5 Perks of Buying Electronics at Costco


A person taking a new TV out of the box in their living room.
A person taking a new TV out of the box in their living room.

Image source: Getty Images

Many people join Costco primarily to purchase items like groceries and household essentials in bulk at a discount. So you may not think to turn to Costco for electronics purchases. But actually, Costco is a great place to buy your next laptop, gaming monitor, or TV. Here's why.

1. You can snag a really great deal when there's a sale

Costco is known for its generally low prices. But at different points during the year, you can snag additional discounts on electronics, leading to even more savings. Right now, for example, Costco is offering $100 off of an HP Pavilion 16" Touchscreen Laptop. You can also score $150 off an HP x360 14" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook. Not only does Costco tend to carry an extensive selection of electronics in stores, but you can browse online for even more offerings.

2. You'll get an extended warranty at no extra cost

Electronics purchased at Costco come with a second-year warranty at no extra charge. That's a big deal because electronics aren't an everyday purchase. And when you buy them, you want to make sure you're getting good value for your money. Thanks to Costco's warranty policy, you'll have reassurance that your purchases will last you at least 24 months before needing to be replaced.

3. You'll get free tech support

Some of us are admittedly less tech-savvy than our peers. If you tend to struggle with setting up a new TV or laptop, Costco's got you covered with free tech support. Now you won't need to place a call to your condescending brother-in-law and have him walk you through the motions of getting your devices set up. You can instead work with a professional who won't make snide comments about your technological shortcomings.

4. You'll get 90 days to take your purchase back for a full refund

You might bring home a laptop or TV thinking it's the right model for you, only to have an issue arise a few weeks after the fact. The good news is that Costco gives you a full 90 days to return electronics for a full refund. This provides you with ample time to try things out and make sure your purchases meet your expectations and are the right fit for your needs.

5. You'll get cash back on your purchase as an executive member

An Executive membership at Costco costs twice as much as a basic one -- $120 vs. $60. But in exchange for the higher annual fee, the executive membership gives you 2% cash back on your Costco purchases, electronics included. So let's say you decide to purchase a $1,200 TV at Costco. With your executive membership, you're getting $24 back right off the bat, plus whatever other cash back or points your credit card might offer you.

You have plenty of choices when it comes to buying electronics, whether it's Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, or a local store in your neighborhood. But it pays to consider making your next big purchase at Costco for the numerous benefits involved.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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