Costco is Testing Batteries Now?

[The Critic]

Spotted a battery tester at a CA Costco’s Tire Center today. Historically, testing the battery was not part of the warranty workflow.

When did this start?

 

[Rand]

I'm sure its also used for selling batteries, but perhaps when they reduced the warranty to prorated only and not 3 year replacement.
because people would abuse the warranty and trade in perfectly good batteries to get "a fresh one" right before the replacement period was up.

 

[BHopkins]

If Costco is now testing returned batteries, as part of the warranty process, who can blame them? Even right here among BITOG members, we have heard people brag about abusing Costco's generous warranty, by returning good batteries, just so they can get a fresh battery under warranty.

 

[goblin]

I returned a one year old battery last Saturday. Wasn't holding charge. No testing of any kind - old one out, new one in, paid close to 60 bucks for the time used.

It could be store specific. Some local clientele is different from others.

 

[Nukeman7]

It might be used to test the condition of a customer's old battery in the vehicle if there is a concern due to slow cranking/hard starting.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Costco loves long lines at their stores

Testing the batteries will hold up the line, just like they make you wait behind 10 people for a half hour, then you have to wait again after paying to leave the store, but they only have 1-2 people at the exit

 

[Rand]

Costco loves long lines at their stores

Testing the batteries will hold up the line, just like they make you wait behind 10 people for a half hour, then you have to wait again after paying to leave the store, but they only have 1-2 people at the exit

When you get enough battery return/warranty fraud sometimes you have to do things that turn people off.

Example: walmart locking up underwear at some locations

 

[SC Maintenance]

then you have to wait again after paying to leave the store

I love when they pretend to count your 54 items that are shoveled into your cart by their associate in a big heep, then draw a line through the ticket to signify you have 54 items

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

Returned/exchanged one 2 months ago, no test. What if it's not charged. Not likely they will spend the time to charge it and test. More likely they will test the existing battery if you ask.

 

[JeffKeryk]

If Costco is now testing returned batteries, as part of the warranty process, who can blame them? Even right here among BITOG members, we have heard people brag about abusing Costco's generous warranty, by returning good batteries, just so they can get a fresh battery under warranty.

Yeah, we all pay for the dishonesty.

 

[The Critic]

More likely they will test the existing battery if you ask.

It's called charge and retest -- they'll probably make you charge the battery, then return for a test.

 

[dishdude]

Not surprised, the 3 year no-prorate warranty was ripe for fraud. People were returning them at month 35 and getting a brand new battery.

 

[goblin]

It might be used to test the condition of a customer's old battery in the vehicle if there is a concern due to slow cranking/hard starting.

Nope, they don't set a foot out of the tire center to help you with your battery. They used to replace them maybe 10 years ago, but no more. You have to bring them the old battery inside, and you leave with the new one. They won't touch your battery in the car with a ten ft pole.

 

[dubber09]

Cannot blame them at all, this should've been in place long time ago. The worst is when they "buy" biggest TV just to return it after Super Bowl or whatever they are watching.

 

[goblin]

I love when they pretend to count your 54 items that are shoveled into your cart by their associate in a big heep, then draw a line through the ticket to signify you have 54 items

There's more to it. They are checking for the date on the ticket, and looking for commonly stolen expensive ones.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

It's called charge and retest -- they'll probably make you charge the battery, then return for a test.

No way Costco would send you away and tell you to charge it

 

[SC Maintenance]

There's more to it. They are checking for the date on the ticket, and looking for commonly stolen expensive ones.

So why do they pretend to count? Are they being stealthy?

 

[JGmazda]

Just tested a battery we brought in last week. We had no issues. I can see why they do it. Some people make it bad for others unfortunately.

 

[goblin]

So why do they pretend to count? Are they being stealthy?

Believe it or not, their official stance on the subject is that there are more risks of the customer being overcharged than trying to sneak with unpaid merchandise. Given the turbo bills people usually pay at Costco - a double scan is easy to miss in the final number.

 

[bdcardinal]

Believe it or not, their official stance on the subject is that there are more risks of the customer being overcharged than trying to sneak with unpaid merchandise. Given the turbo bills people usually pay at Costco - a double scan is easy to miss in the final number.

It happened to me. The checker hand punched in what should have been the SKU for postage stamps but was actually for a china set. The door checker caught it. Yes it was a lot more, but anytime I get out of Costco for under $500 I am happy.