15 Things To Know Before Buying Costco Cell Phones In 2022

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You can buy a car, party platter or other items at Costco for great prices. Why not check out its cell phone selection? Just like many other services offered by Costco, members get exclusive perks when they purchase a phone from the 5th largest retailer.

However, before you check out the selection and savings, read up on these 15 things to know before buying Costco cell phones!

Here are 15 things to know before you buy Costco Cell Phones in 2022

1. Buy Costco Cell Phones and Look out for Wireless Advocates Kiosks

Costco has the easiest method to find your cell phones. Look for Wireless Advocates kiosks. They tend to be square-shaped, very tall, black and have punches made from different carrier logos.

You can see a photo of a typical kiosk here.

Costco decides to outsource cell phone sales instead of managing them internally. Wireless Advocates is an expert “third party provider and retailer” of wireless products.

2. The Costco Mobile Phone Kiosks Salespeople Are Wireless Advocate Employees

Since Wireless Advocates is its own company operating within the grounds of Costco, the employees at the kiosk are not Costco employees.

Wireless Advocate employees cannot answer questions related to Costco.

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.

3. Costco Cell Phones are Sold via Wireless Plans

Costco has three major wireless carriers that sell all its phones: Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile.

A phone can be purchased if it is already pre-programmed.

Clark.com says that Costco plans are identical to those you’d find at the carrier’s retail locations, or online. However, Costco has a special member pricing.

4. Costco Phones can’t be purchased unlocked

Costco doesn’t sell phones unlocked that can be used on any carrier. The latest iPhone cannot be purchased and used with Cricket Wireless plans.

If you don’t have a plan, then you must be prepared to change to another one with Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.

5. Costco Cell Phones are a Great Place to Shop for the Leading Brands

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 didn’t have the most recent Google Pixel model at that time, surprising considering it was only a matter of months.

The company also has a decent selection of older models, which are of course even more affordable.

6. Costco Cell Phones Up to 10 percent Off

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 offers the Apple iPhone 13 Starlight at $899. Costco however, offers an $865 discount, which represents a savings approximately 4 percent.

7. Do not worry about how much you will have to pay for all your Costco mobile phones at once

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.

8. Costco Mobile Phones have Many Benefits Compared to Other Alternatives

Costco has done a really nice job of partnering with Wireless Advocates and offering exclusive members-only deals to its customers.

Apple smartphones are currently on sale at $700 savings if shoppers go to the warehouse with a trade in.

T-Mobile also offered a special deal that allowed customers to get a Samsung Galaxy A32 without having to pay a single penny.

9. Spend some time to get your Costco Cell Phone

Costco has a long process that can lead to frustrations when buying a mobile phone.

There may only be one worker, and that means one person must work through all the people.

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.

10. Buy with a second or third choice of Costco cell phones

Costco mobile phone sales are also limited.

If you’re walking in and absolutely have to walk out with a phone that day, you should come prepared with second or third choices.

11. Costco Cell Phones are eligible for return within 90 days

Overall, you can return a Costco cell phone up to 90 days after purchase. This is obviously not in line with Costco’s general return policy, which is much more lenient; unfortunately, electronics like mobile devices follow a different policy.

Clark.com reports that Costco is not responsible for returns.

Costco is not able to accept the return of your cell phone. Instead, contact Wireless Advocates via email at CostcoOnlineSupport@wirelessadvocates.com or by phone at 1-888-369-5931.

12. However, you should carefully read the fine print on Costco’s return policy for cell phones

Although no one enjoys looking at the fine print, this could be a great way to save money.

Double-check the duration of your trial. Although it is usually 14 days long, lengths can vary from one carrier to the next.

13. Costco Cell Phones Kiosks Service isn’t as Comprehensive

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.

However, Wireless Advocate employees are unable to do so, but will instead give you printed instructions on how to do it when you get home.

14. Take a look at the Costco Cell Phone Accessories Members-Only Discounts

Costco offers exclusive deals on cell phones as well.

All kinds of accessories, including screen covers, chargers and cables, are also available at low Costco and limited-time deals.

15. Shop the Black Friday Sales for Even More Deals on Costco Cell Phones and Accessories

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.

For example, in November 2021, Costco offered a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE for only $499 – as well, customers who opened a new line with T-Mobile also received a $300 Costco Shop card!

To learn more about Costco, visit the Costco iPad and phone returns policy posts.

Conclusion

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’s low prices are combined with the ongoing deals and perks can’t been beat. And you still get the reliable, high-quality service offered by three major carriers – Verizon, AT&T, 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 offers members only specials. 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. How can I upgrade my smartphone at Costco’s Wireless Phones kiosk? Absolutely! Yes! Our wireless specialists can assist you in securing the phone that you desire with any carrier.

Are Costco Iphones Real?

Costco sells iPhones through Wireless Advocates, a third-party company that runs in-store kiosks and online purchasing. The special Costco iPhone promotion could save you money.

Costco Phones Unlocked:

Wireless Advocates has taken over sales of cell phones and plans from Costco, which is wholly owned to Car Toys. 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