Sam's Club's Return Policy This May: Returns With & Without A Receipt

Sam's Club is a heavy hitter in the world of warehouse clubs, with many shoppers falling on either Team Sam's Club or Team Costco. Each club has its strengths that shoppers should weigh when determining which warehouse club membership to buy. One benefit to look into is the return policy for each one, as that can make the decision a lot easier.

We've broken down the Sam's Club return policy to help you decide if a membership is worth your hard-earned cash. Keep reading for everything you need to know about Sam's Club's 2025 return policy and how it compares to other retailers like Costco, Home Depot, and Best Buy.

What Is Sam's Club's Return Policy This May?

Sam's Club boasts a generous return policy, allowing members to return "most items" at any time if they're not completely satisfied. This 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is a major selling point for many shoppers. But don't let that "at any time" fool you – while it's generally true, there are definitely exceptions you need to know about.

The official stance is that unless your purchase falls into a very specific category (like electronics, major appliances, or cell phones), you can likely return it whenever you want. However, it's worth noting what the true definition of "satisfaction" looks like, along with how they define "reasonable". This policy is for club members, and while Sam's Club might seem simple, it is more complex. What happens if they find you have made too many refunds. They seem to allow these in the club location.

Here's the catch: You must be a current member to return anything. So, if your membership has lapsed, you'll need to renew it before you can bring those unwanted items within. Also, when you do make a return, you'll receive a refund or a replacement.

How To Get Your Return

• Navigate To Purchase History

  • Head over to the Sam's Club website and log in to your account.

    • Once you have logged in, find the "Purchase History" link in your account dashboard. Click on this link to view a comprehensive list of your past online and in-store purchases made.

      

• Locate The Relevant Order:

  • Scroll through your purchase history until you find the specific order that contains the item you wish to return.
  • You can also use the search bar to look up orders by date or product name. Select to show the items purchased.
• Initiate The Return Process:
  • Click on the "View Details" button next to the order.
  • Then, locate the item you intend to return and click the "Start a Return" button next to the product.
• Select Return Reason:
  • Choose a reason for the return.
  • You'll be prompted to select a reason from a dropdown menu, such as "Defective item," "Wrong item received," or "Changed my mind." Select the appropriate reason to proceed.
• Choose a Return Method:
  • Next, select your preferred return method.
  • You can choose to ship the item back using a prepaid shipping label. Click on your selection.

Returning By Mail

• Select "Return by Mail" and click "Continue."
• You must confirm your mailing address and then click "Submit".
• This will generate the return label for you to print.

What Qualifies for Sam's Club Returns?

If you need to return a purchase to Sam's Club, know the site states that "most items" can be returned at any time. Specific categories that have limited time frames for returns include the following:

• Electronics
• Major appliances
• Commercial heavy equipment
• Motorsports items
• Cell phones (prepaid, post paid, and no contract)

If your purchase doesn't fall within one of these categories, you may still be able to return it. You'll simply need to check with the club you bought it from for the following categories:

• Beer, wine, and spirits
• Automotive tires and batteries
• Cigarettes and tobacco
• Eyeglasses
• Hearing aids

What Doesn't Qualify for Sam's Club Returns?

Items in only a handful of categories can't be returned to Sam's Club once purchased. These include the following:

• Gift cards
• Prepaid cards
• Tickets
• Custom-made items, such as personalized gifts and photos
• Prescriptions
• Purchases made through the Sam's Club Wholesale Trading Program

I Don't Have My Receipt, Can I Still Return the Purchase?

Let's be real: Receipts have a talent for disappearing just when you need them most. To make your return process easier, it's always best if you do have your original receipt or printed order. This allows the return to be processed with more speed and efficiency with the original form of payment.

However, if you don't have either of those available, don't panic just yet. Sam's Club's site notes they will do their best to process your return without it. To do this they may be able to look up your purchase history, but it is never guaranteed and it is dependent on store policy. The fact they try isn't a guarantee that you will always be able to. If you approach it with the proper tone, they may allow it. They need to verify identity, and the process may take longer. Know to make sure to speak with member services, as that can affect whether or not a refund will be processed.

Do keep in mind: if it goes this way, you might have a different experience than a normal return. You might be limited to a store credit depending on your history with Sam's club.

What Is Sam's Club's Return Window?

Sam's Club's return window depends on the category of the item you're trying to return. For most items, you can return them at any time. However, it's always best to make sure you consider that "at any time" doesn't always mean any time, and that the item conditions are a key detail. It may be up to store management.

As for the exceptions, there are many with different timeframes. If you want to be refunded or have other concerns, make sure to abide by the return windows:

• 90 Days: Electronics (like TVs and Bluetooth speakers) and major appliances (such as refrigerators, washers, and microwaves) must be returned within 90 days of purchase. So, keep that new TV box on hand until you are sure it is fully working.
• 30 Days: If you're returning commercial heavy equipment or motorsports items, you must do so within 30 days of purchase.
• 14 Days: And if you want to return any type of cell phone, whether it's prepaid, postpaid, or no contract, you have just 14 days from purchase to make your returns.

You also want to be certain of how the item comes to you and also the item conditions, because it would not make much difference if a 14-day window is there. Before you decide on a purchase and if you are unsure, it is good to call the member services prior to make the purchases made.

How Do Holiday Shopping Returns Differ From Regular Returns?

Sam's Club isn't one of the retailers that implements special holiday return policies to accommodate the long shopping period for the winter holidays in November and December. Since the warehouse club already has a pretty generous return policy, it doesn't have to extend it at all to allow customers more time to make returns after the gift-giving season is over. However, because a receipt can make returns easier, it's a good idea to hold on to your receipts for any gifts you purchase, in case your recipients want to return the items.

What Makes Sam's Club's Return Policy Surprising?

One of the largest pain points is the degree of discretion given to the member services or store managers at that specific club location, leading to frustration when shoppers expect a generous return and find that their experience is anything but. That store's individual interpretation of the policy, and whether you can receive your money, could be determined by unwritten criteria, even if their official policy says you can get a full refund. Remember to make sure that you understand Sam's Club's specific nuances.

One key issue is the "reasonable time period" limitation mentioned in the terms and conditions. This vaguely defined phrase leaves room for subjective interpretations, leading to inconsistency and making it difficult to predict whether a return will be accepted. Because it is not clear if the wholesale trading policy is applicable, many people will have the wrong impression. Therefore, you need to make sure you approach the club location with the official policy and the right attitude. As we transition into 2025, it will be interesting to see if these local club location policies will vary. Even if the site allows a great deal for a 3 year home warranty, there may be some exceptions.

How to Save the Most at Sam's Club

Sam's Club already has a ton of great deals, but if you're looking to save even more, make sure you shop their Instant Savings. Even if you don't see anything you want to purchase, it's still worth looking at these deals before planning a shopping trip. Instant Savings occur approximately every month, so keep that in mind to stay aware of the latest bargains.

SEE ALSO: Here's Why Walmart's Return Policy May Surprise You in 2025

The great thing about the Instant Savings is that they encompass many different categories. For instance, you could find deals on electronics like iPads, Bluetooth speakers, and TVs; groceries, including spices, canned goods, candies, and beverages; and supplements, health and personal care items, power tools, baby items, small kitchen appliances, and more. At least a few home items are usually on sale, as well, along with seasonal goods.

Another way to save more at Sam's Club is to upgrade to a Plus membership. While it's more than twice the price of the basic tier — $110 per year vs. $50 per year — it can pay off in more ways, like letting you earn Sam's Cash. You can earn 2% Sam's Cash on in-club purchases worth up to $500 a year. Then you can use your earnings on purchases in-club and online — you can even use them to pay your membership fees. Aside from shopping in-club to earn Sam's Cash, you can also take advantage of Bonus Offers. You'll need to link a card to your account, then find and activate offers for your favorite restaurants, shops, streaming services, and more.

If you want to up your earning game, consider applying for the Sam's Club Mastercard. It could reward you with 5% back on gas, 3% on Sam's Club purchases for Plus members, 3% on dining, and 1% on everything else.

How Does Shopping Compare Online vs. In-Store?

Shopping online and in-store at Sam's Club is pretty comparable for the most part. The same deals are typically available either way, but for some items you may have to shop them online because the items are not available in-club.

For instance, some electronics may only be available for purchase online, whereas some foods may only be available in-store (like chocolate, because shipping could result in the product melting). Other items may be available both online and in-club, but the prices may be slightly higher online to accommodate shipping fees.

Interested in getting the best of both worlds? In some cases you can shop online and take advantage of free curbside pickup, which is a perk for Plus members. Look for the "pickup" option when shopping for items online, and choose that on the product page when preparing to add them to your cart.

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What Else To Consider

Sam's Club offers a ton of deals, which can be overwhelming when you're trying to sift through and find the best ones. Fortunately, if you sign up for the DealNews Select newsletter, you'll get the very best Sam's Club offers delivered right to your inbox. While you're at it, download the DealNews app to tailor your preferences to the categories and stores that are most interesting to you, to find the best deals at any time.