Cannot return an online store refurbished purchase?

In the U.S., Apple's Certified Refurbished store has a pop-up that reads, in part:

"What goes into a refurbished Mac.

High-quality materials and components in a refurbished Mac reduce its impact on the environment. All refurbished Mac models come with a one-year limited warranty, and free delivery and returns."

I don't know what is going on in your case. This is a user-to-user forum, and nobody here has the ability to examine Apple's records regarding your order.

I would venture to guess that maybe you have to actually receive the product, then return it within 14 days – but I do not really know. Your next step should be to contact Apple.

When they have what I want, I always try to buy from the Apple-refurbished store to save a few hundred dollars for essentially the SAME goods, on almost exactly the same warranty terms. All batteries in devices I have received were new, with fewer than 10 cycles on them.

Apple refurbished are PRISTINE and indistinguishable from new. They pass all the factory tests and are re-inspected for cosmetic perfection, then boxed up made ready to ship. Only then they are added to the web site.

When you order one, all that needs to be added is a shipping label, then it is on its way to you. That does not take long.

It can't be called back or canceled because it is already "Shipped".

If you find you don't want it, just ship it back for a refund. (But it can NOT be exchanged for NEW).