Attention shoppers! Employee leaks shocking truth about this item's nationwide return policy—are you affected?
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Veronica E.
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For many American families, a trip to Costco is more than just shopping—it's a familiar routine, a place where you can stock up on essentials and score great deals.
Known for its bulk products and famously generous return policy, Costco has built a reputation for keeping customers happy.
But a recent revelation from an employee has sparked nationwide debate, leaving shoppers wondering if a major change is in store.
It turns out that one everyday grocery staple—something found in nearly every household and essential to countless meals—has been quietly added to Costco’s no-return list.
For loyal shoppers who rely on the store’s famously flexible return policy, this unexpected change has raised quite a few questions.
Why this sudden shift? And more importantly, how might it affect your next shopping trip?

A Costco employee recently shared on social media that customers attempting to return eggs were being turned away.
This comes at a time when egg prices and availability have been a hot topic, largely due to the ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak.
The discussion quickly gained traction, with many shoppers agreeing that restricting egg returns makes sense, especially given concerns over hoarding and supply chain disruptions.
Costco’s return policy has always been legendary, with stories of customers bringing back years-old mattresses and other heavily used products.
The company states, "We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell and will refund your purchase price," but there are exceptions—electronics, diamonds, alcohol, cigarettes, and certain special-order items are all non-returnable.
Perishable items like eggs have generally been returnable if customers were unsatisfied, but this new policy shift suggests a different approach—possibly a temporary measure to manage the current crisis.
With egg prices soaring and supply chains under strain, Costco has already placed a limit of three cartons per customer.
This is in line with other retailers' efforts to stabilize availability.
The bird flu outbreak hasn’t just affected grocery stores—restaurants are also feeling the pinch, with some even adding surcharges to egg-based menu items.
According to Dr. Jim Keen, a veterinary sciences expert, this egg shortage may not resolve anytime soon.
Repopulating farms and raising new egg-laying hens takes time, meaning high prices and limited availability could persist for a while.
Despite government efforts to contain the outbreak, the situation remains unpredictable.
The cost of eggs varies widely across the country, with Hawaii seeing the highest prices at $9.73 per dozen and Missouri at the lower end at $4.24.
These fluctuations highlight the instability in the market and the ongoing impact of the bird flu on the poultry industry.
If you're a Costco shopper, it's important to be aware of the current restrictions on egg returns.
While this policy might not be permanent or apply in every store, it’s a good reminder to plan your purchases wisely—especially when buying in bulk during times of shortage.
Related articles:
The surprising state where egg prices have hit $10—will your state be next?
Egg limits hit stores, shoppers scramble to stock up!
Have you run into issues with returns at Costco? Do you have any tips for managing the egg shortage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Read next: Protect your money: How a Chicago couple lost $4,500 to a vicious tap-and-pay scam–and how you can avoid the same fate!
Known for its bulk products and famously generous return policy, Costco has built a reputation for keeping customers happy.
But a recent revelation from an employee has sparked nationwide debate, leaving shoppers wondering if a major change is in store.
It turns out that one everyday grocery staple—something found in nearly every household and essential to countless meals—has been quietly added to Costco’s no-return list.
For loyal shoppers who rely on the store’s famously flexible return policy, this unexpected change has raised quite a few questions.
Why this sudden shift? And more importantly, how might it affect your next shopping trip?

One everyday grocery staple has just been added to the no-return list—here's what you need to know! Image Source: Unsplash / Getty Images.
The egg-ception to the rule
A Costco employee recently shared on social media that customers attempting to return eggs were being turned away.
This comes at a time when egg prices and availability have been a hot topic, largely due to the ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak.
The discussion quickly gained traction, with many shoppers agreeing that restricting egg returns makes sense, especially given concerns over hoarding and supply chain disruptions.
Also read: 10 game-changing health tips: From beets to flossing, discover how to supercharge your week!
Costco’s return policy: a closer look
Costco’s return policy has always been legendary, with stories of customers bringing back years-old mattresses and other heavily used products.
The company states, "We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell and will refund your purchase price," but there are exceptions—electronics, diamonds, alcohol, cigarettes, and certain special-order items are all non-returnable.
Perishable items like eggs have generally been returnable if customers were unsatisfied, but this new policy shift suggests a different approach—possibly a temporary measure to manage the current crisis.
The poultry predicament
With egg prices soaring and supply chains under strain, Costco has already placed a limit of three cartons per customer.
This is in line with other retailers' efforts to stabilize availability.
The bird flu outbreak hasn’t just affected grocery stores—restaurants are also feeling the pinch, with some even adding surcharges to egg-based menu items.
Also read: Protect yourself: What to do if police knock at your door in the middle of the night
Expert insights
According to Dr. Jim Keen, a veterinary sciences expert, this egg shortage may not resolve anytime soon.
Repopulating farms and raising new egg-laying hens takes time, meaning high prices and limited availability could persist for a while.
Despite government efforts to contain the outbreak, the situation remains unpredictable.
Egg prices by state
The cost of eggs varies widely across the country, with Hawaii seeing the highest prices at $9.73 per dozen and Missouri at the lower end at $4.24.
These fluctuations highlight the instability in the market and the ongoing impact of the bird flu on the poultry industry.
If you're a Costco shopper, it's important to be aware of the current restrictions on egg returns.
While this policy might not be permanent or apply in every store, it’s a good reminder to plan your purchases wisely—especially when buying in bulk during times of shortage.
Related articles:
The surprising state where egg prices have hit $10—will your state be next?
Egg limits hit stores, shoppers scramble to stock up!
Key Takeaways
- Costco is rejecting returns of eggs in response to customers hoarding during the bird flu outbreak and subsequent shortages.
- The return of perishable items like eggs, even if allowed, would result in the items being discarded by Costco employees.
- Costco's return policy is notably generous, but recently, restrictions on egg purchases have been imposed due to the H5N1 bird flu crisis.
- The bird flu outbreak has led to rising egg prices across the United States, with some states seeing prices as high as $9.73 per dozen.
Have you run into issues with returns at Costco? Do you have any tips for managing the egg shortage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Read next: Protect your money: How a Chicago couple lost $4,500 to a vicious tap-and-pay scam–and how you can avoid the same fate!