Costco customers have sparked outrage after abusing the retailer’s famously generous returns policy. Shoppers at America's biggest membership retailer have long been mocked for their audacity in returning old sofas and even a TV bought in 2002. However, customers who bought thousands of eggs in bulk amid a nationwide shortage and then tried to return them after finding a cheaper deal have been met with major criticism. People have taken to social media, posting criticism aimed at customers who were viewed as “selfish” in buying so many eggs and then trying to return them. A deadly strain of bird flu has devastated American poultry farms, disrupting egg supply chains and causing shortages in grocery stores. Official figures show the average price of a dozen eggs hit $4.95 in January, nearly double the cost from a year earlier. In some states with a higher cost of living, a carton can go for upwards of $10. Costco has made it clear to customers that their “Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee” does not apply to food products. Meanwhile, food regulators typically don’t allow stores to re-merchandise returned food products, so it’s unlikely Costco would attempt to resell the eggs even if they did accept returns.
