Am I taking advantage of Costco’s return policy here?

As most people know, Costco probably has the best return policy around. I bought a KitchenAid grill from them 2.5 years ago. The one I have looks slightly different (they’ve since updated the model) and I paid $2,300 + tax (basically $2,500 out the door).

This grill is undercover (sees no rain or other elements) and it’s not wearing very well. The burner knobs are starting to chip / discolor and, more importantly, the grill itself has issues with heating evenly (and one of the burners rarely ignites). The hot spots are annoying. And the flames aren’t nearly big enough in my opinion — takes forever to get HOT.

I’m just generally not satisfied with it. Because of this I’ve probably used it a total of 25 times since I bought it.

Would you return it?

Part of me says it’s an asshole move to return it this late but part of me says the grill should be a whole lot better than this when you drop $2,500.

I obviously already know what I want to do.

Thoughts?

Question:
Should I return the grill to Costco?

Choices:
Yes
No

 

I voted 'No', as I think you waited too long. If it was under a year since you bought it, I probably would have voted 'Yes'. It sounds like you knew it wasn't what you wanted early on.

Part of shopping at Costco, and paying a fee for the priveledge, is their commitment to swing a big stick on your behalf. They will force this return onto the manufacturer, where it belongs, and do so much more quickly and efficiently than you could on your own.

My general answer to ethical questions like this is if you have to ask, then you probably shouldn't.

Why is this even a question?

two and a half years? I think you own it IMO.

Two and a half years after purchase..?
Nope.

Nada

Is it still under manufacturers warranty?

Some of you may not shop Costco or know much about it.

It’s quite common for members to return years old mattresses / furniture / appliances / etc.

And they take it back no questions asked. They’d take this back in a heart beat.

But sometimes I’m too damn nice.

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
...

It’s quite common for members to return years old mattresses / furniture / appliances / etc.

...

That doesn't mean it is right.

30, 60, maybe 90 days, but 2.5 years is abuse of policy.

quote:

30, 60, maybe 90 days, but 2.5 years is abuse of policy.

Which is pretty much what he asked for opinions on, but it seems he's already arrived at his decision. Or at least has a strong lean, with rationalization.

quote:

Originally posted by ffips:

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
...

It’s quite common for members to return years old mattresses / furniture / appliances / etc.

...

That doesn't mean it is right.

30, 60, maybe 90 days, but 2.5 years is abuse of policy.

My sentiments.

“It’s quite common for members to return years old mattresses / furniture / appliances / etc.”

I kind of think people who do that are dicks. Things wear out when they’re used.

I would not feel comfortable returning after so long. However, if it is within Costco’s policy only you can decide. I’d agree with others that it should have gone back much sooner, but that’s just me.

If it's within the policies/terms and conditions of the sale, then I don't think there's anything unethical or immoral about it.

I grew up going to the Kirkland Costco every Saturday morning, this is just part of the membership. They're counting on you not taking advantage of the full terms of the agreement.

For those that say it's "too long," too long according to what? Your own principles? If so, what is the correct limits one should set above the policies that a business puts forth?

Unless it was special order, it looks like returning it fits Costco's return policy. I could see using it one summer, it rarely getting used over the winter, and returning it in the spring if it was heating unevenly. However, I'm firmly in the camp that it's been too long.

You could always leave a review. I can't seem to find any.

I voted no. I spoke to COSTCO management about the cost of their return policy, especially right after some big sports event with big screen tv sets. The manager said just for his store the cost was staggering. They can't resell those items so they end up donating them.

Did you contact the manufacturer? I'd be willing to bet they might send you replacement parts for gratis. That's worked for us with high end kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures. We told the companies we were not the original owners. They sent parts gratis for public relations.

So, has it had heating issues since the beginning? Or did you just not grill out as much as you thought you would and you e got some buyers remorse?

Only using it 25 times in two and a half years is a pretty low amount of uses. I’ve used my grill 25 times since the summer and it’s a $50 kettle.

The cosmetic issues are just normal wear and tear I’d say. If the heating issues are new I’d be upset about a $2500 grill not lasting 2.5 years and 25 uses. That isn’t normal wear and tear. No grill manufacturer would ever say it is. My last gas grill lasted my over 10 years and I bet it didn’t cost over $500.

Have you looked into getting it repaired maybe?