I messed up badly....

PhiladelphiaX · Dec 26, 2012

So basically, I've been looking into iPhone 4S for a while now, finally got it today and in the store I got the black one...

A few hours after testing I 100% know in my heart that I want the white one... problem is, I'm in Indiana right now (and bought the phone here too)

I'm going to be in Illinois tomorrow... I have two questions:

1.) Since I got the iPhone 4S yesterday, can I return it after 1 day for not liking the color if I have my receipt (physical and mail)?

2.) Do I have to return the iPhone in the same store I bought it? Or are they universal for return policy? (the Apple store in Indiana is 2 hours away.. can't drive through that blizzard again...)

Help me out guys...

Macman45 · Dec 26, 2012

You have the standard 14 day return, but I'm not certain you can swap it due to not liking the colour...You can however get a refund, then buy a white one a day or so down the line.

GoCubsGo · Dec 26, 2012

You can return the iPhone to any apple store if you bought it from the Apple store.
No need to feel dramatic about it. Good luck.

PhiladelphiaX · Dec 27, 2012

jessica. said:
You can return the iPhone to any apple store if you bought it from the Apple store.
No need to feel dramatic about it. Good luck.

Hey, thanks for the reply. Can I simply tell them I wasn't satisfied with the black colored iPhone and be able to switch it in for a white one? Or would I have to return it, then come back later and buy the white one?

Macman45 said:
You have the standard 14 day return, but I'm not certain you can swap it due to not liking the colour...You can however get a refund, then buy a white one a day or so down the line.

Hey so I basically can't tell them that I didn't like the color I chose and have to lie to them? That doesn't sound right... are you absolutely positive?

Macman45 · Dec 27, 2012

PhiladelphiaX said:
Hey, thanks for the reply. Can I simply tell them I wasn't satisfied with the black colored iPhone and be able to switch it in for a white one? Or would I have to return it, then come back later and buy the white one?

Hey so I basically can't tell them that I didn't like the color I chose and have to lie to them? That doesn't sound right... are you absolutely positive?

No, but it's not a real reason to return it...If you get a smart and friendly Genius you should be fine, bit there are always those who insist on "Letter of the law" Rule is rules types....Give it a shot, you can always take it someplace else...Not a big deal.

yinz · Dec 27, 2012

The grass is always greener on the other side my friend. You will probably put a case on it anyway.. so the colour really doesn't matter..

aleni · Dec 27, 2012

You can't go wrong with the black. It's sleeker, and the most important thing is the black bezel blends nicely with the screen while the white bezel seems a distraction to your eyes.

And the horrifying story of the white is sometimes dusts get stuck on the home button and the plastic covering the side of the screen gets dirty overtime.

PhiladelphiaX · Dec 27, 2012

Thanks for the advice, guys. But after extensively toying around with my uncle's and cousin's white iphones, I've decided that I want it instead. Going white with my iPhone for a change.

Basically this thread is asking "could I possibly return it to an Apple store in a different state in perfect condition,( stickers intact, fingertips still there, cords put back, and iPhone bubble sheet put back) and exchange for a white one?

I haven't heard any problems about white, and when it comes down to it, I like using white more -- feels more like a phone because I'm not constantly stressing about the finger prints, smudges and tiny dust/scratches all the time (they standout on the black one). Bezel is not an issue as I watch all my content on my iPad.

Can anyone verify if an exchange after one day with a receipt is possible? I read Apple's return policy on their site and everything that I read indicates that I can swap within the 14 window period. No restocking fees or anything. I'll call the store later today when they actually open, but I was curious last night

Brian Y · Dec 27, 2012

PhiladelphiaX said:
Thanks for the advice, guys. But after extensively toying around with my uncle's and cousin's white iphones, I've decided that I want it instead. Going white with my iPhone for a change.

Basically this thread is asking "could I possibly return it to an Apple store in a different state in perfect condition,( stickers intact, fingertips still there, cords put back, and iPhone bubble sheet put back) and exchange for a white one?

I haven't heard any problems about white, and when it comes down to it, I like using white more -- feels more like a phone because I'm not constantly stressing about the finger prints, smudges and tiny dust/scratches all the time (they standout on the black one). Bezel is not an issue as I watch all my content on my iPad.

Can anyone verify if an exchange after one day with a receipt is possible? I read Apple's return policy on their site and everything that I read indicates that I can swap within the 14 window period. No restocking fees or anything.

Providing it was bought from an Apple store, and you have the box and receipt, you can return it for any reason within 14 days. They'll be perfectly happy to either refund, or swap it for a white one.

PhiladelphiaX · Dec 27, 2012

bma said:
Providing it was bought from an Apple store, and you have the box and receipt, you can return it for any reason within 14 days. They'll be perfectly happy to either refund, or swap it for a white one.

Straightforward and to the point! Thank you, I appreciate that answer. Looks like I'll be heading back to the Apple store later today.

Thanks for the help, everyone

GoCubsGo · Dec 27, 2012

Within the first 14 days no real reason is needed. Hell, even MacMall did an exchange yesterday from a black mini iPad to a white mini iPad. (At their B&M store)

So many people feel this dying need to lie and it's silly.

Eitel · Dec 27, 2012

Just be careful of them closing your account when you return the phone.

sviato · Dec 27, 2012

Macman45 said:
No, but it's not a real reason to return it...If you get a smart and friendly Genius you should be fine, bit there are always those who insist on "Letter of the law" Rule is rules types....Give it a shot, you can always take it someplace else...Not a big deal.

If you're within the return window I don't think you need a "real reason" to return the phone. Whenever I return anything I just say "I didn't like it" and then go get something I like more. In this case the OP didn't like the black iPhone and can return it and buy the white one.

Charadis · Dec 27, 2012

Apple Store return policy for any iPhone purchased there is 30 days from transaction date. Anything else is 14 days. You can return for any reason, as long as it is within the return period and you have the receipt (and the item is in original condition). You should be able to swap with no problem, or pay the difference for a higher capacity.

http://store.apple.com/us/help/returns_refund

Happy Holidays. Sent from my iPhone 5.

bryanc28 · Dec 27, 2012

The white iphone 5 I bought last week had a messed up home button. I went to the nearest Apple Store on Christmas Eve morning & asked for an exchange. The specialist asked me if I wanted a black one (I was exchanging a white one).

Chris092881 · Dec 27, 2012

jessica. said:
You can return the iPhone to any apple store if you bought it from the Apple store.
No need to feel dramatic about it. Good luck.

Do you ever post here WITHOUT sarcasm?

Diseal3 · Dec 27, 2012

Chris092881 said:
Do you ever post here WITHOUT sarcasm?

You must be new here.

GoCubsGo · Dec 27, 2012

Chris092881 said:
Do you ever post here WITHOUT sarcasm?

Yup! I don't keep track of statistics though, sorry.

Diseal3 said:
You must be new here.

I actually lol'ed.

But yes, I do. The post quoted wasn't sarcasm, it was a direct statement.

PhiladelphiaX · Dec 27, 2012

One last question -- does anyone know their policy on swapping out day old phones within the 14 day period? Do they swap my device with a used phone? Do they swap it out with a refurbished phone? Or is the phone brand new despite the fact that I'm turning in a partially (barely) used phone.

lookn4wifi · Dec 27, 2012

If the phone was subsidized through a carrier and you return it, eligibility will need restoration before another can be purchased at the subsidized price again.

ReallyBigFeet · Dec 27, 2012

PhiladelphiaX said:
One last question -- does anyone know their policy on swapping out day old phones within the 14 day period? Do they swap my device with a used phone? Do they swap it out with a refurbished phone? Or is the phone brand new despite the fact that I'm turning in a partially (barely) used phone.

Really depends on what they have available at the time.

Don't be afraid of a refurb. They've been "pre-disastered."

Agent-P · Dec 28, 2012

PhiladelphiaX said:
One last question -- does anyone know their policy on swapping out day old phones within the 14 day period? Do they swap my device with a used phone? Do they swap it out with a refurbished phone? Or is the phone brand new despite the fact that I'm turning in a partially (barely) used phone.

I wouldn't be worried about getting a refurb. If anything, it'll be better than a new one because they've had to look at it more carefully (and replace parts if necessary) to make sure it's good to sell again.

ste1164 · Dec 28, 2012

When I changed my storage after a week of owning the phone. They refund your money ask a gift certificate then use that to re-buy you a brand new phone. In your case it would be a brand new white iPhone 4S. Just ask them to return the black then rebuy the white.

I messed up badly....

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