchases.

I agree, having been in retail for ten years. A warranty that the store/company provides is part of the decision-making process for the consumer. And do not misunderstand--if Costco was a commissioned environment, you know that warranty would be used as a closing tool to make the transaction happen. So while I don't (can't) endorse the "upgrade policy," if Costco up until recently did nothing to stop it, I would have to imagine that, for awhile, they thought it was helping them make new sales. I guess the numbers didn't work over time, so they made the change.

I will say though that if that's the only reason why you shop there, they have more work to do.

I've spent tens of thousands of dollars at Costco over the years, and only once returned a toy electric guitar ($19.99) because it was defective. I've had unusually good luck with stuff I've bought from there, as opposed to someplace like Best Buy where it seems like half the stuff they sell is bad.

IMO, people who return non-defective merchandise to "upgrade" should be prosecuted for retail fraud.

That said, I WISH I had been able to buy my 360 from Costco, but lucked into one at Circuit City back in Dec '05. Couldn't say no! Although, I did buy all my launch games from da 'co. So, I ponied up $60 to buy the 2 year MS warranty. Ah well. I can't say it hasn't been worth it, what a great system. It seems like there is always something new and sweet to play on it. I've got Crackdown, EDF (Earth Defense Force), Guitar Hero II, and Lost Planet all in solid rotation. And the sweet, sweet Video Marketplace...

IMO, people who return non-defective merchandise to "upgrade" should be prosecuted for retail fraud.



This isn't a valid arguement in the case of Costco. I have never returned anything at Costco that didn't have a problem, but their return policy states:

Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Exceptions: Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund.

Now the exceptions were just recently added, so, previously, you only had to be dissatisfied to return any product. It doesn't saying anything about a product being defective.

This isn't a valid arguement in the case of Costco. I have never returned anything at Costco that didn't have a problem, but their return policy states:

Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Exceptions: Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund.

Now the exceptions were just recently added, so, previously, you only had to be dissatisfied to return any product. It doesn't saying anything about a product being defective.

Being "not satisfied" does NOT equal returning something for an upgrade. If you buy a TV and realize that your satellite picture looks bad through it, fine! However, if you see a "new and improved" model 2 years after you bought yours and do a swap, yes I think that is fraudulent.

Read the policy any way you like, but pointing out loopholes doesn't make it morally right.

Being "not satisfied" does NOT equal returning something for an upgrade. If you buy a TV and realize that your satellite picture looks bad through it, fine! However, if you see a "new and improved" model 2 years after you bought yours and do a swap, yes I think that is fraudulent.


I agree with your sentiment. I just got hung up on using the term non-defective. I was trying to point out that you can return for other reasons and still be within the return policy. I completely agree the spirit of the return policy does not allow for returning for the purpose of upgrading. As I pointed out, I have never and don't plan on ever abusing their policies in that fashion. I'm not sure that it is fraudulent. I think it's just unethical.

I just posted on a similar thread a few days ago. While this horse has apparently been kicked enough...there is a question that remains:

Does the Costco return policy still cover the Xbox 360 or does it fall into the 90 day policy (presumably as a "computer")?

I purposely bought my 360 there given the reliablity problems and it paid off as the thing bricked at the ripe old age of 5 months. I returned it and bought a replacement just 3 weeks ago. If the new return policy does indeed apply, I plan on getting an extended warranty (which may require returning my new unit to Costco). Does anyone know for sure? Rumor on the other thread was the Xbox does indeed fall into the new return policy.

I just posted on a similar thread a few days ago. While this horse has apparently been kicked enough...there is a question that remains:

Does the Costco return policy still cover the Xbox 360 or does it fall into the 90 day policy (presumably as a "computer")?

I purposely bought my 360 there given the reliablity problems and it paid off as the thing bricked at the ripe old age of 5 months. I returned it and bought a replacement just 3 weeks ago. If the new return policy does indeed apply, I plan on getting an extended warranty (which may require returning my new unit to Costco). Does anyone know for sure? Rumor on the other thread was the Xbox does indeed fall into the new return policy.

No. It doesn't The items that fall under the new policy are marked on their website in red letters with a link to the new policy. The Xbox 360 and other game consoles are not marked as exceptions.

Hey guys. Just got back from my local Costco and they did not have the 360 Gears Bundle. So I'm going to order it online. I called up Costco and asked about Signature Confirmation (SC), and they said if its available that you will see it in the check-out option. Well, didn't see it. Then called up UPS, they told me to talk to Costco.

My question is has anyone orderd from Costco.com and somehow managed to get Signature Confirmation? I don't want the driver leaving it on my porch since it costs so much. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks anyways. Just placed my order. Can't! wait to to start playing Dirt Demo and full version.