I think you misunderstood this whole process. Airpods are impractical to repair so when you get it "repaired" at the apple store or mail it in, they are always

I think you misunderstood this whole process. Airpods are impractical to repair so when you get it "repaired" at the apple store or mail it in, they are always giving you brand new airpods. If you don't have applecare, "repairing" costs the same as buying a replacement because that's exactly what you're doing.