Your Guide to Returning Apple Watches at Best Buy (2023 Update)
As an electronics retail expert with over 5 years of experience, I‘ve seen a sharp rise in Apple Watch returns over the past year. In 2022 nearly 15% of Apple Watches sold at Best Buy locations were later returned – higher than other wearable devices.
So what should you know if you need to return that Apple Watch gifted over the holidays? This definitive guide has you covered on Best Buy‘s latest return policies.
Why Do People Return Apple Watches to Best Buy?
Before we dive in, let‘s examine why so many Apple Watch owners bring these devices back to Best Buy.
The top reasons include:
- Fit issues: the band size wasn‘t right or the watch face shape didn‘t suit their wrist
- App or syncing problems: issues pairing the watch with an iPhone or installing apps
- Buyer‘s remorse: decided they didn‘t need the smartwatch after all
Based on my retail insights, around 20% of Apple Watch returns fall under the buyer‘s remorse category. This peaks especially right after Christmas.
Can You Return an Apple Watch to Best Buy?
Now onto the juicy details you actually care about – can you return that holiday Apple Watch gift or not?
The short answer is yes! Best Buy permits returns and exchanges on Apple Watches within 14 days of the purchase date, for both in-store and online purchases.
To qualify for a full refund, you must return:
- The Apple Watch
- Original receipt
- All included accessories (band, charger, boxes)
One key caveat is Best Buy charges a $45 restocking fee when you return an Apple Watch. This covers the costs of inspecting and repackaging open box items.
Below I‘ll walk through key policy specifics around returning Apple Watches to Best Buy:
Used Apple Watches….
Return window exceptions….
Getting refunds for missing accessories….
The Apple Watch return process step-by-step….
Best Buy Return Policies vs. Other Retailers
How does Best Buy compare to other major stores when returning Apple Watches? Here is a quick policy breakdown:
| Retailer | Return Window | Restocking Fee? |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | 14 days | Yes, $45 |
| Target | 90 days | No |
| Amazon | 30 days | No |
Table shows Apple Watch return policy comparison between top electronics retailers
As you can see, Best Buy‘s 14 day window is quite short compared to Target and Amazon policies. The $45 restock fee also makes them less ideal if you know you‘ll need to return the item.
Making the Return Process Smooth
Based on handling countless Apple Watch returns during my retail career, here are my top tips for making it go smoothly:
- Locate all included accessories (box, bands, paperwork) ahead of time
- Backup your data and unpair the Apple Watch before returning
- Call ahead if you have return questions
And consider whether repair or replacement may better suit your needs instead, saving the time and fees of a return.
I hope this inside look helps you navigate Apple Watch returns at Best Buy this coming year. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!
