To shop at Costco, you must first become a member, which provides many privileges. However, Costco’s website notes that "Costco reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant, and membership may be terminated at Costco's discretion and without cause” — so what gets a membership canceled?

In 2018, Maryam Nicksolat attempted to return a printer purchased eight years ago and was informed that she had made too many returns. While Nicksolat did receive a refund on the printer, her membership was discontinued and her membership fees were reimbursed.

Anecdotally, stories like Nicksolat's are rather common, with Costco choosing to cancel memberships after customers tried to return things like mostly eaten food. Accordingly, the best way to safeguard your Costco membership is to apply a touch of common sense when making returns.