Costco stocks electronics items such as mobile phones and other accessories from a variety of brands such as Samsung and Apple at its massive warehouse locations.
So what if you’ve bought Apple’s AirPods from Costco and later realized that you’re not satisfied with the product? Here is everything I’ve found out about Costco’s AirPods return policy!
Costco AirPods Return Policy
AirPods can be returned to a nearby Costco warehouse or via free shipping within 90 days of purchase or delivery. Costco will issue a full refund after verifying your purchase through the original receipt or your membership card. You must return all accessories with the original box.
If you want to know more about whether non-members can return AirPods to Costco, how to return a set of AirPods you received as a gift, and much more, keep on reading!
When Can You Return AirPods To Costco?
Costco’s return policy is based on a risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee that allows you a return time frame of 90 days after purchase or delivery to return your Apple AirPods.
Once this period is over, Costco will not accept any attempts to return AirPods (or any other product).
However, this decision is ultimately left at the discretion of each individual store manager, so speak to the manager if you have a valid reason for returning after the 90-day period.
How Do You Return AirPods To Costco By Mail?
Online AirPod returns by mail can be initiated from your Costco.com account by following these steps:
- After logging in, click on ‘Orders & Returns’
- Find the AirPods you want to return and select the ‘Return Item’ option next to the product listing
- Specify whether you want a full refund or a replacement for the AirPods
- Download and print the free return label provided on the next screen and attach it to the product’s packaging (make sure to include all the accessories that came with the product)
- Drop the return package at either one of Costco’s primary shipping couriers, UPS or USPS
Note that Costco will start processing your return once it receives your item, and refund the total amount to your original mode of payment once it gets approved.
How Do You Return AirPods To A Costco Store?
AirPods purchased at any one of the 558 Costco warehouse locations across America or Costco.com can be returned to the customer service desk of any nearby store during operating hours.
Make sure to bring the AirPods you wish to return with the relevant proof of purchase, a valid government-issued photo ID, and the credit/debit card you originally paid with.
Unfortunately, unlike other items, Apple products (including AirPods) cannot be returned via self-checkout counters.
Can You Return AirPods To Costco Without The Receipt?
To accept returns of premium products such as AirPods, Costco may need to see proof of purchase such as a receipt or order confirmation number.
However, if you’ve lost the receipt, the cashier may still be able to look up your transaction using your unique Costco membership number.
Note that to return the AirPods without the receipt, you must be the person who purchased the item originally.
Costco will issue a refund using the same method that you originally paid with if the purchase is proven. In case your purchase cannot be verified, Costco reserves the right to deny you the return.
Contact your local store (using the Costco Store Locator) to make sure staff can look up membership numbers before you visit.
Can You Return AirPods You Received As A Gift To Costco?
Both members and non-members can return AirPods received as a gift to Costco for a full refund.
To do so, you will need either the original receipt dated within 90 days or the membership number of the person that purchased the AirPods.
Most Costco locations will return the funds onto a cash card which functions like a gift card and can only be used in-store.
Additionally, non-members are granted temporary membership enabling them to spend the funds on other items in-store.
Can You Return Opened Or Used AirPods To Costco?
Costco will accept the return of opened Apple AirPods as long as all original accessories (charging case, wires, manuals, etc.) are included.
Since AirPods are a high-end product, you will likely need to register a return with the original box.
Additionally, you can also return or exchange used AirPods (in returnable condition) if these broke within 90 days or you are not satisfied with the sound quality.
How Does Costco Issue Refunds?
Costco gladly provides a full refund, including any shipping and handling fees, when the purchase is proven.
Submitting a return at a Costco warehouse is the quickest way to receive your money back. Cash refunds are dispensed on the spot, whereas funds usually return to debit or credit cards within 48 hours.
If you paid using a debit/credit card, make sure to bring the exact card at the time of return since Costco will refund the amount to this same card.
For returns initiated via mail, you should allow at least 2-3 weeks for refunds to appear. Costco starts the refund process for mailed returns only when it has received the item and approved the return.
Do You Need To Give A Reason To Return AirPods To Costco?
Although Costco is relatively lenient with returns, cashiers will often ask you the reason for returning Apple products such as AirPods.
For online orders, you can select from any of the following reasons for returning your AirPods:
- You do not want the AirPods
- You were dissatisfied with the AirPods
- It was an accidental purchase
- You received the wrong item (i.e., the wrong model of AirPods or the wrong headphones altogether)
- AirPods were damaged in transit
- An AirPod or additional feature was missing (on this occasion, you’ll likely receive a replacement)
To learn more about similar products, you can read our related posts on whether or not Walmart AirPods are real, Costco phone return policy, and Target headphone return policy.
Conclusion
Members and non-members can return AirPods within 90 days of purchase or the delivery date at Costco. You can initiate your return at any nearby Costco Warehouse or via free return shipping.
Costco will provide a full refund using the original payment method after seeing a receipt or order number. Customers should return AirPods with all additional features, including the box.