Apple Store vs. Costco

[h4lp m3]

How is it that Costco can offer a 90 day return window on Apple products, while the Apple Store only offers 14 days? ​

Buy this one metric, it seems that Costco slightly edges out Apple as the better retailer. Or am I missing something? Is there any advantage to buying a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad from the Apple Store?

 

[Apple fanboy]

How is it that Costco can offer a 90 day return window on Apple products, while the Apple Store only offers 14 days? ​

Buy this one metric, it seems that Costco slightly edges out Apple as the better retailer. Or am I missing something? Is there any advantage to buying a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad from the Apple Store?

The question is why do you need the return window to be so long?
Choose your product. But your product. Job done.
Neither offer a warranty that’s any different from each other. Just buy from your preferred supplier.

 

[maflynn]

How is it that Costco can offer a 90 day return window on Apple products

Because they decided too, pure and simple. Apple (or anyone else) could decide to make a return policy for 365 days if they wanted too. At some point in the prior history, there were some configurations that had zero return policy - Apple would had no return policy for non-defective Macs.

Buy this one metric, it seems that Costco slightly edges out Apple as the better retailer.

Yes, they are much more consumer friendly in that regard.

Is there any advantage to buying a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad from the Apple Store?

You get to walk around with that cool apple bag and flex that you own an apple product ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ If you can find a product cheaper or the retailer has better sale terms, then go with that.

 

[maflynn]

The question is why do you need the return window to be so long?

The longer return period opens the door to abuse. I remember seeing threads in the MacBook Pro forum, where people would post about buying a MBP simply to use for a specific job or occasion and then return it when that was completed (within the return period of course). Basically use Apple's return policy to rent a PC. Can you imagine how much more that behavior would exist if the return policy was 30, 60 or 90 days?

 

[TheIntruder]

Costco offers a 90 day return period because it can. As do Target and Walmart (on general goods, not tech/electronics).

Outside of jurisdictions where lawmakers choose to regulate things like return policies, or warranties, companies are free to set their own policies, and how they do so is driven by competition and marketing.

In most places, it is not compulsory for retailers to offer return privileges. They do only because other stores do, and it would place them at a disadvantage not to.

Costco is a membership club, and every person walking through their doors wanting to make a purchase must flash their membership card, or a gift card that has been purchased by a member. Memberships start at $60/year, generate billions in revenue, and enjoy high retention rates.

Their stores are no-frills warehouses, and their model is to deal in volume, direct purchasing, and store traffic.

Aside from liberal return policies, Costco also offers loss leaders like a hot dog+drink meal for $1.50, 3lb roast chickens for $5, and cheap gas to drive traffic to their stores.

That is their business model, and how they compete.

Quite different from a maker of luxury electronics that erects fancy brand temples in high rent shopping districts and malls, encourages shoppers to linger (even if they don't want to, because they can't find a T-Shirt to help them check out) catering to a clientele that places experience, and personal service and support above pricing and store policy.

There is overlap in those groups, and the good thing is that there is also a place for both types of stores in the marketplace, with consumers free to choose which they patronize based on their own priorities.

It should also be noted that a few years ago, after being kicked out of Costco's stores, Apple was only allowed to back after negotiating a new agreement, presumably with terms more favorable to Costco than Apple itself. Access to Costco's membership was valuable enough to Apple for it to make whatever concessions it did to return to Costco's stores.

 

[Apple fanboy]

The longer return period opens the door to abuse. I remember seeing threads in the MacBook Pro forum, where people would post about buying a MBP simply to use for a specific job or occasion and then return it when that was completed (within the return period of course). Basically use Apple's return policy to rent a PC. Can you imagine how much more that behavior would exist if the return policy was 30, 60 or 90 days?

Exactly. It’s bad enough reading all the I took my black iPhone back to get a blue one threads. Just pushes the price up for the rest of us.

 

[pshufd]

The longer return period opens the door to abuse. I remember seeing threads in the MacBook Pro forum, where people would post about buying a MBP simply to use for a specific job or occasion and then return it when that was completed (within the return period of course). Basically use Apple's return policy to rent a PC. Can you imagine how much more that behavior would exist if the return policy was 30, 60 or 90 days?

One of my coworkers said that he would buy a laptop and camera from Costco before a trip, use them and return them. I was disgusted though I didn't say so. This guy had a well-into six-figures salary and was doing well financially.

Costco makes profits on their membership sales. So that $60/year (or $120 for the Executive membership) is how they make money. They charge pretty close to cost for the stuff that they sell which is why you can still get an M1 Max Studio in some of the stores for $1,500. Costco has been great through this inflation period as they were the slowest to raise prices and the fastest to drop them when their costs dropped.

 

[jdclifford]

How is it that Costco can offer a 90 day return window on Apple products, while the Apple Store only offers 14 days? ​

Buy this one metric, it seems that Costco slightly edges out Apple as the better retailer. Or am I missing something? Is there any advantage to buying a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad from the Apple Store?

FYI Costco also extends warranty to 2nd year. Apple gives 1 year.

 

[pshufd]

The transaction at The Apple Store is a little more convenient as everything is done where you are and they just bring it out to you. Costco, I think that you have to go to the cage area to pick it up. I'm not sure of what the actual transaction process as I've never purchased anything out of the cage.

 

[Huntn]

The longer return period opens the door to abuse. I remember seeing threads in the MacBook Pro forum, where people would post about buying a MBP simply to use for a specific job or occasion and then return it when that was completed (within the return period of course). Basically use Apple's return policy to rent a PC. Can you imagine how much more that behavior would exist if the return policy was 30, 60 or 90 days?

I suppose that a returned device is sold as refurbished?

 

[maflynn]

I suppose that a returned device is sold as refurbished?

Yeah, I'm sure Apple (or the retailer) can recoup some cost, but imo, they'll still be losing money. That is, they need to invest in manhours to certify the product and then sell it low enough to be enticing to the consumer.

 

[MisterSavage]

Neither offer a warranty that’s any different from each other. Just buy from your preferred supplier.

That's not necessarily true all the time. Costco gives you a two year warranty included in the purchase price of some items, including computers.

Costco Technical and Warranty Services

Welcome to Costco Technical and Warranty Services page. Explore our many helpful self-service options and learn more about popular topics.

www.costco.com

 

[Apple fanboy]

That's not necessarily true all the time. Costco gives you a two year warranty included in the purchase price of some items, including computers.

Costco Technical and Warranty Services

Welcome to Costco Technical and Warranty Services page. Explore our many helpful self-service options and learn more about popular topics.

www.costco.com

Everywhere offers you two years warranty minimum this side of the pond. It’s the law.

 

[JPack]

Cost. It’s the same reason why Apple doesn’t include a power adapter or EarPods in the box.

 

[Huntn]

Cost. It’s the same reason why Apple doesn’t include a power adapter or EarPods in the box.

They used to I think? That is until they decided to monetize ear buds. 🤔

 

[Apple fanboy]

They used to I think? That is until they decided to monetize ear buds. 🤔

I think since most people don’t use them, it’s better not to ship them. It’s just landfill. The world is more environmentally aware than it used to be (thank goodness).
Happier using my AirPod Pros.

 

[JPack]

I think since most people don’t use them, it’s better not to ship them. It’s just landfill. The world is more environmentally aware than it used to be (thank goodness).
Happier using my AirPod Pros.

Most people aren’t asking them to be shipped, but rather a voucher that can be redeemed.

 

[msackey]

The longer return period opens the door to abuse. I remember seeing threads in the MacBook Pro forum, where people would post about buying a MBP simply to use for a specific job or occasion and then return it when that was completed (within the return period of course). Basically use Apple's return policy to rent a PC. Can you imagine how much more that behavior would exist if the return policy was 30, 60 or 90 days?

I remember related situations although not with Apple but at the now defunct Fry's Electronics Stores. They had a generous return policy and I heard some tech workers would buy cameras and other electronics to use over vacation, then return them to the store for a full refund after the vacation. It's not a good habit. It amounts to a form of stealing.

 

[kp98077]

Costco is great, never had an issue, dont think you can order the 15 Air for example in 16gb? And their colors are limited in store.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

How is it that Costco can offer a 90 day return window on Apple products, while the Apple Store only offers 14 days? ​

Buy this one metric, it seems that Costco slightly edges out Apple as the better retailer. Or am I missing something? Is there any advantage to buying a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad from the Apple Store?

Because Apple hates their customers that's why. Need I remind you of the Genius Bar memes of customers being pushed to buy new devices when there's a minor fixable issue?

The question is why do you need the return window to be so long?
Choose your product. But your product. Job done.
Neither offer a warranty that’s any different from each other. Just buy from your preferred supplier.

Okay for starters, there can be defects in the product not expected. Youtuber DankPods bought a Apple StudiNo Display and after two months of use a single firmware update bricked it. After that, he decided he didn't want the monitor anymore and the headaches it caused him. Since he bought it from a third party the third party had a much longer return window and gave him a full refund.

If this was the Apple Store, he'd be stuck with that monitor he disliked. 2500 Aussie Dollarydoos down the drain.

Secondly, why are you even questioning that? A longer return window is extremely pro consumer and painting that as a non-issue is nonsensical.

The longer return period opens the door to abuse. I remember seeing threads in the MacBook Pro forum, where people would post about buying a MBP simply to use for a specific job or occasion and then return it when that was completed (within the return period of course). Basically use Apple's return policy to rent a PC. Can you imagine how much more that behavior would exist if the return policy was 30, 60 or 90 days?

I seriously doubt the amount of abusers would increase dramatically if the return policy was increased at the Apple Store. There would be abusers sure, but the amount of good customers would far outweigh the abusers.

 

[maflynn]

I seriously doubt the amount of abusers would increase dramatically if the return policy was increased at the Apple Store. There would be abusers sure, but the amount of good customers would far outweigh the abusers.

Costco restricted their very generous return policy a few years ago due to abuse.

Costco tightens return policy on electronics

Costco has until now allowed customers to return items at any time for a full refund, except for personal computers, where returns were limited to six months. But there have been concerns that the policy was proving problematic for some high-end electronics such as high-definition televisions.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Because Apple hates their customers that's why. Need I remind you of the Genius Bar memes of customers being pushed to buy new devices when there's a minor fixable issue?

Okay for starters, there can be defects in the product not expected. Youtuber DankPods bought a Apple StudiNo Display and after two months of use a single firmware update bricked it. After that, he decided he didn't want the monitor anymore and the headaches it caused him. Since he bought it from a third party the third party had a much longer return window and gave him a full refund.

If this was the Apple Store, he'd be stuck with that monitor he disliked. 2500 Aussie Dollarydoos down the drain.

Secondly, why are you even questioning that? A longer return window is extremely pro consumer and painting that as a non-issue is nonsensical.



I seriously doubt the amount of abusers would increase dramatically if the return policy was increased at the Apple Store. There would be abusers sure, but the amount of good customers would far outweigh the abusers.

More returns (for no reason) pushes up the price for everyone. It’s pretty obvious.
If 2% of items are returned, then a company will increase the sell price to accommodate that.
If an item is three months old and stops working, Apple would have sorted it just like every other seller. Again so obvious.

 

[OnawaAfrica]

a 2 week return policy is very reasonable. in that 2 weeks u have already had enough time to see if the products fits ur needs. no need to have 3 months windows since within this time the value will reduce significantly because of ur usage.

 

[Gut Emblem]

Most retailers in the UK only offer 1 year warranty except Costco & John Lewis who offer 2 years. The quality of the after service by John Lewis is leagues above Costco. The returns in the UK are usually 28-30 days, however the wording is usually you have to inform the retailer after 14 days and then you have another 14 days to return the item.

The notable gold standard for returns is a shoe shop in the UK called Shuh who let you return items 365 days after purchase (unworn, with a receipt & in the original packaging)

 

[Apple fanboy]

Most retailers in the UK only offer 1 year warranty except Costco & John Lewis who offer 2 years. The quality of the after service by John Lewis is leagues above Costco. The returns in the UK are usually 28-30 days, however the wording is usually you have to inform the retailer after 14 days and then you have another 14 days to return the item.

The notable gold standard for returns is a shoe shop in the UK called Shuh who let you return items 365 days after purchase (unworn, with a receipt & in the original packaging)

2 years is the norm in the UK.