Costco Open Box and Returned Items
Costco describes no open-box section; recent reports say unused returns often go back on the shelf, while worn items go to liquidators.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Store policies change. Costco's customer service pages that we read on October 26, 2026 do not describe an open box or refurbished program, so part of this article rests on recent news reports, named in each section. Costco's own pages are the ones that apply; ask your warehouse before you buy.
Does Costco sell open box items?
We found no Costco page describing an open box section, an open box label or a refurbished program like the ones some electronics stores run. Costco's return policy page, the main official answer on returns, does not mention open box, refurbished or opened items at all.
That does not mean returned goods never reach the floor. As reported by The Takeout (January 2026) and Hunker (January 2026), both owned by Static Media, Costco sends returns to a network of about a dozen processing centers. There, staff sort and inspect items. Both articles say unused returns usually go back to stores to be sold again, and Hunker adds that this often includes items that were opened but not used, after repacking. Neither article names a Costco spokesperson, so treat this as reporting, not official policy.
What happens to other returns
According to the same two reports:
| Condition of the return | Where the reports say it goes |
|---|---|
| Unused, sealed or repacked | Back to warehouse shelves |
| Shows wear or use | Sold to third-party liquidators |
| Unsafe or badly damaged | Thrown away or recycled, not resold |
Reports differ on electronics. A SlashGear article from December 2025 says open box electronics usually do not go back on shelves. With sources split, we cannot say how Costco handles a returned laptop or TV.
How to spot a returned item
No Costco page tells shoppers how to recognize a returned item, and the reports we read do not agree on one sign. In the warehouse, the practical checks are simple: look for broken seals, tape over the original seal, or a box that looks repacked, and ask a staff member if you are unsure.
Buying it is still covered
Whatever its history, an item you buy at Costco falls under the same return policy as any other purchase. Costco's page describes a risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee with these key limits:
- 90 days from the day you received it for TVs, projectors, major appliances, computers, touchscreen tablets, smart wearables, cameras, drones, camcorders, MP3 players and cell phones
- No time limit stated for most other merchandise, apart from listed exceptions
- Online orders can go back to any warehouse, or the return can start on Costco.com
The full rules, exceptions included, are in Costco return policy, and warranty details are in Costco warranty.
A note on these sources
The return rules above come from Costco's official return policy page. What happens to returns comes from The Takeout and Hunker, which agree on the main points; Costco's own pages could not confirm it. Check with Costco before relying on it.
Sources
Costco Return Policy, Costco. What Happens To The Items You Return To Costco, The Takeout, January 2026. Do Returned Household Items At Costco Go Back On The Shelf?, Hunker, January 2026. Here's What Actually Happens To Returned Items At Costco, SlashGear, December 2025. Checked October 26, 2026.