I need to replace defective headphones.

I purchased new Earphones with Remote and Mic in August of 2012.

A few months ago, the rubber covering the wire on the left earbud detached from the part where the main cable splits into left and right.

Finally getting around to it, I went to the Apple Support site today, only to find that it required a Serial Number for the headphones.

Keep in mind that these were purchased separately and did not come with a device.

I entered every number I could find on the box. None of them worked.

I finally called Apple Support (and they knew my name right away without me telling them...).

After being directed to some other place, they told me to go online.

I explained to them that online didn't work because it required a serial number.

He then said that that's because over the phone they can only do 'products' and 'devices.' I'm pretty sure earphones are a product.

He suggested going to the store and that he could set up an appointment.

The nearest Apple store is 2+ hours away. I may as well buy a new pair of headphones than waste that money on gas.

Does anyone know how to get a replacement for headphones?