15 Things To Know Before Buying Costco Cell Phones In 2022
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If you can get a car or a party platter for a good deal at Costco, why not shop its selection of cell phones? Just like many other services offered by Costco, members get exclusive perks when they purchase a phone from the 5th largest retailer.
Costco’s cell phone inventory can be found by simply looking at the Wireless Advocates kiosks. These are typically rectangular in form, fairly tall and often black with splashes of color from other carriers.
They’re topped with a sort of “roof” of carrier logos, so if you just look up a bit – or wander toward the electronics area – you should be able to find it (you can find a good photo of what a typical kiosk looks like here).
Wireless Advocates has its own business and operates on the Costco grounds. Therefore, employees who work at the kiosks do not have to be Costco employees.
This means that if Costco is not your concern, you can ask the Wireless Advocate staff.
This means that kiosk employees have been trained to be knowledgeable about the products being sold. Costco employees work in the jewelry section and do not receive training in gemology and diamond expertise.
Costco phone sales are part of 3 major wireless carriers: Verizon AT&T T-Mobile.
You can purchase a smartphone that’s already primed for use if you are on one of these plans. If not, you may be able to get a replacement plan. However, it must still be one of the mentioned options.
Clark.com reported that Costco offers the same plans as in retail stores or online. The difference lies with Costco’s member pricing.
Unfortunately, Costco is not a seller of unlocked phones that can be used with any carrier. There is no way you can buy an iPhone 5S and expect to be able to pair it with Cricket Wireless.
Rather, you will have to be ready to switch to a new plan with Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile if you aren’t already.
Clark.com also reports that Costco’s Wireless Advocate kiosks tend to have the newest phone models available.
A visit to membershipwireless.com, Costco’s external cell phone website, reveals the latest Apple and Samsung models, including the iPhone 13 and the Galaxy Z Flip3.
Costco did not, however, have the latest Google Pixel model, which was surprising since it had been out for a few months at the time of publication.
A decent assortment of older models is also available from the company, though they are more expensive.
Costco offers a cost-effective way to take the stress out of new cell phones.
Although 10 percent is not standard, you can expect to receive a three- to four percent discount on your retail prices.
Apple’s Starlight iPhone 13 is available for $899. Costco offers a $865 price, which is a saving of approximately four percent.
Costco doesn’t require you to make a payment upfront, just like other retailers.
To lower your monthly costs, you could pay the majority of phones monthly in installments. You may also make a down payment.
Costco did a wonderful job of working with Wireless Advocates, offering members-only discounts to customers and partnering with them.
Apple smartphones are currently on sale at $700 savings if shoppers go to the warehouse with a trade in.
T-Mobile customers signing up for new lines could also get the chance to receive a Samsung Galaxy A32 at no cost.
The main complaint about purchasing a phone from Costco is the slow pace of the whole process.
Sometimes one person works, which means only one person needs to be working.
Clark.com also mentions that there is quite a bit of paperwork to get through, so just plan ahead, especially if it’s the weekend or other busy time.
Another complaint with Costco’s cell phone shop is the limited stock in stores.
When you walk in, and you absolutely must have your phone by the end of that day (or sooner), you will need to bring a backup or third choice.
A Costco cell phone can be returned up to 90 day after it was purchased. This isn’t in accordance with Costco’s general policy of return, which is stricter. Unfortunately, electronics such as mobile phones follow a different policy.
Clark.com claims that returns are handled by Wireless Advocates, not Costco.
Therefore, don’t bring your phone back to Costco. Instead, contact Wireless Advocates via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-888-369-5931.
It is not something that anyone enjoys, but it can save you money.
Double-check your trial period. It can be up to 14 days. But, this length can vary by carrier.
Wireless Advocate kiosks are not as detailed as services that you’d receive in a Verizon Wireless store.
For example, at a VZW retail location, the employees can get your iCloud (for iPhone) connected after activating your phone.
Wireless Advocate employees cannot do this, but they will give you written instructions when you arrive home.
Cell phones aren’t the only products getting the Costco members-only deal treatment.
Accessory items such as screens covers, accessories and chargers are available through Costco at very low prices. Also, there is a limited-time deal.
Costco has Black Friday sales that you should not miss, particularly if your goal is to buy a new phone. The company often offers sweet deals at this time, so you might be able to save big if it’s right.
If you want to learn more, you can also see our posts on Costco’s phone return policy, Costco iPad return policy, and Costco laptop & computer warranty.
If you have a membership to Costco and have been thinking about getting a new phone, the warehouse is a great place to look.
Costco is a great choice because of its lower prices and ongoing deals. They also offer the same quality services as three other major carriers, AT&T (Viacom), and T-Mobile.
Do Costco Members Get Discounts On Phones?
If the cell phones and plans are the same as the wireless providers, what’s the big deal? Costco members-only deals would make this possible. Clark says that Costco offers additional benefits to members who trade in their old phones or purchase a new pair.
Is it possible to upgrade your phone at Costco
3. What wireless phone kiosks are available in Costco to allow me upgrade my existing smartphone? Absolutely! No. Our wireless experts will help you secure your phone with the right carrier.
Are Costco Iphones Real?
Costco sells iPhones by Wireless Advocates. A third-party company, Wireless Advocates runs kiosks in stores and offers online purchase. An iPhone purchased at Costco via a promotional offer can help you save a lot. Here’s how to do it. Jan 26, 2022
Costco phones can be unlocked
Wireless Advocates, who is 100% owned by Car Toys, has purchased cell phone sales and wireless plan sales from Costco. Costco does not sell other carriers and an unlocked device cannot be purchased at Costco.
.15 Things To Know Before Buying Costco Cell Phones In 2022