9 Reasons You Should Always Buy Your Apple Watch at Costco Instead of the Apple Store

An Apple Watch is a great addition to your array of Apple products if you enjoy having extra functionality that pairs seamlessly with your iPhone.

The watch can connect you to messages on your phone, keep you updated on your health, or get you important information without grabbing your phone.

And while your first instinct may be to head to the Apple Store, have you thought about checking out the selections at Costco instead? The warehouse giant is a good alternative that can help you save money and get more out of your Costco membership.

Comparison shopping can save you money when you're able to check different prices online, so compare Costco's price to see if you can get an Apple Watch for cheaper than you can directly from Apple.

The Apple Watch Series 9, for example, costs $399 on Apple's website but $329 on Costco's site. The retailer may also have additional sales and deals that you can take advantage of to get even more off the final price.

Springing for an Executive Membership might be another way to save money on your Apple Watch.

The Executive Membership costs $120, which is more expensive than the $60 Gold Star membership. But the higher level membership will score you 2% cash back on most purchases, which can be significant on higher-ticket purchases like an Apple Watch.

Costco is well known for its generous return policy, but be aware that the retailer does have limits on returning some electronics — Apple Watches need to be returned within 90 days of purchase.

However, you only have 14 days to return an Apple Watch if you purchase through Apple.

It may be important to factor in return policies if you're not sure you'll like the item or if you're giving it as a gift.

New products from Apple sell out fast as customers head to the Apple Store to get the latest options or certain colors that may be popular.

That could work to your advantage as Costco may not be the first stop for shoppers who want the newest Apple Watch, leaving you with more options and ensuring they have the inventory to help you find what you want.

AppleCare+ is a good investment if you need extra protection for your Apple Watch if issues arise after purchase.

But like the watch itself, you may be able to get AppleCare+ cheaper if you buy it through Costco with your Executive Membership than signing up for protection through Apple.

There are times when you need to go to an Apple Store to check on new products, and you find the store packed with customers.

Apple's sleek stores are inviting to techies who love the products or want to browse the latest releases, but it can also lead to crowded locations where it's hard to get service or find what you want.

Instead, head to Costco, where you won't have to deal with the loud crowds and can have a quieter and less crowded shopping experience as you check out the Apple watch to see if it's right for you.

Costco is packed with plenty of products that you probably need, like canned foods, a rotisserie chicken, home goods, and a great hot dog deal at the food court.

Apple only has Apple products and certainly doesn't offer a tasty hot dog and drink for $1.50.

So if you're already at Costco for other things, stop by the electronics department to check out the retailer's Apple Watch selection.

The great thing about the Apple Watch is the level of customization available. With cases, watch bands, and a variety of colors, you can make sure the watch you get is the watch you want.

Both Apple and Costco offer the same options, with the exception of the (Product)Red color option, which is available only at the Apple Store.

You have plenty of options at Costco depending on the type of Apple watch you want, including new releases and the latest models.

Apple doesn't limit what you can find at Costco, so feel free to get the most recent models there rather than going to Apple if you want the newest models.

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Savvy shoppers can save money on pretty much everything — from food to home goods, clothes, and electronics at Costco.

Check your local Costco or Costco's website to see what options are available and see if you can save money on your next Apple Watch.