Buying an iPhone or iPad from Costco in 2024: 15 Must-Know Tips
As a leading membership warehouse chain, Costco is renowned for offering bulk pricing on household staples and groceries to save members money. But in addition to pallets of food and cleaning supplies, Costco also sells the latest consumer electronics – including ever-popular iPads and iPhones.
As a retail and consumer technology specialist, I‘m often asked if buying an Apple device from Costco is really a smart decision compared to other major outlets. After evaluating the membership perks, pricing, product selection, and service offerings – the answer is a resounding yes!
To help you navigate the process, I‘ve compiled the 15 most important things to know before purchasing an iPhone or iPad from Costco in 2024:
1. Score the AppleCare+ Extended Warranty
One major value purchasing these devices from Costco provides is complimentary 2-year AppleCare+ device protection plans. For iPads specifically, your Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories are also covered:
- Protects iPad, Pencil, and keyboard
- Covers 2 incidents of accidental damage per year ($49 fee per iPad incident, $29 for accessories)
- Provides 24/7 priority access to Apple support experts
Having personally seen the costs of fixing a cracked iPad screen without protection, this perk alone makes Costco an attractive option.
2. Generous 90-Day Returns Accepted
You can feel confident buying an iPhone or iPad from Costco knowing they allow electronics and mobile devices to be returned within 90 days – no questions asked!
Be sure to retain your original receipt for in-store returns. You can also conveniently initiate the return process online via Costco.com.
This return window is exceptionally consumer-friendly, especially for higher-priced items like iPads which are considered more "final sale" at other big box retailers.
3. Get Expert Guidance
As a club focused on volume sales and perks for members, Costco dedicates specialized Apple kiosks within its warehouses. These are staffed by employees well-versed in the latest iPhones and iPads who receive ongoing training directly from vendors like Apple and Verizon.
They can answer all your questions knowledgeably on things like:
- Comparing device features/specs
- Assessing accessory compatibility
- Determining ideal service plans based on usage
- Providing setup/activation support
- Advising on data migration requirements
Having this level of guidance simplifies the buying experience – something Apple retail stores notably lack.
4. One-Stop Shop for Accessories
In my experience, Costco not only sells premium products, but also offers the vital accessories to protect them. So beyond just iPads and iPhones, you‘ll find an extensive range of cases, screen covers, cables, adapters, and extended warranties.
Additionally, included services like professional installation of screen protectors increase value:
[table] | Device | Costco Accessory Package ||-|-|
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Phone case + tempered glass screen protector + wall adapter |
| iPad Air 2022 | Tri-fold folio case + Apple Pencil |
[/table]
Bundling vital add-ons with new devices both saves shoppers money and ensures you get maximum life from your investment.
5. Brace for Crowds
If I had to identify one frustrantion customers routinely cite when making in-person tech purchases from Costco, it would definitely be longer wait times. With often just one employee working the wireless kiosk at once and centralized checkout lanes, delays can occur:
|-|-|-|
| Wireless Kiosk | 15-30 minutes | Visit on weekdays or early mornings |
| Front Checkout | 10-25 minutes | Use self-checkout if available |
[/table]
However, calling ahead to confirm specific items are in-stock can minimize some of those hassles. Visiting during off-peak hours also keeps delays and crowds at a minimum.
Pro Tip: Purchase online for direct delivery and avoid the warehouse altogether!
6. DIY Data Transfers
Unlike carrier stores, Costco employees won‘t directly assist with transferring your contacts, photos, or other iCloud content from an existing iPhone or iPad onto newly purchased devices.
However, they do provide detailed self-service instructions on best practices to migrate your data independently. For extra assistance, you can also contact Apple support or Costco electronics customer service:
- Apple Support: 1-800-MY-APPLE
- Costco Support: 1 (888) 369-5931 or [email protected]
I suggest backing up existing devices to iTunes or iCloud before visiting the warehouse for quick access during transitions.
