Can You Return Something to Sam's Club Without a Membership? Solved

Short Answer

Some Sam’s Club store locations will allow you to return items without a membership, but most won’t. Those that do allow non-members to make returns usually require that you bring the receipt and accept most items within 30 days of purchase. We outline the details of the non-member return policy below.

Can You Return Something to Sam’s Club Without a Membership?

Policies on returning items to Sam’s Club without a membership vary by individual store. While most locations don’t process returns for non-members at all, some locations let you return items without a membership as long as you have proof of purchase (e.g., a receipt). We reached out to stores in California, New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania to confirm this information.

Non-Member Return Process

If your local Sam’s Club store accepts non-member returns, it will usually process your request in one of two ways:

Use the membership ID listed on the receipt to find the item
Use the first and last name of the purchasing member to find the item

With either of these methods, Sam’s Club will look up the purchaser’s membership and print a temporary membership to process your return. We were told that certain in-house items, such as exclusive Sam’s Club cleaning supplies, may not need a receipt. You’ll need to bring your item and receipt to the customer service desk to process the return (even if the person who gave you the item bought it online).

Most items must be returned within 30 days of purchase to be eligible for a refund. Note that for consumable items such as contact lenses, shampoo, and detergent, return policies depend on the location and the manager’s approval. Other items like electronics have an extended 90-day return policy.^[1]

Non-Member Refund Policy

Sam’s Club refunds always take the same form as the original payment. If you’re returning a gift initially paid for with a credit card, the purchaser’s card will be credited; you will not receive cash or store credit. If you’re returning a gift that was paid for with cash, you’ll receive a gift voucher.