Do you know what Apple´s return policy is? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.
Apple has transformed the way we connect with one another. First starting with a smartphone revolution, they’ve made an impact all the way down to how we receive news and information.
But sometimes when you purchase an Apple product and get home, it’s not what you thought you wanted or needed.
At Apple, returns are straight-forward and easy. Their policy is fair and allows for exchanges or refunds of almost all products in-person or by mail. Plus multiple payment reimbursement options.
With high-quality products like those at Apple, you’ll want options to be clear before making a purchase. Here are a few great things to know about their return policy.
What’s So Great About Apple’s Return Policy
1. You Can Return Things Even If They’ve Been Opened
One great thing about Apple products is you can return items that have been opened. That means if you realize you bought the wrong product for your needs, they’ll take it back no questions asked. Of course, there are a few stipulations.
The product must be in “like-new” condition. So, when opening your new Macbook, iPhone, or iPad, handle it with care just in case it needs to go back.
Anything damaged will not be accepted via traditional returns. This includes repackaging and returning of all cords, adaptors, and documentation that came packaged with the product.
One item that you can’t return to Apple if it’s been opened is any software product. Also, keep in mind, you have 14 days to send a return back in order to get a refund or exchange.
2. Bought Something Online? There’s No Return Fee
That’s right, if you bought something online and find it needs to be returned, Apple has your back. As long as the item was purchased in the last 14 days, it can be returned with absolutely no cost to you.
Apple will cover the cost of shipping on any returned item, just pop it back in the mail. Once you initiate the return process, they’ll even send you a shipping label to print in the comfort of your own home.
If you prefer, you can also stop into the nearest Apple store for a full refund, gift card, or possibly a product exchange.
3. Make An Exchange At Any Apple Store
Need to make an exchange on a product? You can do just that. And the best part is you can take your exchange to any Apple store.
With locations all across the country, it doesn’t have to be the store where you originally made the purchase.
When making an exchange, you have the option to exchange it for products of equal or lesser value.
Any remaining difference can be applied to a gift card or returned to your original form of payment within 5 business days of receipt. It’s your choice.
And if you have a remaining Apple Balance you can also choose to apply the difference there.
4. Return A Gift Online or In-Store
Sometimes gift-giving goes awry, and Apple understands that. To make the process easy, a gift does not require a receipt to make a return.
They have a specific Gift Returns page on their website which only requires the serial number or order number and UPC to get the process started. Additionally, you can make the return beyond the 14 day window offered for other products.
Once the items are received, an Apple gift card will be issued for the full refund amount including any taxes or fees that were originally paid. If you need additional help with making a gift return, give them a call at (800)MY-APPLE.
5. Extended Holiday Return Policy
Give the gift of easy returns with this holiday policy. Any items purchased from November 1st through December 25th can be returned up until January 8th.
Just in case what you thought would be the perfect gift, isn’t quite right.
This gives extended time beyond the 14 day period offered for the rest of the year. It’s important to note they will honor the total you spent, and you’ll receive all fees and taxes included in the reimbursement.
Gift returns after the holidays can be stressful, but this policy gives you a little more breathing room.
6. Broken Item? Not On Apple’s Watch
Sometimes in the mail, packages aren’t handled properly. And every so often, products you buy directly off the shelf are lemons.
Should the product you just bought from Apple show up damaged or broken in any way, they’re here to help out.
Drop into the nearest Apple store with the damaged item or mail it back to them (for free) and receive a replacement at no additional cost to you. You’ll even be able to print the return label right at home for an easy process.
The best part is they’ll even overnight ship a replacement product for free. If your product shows up damaged, give them a call at (800) 676-2775 to get the replacement process started.
7. Get Refunded For Poorly-Made Apps
Now and then you download an app from the App Store just to find it’s not well-designed and pretty much useless. It’s happened to the best of us.
But what most people don’t know is that if this happens you’re not out of luck. Even if you paid only .99 cents for the app, Apple wants you to be thrilled with all its products. And if you’re not, they want to make it right.
Their 14 day return policy is extended to the App Store as well. If you find an app is poorly made and doesn’t live up to their standards, report it via the App Support Page.
After you let them know, you’d like your money back the process starts. You’ll receive a refund to your account for the original purchase price within a few business days.
8. Pricing Reduction Refund Policy
Have you ever made a purchase, only to see the item go on sale a few days later? Frustrating, especially when it’s an item with a higher price tag. But Apple is here to make a difference.
If you see an item drop in price within 14 days of when you received your product, you’re eligible for a refund of the difference. You’ll just need to visit an Apple store or call the Apple Contact Center at 800-676-2275 to request a refund or credit.
Stipulations to this policy include that you must contact Apple within 14 days of the price change to be eligible. As well as limited-time price reductions for sales such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and others, are excluded from refund availability.
They also have a page on their website that includes more in-depth information about pricing corrections.
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Apple Return Policy FAQs
Have an additional question about making a return with Apple? Here are a few frequently asked questions that have come up.
How Will I Receive A Refund?
Apple has a few different ways to receive payment for your refund. If the item was originally purchased in-store with the cash you can get up to $250 of it back the same day in cash or check. Any returns over that threshold or additional owed will be mailed to you via check.
Please note the check will be made out within 10 days of the return receipt date.
Payments originally made via credit or debit card will be issued within 5 business days of initiating the return.
You also typically have the option to receive the refund in the form of a gift card, available to spend in-store or online on any Apple products.
And lastly, if the product is eligible, you could exchange it for a product of equal or lesser value with the remainder being added to a gift card.
What Products Can’t Be Returned To Apple?
While almost all their products purchased in-store or online can be returned, there are a few that can’t. Items that you may not return to Apple include:
- Opened software*
- Electronic software downloads
- Software upgrades
- Apple Store gift cards
- Apple Developer products
- Apple print products
If you have a question about whether or not a product can be returned, their website returns page includes more information on all returnable items.
*Opened software may be returned if and only if it has not been installed on any device. In addition, software containing a printed software license on the packaging may not be returned if the seal or sticker is broken.
Do I Need The Receipt?
While Apple is pretty helpful in all aspects of their return policy, they are strict on this. You must have the original receipt in order to make a return either online or in person.
If you don’t have the receipt for whatever reason, you can try stopping into the store you purchased the product at. All Apple sales are stored in their system and employees will likely be happy to help. It’s no guarantee but if they can verify the purchase, they may be able to help initiate the return.
The only instance where you may not need a receipt to make a return is in the case of a gift. Remember Apple has a separate process for gift returns.
For gift returns, they require information from the product itself or shipment to verify before issuing a return.
What Happens When I Return An iPhone?
There are a few stipulations to keep in mind should you need to return an iPhone. Like other Apple products, you have a 14 day window for returns.
The iPhone must be completely undamaged and of “like-new” quality. Remember you must unlock and deactivate all security features previously set up. If you refuse to disable these features, Apple reserves the right to decline a return or exchange.
It’s important to note, returning an iPhone does not automatically cancel a wireless account. It’s your responsibility to contact your provider and cancel or change the service.
As well as pay any fees that go along with that cancellation.
Why Can’t I Return Opened Software?
Licensing agreements located somewhere on all software products are what stop Apple from allowing you to return opened software.
You’ll typically find a sticker or seal on the exterior of the packaging signifying this agreement.
Opening software, and breaking the seal, typically means you’ve agreed to no returns through the licensing agreement, without even realizing it.
One exception is that returns may be allowed for Apple-branded software if you do not agree to the licensing agreement.
And of course, once you return the software, you cannot retain or copy any of the software as it is not legal. If the software has been downloaded onto any device, it immediately becomes unable to be returned.
How Do I Make A Return Online?
Just like with making a return in person, it’s simple to complete online. All you’ll need to do is find their Order Listing page and sign in with your Apple ID.
Additionally, if it was a one time order you can use the order number to pull up the information as well.
Upon signing in you’ll find recent orders. You’ll select the order you need to return and then the item details. From there it’s as easy as clicking Start a Return, and then the Get Started button. On the next page, you’ll select the Initiate the Return button which will lead you to instructions as well as a printable return label.
From there the package can be dropped off at a carriers location, or selected to schedule a pick-up. Remember, Apple covers the shipping costs for you.
Conclusion
Now you’ve learned all about what makes Apple’s return policy as great as their products. And you can feel more comfortable and secure when making your next purchase.
Should you need to make a return, there are options for almost every product. And solutions for payments, refunds, exchanges, and more.
Plus, the options by mail or in-person for easy access. That’s all just part of what makes Apple’s return policy so great.