The Sam’s Club return policy is pretty darn solid. But is it as good as Costco’s? Not only will we explore that question, but we’ll answer all your other concerns about Sam’s policy. Return smart and carry on.

Similar to the Costco return policy, Sam’s allows you to return items ANY TIME after your purchase on most items.

Items can be opened and used and still be returned.

See Also: 7 Ways to Shop at Sam’s Club Without a Membership

Some Exceptions to the Unlimited Return Days

– Major Appliances: 90 days.

– Tires and Batteries: Depends on the manufacturer’s warranty. Check it out first.

– Cell Phones: 14 days from date of purchase.

– Televisions: 90 days.

– Computers and Tablets: 90 days.

– Contact Lenses: 365 days, must be unopened.

– Electronics: 90 days. Before you return an item you might want to call 1-877-758-4346 for free technical support from tech experts.

– Games and Software: 90 days.

– Movies and Music: 90 days. If you open it, they’ll only take it back if the CD or DVD is defective.

PRO TIP: WHICH IS BETTER? COSTCO OR SAM’S

Tough question, but I’d go with Costco’s return policy for ONE reason.

Costco is better in terms of tracking your purchases so you don’t need a receipt. If you lose your receipt with Sam’s, it appears to be a 50/50 chance that you can make the return. More on this below.

Your Options If the Dog Ate Your Receipt

They prefer that you hold on to your receipt to make your return a breeze.

But…if you don’t have your receipt, they’ll do their best to locate it within their computer system.

Apparently it is not a given that they’ll be able to locate your purchase history.

In any case, be prepared to show your driver’s license so they can track your return history.

This is NOT as a good as Costco as they’ll always be able to look up your purchase when sans receipt.

UPDATE: Thanks to Dirk for letting me know that you can login to your Sam’s account online and access all your old receipts.

You can simply view and print copies of them and make your return at Sam’s a piece of cake. 

PRO TIP: PERISHABLE ITEMS

If you’re dissatisfied with the quality of perishables like produce, dairy, meats, bakery, and prepared foods, Sam’s offers a satisfaction guarantee.

For in-club purchases, you can return the item directly to the club for a refund or replacement.

For online orders, you can request a replacement or refund through their online system.

In some cases, especially with perishable goods, Sam’s Club may not require you to return the item to process the refund.

Most Items Bought Online Can Be Returned In-Store

You can return 99.5% of items bought online to any Sam’s Club location.

A few of the notable exceptions include golf carts, vending machines, and auction purchases.

I have NO idea what a Sam’s Club “auction purchase” is. If you know, let me know in the comments, thanks.

Also, it’s worth noting that products bought in-store cannot be returned via the mail, you must take them back to a Sam’s warehouse.

See Also: Cabela’s Return Policy: Can You Return Firearms and Ammo?

Some Items Are Non-Returnable

You’ll have a hard time trying to bring back any of these items…

– Alcohol: This one varies by state, ask at your local Sam’s if you’re not sure about your state law.

– Cigarettes and Tobacco: This is not 100% true. Some Sam’s locations do allow you to return cancer sticks.

– Personalized Items: Think about items like a personalized birthday cake.

– Contact Lenses: This is only true if you open the box they came in.

– Eyeglasses: 14 days from date of purchase.

– Gift Cards: BTW, Sam’s is a great place to buy discounted gift cards for local restaurants and retailers.

– Hearing Aids: Make sure they work before you leave Sam’s.

– Ticket Sales.

– Prescriptions: There are some exceptions, ask the pharmacist about it when you get your free consult.

– Car Tires and Batteries: This one depends on the manufacturer’s warranty.

Their Return Policy on Mattresses

I started a live chat session with Sam’s Club as I couldn’t find their return policy on mattresses anywhere.

At first they told me they need to contact the vendor as they give them return instructions.

I then said, “It’s a Serta, will you take it back? It’s very uncomfortable and hurts my back.”

They immediately said, “Yes, definitely we can take it back.”

If you bought it in-store, take it back to Sam’s.

If you bought it online, call them at 1 (888) 746-7726 for specific instructions.

You’ll Pay Return Shipping Charges

If you decide you simply don’t want the item then you’ll have to pay the return shipping charges.

If the reason for the return is an error by Sam’s, or a defective product, then they’ll pay the return shipping fees.

You Can Return Items to a Different Sam’s Club

You can with these 3 important exceptions:

– Alcohol: If you live in a state that allows you to return alcohol you have to bring it back to the Sam’s Club that you bought it from.

– Cigarettes and Tobacco Products: Same as above.

– Contact Lenses: Unopened contacts must be returned within 30 days to the Sam’s where you bought them.

Do NOT Abuse Their Return Policy

Because their return policy is quite generous, Sam’s inevitably gets shoppers bringing back some pretty crazy items.

Many of which border on “policy abuse”.

Keep in mind that like any generous return policy, it will eventually go away if abused.

To that end, you’ll be banned if you regularly return items like brown bananas or an invisible watermelon.

Return smart and carry on.

Ask the Reader: What has been your experience with the Sam’s Club return policy?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to JJBers.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)