Apple products have connected the world in a very profound way. From the smartphone revolution to the way we take in media, Apple has their hands in a lot of stuff and sells many different products. But what happens when we aren’t happy with an Apple product and need to return it? That’s when things can get a bit murky and it becomes important that we fully understand the Apple return policy. Here’s a full breakdown of the good things about their return policy and the things that aren’t so great.

6 Reasons Why Their Return Policy Sucks…

1. You Only Have 14 Days to Return Stuff

Yep, Apple only gives you 14 days to test out a product.

So make it quick and don’t let the item sit around gathering dust or you just might find yourself stuck with something that doesn’t do what you thought it would do.

Apple will refund you back to your original form of payment and I was told it could take up to 5 business days to get your money back.

HACK ALERT #1

A 14-day return policy is ridiculous, so OUTSMART Apple and buy your next iPhone or iPad from Costco (if you’re a member). You’ll get a 90-day return window on all Apple devices so you can test it out thoroughly and not feel rushed to make a decision if it’s right for you. All that Costco asks you to do before you return it is perform a Factory Reset and Unlock your device.

2. Gotta Have Your Receipt

Apple claims that you MUST have your receipt to make a return.

But if you find yourself needing to make a return sans receipt, you stand a fighting chance of taking it back to the Apple location where you purchased it and asking for help.

I was told by an Apple Store employee that in many cases they will have evidence of your purchase in their system and can bring up your order history and make your return happen.

You can also call them at (800) MY–APPLE and they can pull up the purchase by gathering some information from you.

See Also: Amazon Return Policy: No More Confusion, Here’s EXACTLY How It Works

3. Some Stuff Can’t Be Return

While the majority of Apple products are eligible for a return, these things aren’t…

• Opened software
• Electronic Software Downloads
• Software Upgrades
• Apple Store Gift Cards
• Apple Developer Products
• Apple Print Products

Not a huge deal, but worth knowing.

HACK ALERT #2

I had an employee give me the great tip of downloading a trial version of any Apple software you’re considering buying so you know for sure it’s going to work for you before purchasing.

4. Returning an iPhone or iPad Doesn’t Cancel Your Wireless Account

Just because you return your iPhone or iPad, it doesn’t automatically mean your wireless service provider will cancel or update your account.

So make sure you call Verizon or AT&T (or whoever you use) and let them know so you don’t get charged incorrectly.

5. Apple Limits the Dollar Amount of a Cash Return

Apple has a limit on cash returns of $750.

Let’s say you pay cash for a $950 MacBook Air and decide a week later you don’t like it.

When you bring it back, Apple will only refund you $750 in cash and will mail you a check for the other $200 that will take up to 10 days to get.

Seriously Apple? You’re worth almost $3 trillion and you can’t give me all my cash back on a purchase? Weak applesauce.

6. Apple Pushes You Towards In-Store Return/Exchange

This is especially true when it comes to exchanges.

Several readers have made mention of this to me and the reason is because they DON’T want to pay the shipping charges.

So they tell you that you must return to an Apple Store to make an exchange or return.

Like John said in the comments, “The closest store to me is 80 miles at the price of gas that’s more then what a label costs.”

So do what John did and complain to Apple corporate and they’ll eventually agree to mail you a replacement product.

and Now 7 Reasons Why their Return Policy is Great…

1. You Can Return Opened Stuff

Get your new Apple products out of the box and give them a trial run to make sure you’re satisfied.

Just be gentle and keep that iPad, iPhone, or MacBook in “like new” condition in case you do need to return it.

This is especially important as Apple only gives you 14 days to return products.

Update: This one is probably headed to the “Suck” category as Apple now charges a 25% restocking fee on opened iPhones and iPads, and they’ll even nail you with a 15% fee on never opened boxes.

See Also: 17 Stores That Let You Return Used Items for a Full Refund

2. Stuff Bought Online Can Be Returned for FREE

Apple picks up the cost of returned shipping which is REALLY nice.

Most retailers these days stick you with the return shipping charges which is a real fun suck. But not Apple.

You can also return stuff bought online to your nearest Apple Store.

See Also: Apple Student Discount: What Is It and How Do You Get the Savings?

3. You Can Return a Gift Online or In-Store

To do it online, simply go into your Apple Account Page and select Return a Gift.

All you need to provide is the product serial number or order number to initiate the return which is AWESOME as you often won’t have a gift receipt.

The best part is that return shipping is completely FREE.

Also, it’s important to note that Apple will almost always be able to help you out if it’s been over 14 days since you were given the gift.

Just call Apple at (800) MY–APPLE and they can help you out.

You can either get an Apple gift card for the amount of the returned gift or you can do a product exchange for equal value.

4. You Can Exchange Items at ANY Apple Store

All Apple Stores in the U.S. can process your exchange, doesn’t matter where you originally bought it.

If you do an exchange for an item of lesser value, the difference will be added to an Apple Gift Card OR refunded to the original form of payment…your choice.

5. Extended Holiday Return Policy

Last year, Apple had a cool extended holiday return policy and they did the same in 2023.

It works like this…

Any item purchased between November 3rd and December 25th can be returned all the way up until January 8, 2024.

See Also: All 32 Popular Stores That Offer Extended Holiday Returns

6. Apple Bends Over Backwards for Damaged Items

If for some reason you get a damaged Apple product delivered to you, Apple has your back in a BIG way.

You can either take the damaged item to any Apple Store for a replacement or mail it back (at no cost to you) for a replacement.

Pretty standard stuff, right? But where Apple takes the prize is they’ll actually overnight ship the replacement product for FREE.

7. Download a Crappy App? Not a Problem

Have you ever paid $0.99 (or more) for an app only to have it be a total piece of crap?

Glitches on top of glitches. Or maybe it crashes more than your 81-year old Grandma in her Buick sedan.

I was told on my last trip to the Apple Store that they will actually give you your money back within 14 days of purchase.

To make this hidden gem in their return policy happen, you just need to visit the App Store support page and tell them you want your money back.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the return policy at Apple? Do you like it or has the 14 day return window been an issue?

By Kyle James

If you’ve ever been tempted to “cheap-out” and buy the “generic” Kirkland Costco batteries…I got BIG news for you. DO IT! Like every time you shop if you can. It turns out Costco actually contracts with a VERY popular name-brand battery manufacturer to produce their batteries for them. Same goes for their hearing aid batteries. Here’s everything you need to know about buying batteries from your local Costco.

What Batteries Does Costco Sell?

Costco currently sells the following batteries:

1. Alkaline Batteries

Not only do they sell the Kirkland brand but they also sell Duracell. They sell AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V sizes.

Much to my surprise, the Costco CEO recently divulged that Kirkland batteries are actually made by Duracell.

So why pay up to 35 cents more per battery with Duracell when you can opt for the Kirkland brand knowing that the quality is probably identical.

Is their a chance Duracell is producing a sub-par battery and putting the Kirkland label on it? Yes, of course.

But from personal experience, and from talking to others, I have found very little difference in quality and life expectancy.

Look at it this way, even if the Kirkland brand was only 80% as good as Duracell, you would still be ahead in terms of price.

See Also: All the Kirkland Items That Are Produced by Popular Name-Brands

2. Hearing Aid Batteries

Costco only sells their own Kirkland brand hearing aid battery. But they get rave reviews both in terms of price and how long they last.

Many reviewers actually said the Kirkland brand lasts 2-3 times longer than major brands like Rayovac and Power One.

Kirkland hearing aid batteries will cost you $0.23/each on average, while you’ll pay close to $0.50/each with the leading name brands.

I’ve also read that the Kirkland brand hearing aid batteries are made by Ray-O-Vac as of 2016.

Trying to track down if this is still accurate, let me know in the comments if you have any insider information on this.

See Also: Costco Hearing Aids: Who Makes Them and Are They a Good Deal?

3. Auto, Marine, RV, and Tractor Batteries

Costco no longer sells a Kirkland branded car battery as it’s been replaced in recent years by the Interstate brand.

Some people believe that the Kirkland car battery was such a good battery that Costco wasn’t making any money on them as they were lasting for 7+ years.

So, in comes the Interstate brand with a 3.5 year replacement warranty and according to Consumer Pete, an “optimized warranty period so that people’s car batteries will die outside the warranty period with no recourse.”

Buyer be warned.

I really wish Costco would bring back the Kirkland car battery as it was a GREAT thing for consumers.

Conclusion: Always Shop Smart

When buying batteries, there’s little evidence to suggest that buying the Costco store-brand is not the smart way to go.

But be warned that quality and life expectancy can quickly change.

This is especially true if Costco tries to lower their costs by skimping on the quality of their Kirkland batteries.

Ask the Reader: What has been your experience buying Costco batteries? Let me know in the comments section below, thanks.

By Kyle James

Photos courtesy of Costco.

I can’t think of a better way for a company to advertise than to hand out free stickers. Teens and millennials seem to put stickers on everything these days and have no problem essentially advertising the company for free. I’ve seen them on laptops, water bottles, backpacks, car bumpers, bike racks, and even smartphones. Which is why I was surprised to discover that the list of places that gives them away is kinda small. If you’re a HUGE sticker fan (like my 3 kids) than you’re gonna love my list of places that give them away for free.

American Fishing Tackle Co. (FTCO)

American Fishing Tackle Company is a popular brand that specializes in clothing for the fishing and outdoor lifestyle.

And their “fish” logo is pretty darn cool too.

Just fill out this form HERE to get your free fish logo sticker.

Annie’s Homegrown

Annie’s makes some VERY yummy organic treats and now they mail out free stickers to those who ask.

Just click HERE to snag yours along with other “bunny” swag.

See Also: 12 Companies Who Gladly Send Out Free Samples by Mail

BackCountry

BackCountry is kinda like REI and specializes in outdoor clothing and gear.

They also have the iconic “goat” sticker which they hand out for free, get yours HERE.

Billabong

We all know the surf brand Billabong and their WAY cool logo that would look great on a laptop, notebook, or car window.

Grab your free logo sticker HERE.

You can also send a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to this address:

Billabong – Corporate Office & Wholesale
Attention: Sticker Request
117 Waterworks Way
Irvine, California 92618

Burton

Burton Snowboards loves to hand out free stickers but they ask a little more from you in order to score one.

They want you to mail them pictures/art/stories that are Burton related and they’ll happily reward you.

Just mail a self-addressed stamped envelope (with your artwork or story) to the following address:

BURTON STICKERS
180 Queen City Park Road
Burlington VT, 05401

Collared Greens

Cool name for a cool company.

Collared Greens sells American-made clothing for men with a strong emphasis on the eco-conscious lifestyle.

To get a free sticker from them, just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to this address:

Collared Greens
Attn: Sticker Request
2513 Grenoble Rd
Richmond, VA 23294

See Also: Here’s EXACTLY How You Score Free Samples at Walmart

Dakine

Dakine sells “backpacks, travel bags, accessories, outerwear and clothing for people who love to surf, snowboard, skateboard, mountain bike, ski, windsurf, and kiteboard.”

To get a WAY cool free sticker from them, just mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to this address:

Dakine
Attn: Sticker Request
504 Big Bear Blvd.
Suite C
Columbia, Mo 65201

Dickies

I love my Dickies jeans as they’ve lasted for close to 20 years and still have plenty of life left in them.

Not sure if their stickers last the same amount of time, but you can easily find out by sending them a self-addressed stamped envelope here:

Dickies Customer Service
Attn: Dickies eCommerce/Sticker Request
N850 County Highway CB
Appleton, WI 54914

Dutch Bros. Coffee

If you live on the west coast you’re probably familiar with Dutch Bros coffee drive thru kiosks.

Always ask politely for a free sticker (they’re really creative) when you drive thru to get your next drink.

They get new ones every month on Wednesdays, but they usually run out within a few weeks so ALWAYS ask early in the month.

See Also: The Amazing Secret Menu at Dutch Bros Has Close to 100 Drinks

Heely’s

I had no idea Heely’s were still around, but they are indeed.

If you’re a fan of the half shoe/half roller-skate then be sure to get a free Heely’s sticker to show your love.

Just visit HERE and fill out the form requesting one.

Hook & Tackle

When it comes to free stickers the folks at Hook & Tackle got it going on.

They’ve made tons of cool stickers over the years and they happily hand them out when you fill out this FORM.

Allow 2-3 weeks for them to show up in your mailbox.

Hydro Flask

The Oregon based company Hydro Flask sells popular water bottles, coffee flasks, and beer growlers.

They hand out cool stickers as well.

To score yours, send a self-addressed stamped envelope here:

Hydro Flask
Attn: Sticker Request
1331 S. 7th St.
Chambersburg, PA 17201.

In-N-Out Burger

Due to overwhelming requests, In-N-Out no longer sends out stickers via the mail.

But…you just have to visit any location and politely ask for one, NO purchase required.

Find a location near you.

See Also: The Ultimate In-N-Out Burger Secret Menu

Keds

Who doesn’t love a pair of comfy Keds? Am I right or am I right?

The only thing better than a pair is a free Keds sticker.

To request yours, just visit HERE and help them spread the love.

Lucky Knot

At first glance I thought The Lucky Knot was for couples about to be wed.

But alas, no. Instead it’s a cool site that sells sailing and nautical inspired clothing for men and women.

The best part of the site? They hand out cool looking stickers HERE. Go nab you one.

Marsh Wear Clothing

Marsh Wear specializes in clothing for outdoor-loving men and women.

They also have a really cool fish inspired logo which makes for a great sticker.

To get yours just GO HERE and request one. I personally did it and it took me about 10 seconds with Chrome auto-fill.

The two stickers pictured above is what they sent me, especially love the crocodile sticker.

MooseJaw

Moosejaw is kinda a cross between REI and Eddie Bauer and they have some really cool sticker designs as well.

They also offer free stickers if you visit this page.

At the time of this writing they were out-of-stock but were getting more in really soon. Keep checking back.

MooseTracks

Sensing some strange moose-theme going on here? Yeah, me too.

Since you already grabbed your free Moosejaw sticker you might as well grab one from MooseTracks ice cream too.

All you gotta do is join MooseTracks Nation and they’ll send you one.

Nike 6.0

Nike 6.0 is Nike’s skateboarding and snowboarding brand.

As you can imagine, Nike 6.0 stickers look great on your skateboard or snowboard.

To request a free one, just send a SASE to:

Nike 6.0
Attn: Sticker Request
1 Bowerman Dr.
Beaverton, OR, 97005

North Face

Similar to Patagonia, North Face is a iconic brand selling high-quality outdoor clothing and gear.

The also have some really cool stickers to hand out.

Request yours by sending a SASE here:

The North Face
Attn: Sticker Request
N850 County Highway CB
Appleton, WI 54914

Patagonia

Who wouldn’t want a cool Patagonia sticker on their suitcase, laptop, or car bumper.

Just fill out this form and they’ll send you one.

Update: They’ll actually send you 3 stickers, the photo above is of the stickers they recently sent me.

BTW, you can request new stickers every 4 months.

Park City Mountain Bikes

Want a cool mountain bike sticker for your bike, bike rack or SUV?

Just visit the Park City Mountain Bike page and fill out the form to get yours.

Pelican Coast

Pelican Coast is a hip clothing company specializing in “Made-In-New Orleans items such as sport shirts, pants, belts and bags”.

Their pelican logo is really cool too and they’ve turned it into a rad sticker.

Just fill out this form HERE to get yours.

Punisher Skateboards

Punisher is a rad site that sells skateboards, parts, and skating apparel.

They also have some really creative stickers that they hand out to those who ask.

Snag your free sticker HERE.

RVCA

RVCA is a lifestyle brand with a bend towards the skateboarding and surfing lifestyle.

But they’ve become much more main-stream as I’ll often see people wearing their clothing who would seriously break their neck if they ever stepped on a skateboard.

But anyways, they also hand out a cool sticker when you sign-up for their newsletter.

Request your free stickers from RVCA by clicking HERE.

Saucony

The only thing cooler than a RVCA sticker is a Saucony sticker. Am I right?

If you’re a runner you will LOVE their creative stickers, trust me.

Visit their “Sticker Request” page HERE and get yours too.

Trader Joe’s

Here’s a little know secret about Trader’s Joe’s…they give away stickers!

Cool stickers too.

Just politely ask when you’re checking out and most of the time the checkout clerk has a stack of them to hand out.

See Also: Trader Joe’s Return Policy: 4 Things That Make it Quite Awesome

Vans

Vans is an iconic American brand specializing in shoes and apparel for the skating/casual lifestyle.

Their creative stickers in recent years have become a mainstay with teenagers.

To request your free stickers send a SASE to this address:

Vans, LLC.
Attn: Sticker Request
N850 County Highway CB
Appleton, WI 54914

YETI

Whenever you buy a YETI product you get a free sticker, but they also hand them out when you ask.

Click HERE to request one.

Zappos

On a hunch I started a live chat session with Zappos (see above screenshot) and asked if they had free stickers available.

The chat rep said they didn’t have any stickers that they sell, but she was going to look around the office and send me something. Amazing company!

I’ll update this article when I get the package and let you know what they sent me.

Update: Not only did they send me a couple stickers, but she actually wrote me a nice note thanking me for my patronage.

Amazing company.

Zumiez

Zumiez is in most malls across the country and they sell skater influenced apparel and shoes.

The next time your shopping at Zumiez politely ask for a free sticker (no purchase necessary).

They typically have a stack of them laying around and are more than happy to hand ’em out.

Ask the Reader: What places did I miss that hand out free stickers? Let me know in the comments and I’ll definitely check them out.

By Kyle James