All The Name Brands That Make Member’s Mark Products at Sam’s Club

Updated November 14, 2024 by Kyle James
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When shopping at Sam’s Club, one of the biggest draws for members is the private label brand known as Member’s Mark. But have you ever wondered who actually makes these products? I decided to take a deep-dive look at the manufacturers behind Member’s Mark products, how much you can save by opting for them, and whether or not they offer the same quality as their branded counterparts.

All the Name Brands That Make Member’s Mark Products at Sam’s Club

First of All, What Is “Member’s Mark”?

Member’s Mark is Sam’s Club’s private label, created to offer high-quality products at a fraction of the cost of national name brands.

Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, uses Member’s Mark as a way to compete with brands by offering products that are just as good—if not better—than those from big names, but at a lower price.

It’s basically what Kirkland is to Costco, if that helps.

Member’s Mark spans across numerous categories, including:

– Groceries (frozen foods, snacks, beverages, fresh produce)

– Clothing (casual wear, activewear)

– Health & Beauty (vitamins, supplements, beauty products)

– Household Products (cleaning supplies, paper products)

– Furniture & Home Decor (bedding, kitchen appliances, furniture)

– Electronics

The Name-Brands That Make Member’s Mark Products

While Sam’s Club doesn’t disclose exactly who manufactures their Member’s Mark products, it’s well known that many BIG name brands make products specifically for Sam’s.

Here are some of the key categories and their manufacturers:

Bottled Water

Member's Mark water is made by Niagara

– Manufacturer: Niagara Bottling

– Details: After some sleuthing, I found an Amazon review of the Member’s Mark bottled water that proved to be my smoking gun that it was indeed made by Niagara. A gal ordered a case and discovered that it’s simply purified tap water. Turns out a bottling plant run by Niagara (in Richmond, VA) purifies it, adds some stuff for taste, then labels and packages it for Member’s Mark.

Coffee

– Manufacturer: Keurig Green Mountain, Westrock Coffee Roasting, and Treehouse Foods.

– Details: Member’s Mark ground coffee is made by Treehouse and Westrock. Their K-cups are made by Green Mountain and Treehouse.

PRO TIP: CALL SAM’S CLUB AND ASK

If there’s a specific Member’s Mark product that you want to know who the manufacturer is, call Sam’s at (888) 746-7726 and there’s a great chance they can get you the information. Perhaps you’ve had an issue with one of their products, or maybe you’re like me, and just curious. Be proactive, call the number, and they should be able to tell you the company that makes it.

Batteries

– Manufacturer: Energizer

– Details: Energizer makes all Maker’s Mark household batteries including AAA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt. A few years ago a Sam’s shopper actually saw an Energizer rep setting up the battery display, they started up a conversation and he confirmed that Energizer indeed makes them and repackages them for Sam’s Club.

Jeans

– Manufacturer: Wrangler

– Details: I thought this one was funny, when you do a Google search for “Member’s Mark jeans” one of the first results is for Amazon. Then when you click on it, it actually goes to their Wrangler jeans page.

PRO TIP: DON’T SLEEP ON THE MEMBER’S MARK STRAIGHT FIT JEANS

For $14.98, these jeans at Sam’s Club are a great deal. I have a pair and they are the most comfortable jeans I own. Way better fit than my Levi 501, American Eagle straight fit, and a pair of expensive J.Crew jeans that I own. Plenty of room in the crotch, the stretch fit makes them very comfortable in the legs, especially the thigh area. If you like Wrangler jeans, you’ll LOVE these jeans.

Dog Food

– Manufacturer: Purina and Mid America Pet Food

– Details: Purina might make some of their dog food, but Mid America definitely makes most of it. Their tops brands include Eagle Mountain and Victor Premium.

Macarons

– Manufacturer: Sublime Desserts

– Details: Back in 2022, Sam’s had to do a recall right before Christmas on their Macarons. In the FDA filing, it listed the high end dessert maker, Sublime Desserts, out of Saint-Laurent, Canada, as the manufacturer.

Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting Wipes

– Manufacturer: Rockline Industries

– Details: Many believe that Member’s Mark disinfecting wipes are made by Clorox, but they are NOT, they’re made by Rockline Industries. A reviewer on the Sam’s website actually called Sam’s and got the phone number for the manufacturer. (see pic above) When you call the number, it goes directly to Rockline and they verified the information for me.

Many say the product’s texture, packaging, and effectiveness closely resemble Clorox-branded wipes. Looking at the reviews for these, many folks actually like them better than Clorox, citing their thickness and odor as the main reasons.

Peanut Butter (Natural No-Stir Creamy)

– Manufacturer: ConAgra (Peter Pan)

– Details: Many customers suspect that the Member’s Mark peanut butter is produced by ConAgra, the same company behind Peter Pan peanut butter.

Cheese

– Manufacturer: Sargento

– Details: Member’s Mark shredded and sliced cheeses are often thought to be produced by Sargento, offering quality comparable to this well-known dairy brand.

Ice Cream

– Manufacturer: Wells Enterprises (Blue Bunny)

– Details: Wells Enterprises, which produces Blue Bunny ice cream, is believed to supply Member’s Mark ice cream products, known for their rich and creamy textures.

Mayonnaise

– Manufacturer: Hellmann’s/Best Foods

– Details: Member’s Mark mayonnaise is often compared in taste and quality to Hellmann’s/Best Foods, leading to speculation that they share the same manufacturer.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HELLMANN’S AND BEST FOOD

There is no difference, they’re identical. If you live east of the Mississippi, you know it as Hellmann’s. If you live west of the Mississippi, you know it as Best Foods.

Dish Detergent

– Manufacturer: Reckitt Benckiser (Finish)

– Details: Member’s Mark dishwasher pods and detergents are likely produced by Reckitt Benckiser, the same company that manufactures Finish dishwasher products.

Trash Bags

– Manufacturer: Glad

– Details: Member’s Mark trash bags are thought to be manufactured by Glad, which produces well-known trash bags, providing durability and strength at a lower price. A commentor on the Sam’s website agrees as he said they “fold the same” and “unfold the same” leading him to believe that they’re manufactured in the same plant as Glad.

Olive Oil

– Manufacturer: Deoleo (Bertolli)

– Details: Deoleo, the company behind Bertolli olive oil, is believed to manufacture Member’s Mark olive oil, offering a high-quality product at a lower price point.

Frozen Foods, Snacks, and Beverages

– Manufacturer: ConAgra Foods

– Details: ConAgra, known for brands like Hunt’s and Healthy Choice, is believed to make various Member’s Mark frozen foods and snacks.

Meat Products (Chicken, Beef, etc.)

– Manufacturer: Tyson Foods

– Details: Tyson, a leading producer of meat products, is thought to supply Member’s Mark meat items such as frozen chicken and beef.

Baked Goods (Bread, Pastries, etc.)

– Manufacturer: Sara Lee

– Details: Sara Lee is likely the manufacturer behind Member’s Mark bread and other baked goods.

Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, and Napkins

– Manufacturer: Georgia-Pacific and Proctor & Gamble

– Details: Georgia-Pacific, which produces Brawny and Quilted Northern, is thought to manufacture these paper products for Sam’s Club.

Diapers

– Manufacturer: Pampers

– Details: Pretty solid chance these are made by Pampers as parents compare them very equally. And they should know as they’re the ones out in the trenches cleaning up dirty diapers many times a day.

Baby Formula

– Manufacturer: Perrigo

– Details: For years, Mommy bloggers have been writing sponsored posts about the baby formula at Sam’s Club and they have to stipulate who makes it. And guess what? – it’s always Perrigo.

Over-the-Counter Medications and Vitamins

– Manufacturer: Perrigo

– Details: Perrigo, a major producer of over-the-counter drugs, is believed to make Member’s Mark vitamins and supplements.

Skincare and Beauty Products

– Manufacturer: Unilever

– Details: Unilever, the company behind brands like Dove, is thought to manufacture Member’s Mark skincare items.

Cleaning Products (Bleach, Household Cleaners)

– Manufacturer: Clorox and Reckitt Benckiser

– Details: The Clorox Company, which produces Clorox bleach and Pine-Sol, may also manufacture some of the Member’s Mark cleaning products. Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Lysol and Finish, is likely behind Member’s Mark cleaning supplies.

Potential Savings When Buying Member’s Mark

One of the main reasons shoppers choose Member’s Mark over name brands is the significant cost savings.

Across all product categories, the savings can range from 10% to 50%, depending on the item. Here’s a breakdown of the average savings by category:

  • Groceries: Savings of 15-25% on products like frozen foods, snacks, and beverages.
  • Paper Products: Savings of 10-25% on items like paper towels and toilet paper.
  • Baby Products: Savings of 15-30% on diapers, wipes, and baby formula.
  • Health & Beauty: Savings of 20-40% on vitamins, supplements, and skincare products.
  • Household Products: Savings of 10-25% on cleaning supplies, detergents, and paper products.
  • Furniture & Home Goods: Savings of 20-40% on larger home goods, such as mattresses, bedding, and kitchen appliances.

These savings can really add up, especially when you consider that many of these items are bought in bulk.

For example, buying a bulk pack of Member’s Mark paper towels could save you 20% compared to the name-brand equivalent, which can add up to significant yearly savings on household essentials.

Quality of Member’s Mark Products vs. Name Brands

One of the biggest concerns shoppers have when choosing private label products is whether they’re getting the same quality as name brands.

However, many Member’s Mark products are made by the same manufacturers that produce name-brand goods, so the quality is often identical—or sometimes even better.

For example, Member’s Mark vitamins are made to the same specifications as national brands, and many of the household products, such as cleaning supplies, are manufactured by industry leaders.

In blind taste tests, Member’s Mark food items, often score just as high as name-brand products, if not higher.

Why You Should Consider Switching to Member’s Mark

If you’re a frequent Sam’s Club shopper, switching to Member’s Mark products can lead to significant savings over time.

By choosing Member’s Mark for everyday items like groceries, cleaning supplies, and health products, you can stretch your budget without sacrificing quality.

Here are some reasons why you should consider switching to Member’s Mark:

Substantial Savings: As mentioned, the cost savings can range from 10% to 50% depending on the product category. Over the course of a year, these savings can really add up, especially for items you purchase regularly.

High Quality: Many Member’s Mark products are manufactured by the same companies that produce goods for national brands. You’re essentially getting the same product but at a lower price.

Bulk Buying Benefits: Since Sam’s Club is a warehouse store, you can purchase many of these products in bulk, which helps drive the price per unit even lower.

Positive Customer Reviews: Many Sam’s Club members rave about the quality and value of Member’s Mark products. From the tasty food options to the durable household goods, shoppers consistently report being pleased with their purchases.

Ask the Reader: What Member’s Mark products did I miss and what’s the associated name brand? Let me know in the comments and I’ll research it, thanks.


By Kyle James

How to Search Amazon to Find Affordable Alternatives to Expensive Name-Brands

Updated November 7, 2024 by Kyle James
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If you love the aesthetic of brands like Wayfair, Anthropologie, or Pottery Barn but want to save money, Amazon can be a treasure trove of similar styles at lower prices. Here’s a simple strategy: by typing these brand names into the Amazon search bar, you can uncover affordable alternatives that match the look and feel of high-end items. This can be a great way to get the designer look for less, whether you’re shopping for furniture, décor, or home accessories.

Use Amazon to Find Affordable Alternatives to Name-Brand Items

Why This Works

Many sellers on Amazon create products inspired by popular styles from top-tier brands, but without the name-brand markup.

By using keywords like “Wayfair,” “Anthropologie,” or “Pottery Barn,” you’re telling Amazon’s search engine to prioritize listings that are either similar in design or tagged by sellers trying to capture that market.

As a result, you’ll often find products with comparable features, but at a fraction of the cost.

5 Tips for Success

1. Be Broad in Your Search

Start by typing the name of the store you’re inspired by, such as “Wayfair” or “Pottery Barn.”

Then get more specific by adding terms like “sofa,” “rug,” or “lamp.”

For example, a search for “Anthropologie mirror” will pull up BOTH name-brand and similar items and they’ll ALL be cheaper than Anthropologie.

2. Use Filters

Once you see results, use Amazon’s filters to narrow down the selection.

Sort by price, customer reviews, or even materials to find the best deals.

You can also filter for “Free Shipping” or “Prime-eligible” to ensure a faster and cheaper delivery.

3. Check Seller Ratings and Reviews

Many third-party sellers will use popular brand names to attract attention, but you’ll want to make sure their products hold up.

Always check the ratings, read reviews, and look for verified purchases to gauge quality before buying.

PRO TIP: USE AMAZON’S “CUSTOMERS ALSO BOUGHT” AND “SPONSORED PRODUCTS”

When you click on a product, scroll down to the “Customers Also Bought” section or check out the “Sponsored Products” listings. These recommendations often lead to even more affordable alternatives inspired by top brands. With the right filters and a little browsing, you’ll be able to style your home for less without compromising on design.

4. Consider ‘Amazon Brands’

Amazon has several in-house brands, like Rivet and Stone & Beam, that offer trendy, well-designed home furnishings.

These brands are often less expensive but still provide a chic, high-end feel similar to Wayfair or Pottery Barn.

See Also: 21 Clever Tips For Savings at Wayfair

5. Compare Before You Buy

Use the brand’s original website to compare prices and styles.

Sometimes, the savings might not be significant enough to justify going off-brand.

But more often than not, you’ll be able to spot significant price differences for similar designs.

Popular Name Brands to Try on Amazon

Here’s a handy list of 14 name brands you can start searching for on Amazon to find stylish, budget-friendly alternatives:

1. Anthropologie Home

Anthropologie Home on Amazon

Famous for its boho-chic vibe, searching “Anthropologie bedding” or “Anthropologie wall art” can reveal similar whimsical and artistic pieces on Amazon.

2. West Elm

West Elm Nightstands on Amazon

Known for its mid-century modern pieces, search for “West Elm dining table” or “West Elm lighting” to find sleek, minimalist alternatives.

PRO TIP: WEST ELM OUTLET IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE

If you prefer West Elm products over what you can find on Amazon, ALWAYS check out their Open Box Outlet Deals first. It’s a little known section of their website where you can finds savings up to 75% on furniture, rugs, window coverings, kitchen products. These are all items that have been opened and returned but are still in “like new” condition.

See Also: Fool Your Kids With the Best Fast Food Dupes

3. CB2

A favorite for chic, modern décor and furnishings, try searching “CB2 bar stools” or “CB2 side table” to discover affordable look-alikes.

4. Wayfair

Wayfair on Amazon

Known for affordable modern and farmhouse-style furniture, searching for “Wayfair bed frame” or “Wayfair dining table” can yield plenty of affordable options.

5. Restoration Hardware

For luxury, industrial, and vintage-inspired items, search “Restoration Hardware chandelier” or “Restoration Hardware sofa” for similar designs at lower prices.

6. Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel is known for clean, modern lines and high-quality pieces.

Search “Crate & Barrel dining chairs” or “Crate & Barrel sofa” to find comparable items.

7. Jonathan Adler

With its bold and artistic designs, a search for “Jonathan Adler vase” or “Jonathan Adler furniture” can lead you to fun, colorful pieces with a designer feel.

8. Serena & Lily

For coastal and casual chic vibes, searching “Serena & Lily bed frame” or “Serena & Lily rug” on Amazon will pull up similar beachy, relaxed styles.

9. Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn on Amazon

For timeless, classic home furnishings, search “Pottery Barn sofa” or “Pottery Barn throw pillows” to find Amazon alternatives that offer similar textures and designs.

10. Herman Miller

Known for its ergonomic and iconic furniture, especially office chairs, search “Herman Miller office chair” to discover affordable alternatives to its well-designed, functional pieces.

11. Article

Article couches on Amazon

Article offers modern, Scandinavian-inspired furniture.

Try searching “Article sofa” or “Article coffee table” to find sleek, minimalistic substitutes.

12. Joybird

Joybird specializes in customizable furniture with a vintage-modern twist.

Look for terms like “Joybird sectional” or “Joybird armchair” for similar pieces.

13. Urban Outfitters Home

Urban Outfitters Home on Amazon

For trendy, youthful home decor, search for “Urban Outfitters rug” or “Urban Outfitters wall art” to uncover affordable, trendy home accents.

14. Shein Clothing

Shein clothing is very popular “fast fashion” apparel that ships straight from China.

Start searching for “Shein tops” and “Shein outfits” on Amazon and find some very similar styles and NOT have to wait over a week for it to get to your front door like you would if you ordered directly from Shein.

See Also: Shein Review: Let’s Break Down the Good, Bad, & Ugly

Ask the Reader: What other brands should we be searching for on Amazon to get some budget friendly inspiration? Let me know in the comments.


By Kyle James

9 Stores That Let You Keep Returns – And Still Give You Your Money Back

Updated December 18, 2024 by Kyle James
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A growing trend among retailers is a “keep it” policy which allows customers to keep items they try to return. This often happens when the cost of processing and restocking the item is more than its value or if the product is unlikely to be resold. This customer-friendly practice serves two purposes: first, it improves customer satisfaction and loyalty, and second, it cuts operational costs for the retailer. Below is a breakdown of the 9 major retailers who allow customers to keep some items they try to return along with some personal experiences on each.

PRO TIP: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

If you try and “game the return system” to get free stuff, you’re gonna be disappointed and probably get banned from future returns with most of these retailers.

Instead, use this list when doing price comparisons. For example, if something you’re going to buy is the same price at XYZ Store as it is with one of the below retailers, then buy from one of these stores that often lets you keep returns. I feel this is the secret sauce and then when they let you “keep it” it’s just icing on the cake.

1. Amazon

Amazon chat session

Amazon has become almost synonymous with convenience, and that extends to its return policies.

If you’ve ever returned a low-cost or bulky item to Amazon, you might have encountered this policy.

For inexpensive items, particularly those that would be costly for Amazon to ship back and restock, they may simply refund your money and tell you to keep the product.

Why Does Amazon Do This?

Amazon handles millions of returns every year.

For lower-cost items like cheap electronics, household items, or apparel, it sometimes makes more financial sense for Amazon to let you keep the product rather than deal with the cost of shipping and restocking.

Examples of items customers have been asked to keep:

– Low-value electronics like earbuds, phone accessories, or chargers. Think of $20 or less as the sweet spot.

– Household items such as organizers, kitchen gadgets, or decor.

– Some apparel items, especially if they are low cost and lightweight.

This policy isn’t applied across the board but is more likely when the cost of the return exceeds the value of the product.

RAY-BAN SUNGLASSES FROM AMAZON

Must recently, I had Amazon tell me to keep a pair of $150 Ray-Ban sunglasses that they sent me that were clearly previously opened. While the glasses themselves were in great shape, the box had been tampered with and opened.

They actually sent me a new pair and told me to keep the ones they had already sent me. I’m guessing they did this because they’d have to sell them to a Amazon salvage store for pennies on the dollar.

See Also: The BEST Store Return Policies in the Known Universe

2. Walmart

Walmart store logo

As one of the world’s largest retailers, Walmart also offers a fairly generous return policy and has been known to let customers keep inexpensive or bulky items after requesting a return.

They actually use AI to determine if it’s worth it for you to actually return the item which I found interesting.

Why Does Walmart Allow Customers to Keep Some Returned Items?

Walmart handles an enormous amount of returns, and like Amazon, they assess the cost-benefit of accepting an item back.

For inexpensive items that may be difficult to resell, it’s more cost-effective for Walmart to let the customer keep the product rather than pay for return shipping and then restock it.

Walmart items customers have been told to keep:

– Small kitchen appliances like blenders or toasters

– Apparel and accessories

– Low-cost electronics

– Toys and other inexpensive household items

– Car batteries (for safety reasons)

– Large bulky items that cost less than $20.

– Food items like meats, bakery products, and dairy. If these spoil before the best-by date they’ll give you your money back and tell you to keep it.

Also, keep in mind that Walmart’s decision may depend on whether the product was shipped from their warehouse or sold through a third-party marketplace seller.

A WORD OF WARNING FROM WALMART

The Walmart app is notorious for letting you keep items you try to return. But if you try and scam the system, be aware that they’re tracking your returns and if you reach a certain dollar amount you’re account will be flagged and you’ll be told you have to take all future returns back to a Walmart location. When I asked an assistant store manager what the dollar amount was they said they could not let that become public knowledge.

3. Target

Target returns desk

Target is another retailer with an emphasis on customer satisfaction, and their return policy is well-regarded for being flexible.

In certain situations, Target will allow customers to keep items instead of going through the process of returning them.

How Target Decides to Let You Keep a Product

Target uses a case-by-case approach when deciding whether to ask a customer to return an item or to let them keep it.

Factors such as the item’s value, shipping costs, and the likelihood of reselling the item all play a role in this decision.

Similar to other retailers, this policy is more common for lower-cost or bulky items.

Target keep the return

Common items that Target tells shoppers to keep:

– Low-cost home goods

– Apparel and footwear

– Baby items like toys or clothing

– Small electronics

– Opened food or perishables

– Opened beauty products

Target has streamlined its returns process through the Target app, making it easy for customers to initiate returns, and sometimes customers will be given the option to keep the item when the cost to process the return is too high.

See Also: The Stores Famous for Reducing Prices Near Expiration Dates

4. Chewy

Chewy return box

Chewy, an online retailer for pet products, has made a name for itself with exceptional customer service.

Their customer-first approach includes being lenient with returns.

In many cases, Chewy has been known to issue a refund and allow customers to keep the item, particularly if it’s food or a product that might not be resold due to health and safety reasons.

Why Chewy Lets You Keep Some Products

Chewy specializes in pet products, which often have strict regulations about reselling, especially when it comes to food and consumables.

If a customer is unhappy with a product or it arrives damaged, Chewy will often refund the purchase without asking for the item back, particularly if returning the item isn’t feasible for resale or restocking.

Items Chewy customers are often allowed to keep:

– Pet food

– Pet toys

– Bedding and accessories

– Small pet care items

In cases where customers are allowed to keep the product, Chewy often encourages them to donate the item to a local shelter, further enhancing their reputation as a customer- and community-focused company.

WRONG DOG FOOD SENT

Earlier this year, our husky seemed to be loosing weight and not eating her dry kibble so I ordered some wet food from Chewy to mix in with her dry food. They sent me the wrong food for whatever reason.

I contacted them via live chat and they apologized profusely and sent me the correct food. They then told me to keep the food and donate it to a shelter or give it to a friend with a dog.

5. Wayfair

Wayfair online store

Wayfair, the online home goods and furniture retailer, deals with large, heavy, and sometimes low-cost items, making returns more complicated.

Because of the nature of their products, Wayfair is another retailer known for occasionally allowing customers to keep items they wish to return.

Why Wayfair Lets You Keep Some Returns

Furniture and home decor can be heavy, expensive to ship, and difficult to restock.

Wayfair often works with third-party sellers, and if an item is damaged or not as expected, it may not be worth the logistical cost of processing the return.

Also, for lower-cost items, especially those that are hard to ship or resell, Wayfair may let customers keep them.

Examples of items people have been asked to keep:

– Home decor like rugs, curtains, or small furniture

– Kitchen items like dining sets or cookware

– Lighting fixtures

– Bedding and linens

Wayfair’s flexible return policy is intended to keep customers happy, especially when shopping online for large items.

See Also: All The HIGH Quality Store Brands Made By Name Brands

6. Zappos

Zappos returns box

Zappos is known for its exceptional customer service and quite liberal return policy.

They focus on shoes and apparel, and in some cases, they have been known to let customers keep products when they aren’t satisfied.

Why Zappos Chooses to Let You Keep Certain Products

Zappos is part of the Amazon family, and like its parent company, they emphasize customer satisfaction.

Shipping shoes and apparel back and forth can become costly, and in cases where the item is inexpensive or can’t easily be resold, Zappos may decide it’s more efficient to let customers keep the product.

Items Zappos has let customers keep:

– Low-cost shoes and sandals

– Small accessories like belts or hats

– Apparel items like shirts or pants

The value of the item and whether it is likely to be resold are important factors in Zappos’ decision to allow customers to keep products after attempting to return them.

ZAPPOS LET ME KEEP HIKING SHOES

About a year ago, I bought a pair of hiking shoes from Zappos and when they showed up they were visibly used and had scuff marks on the soles. After a quick live chat session with Zappos they told me to keep the shoes as they were being discontinued and gave me an instant refund.

7. Costco

Costco returns desk

Costco is known for its generous return policy, which allows customers to return almost anything at any time.

While they don’t often let customers keep items they attempt to return in-store, it happens somewhat often when shopping at Costco.com.

In particular, it happens with lower-cost perishables as well as bulk items, where it’s WAY cheaper for Costco to let the customer keep the product.

Why Costco Might Let You Keep a Product

Costco operates on a membership-based model, and part of their customer service ethos is to ensure members feel valued.

If an item is damaged or faulty and the cost of returning it is high, Costco may offer a refund and allow the customer to keep the product.

Common items customers have been asked to keep:

– Bulk household goods

– Small electronics

– Low-cost apparel

– Kitchen items and home goods

Costco’s decision to allow customers to keep an item typically hinges on the cost of shipping and the condition of the product.

THIS WORKS ONLY WITH COSTCO.COM

I was surprised that Costco made this article UNTIL I started talking to several Costco members. Turns out this happens fairly often when shopping at Costco.com. Online items that they were told to keep include cheese, deli items, and even gift baskets.

See Also: How To Find a Costco Return Store and Save BIG

8. Kohl’s

Kohl's takes Amazon returns

Kohl’s is another retailer that offers easy returns, including a convenient partnership with Amazon that allows customers to return Amazon products at Kohl’s stores.

While Kohl’s return policy is fairly standard, there have been instances where customers are allowed to keep products they wish to return.

When Kohl’s Might Let You Keep a Product

Kohl’s tends to allow customers to keep items that are inexpensive or difficult to restock.

Like other retailers, they weigh the costs of shipping and restocking versus the value of the product.

For low-cost items, it’s sometimes more practical to let customers keep the product.

Examples of items Kohl’s has let customers keep:

– Inexpensive apparel and footwear

– Small home goods like candles or picture frames

– Low-cost electronics

– Kitchenware

– Damaged items that it’s not worth paying the return shipping charges on.

9. Home Depot

Home Depot bucket

Home Depot, known for selling home improvement products, also faces challenges with returns, especially for large, bulky, or custom items.

In some cases, Home Depot has allowed customers to keep items they attempted to return.

Why Home Depot Might Let You Keep a Product

If an item is damaged or if the cost of shipping and handling is too high, Home Depot may issue a refund and allow the customer to keep the item.

This is especially common with bulky items like furniture, storage containers, or small appliances.

Items customers have been asked to keep:

– Furniture

– Lighting fixtures

– Small appliances

– Garden tools

– Large storage containers like Rubbermaid and Lifetime products.

Home Depot’s decision to allow customers to keep items they try to return is usually based on logistics and costs.

While not all retailers have a blanket policy allowing customers to keep items they try to return, many companies have recognized the value of doing so in certain cases.

It’s a cost-saving measure for businesses, but also a way to build customer loyalty by offering hassle-free resolutions.

BONUS: Shein is Starting To Do This Too

Shein bags

In recent months, I’ve been hearing from Shein shoppers telling me that they let them keep stuff they tried to return as well.

While Shein is a legit online clothing company, there’s no arguing the fact that their clothing is pretty cheap and not made to hold up.

With that said, it makes sense that they don’t want to pay the return shipping costs all the way to China.

So they’ll let you keep it instead. You can keep it, donate it, or put it on your dog.

Ask the Reader: What other stores have let you keep stuff and still refunded your money? Let me know so I can research them and potentially add them to this article.


By Kyle James