Whether you are gifted a phone that is not really your style or you receive one that is too complicated to navigate, there are several reasons why you may want to return it. But what if it has taken you a while to realize that you actually do not want it. Is it too late to return your phone, and what exactly are the return policies?
Apple’s Return Policy
During the holidays, Apple slightly adjusts its policies to accommodate the return of unwanted gits.
Apple states products purchased directly from the company online or in-store that were received between November 10 and December 25 can be returned up until January 8.
If you received your phone after December 25, you have 14 days to return your device to Apple.
Even if you are within the allotted time to return your phone, there are a few things that may affect your return. Your phone is only eligible for a refund if
- It is properly repackaged with all accessories and documents
- It does not have open software
- It does not have electronic software downloads
If your phone was purchased from a third-party phone company or does not meet the store requirements, you will unfortunately not receive a full refund.
T-Mobile’s Return Policy
Like Apple, you have 14 days to return your T-Mobile device if it was purchased in-store. The device has to be in perfect condition, without any alterations, and with its original packaging and receipts.
Be mindful that the price of shipping will be disregarded in the refund, all items you purchased with the phone may have to be returned too if purchased with promotional discounts, and restock fees may be applied.
Full Retail Price (FRP) vs Restock Fee
- $600+ FRP = $70 Restock Fee
- $300-$599 FRP = $40 Restock Fee
- Less than $300 FRP = $20 Restock Fee
If you purchased a phone online or over the phone, you have 20 days to return your device in perfect condition. The same fees may still apply.
AT&T Return Policy
You have two weeks to return your phone to AT&T whether you purchased your phone in person, online, or over the phone.
A restocking fee of up to $55 may apply unless prohibited by the store.
AT&T emphasizes that before making a return, you must backup your device, sign out of any personal accounts, remove personal data, and remove your SIM card.
If you did not purchase your phone from AT&T, but rather from a national retail store, AT&T says it does not cover the device and you should follow the retailer’s policies.
Verizon Return Policy
Verizon has also momentarily altered its return policy for the holiday season.
If you purchased a phone between November 26 and December 21, you can return or exchange it through January 15, 2021.
Beyond the holiday exception, you have 14 days from the time you purchased your phone to return it to Verizon.
A $50 restocking fee will be applied to any wireless device as well.
Can You Still Make Money From Your Unwanted Phone?
For many of these companies, you pretty much have the same number of days to return your phone.
But what if you go one day over? Depending on the company, you may still be eligible for an exchange. And if you have exceeded those days, there’s always a trade-in option.
No matter what route you choose to rid yourself of your device, these companies require that your phone is in pristine condition.
Mistakes happen though. If your phone is not eligible for a return or exchange because of a cracked screen or water damage, a tech repair company can fix it back into pristine condition.
If you do not want to bother with getting your phone repaired, you can also sell it.
There are second-hand sites like eBay and OfferUp that can make you a great deal, but because thousands of the same devices are also for sale, it may take a while before you make a profit.
Rather than wait around for the sale or hold on to a phone you no longer want, go to a trade-in company that will give you the most money back for your device no matter its condition.
