15 Things to Know Before Buying Appliances From Costco

Costco, the world’s fifth-largest retailer, has carved out a niche for itself as a bulk seller at knock-down prices, but they also have a robust appliance selection.

You can get your fridge or oven or dishwasher from Costco, but you should shop prepared. Therefore, here are 15 things to know before buying appliances from Costco!

15 Things to Know Before Buying Appliances From Costco In [currentyear]


1. You Will Have to Be a Member to Purchase Most Appliances From Costco

Costco allows non-members to shop a surprising number of items from its website or partake in some of its in-store services, like the pharmacy and vision center.

Unfortunately, though, the deals on appliances from Costco are so good, most of them are limited to members only.

There are a few here and there that can be purchased by anyone shopping online, but for the most part, the wider selection is limited for just members.

2. There Is a Great Selection of Appliances From Costco

For a warehouse store that doesn’t specialize in anything in particular (except good deals), Costco has a great selection of appliances.

Currently, Costco sells no fewer than 100 different kinds of ranges, 34 different range hoods, 18 cooktops and 14 wall ovens on the company website.

As another example, Costco also sells over 100 different types of refrigerators, including French door-style, top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-sides and even compacts.

Costco’s selection might be smaller than a major home improvement chain, or even your local, dedicated appliance store, but the company provides superior service and savings.

3. Shop for Appliances From Costco Online or in Stores

Everyone has their own preferred method of shopping, and at Costco, you can opt for in-store or online.

The benefits to heading into the warehouse are, of course, that you can see the fridge or oven in person and touch the handles or knobs to get a feel for it.

But of course, the benefit of shopping online is that you can do it at any time of day or night.

Either way, you receive all the service and perks that are mentioned later in this article.

4. Find Appliances From Costco Under the Name Brands You Trust

While there is no denying that Kirkland Signature, Costco’s house brand, is high-quality, it’s natural for shoppers to want appliances with name brands they recognize.

Costco certainly delivers that, with big names like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Kenmore, and more.

Therefore, Costco likely carries the exact same fridge or dishwasher that you can find at Lowe’s or Home Depot, but the difference is that Costco members can pay much less for those models.

5. Choose Appliances From Costco, Big and Small

Costco not only sells large appliances like washer/dryer sets and massive refrigerators, the company has a selection of smaller appliances, as well.

Costco sells items such as mixers, blenders and juicers, indoor grills, pressure cookers and slow cookers, toaster ovens, air fryers, rice cookers, vacuums and microwaves.

6. Get Your Appliances From Costco for Less

Costco doesn’t always have the best prices on appliances, but it’s rare that the prices are overly expensive.

A writer for Apartment Therapy compared appliance prices between Costco and Amazon, and Costco ended up coming out on top.

Not only was the base price of a dishwasher better, but Costco’s already included installation services.

The Spruce ranked Costco among the very best retailers from which to purchase appliances.

According to their article, “…what Costco lacks in variety it makes up for with savings…”

Ultimately, it does pay to shop around and be aware of what retailers are running sales or deals, but don’t be surprised if the best price can be found at Costco.

7. There Is No Financing on Appliances From Costco

One major drawback to purchasing a big-ticket item like a washer/dryer set is that Costco doesn’t offer financing on any products.

You can’t buy an appliance today and pay it off for the next year; rather, it must be paid for in full before Costco will deliver it.

Therefore, you will have to make sure you have the money on hand. One workaround, however, is the Costco Anywhere Visa credit card by Citi.

This is a credit card that Costco shoppers can use to get two percent cash back on their purchases.

Executive members can get even more back, because they already get two percent cash back with their membership, and they would get the Costco Visa cash back, as well.

8. Bring Home Appliances From Costco with Free Shipping

Whether you shop in-store or online, you don’t have to worry about bringing home your Costco appliances all by yourself (the horror!).

Instead, the cost of shipping is included in whatever price you end up paying at checkout.

Surprisingly, Costco shipping can even be faster than Amazon, as it was in the Apartment Therapy article mentioned above.

9. You Have 90 Days to Return Your Appliances to Costco

9. You Have 90 Days to Return Your Appliances to Costco

Per Costco’s return policy, major appliance returns are handled a little differently than a sweatshirt that doesn’t fit, for example.

Costco’s electronics return policy allows 90 days from the date the appliance was received for a free, money-back return.

Obviously, most people could not handle the return of a dishwasher on their own, so Costco will arrange for an item pick-up.

After initiating the return, Costco will email you with further instructions.

Again, you can return any Costco appliance within 90 days of receipt, and the retailer doesn’t charge you return shipping.

10. Appliances From Costco Come with Extended Warranties

If you still like your appliance from Costco, but something has gone wrong with it, never fear.

The typical manufacturer’s warranty lasts a year, but Costco extends it for a second year.

That means if the appliance stops working or starts malfunctioning, you have two years’ access to a repair, replacement or refund, at Costco’s discretion.

11. Save Even More on Appliances From Costco By Waiting for Sales

Even at Costco, appliances constitute a major investment.

However, the retailer does run sales throughout the year to align with different holidays, like Black Friday, Memorial Day, and even Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Check often, in-store or online, for special sales and deals that will knock off even more from the  already-discounted price.

12. Haul Away Service Is Included with Most Appliances From Costco

So, you have a brand new fridge from Costco coming? Great! Now what are you going to do with your old one?

If you aren’t planning to hold onto it, you also don’t have to plan to get rid of it on your own, because Costco offers free haul-away for most old appliances.

This ensures that the machine is disposed of properly and safely, and the burden of doing so is removed from the customer.

13. Receive Basic Installation with Appliances From Costco

Costco delivery ensures that the appliance you have purchased is installed and working before the delivery person leaves.

Your delivery date and time will be scheduled, so make sure your house is prepared for the moving of large appliances in and out.

Further, the included installation is basic – hooking up water lines, plugging in, etc.

Therefore, any issues that arise and require expertise beyond that will have to be handled by the customer, at their own expense.

14. Take Advantage of Concierge Services with Appliances From Costco

Costco’s electronics warranties include Concierge Services, available at 1-866-861-0450.

This is the first stop for customers who find their appliances need servicing.

An expert representative on the phone can help walk you through basic troubleshooting.

If further servicing is required, Costco will also help you arrange that.

15. A Tip for the Delivery Person of Your Appliances From Costco Is Always Appreciated

While not required, tipping your appliance delivery person is very much appreciated.

Considering how large and heavy appliances can be, plus the need to have them installed, you would not be amiss in slipping the delivery person a five-dollar bill.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Costco installs appliances, Costco appliance return policy, and if Costco delivers appliances.

Conclusion

Shoppers can often find appliances from Costco for less than at other retailers, while still having access to a good selection of brand names and top-of-the-line models.

Even better, Costco appliances come with free shipping and basic installation, as well as free Concierge Services, a two-year warranty and a 90-day return period.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

2 thoughts on “15 Things to Know Before Buying Appliances From Costco”

  1. My first experience buying appliances from Costco has been frustrating. The delivery date has been delayed over a month now and I still do not have a delivery date. If you are not in a hurry and have the time to call Costco every week to keep them “on it” then you can get a pretty good price, but do not believe the delivery dates. I am sure they will arrive eventually!

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