Costco Bionic Help

[anon(49997)]

Keep in mind the people you are getting the phone from are outside contractors allowed in by Costco.
I'm sure Costco has stipulations in place concerning sales in their stores but keep in mind any time contracts are Vague or without Explicit terms................. you are at the mercy of the vendors interpretation of said.

So it sounds like what ever mood the vendor is in they could exchange for an upgrade or the same phone, one does not have a leg to stand on otherwise.

I like it. I do not agree with getting a phone just to wait for another to be released or to keep unlimited data and then returning it so the business can take the hit. This is not bargaining in good faith.

All you need to do is own your own business and you would see what I mean. Its things like this that make businesses need to protect themselves.

 

[shipwrestler125]

Keep in mind the people you are getting the phone from are outside contractors allowed in by Costco.
I'm sure Costco has stipulations in place concerning sales in their stores but keep in mind any time contracts are Vague or without Explicit terms................. you are at the mercy of the vendors interpretation of said.

So it sounds like what ever mood the vendor is in they could exchange for an upgrade or the same phone, one does not have a leg to stand on otherwise.

I like it. I do not agree with getting a phone just to wait for another to be released or to keep unlimited data and then returning it so the business can take the hit. This is not bargaining in good faith.

All you need to do is own your own business and you would see what I mean. Its things like this that make businesses need to protect themselves.

I agree but people dont care. They think they "deserve" to do this when in fact they dont. Eventually this will go away too and it is one of the reasons verizon got rid of the 30 day return and moved it to 14 day. Pretty soon they will probably make that window even smaller also as people want to return a phone just to get another phone. It hurts businesses and if I were costco I would after the 14 day only allow an exchange for the same phone. That would keep people from taking advantage of it. I'm sure people will try and flame me saying they deserve it but nobody deserves anything.

 

[FordSHO]

Thank you guys for replying (Arizone,park avenue, gapi, newbie, and ship)

I am a still a little confused. It seems a little confusing from what newbie wrote seems different from the rest.

If I get the Charge this week, and say the bionic comes out lets say in August. Please don't quote me on this. I am just using it as an example. The 14 day policy from costco, is only if I want to return the phone and cancel my line on the contract? is this correct? I am not looking to do this at all. After the 14 days are up, on the remainder of the 90 day policy, I am allowed to exchange the phone for a different model (lets say Bionic if it is available.)? Or would they exchange the phone with the same model the charge?

Sorry again for all this confusion. I really just want to clear everything up and make sure I am able to lock in and stick with the unlimited data plan if I end up exchanging in the next month or so. Thanks again for all your help. I appreciate it

 

[DolfanCole]

Thank you guys for replying (Arizone,park avenue, gapi, and newbie)

I am a still a little confused. It seems a little confusing from what newbie wrote seems different from the rest.

If I get the Charge this week, and say the bionic comes out lets say in August. Please don't quote me on this. I am just using it as an example. The 14 day policy from costco, is only if I want to return the phone and cancel my line on the contract? is this correct? I am not looking to do this at all. After the 14 days are up, on the remainder of the 90 day policy, I am allowed to exchange the phone for a different model (lets say Bionic if it is available.)? Or would they exchange the phone with the same model the charge?

Sorry again for all this confusion. I really just want to clear everything up and make sure I am able to lock in and stick with the unlimited data plan if I end up exchanging in the next month or so. Thanks again for all your help. I appreciate it

I don't believe there's a clear answer on this. Many have said that you can exchange for a different phone. However, others have also said that they were told by Costco (or whomever is running the kiosk) that they can only exchange for the same phone. The fine print in the paperwork doesn't indicate that it has to be for the same phone, but it may also be interpreted that way by Costco. The best bet is to ask your local Costco how they handle it.

 

[Arizone]

Just got back from Costco with a Charge. At the wireless kiosk they had a big obvious sign that said there was a 90 day return policy, but 15 days to cancel your service completely. When I asked, the man clarified that I would indeed have 90 days for an exchange, including a different phone. He mentioned that as if there is a problem with the Charge, so you might have to come up with an excuse as to why you want to exchange. There are plenty of widespread issues you can choose from though.

 

[superdat1]

Just got back from Costco with a Charge. At the wireless kiosk they had a big obvious sign that said there was a 90 day return policy, but 15 days to cancel your service completely. When I asked, the man clarified that I would indeed have 90 days for an exchange, including a different phone. He mentioned that as if there is a problem with the Charge, so you might have to come up with an excuse as to why you want to exchange. There are plenty of widespread issues you can choose from though.

i bought the charge last week too in hopes of exchanging. My friend works there and he made it very very clear to me that this is how their policy works.

days 1-30 exchange for any other phone for subsidized price.
dats 31-90 exchange for the SAME PHONE ONLY. and of course you can return

 

[RiotShooter]

I purchased a charge from Costco this past weekend and the salesperson said that you have the standard 14 return/exchange policy but after your 14 days you can only exchange for the same phone. I think its pretty messed up that there seems to be such differences from place to place in their policy

 

[shipwrestler125]

I purchased a charge from Costco this past weekend and the salesperson said that you have the standard 14 return/exchange policy but after your 14 days you can only exchange for the same phone. I think its pretty messed up that there seems to be such differences from place to place in their policy

Nice to see they wised up to people taking advantage of it. You should get the same return time as everyone else. I don't understand why people complain. I mean if you can't wait a little longer to get a phone you truly want than that is your fault. When you try and cheat the system that is what happens its the same way with verizon. Thats why they went to a 14 day return instead of 30.

 

[lembowski]

My thing is this. The only people that utilize this 90 trade policy are those that are informed and know they are able to do it. I bet a very small percentage actually use it in this manner. The way it was explained to me was since they are located and doing business inside Costco they had to have the same return policy that Costco offers on all their products. I had the manager write on my contract (since it was vague) that within 90 days I am able to trade the phone in for not only the same phone but for another if I am unhappy or have issues with it and he signed off on that. I'm sure that of the thousands and thousands of Charges/T-bolts/Revolutions/Etc that they have sold in the past few weeks due to the change to teired data most just bought it there due to the reduced cost from the VZW store, not due to the return policy.

The one thing that doesn't even make sense about you only being able to trade the device in on the same phone is that is no better of a policy then you already get. If you have an issue with the phone bought from VZW you take it into the store and if they can't resolve the issue they give you a different one and they take care of any warranty exchanges with the manufacturer in the 1 year phone warranty. So the 90 day return doesn't give any other benefit than getting the phone anywhere else.

I think those reps that are saying you can't trade it in on another device are saying that for a reason. Maybe each indvidual store takes a loss if that happens so they don't want to advertise it that way. I totally get that, but I bet if you left the Wireless Associates kiosk and went over to the Costco Customer Service desk you will get a different answer.

 

[I Peench]

I bought a Charge on the 24th. They made it VERY clear that I had 90 days if something else were to come out. Good idea to have it written down, however I don't believe there will be a problem for me. The returns are done THROUGH Costco, and they are the best. Hell, they returned a box of half eaten muffins because I said they were disgusting.

 

[lembowski]

I bought a Charge on the 24th. They made it VERY clear that I had 90 days if something else were to come out. Good idea to have it written down, however I don't believe there will be a problem for me. The returns are done THROUGH Costco, and they are the best. Hell, they returned a box of half eaten muffins because I said they were disgusting.

Yeah that is something I forgot to mention, they did say that the return was processed by Costco and not them directly.....hence they had to abid by Costco's electronics return policy of 90 days.

Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. The following must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund: televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones.

 

[Vohdre]

Funny I bought a Charge yesterday (7/6) and they made it VERY clear that I could only return for a different phone within 14 days and that 90 days was for the Charge only. Doesn't mean I may not try it if the Bionic really is all that and a bag of chips.

 

[DolfanCole]

My thing is this. The only people that utilize this 90 trade policy are those that are informed and know they are able to do it. I bet a very small percentage actually use it in this manner. The way it was explained to me was since they are located and doing business inside Costco they had to have the same return policy that Costco offers on all their products. I had the manager write on my contract (since it was vague) that within 90 days I am able to trade the phone in for not only the same phone but for another if I am unhappy or have issues with it and he signed off on that. I'm sure that of the thousands and thousands of Charges/T-bolts/Revolutions/Etc that they have sold in the past few weeks due to the change to teired data most just bought it there due to the reduced cost from the VZW store, not due to the return policy.

The one thing that doesn't even make sense about you only being able to trade the device in on the same phone is that is no better of a policy then you already get. If you have an issue with the phone bought from VZW you take it into the store and if they can't resolve the issue they give you a different one and they take care of any warranty exchanges with the manufacturer in the 1 year phone warranty. So the 90 day return doesn't give any other benefit than getting the phone anywhere else.

I think those reps that are saying you can't trade it in on another device are saying that for a reason. Maybe each indvidual store takes a loss if that happens so they don't want to advertise it that way. I totally get that, but I bet if you left the Wireless Associates kiosk and went over to the Costco Customer Service desk you will get a different answer.

The difference is that people are returning it to Verizon if they have an issue. What most people (if not all) are trying to do here is go to Costco and exchange their phone when there isn't an issue with the one they already have. Try going back to Verizon and doing that. So, if Costco will allow for it, it's definitely a different policy.

 

[lembowski]

The difference is that people are returning it to Verizon if they have an issue. What most people (if not all) are trying to do here is go to Costco and exchange their phone when there isn't an issue with the one they already have. Try going back to Verizon and doing that. So, if Costco will allow for it, it's definitely a different policy.

Now the return policy is just that a return policy. It doesn't matter if there is an issue, something else better comes out or you just don't like the color after 60 days. This is Costco's policy.

And yes the policies are different as this is a 3rd party seller that has to go by Costco's rules in order to sell in there store. Just for kicks I called my local Costco and spoke to the returns desk after I posted (Not Wireless Associates) and they confirmed the same thing I was told by my Wireless Associates kiosk. As long as it is within 90 days, I return it to the Kiosk they check it over to make sure there is no damage (water damage, cracked screen, etc), I then get directed over to the Costco Return counter and they return the device to get my original purchase price back, I then go back over to the Wireless Associates to pick the same device or any other device currently available to add to my account. You will receive the 2 year pricing on the new device.

 

[DolfanCole]

Now the return policy is just that a return policy. It doesn't matter if there is an issue, something else better comes out or you just don't like the color after 60 days. This is Costco's policy.

And yes the policies are different as this is a 3rd party seller that has to go by Costco's rules in order to sell in there store. Just for kicks I called my local Costco and spoke to the returns desk after I posted (Not Wireless Associates) and they confirmed the same thing I was told by my Wireless Associates kiosk. As long as it is within 90 days, I return it to the Kiosk they check it over to make sure there is no damage (water damage, cracked screen, etc), I then get directed over to the Costco Return counter and they return the device to get my original purchase price back, I then go back over to the Wireless Associates to pick the same device or any other device currently available to add to my account. You will receive the 2 year pricing on the new device.

That's what I'm saying. My understanding was that you were stating that there wasn't any difference between what Costco was providing and what Verizon would do within the 90-days. And I was just pointing out that when returning to Costco, whether it's a return or exchange, there doesn't have to be an issue with the phone. With Verizon, if it's after the 14 days, there has to be some issue with the phone or else you're stuck with it. So, regardless of whether they allow for exchanges or not, the Costco policy is still different in that they allow for returns whether there's an issue or not.

 

[lembowski]

That is exactly what I was saying. Some are saying that you can only return the phone for the same model within 90 days, that is no different that what you get through any other sales channel. Buy it at VZW you can take it back under the warranty for up to a year to get an exchange for the same model. Advertising that as a bonus return policy makes no sense.

This is their policy and wether you are using it because there is a problem with your phone or if you are gaming the system to get what you want it shouldn't matter as that is what it is there for. Wireless Associates has to agree to Costco's policy to sell there so this is something they are more than aware due to their contractual obligations. Costco is a member only store with dues that are paid to be a member and certain perks like this are included.

 

[DolfanCole]

That is exactly what I was saying. Some are saying that you can only return the phone for the same model within 90 days, that is no different that what you get through any other sales channel. Buy it at VZW you can take it back under the warranty for up to a year to get an exchange for the same model. Advertising that as a bonus return policy makes no sense.

This is their policy and wether you are using it because there is a problem with your phone or if you are gaming the system to get what you want it shouldn't matter as that is what it is there for. Wireless Associates has to agree to Costco's policy to sell there so this is something they are more than aware due to their contractual obligations. Costco is a member only store with dues that are paid to be a member and certain perks like this are included.

No, it's not the same as any other policy. That's what I'm trying to point out. If you try and return to Verizon after the 14 days, there better be something wrong with the phone -- you're returning under warranty. If you try and return at Costco within 90 days, there doesn't have to be anything wrong with the phone -- it doesn't have to be a warranty return. So, there is a difference even if they require that you return and exchange for the same phone.

 

[lembowski]

No, it's not the same as any other policy. That's what I'm trying to point out. If you try and return to Verizon after the 14 days, there better be something wrong with the phone -- you're returning under warranty.

We all understand VZW's return policy, that isn't in question. The confusion for some is Costco's return policy and how some employees from Wireless Associates are stating it incorrectly.

you try and return at Costco within 90 days, there doesn't have to be anything wrong with the phone -- it doesn't have to be a warranty return. So, there is a difference even if they require that you return and exchange for the same phone.

But that reasoning doesn't make any sense. Why would you "return" a phone for a replacement if there isn't anything wrong with it if you know you are only getting the same phone? The only difference within the 1st 90 days is Costco will give you a new phone and VZW will probably give you a refurb.....if that is your line of thought.

You misread what I meant when I said you get the same policy in other channels. By that I meant while its not the same policy the outcome would be the exact same.

 

[libertao]

The returns are done THROUGH Costco,

Are they though? I would think with having to go to the cage for the different phone, deactivate and activate etc., the guy from the kiosk would be processing it.

 

[DolfanCole]

We all understand VZW's return policy, that isn't in question. The confusion for some is Costco's return policy and how some employees from Wireless Associates are stating it incorrectly.



But that reasoning doesn't make any sense. Why would you "return" a phone for a replacement if there isn't anything wrong with it if you know you are only getting the same phone? The only difference within the 1st 90 days is Costco will give you a new phone and VZW will probably give you a refurb.....if that is your line of thought.

You misread what I meant when I said you get the same policy in other channels. By that I meant while its not the same policy the outcome would be the exact same.

Ok, gotcha now. It only took me a few posts. You're right, the end result might be the same regardless. You gotta love Costco's return policy though. Definitely the best in the business.