Important Things To Consider Before Buying A New TV At Costco

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Buying a television feels like it should be an easy process. So many well-known online and brick-and-mortar retailers sell televisions that it's effortless to find the ideal size, resolution, brand, and features. Additionally, while many items seem to be getting more expensive, TV prices continue to drop, making it easier to grab a bargain, regardless of the size you want. If you're already a fan of picking up member-only savings at warehouse retailer Costco, you might be considering buying a television using your card. Costco sells all kinds of products at great prices online and in-store, so you may assume TVs are just as inexpensive and easy to buy as everything else.

Costco certainly offers all the top brands you'd expect to find, like Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense. The membership retailer also has many different TV sizes, ranging from 32 to 98 inches. Having so many options makes it easier to avoid one of the most common mistakes everyone makes when buying TVs, which is selecting the wrong size. Even though Costco offers variety, you should be aware of a few potential oddities that you probably won't find at other retailers before you present your membership and credit card.

One of the biggest mistakes made when shopping in Costco's home section is not realizing that certain models of electronics are unique to the store. You have to be careful when comparing Costco television prices against other retailers to ensure both products have the same features because the model numbers probably won't match. For example, Costco offers a 65-inch Samsung 4K QLED TV with model number QN65Q7FDAFXZA for $499.99. Best Buy offers a 65-inch Samsung 4K QLED TV with model number QN65Q7FAAFXZA for $499.99, too. Their specifications are identical right down to the product width and weight, but the model numbers are different by one letter. 

Costco TV model numbers are typically similar to those at other retailers and only usually differ by one or two characters. Even though the slightly different model numbers can cause frustration when comparing prices and trying to get competitors to price match each other, Costco's prices seem to be extremely competitive with other major TV retailers. When comparing prices on TVs, you have to include the cost of a Costco membership in your calculations. Annual memberships are available for either $65 or $130. This makes it tough to justify buying a membership just because you want a TV from Costco. If you're also planning to get other items at the warehouse retailer, though, the cost of joining is easier to accept.

One of the best reasons to have a Costco membership is its willingness to take back products that you aren't happy with. So, what is Costco's return policy on TVs? The membership retailer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will accept returns within 90 days of when you received the television. For comparison, Walmart only gives a 30-day window on returns, while Best Buy offers refunds up to 15 days after purchase and might charge a restocking fee. Costco does not charge restocking fees when you return products. Rather than returning the TV right away, though, consider using Costco's free tech support for its electronics products, including televisions. You can access this service by phone or an online troubleshooting guide for different models. As a bonus, when you buy the TV at Costco, you automatically receive an extended warranty for up to two years from the date you received it. Most TV manufacturers give you a one-year warranty, so Costco's extended warranty provides an additional 12 months in most cases.

One disadvantage to buying a TV at a warehouse retailer like Costco that many may not consider is that the lighting in the store is not ideal for judging screen quality. These stores have high ceilings that use harsh overhead lighting that is far different from the lighting and viewing atmosphere you'll likely have at home. Additionally, the display TVs will be stacked at varying heights to maximize vertical space and make more inventory visible to shoppers. However, these heights likely won't match what you'd use at home, making it tough to fairly judge screen quality. Fortunately, the knowledgeable sales staff and lengthy satisfaction guarantee period provide peace of mind when getting even the most expensive models.