I was so excited about getting a new chair from Costco that I barely looked at the fine print. Then I realized I’d just spent $150 on something that wouldn’t even fit in my apartment. I’m not proud of that mistake, but I learned a lot from it.
When you’re shopping for furniture at Costco, it’s easy to get caught up in the deals and forget about the practical stuff. I’ve been buying furniture from Costco for years, but one particular chair purchase taught me that even the best deals can backfire if you don’t pay attention to details. Here’s what went wrong and how you can prevent the same mistake.
Why Costco Chair Purchases Can Be Risky
Costco chairs are usually great value, but they come with some hidden risks:
• Size issues are common when you don’t measure properly
• Some chairs have assembly requirements you might miss
• Return policies aren’t always straightforward for large items
• The quality can vary between models
I’ve seen people spend hundreds on chairs that turned out to be too big for their space or had parts that didn’t match. It’s not that Costco is bad, but you have to stay alert during checkout.
How I Approach Costco Furniture Shopping
Here’s my process now:
- Measure everything first – I always take photos of the space where the chair will go
- Read reviews carefully, especially for size and comfort
- Check if there’s a return policy that covers delivery issues
- Ask about delivery options before committing
- Bring a friend when possible – sometimes a second opinion saves money
I’ve found that taking ten minutes to plan ahead saves me from expensive mistakes later. It’s not rocket science, but it’s surprisingly effective.
The Mistakes I Made with My Costco Chair
Here’s what happened with my chair:
• I saw a chair I liked online and thought it would fit
• I didn’t double-check the dimensions against my room
• I assumed the chair would be delivered assembled
• I forgot to ask about return policy for oversized items
I ended up paying $150 for a chair that was too big for my living room. The return process was complicated and took weeks. I could have saved myself all that trouble by checking measurements first.
Frankly, I was embarrassed at first, but it’s become a lesson I share with friends who shop at Costco.
What Most People Get Wrong About Costco Furniture
Most shoppers make these assumptions:
• "It’s Costco, so it has to work" – Not true. You still need to verify size and compatibility
• "They’ll deliver it right to my door" – Often they drop it off outside and expect you to carry it in
• "All chairs are the same" – Different models can vary dramatically in comfort and durability
• "I can return anything" – Return policies are often limited for furniture
The biggest misconception is thinking that because something costs less, it’s automatically a good deal. Sometimes you save money upfront but lose more in the end.
Choosing the Right Chair for Your Space
Here are key things to consider:
• Room measurements – Always measure width, depth, and height of your space
• Weight capacity – Make sure it can handle your body weight plus any additional load
• Assembly needs – Some chairs require tools or have tricky pieces
• Delivery logistics – Will it fit through doorways and staircases?
• Comfort test – If possible, sit in it before buying
I recommend asking for a demo if you’re unsure. At Costco, they often let you try out furniture, which is a good idea for chairs since comfort matters more than looks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Chair Purchases
• Q: Do I need to measure before buying?
A: Yes. Even if you think it looks right, measure twice.
• Q: What happens if it doesn’t fit?
A: Returns are possible but often involve extra fees or delivery charges.
• Q: Should I buy online or in-store?
A: In-store gives you better access to testing and advice.
• Q: How do I know if it’s worth the price?
A: Compare the price with similar quality chairs elsewhere.
• Q: Are all Costco chairs the same?
A: No, different brands and models vary significantly in materials and design.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t shop at Costco, but you have to be smart about it. The key is to treat every chair purchase like a small project rather than a quick impulse buy. Spend a few minutes measuring, reading reviews, and thinking about whether it really fits your needs.
If I could go back, I’d have brought a tape measure and asked about delivery details. The $150 loss taught me that saving money upfront isn’t always the same as saving money overall. So here’s my advice: don’t skip the measurement step. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Next time you’re thinking about a Costco chair, remember: quality matters, but so does practicality. And if you’re ever unsure, ask someone else to help you decide. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot what you missed.
