Have you ever asked yourself or your friend what Apple’s return policy for an opened box is? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.
Apple is a company that has changed our world with its products and constantly evolving technology. Most people have owned at least one Apple product in their lifetime whether it be an iPod, iPhone, Macbook, or other.
But sometimes the product you purchase doesn’t fit your needs or isn’t what you expected.
When you need to make a return to Apple after you’ve already opened the box, they’ve got your back. Any product, except some software, can be returned even if it’s been opened.
Apple General Return Policy
Apple wants to ensure you have a great experience with every item you get from them. But they also understand when something doesn’t work out.
To counteract that, they keep it straightforward and easy to make returns. Here are some things you should know about their general return policy:
- You can only return items to Apple that were bought at an Apple store or through their website. Products purchased through a third-party seller must take back to those individual stores following their policies
- Once you’ve made a purchase from Apple you have 14 days to initiate the return
- Products must be repackaged in their original packaging and must include all cords, adaptors, and documents that came with it
- Items must be completed undamaged and in like-new condition upon their return
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Returning Items That Have Been Opened
They understand that a package may be opened and inspected before you realize it needs to be returned.
When that happens, here are some things you should know:
What’s Covered?
Apple is pretty laid-back when it comes to returned products. Any physical item may be returned as long as it meets the qualifications of the general return policy.
This includes iPads, iPhones, Macbooks or desktop computers, Apple watches, and any of the accessories you buy directly from their store or website.
What Can’t Be Returned?
Items that are not eligible to be returned to Apple include:
- Opened software
- Electronic software downloads
- Software Up-To-Date Program products (upgrades)
- Apple gift cards (including those previous purchased for iTunes or the App store)
- Any and all Apple developer products
- Apple print products
It’s important to note that opened software includes a stipulation that it may be returned as long as it’s not been used to downloaded to any computer or device.
If the software contains a licensing agreement and has a broken seal on the packaging, it also becomes ineligible for return.
What Else You Should Know
There are a few other things to note about Apple’s return policy and how it affects products that have been opened before returning.
iPhones and iPads that are being returned must be undamaged. If the package has been opened, you’ll have to pay a 25% returned item stocking fee which will be taken out of your refund. When making an unopened return, the return item stocking fee drops to only 15%.
When returning either of these products, if applicable you must cancel any wireless services with the carrier. Returning the product to Apple does not immediately stop your service or cancel your wireless plan.
Returns & Refunds
How Do You Make A Return?
So now you know if your product is eligible for a return or now. But now the question is, how do you make a return to Apple?
They include a few options for getting a return started with Apple. You can always visit the online Self Service page. If you’d like to speak with a representative, you can always call 1-800-186-5013 Mon-Fri 9 am-9 pm or Sat-Sun 10 am-9 pm.
Alternatively, you can stop into the closest Apple store within that 14-day window and make the return there as well. Any in-store staff member can assist and initiate your refund on the same day.
Start The Process Online
If you decide to initiate the process online and ship your product back to Apple, here are the steps you’ll need to follow.
You’ll begin at the Self Service page where you can enter your Apple ID and password, or search by the order number. Once you locate the recent order you’re looking to return, you select it and hit the continue button.
If you have more than one item to be returned, they’ll be separated into groups of products that can be returned online, and those that cannot be returned.
For the eligible products, you’ll have to select each item once more, state why you’re returning the product, and if the box has been opened.
Shipping The Product
Once you’ve verified the item(s) to be returned, you’ll need to verify the address on file for the pre-paid return label. Package it all up and stick the label to the outside.
Once the return has been submitted, you’ll receive confirmation details in an email. From there Apple’s specified carrier will contact you within 2 business days to get the package shipped out.
How Do You Get A Refund?
The most important part of making a return is being properly reimbursed by the company. Here are some things to note about getting a refund from Apple.
Your refund will be processed and issued once the returned product(s) reach the Apple return center. You’ll receive that refund in the same manner you made the original payment.
Traditional credit cards will be refunded within 3 business days of the product arriving at the return warehouse. While credit card installment refunds will be issued within 5 days of receiving a receipt showing the return.
If you made a payment via check or wire transfer, Apple will require the following information to process your reimbursement:
- Order Number
- Account Holder Name
- Bank Name
- Bank Account Number
- Bank Code
- Branch Code
- Email Address
Please allow up to 5 business days after Apple receives this information for a refund to be posted to your bank account.
Final Thoughts
As you can probably tell, returning a product to Apple, opened or not, is pretty simple.
They understand that sometimes things don’t work out and want to ensure you still get the best experience. Even when making a return.