Costco Kirkland Signature 10.0 (Product Information)

@MDB said:

I found both the Costco employee and Dr. Cliff to be pretty over the top. I also thought Dr. Cliff was wrong to tell people to take their KS9 back to exchange for KS10. Costco’s warranty isn’t for free upgrades. It’s if you’re unsatisfied with the hearing aid. I’ll take Dr. Cliff at his word, but I’m pretty sure most hearing aid providers wouldn’t tell patients to bring their old hearing aids within the trial period in exchange for a new model.

I agree. I commented on his video and he responded. He’s never given that advice in relation to any other hearing aid or supplier. He was just sticking it to Costco. They are particularly vulnerable because of their long return period. It’s also maybe not great advice to the consumer. To take back a device that they may be completely happy with to take a chance with a different aid and a different fitter is a risk.

did you ask to see the store manager?

hi.

We are with the KS10 version, I understand that it is the tenth aid update, how did the 180 days of trial solve the previous updates?

Could this problem of return only be a specific problem in a single center, or will it be a general rule of all centers?

Someone can tell us about an experience from another previous aid update.

Sometimes with a company as big as Costco, you end up dealing with employees who make up their own rules. 5 years ago when I dealt with Costco, the hearing aid specialist would not sell me any aid other than Bernafon. At that time, I was naive and new to hearing aids so went with his advice. However, after several unsuccessful fittings and his continued refusal to sell me anything other than Bernafon, I demanded a refund and walked away. In hindsight, I see now that I was dealing with someone who was making up their own rules. I think at the particular location which is refusing that honor the return period, asking to speak with the store manager will remedy the issue.

I also commented on Dr. Cliff’s video on KS10. Despite one experience that I had with Costco, I wouldn’t paint them with a broad brush like he did based on an internet post by one alleged Costco HIS. Look at how many people on this forum are happy with them. It seems Dr. Cliff is angry and I found his video on KS10 to be almost completely off topic and almost vengeful.

The only microphone in receiver hearing aid I know of is Resound. The only “hands free” hearing aids I know of are Phonak Marvel and Paradise (and KS9 and KS10, as well as Unitron and other related brands) Unclear what you’re speaking of.

I was responding to an earlier comment. My KS9s have a microphone built in, so that when I am using bluetooth on the phone, I do not need to have my phone near me for the other person to hear me. The microphone in the hearing aids feed into my phone when I speak.

Yes, I did. The manager asked the HIS called me last evening and said I could return but I still could purchase KS10 from the same store. (Do they have a list of unwelcome customers?) I plan to purchase KS10 in a different location.

I simply called my Costco and they did not quibble at all. They simply asked if I wanted the same color as the KS9. I get them in a week. That is it. No drama and I will get $100 back when I receive the 10’s

I am glad it worked out for you smoothly.

As am I. Expected some pushback but none happened. I wanted to post because apparently others have not had a good experience. Costco is a big company and no doubt experiences this when the next model comes out with full knowledge of the consequences. Perhaps some employees are placing their judgement again of their employer, a not uncommon event.

In any event, I was not thrilled with the 9’s anyway and was considering my options. The KS10 sounds like it may be a wonderful choice for my wants and I was aware when I got the KS9, that we may be close to the release of the KS10 and 5 weeks later it happened.

I had this same experience at the Costco in Bridgewater N.J. about the same time you did, wanted to sell me Bernafon. They mostly sell Phonak, so I’m sure the management pressures the fitters into selling the others also to try and keep the other companies happy.

I would also like to know what it would cost to replace the rechargeable batteries in the KS 10’s once your out of warranty?, not everyone upgrades after 3 years.

I’ve heard in the range of $200-$300, but it’s pretty common to send the aids back to the factory near the end of the warranty and Phonak either replaces the batteries or the aids for no charge. One can also extend the warranty by 2 years by using the Costco Credit card to purchase. I wouldn’t expect batteries to be an issue until at least 6 years.

A few things to ponder.
1-Trial Period…If you don’t like them, return them no obligation. That says a lot.
2-Profit margin is enormous, similar to furniture & automobiles.
3-Prices include returns etc.
4-Not bad behavior…see #1.
I had Costco aids for 7 years. Today they are as busy as a 1 armed paper hanger. Techs are overworked, some don’t care/not knowledgeable and whatever.
5-Prices have gone up and up since the COVID which IMO is gouging.