Costco Not for Export Agreement: What You Need to Know
When it comes to retail giants, few names are as well-known as Costco. The membership-only warehouse club is known for its wide selection of bulk goods, low prices, and generous return policy. However, if you`re planning to buy items from Costco with the intention of reselling them abroad, you may want to think twice.
Costco has what`s called a “Not for Export” agreement in place, which prohibits customers from buying products with the intention of shipping them overseas. While this may seem like an inconvenience for those looking to cash in on the popularity of American goods abroad, there are some good reasons for the policy.
First and foremost, the “Not for Export” agreement is in place to protect Costco`s brand and reputation. By ensuring that products are only available to members in the U.S., Costco can maintain control over the quality of its merchandise and customer service. If a product were to be resold overseas and turn out to be defective or counterfeit, it could reflect poorly on Costco as a whole.
Additionally, the policy helps prevent price gouging. If customers were allowed to buy large quantities of popular items with the intention of selling them at a markup overseas, it could create scarcity and drive up prices for other shoppers. By limiting the quantity of items that can be purchased, Costco can ensure that prices remain fair and consistent for all members.
So, what happens if you`re caught violating the “Not for Export” agreement? According to Costco`s website, the company reserves the right to cancel a membership and refuse future purchases to anyone who violates the agreement. While it may seem harsh, it`s important to remember that the policy is in place for a reason.
Of course, there are still ways to get your hands on American-made Costco products if you`re living abroad. Some U.S.-based resellers will purchase items from Costco and ship them overseas, but this can come with a significant markup. Alternatively, if you have friends or family members in the U.S. who are willing to ship items to you, that`s another option.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to try and profit off of American-made Costco products overseas, it`s important to respect the company`s “Not for Export” policy. By doing so, you`ll be helping to protect Costco`s brand and reputation, as well as ensuring that prices remain fair for all members.