Costco

[WilburNJ]

I don't have much experience with Costco as a wireless vendor, but back in January (the first time I ever stopped at the wireless kiosk at my local costco), they seemed to have available all three of the top LTE smartphones for Verizon (Razr, Rezound, and Galaxy Nexus). I ended up buying the Razr from them (vs another vendor) because of their 90-day return policy. I've been waiting patiently for them to carry the Maxx now for some time now, and they don't seem to know when or even if they will get the Maxx.

Those who might have used Costco for wireless purchases over the years, is it typical for them to have a big lag vs the corporate stores in getting the latest handsets? For example, they had the Galaxy Nexus in the first week of January, which was probably only a couple of weeks after launch. So, I would have thought they'd have the Maxx by now.

Starting to lose faith that Costco will get the Maxx at all and I might have to switch to the Rezound and that ugly extended battery so that I can go the whole day without worry. But, I'm so used to the Razr now and happy with everything, so I'd hate to switch and be hit with a lot of unknowns about the Rezound, particularly any data/voice issues. (Luckily, I have great 4G service with my Razr and giving that up might be painful....)

Thanks for your thoughts,

Will

 

[ShanDroyd]

I don't have much experience with Costco as a wireless vendor, but back in January (the first time I ever stopped at the wireless kiosk at my local costco), they seemed to have available all three of the top LTE smartphones for Verizon (Razr, Rezound, and Galaxy Nexus). I ended up buying the Razr from them (vs another vendor) because of their 90-day return policy. I've been waiting patiently for them to carry the Maxx now for some time now, and they don't seem to know when or even if they will get the Maxx.

Those who might have used Costco for wireless purchases over the years, is it typical for them to have a big lag vs the corporate stores in getting the latest handsets? For example, they had the Galaxy Nexus in the first week of January, which was probably only a couple of weeks after launch. So, I would have thought they'd have the Maxx by now.

Starting to lose faith that Costco will get the Maxx at all and I might have to switch to the Rezound and that ugly extended battery so that I can go the whole day without worry. But, I'm so used to the Razr now and happy with everything, so I'd hate to switch and be hit with a lot of unknowns about the Rezound, particularly any data/voice issues. (Luckily, I have great 4G service with my Razr and giving that up might be painful....)

Thanks for your thoughts,

Will

Keep in mind that you only have a 90 "return Period" not an exchange... after 14 days of original purchase, you are not entitled to receive a different model from Costco. Costco has a 90 day return policy on everything, and they will return your phone, but it will be your responsibility to fulfill the contract, or pay the termination fee. In the event of the wireless manager, and the Costco store manager agreeing to give you an exchange, that will be held on a case-by-case situation.

 

[WilburNJ]

Keep in mind that you only have a 90 "return Period" not an exchange... after 14 days of original purchase, you are not entitled to receive a different model from Costco. Costco has a 90 day return policy on everything, and they will return your phone, but it will be your responsibility to fulfill the contract, or pay the termination fee. In the event of the wireless manager, and the Costco store manager agreeing to give you an exchange, that will be held on a case-by-case situation.

Well, if that's truly their policy, then they misrepresented themselves. I asked explicitly whether that 90-day policy allowed me to swap phones for another phone at the subsidized price, and the rep at the kiosk said yes. He said that this is one of the important differentiators of buying thru costco than thru a company store or other resellers like a radio shack.

In fact, my wife and I bought phones at the same time and she has already swapped her phone from the stratosphere to the blackberry 9930. When I first went back to swap phones, no 9930s were available, even thru their online system. And the rep reiterated that I shouldn't worry because I had 90 days to make the swap. It became available in a few days and we swapped her phone without issue, which was definitely after the 14-day VZW period.

So, I expect to make the swap when/if I want within the 90-day period. If they don't honor their policy, I have very litigious lawyer friends who will make them suffer for their fraudulent behavior. Think about how logically absurd it is to have a 90-day refund policy without the ability to make use of it practically beyond 14 days. The customer would be stuck with a multiyear service obligation without having enjoyed a subsidized price if he/she exercised her refund right.

Wow, if this is what Costco/their wireless partner has been doing around the country, that would be one hell of a class action lawsuit!

 

[dirkbonn]

Well, if that's truly their policy, then they misrepresented themselves. I asked explicitly whether that 90-day policy allowed me to swap phones for another phone at the subsidized price, and the rep at the kiosk said yes. He said that this is one of the important differentiators of buying thru costco than thru a company store or other resellers like a radio shack.

In fact, my wife and I bought phones at the same time and she has already swapped her phone from the stratosphere to the blackberry 9930. When I first went back to swap phones, no 9930s were available, even thru their online system. And the rep reiterated that I shouldn't worry because I had 90 days to make the swap. It became available in a few days and we swapped her phone without issue, which was definitely after the 14-day VZW period.

So, I expect to make the swap when/if I want within the 90-day period. If they don't honor their policy, I have very litigious lawyer friends who will make them suffer for their fraudulent behavior. Think about how logically absurd it is to have a 90-day refund policy without the ability to make use of it practically beyond 14 days. The customer would be stuck with a multiyear service obligation without having enjoyed a subsidized price if he/she exercised her refund right.

Wow, if this is what Costco/their wireless partner has been doing around the country, that would be one hell of a class action lawsuit!

It's pretty simple.... you got some paperwork that you signed when you purchased the phone. Costcos return policy must be stated there in writing. Just read about thier return policy for phone purchases (which you signed) and you'll have your answer.

Best of luck to you,

 

[ShanDroyd]

If you look at every wireless Kiosk in every Costco, there is a large sign clearly posted that says "Phone Return policy" nothing about exchanges. Please let me know when you find any other wireless retailer that lets you exchange a phone as often as you like for 90 days, and I will buy you a phone of you choice at that location. I am a tenured manager for Wireless Advocates at Costco, and I believe I know and understand the policies better than any Member/customer. Now does that mean when a customer throws a temper tantrum; will they get their way? Absolutely... Costco cares more about membership retention than anything else... Costco makes no money off of what they sell. 100% of their profit comes from membership fees.

 

[ShanDroyd]

It's pretty simple.... you got some paperwork that you signed when you purchased the phone. Costcos return policy must be stated there in writing. Just read about thier return policy for phone purchases (which you signed) and you'll have your answer.

Best of luck to you,

You are correct. Anyone who has purchased a phone at Costco, received a copy of the "Customer Letter" that the member/customer signed stating that you have 14 days on Verizon, and 30 Days on AT&T and T-Mobile.

 

[Slug]

Hi!

These forums were put together for Android fans to come together and help each other, collaborate and discuss in a positive way – not bash on someone because you don't like their idea, or because they don't share the same views as you. We are big into the free speech idea here. So you're free to say what you think – but do it in a constructive, positive, 'add to the conversation' kinda way – not the condescending 'I don't like what you're saying so you suck' kinda way. We encourage mature debates – discourage childish arguments.

Please remember, "attack the issue, not the person". Rudeness, personal and ad hominem attacks are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Consider this a first and last warning - any continuation will result in infractions.

Thank you.

 

[WilburNJ]

Costco Wireless - Big Savings on Cell Phones - Offering Plans from Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

This makes more sense to me, and exactly what I was told last year when I bought mine.

I do not expect costco to give me a new phone every 90 days, just because I demand it.

.

Huh, who said anything about getting "a new phone every 90 days"??

Anyway, since my previous posts were censored, I'll just lay out the facts. I bought two phones at costco in early January. I confirmed with the employee at the wireless kiosk that the 90-day return policy allowed me to return my phone and buy another one at the usual, subsidized prices during those 90 days. He cautioned me that Verizon will not let me out of the contract after 14 days, but swapping phones is fine for 90 days.

At around week 3 or 4, I swapped my wife's phone for another: refund on original and paid subsidized price on new phone.

A few days ago, at around 2 and 1/2 months, I swapped out my phone for another one: again refund on original and paid subsidized price on new one.

Bottom line is that, for those already Costco members, Costco is a great retailer and a better place to buy a phone than at VZW's corporate stores or other resellers. You get 90 days to be happy with your phone, prices are generally cheaper, and you get a little accessories pack (of which probably the car charger is the only thing of value).

Honestly, the only thing I worry about is that I might get second-class citizen treatment at a VZW store if I ever have to go in with a hardware problem with my phones. Maybe they will just send me away to deal with Moto or RIMM directly when they may otherwise may have been more helpful had I bought the phone with them....

 

[daltekkie]

Costco has each carriers' policies on their website. This is copied straight from their FAQ section under Verizon Wireless. Although this is from Costco.com, I'd feel safe to assume their in-store policy is the same.

Returns, Cancellations and Exchanges

If I do not like my phone, can I exchange my phone for another phone?

To exchange your purchase, please contact our Customer Service team. Please do not bring your purchase to a Costco warehouse. Costco.com's exchange policy for cellular phones is 90 days from date of purchase. During the exchange process you will be charged the full retail price for your replacement phone until we receive your original purchase back. Upon receipt and processing of your original device we will refund the full price of your replacement phone.

Costco Wireless - Big Savings on Cell Phones - Offering Plans from Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

 

[WilburNJ]

I did misunderstand you. I thought you were counting on 90 day from your 2nd swap purchase. Meaning, you get to swap a phone within 90 days of original purchase, then swap to a new phone then get another 90 days, and so on.

Yes, that would certainly be nice, but I'm sure they won't allow that.

But 90 days is still great. I couldn't get the droid 4 back in early January since it wasn't yet released, but I was able to swap into it when it became available eventually a couple of weeks ago.

I liked my original Razr, but am happier with the D4 -- having the physical keyboard is a great option for longer emails. Just wish it had a better battery. Maybe they could have added just 40-50% more while only adding a bit more bulk. I personally would have taken that trade-off....

 

[Droiddude24]

Sorry to bump this thread ! do you guys know if Costco can move up the upgrade date. I went last night to costco but the guy working the stand didn't sound like he knew what he was talking about. He told me they can move up the upgrade 7 days from the OG date is he talking out of his ass or what?

 

[vr4]

Costco wouldn't let me buy a phone even though Verizon authorized early upgrade. They said I had to buy from vzw cs or a corporate store.


I'm glad...or I would be stuck with a bionic

 

[just4sc]

Costco has each carriers' policies on their website. This is copied straight from their FAQ section under Verizon Wireless. Although this is from Costco.com, I'd feel safe to assume their in-store policy is the same.

Returns, Cancellations and Exchanges

If I do not like my phone, can I exchange my phone for another phone?

To exchange your purchase, please contact our Customer Service team. Please do not bring your purchase to a Costco warehouse. Costco.com's exchange policy for cellular phones is 90 days from date of purchase. During the exchange process you will be charged the full retail price for your replacement phone until we receive your original purchase back. Upon receipt and processing of your original device we will refund the full price of your replacement phone.

Costco Wireless - Big Savings on Cell Phones - Offering Plans from Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

I pointed that out to the manager at the Kiosk and he said that they just "slapped" Costco's electronics policy on there and that they won't/can't honor that. He said that his regional manager said that they disallowed that since they've experienced a lot of fraud (??). I called the Wireless Advocates customer service number and they told me that if the phone was purchased online than an exchange for another model phone is allowed but the kiosk may have another policy on this (?).

Anyway, I was looking at a copy of the paperwork I signed and it mentions that exchanges are allowed within 90 days but it does not specify whether the exchange is for "like kind" or not. I don't know whether I should go fight for this or not since my MAXX isn't working as well as I thought it would and I kind of want to try the S3.