Costco shifts refund strategy with Instacart shoppers

Costco is changing the way it handles refunds with Instacart shoppers.

Previously, if shoppers had orders that were not claimed, Costco would issue gift cards to the Instacart employees, who have to purchase the orders on the front end using debit cards from Instacart. 

But due to misuse cited by Costco, the process has changed, reports Business Insider.

Shoppers were supposed to use the gift cards on future orders, but too many were redeeming them for personal use, so Costco has decided to send all refunds directly to Instacart.

“As of this week, shoppers may now use their Instacart payment card to process returns at all Costco Wholesale locations,” Instacart told Business Insider.

Shoppers now receive between $10 to $15 for completing the return, and they can still claim any perishable items from canceled orders.