Apple Event August 7th

[twoodcc]

Sure?

Apple may or may not replace the computer. The thing that really upsets me - and drives me MAD, is when customers get all high-and-mighty and *expect* a company to exchange their product for a newer model when they made a decision, on their own uncoerced accord, to purchase that machine. When people try to pass off the responsibility of making educated and responsible purchasing decisions on someone else (and justify it to themselves and others in forums like this why Apple (or whoever) should replace their product). If you're worried about your product being replaced soon, even though it does exactly what you bought it for (and doesn't loose any functionality once a new machine comes out) - and you will throw a fit if its replaced soon - DON'T BUY IT!

apple does not give out information regarding when new hardware will be released. so you can't blame anybody for a buying a macbook today. there are no rumors that they will be updated on tuesday, and even if they were, it would still be just a rumor.

if you open the computer, then you have half of a point. but since apple doesn't give this information out, you can't blame anyone for not knowing it was about to be updated. and if you don't open the computer, they have to take it back (or get your money back and then buy the newer computer)

 

[matticus008]

mostly it comes down to this, yes you make the position to purchase such item, but were not aware of all information at the time of purchase

You were aware of all the relevant information. You made a decision to buy a product with a given set of features and specifications--a product worth the price by virtue of your completing the sale. You're free to hold on to the box for a week or two unopened if you're afraid of upgrades. Of course they will accept the return if the box is unopened.

On the other hand, if you've opened the computer, it's being returned in a used condition. A restocking fee is charged on non-defective merchandise because the manufacturer can no longer sell it at full price and because you have benefited from the use of a product for a period of time--use which you are not paying for. It's essentially the same as borrowing; the restocking fee is the interest you owe on that use. A huge number of higher-priced merchandise follows this procedure (but more common is a no-return policy); it is not unique to Apple.

That said, Apple stores are interested in making things go as smoothly as possible, and so they may waive the restocking fee for an exchange, as you are still spending money there. That is both beyond policy and a kindness, not a right. That, I believe, is what mongoos150 is referring to, and I have to agree. It's the sense of entitlement that is problematic--it is a generous exception for good customers, and people would do well to keep that in mind.

 

[twoodcc]

You don't have a right to anything. Honestly, if Apple told people they were coming out with a new model in 5 days, would ANYONE buy the "current" (soon to be replaced) iMac?! Of course not! It doesn't make sense. Getting a price compensation (perhaps getting 5% back on your purchase price) perhaps, but any more than that still seems like consumers expecting more than they are being warranted. There are absolutely no guarantees about how long your device will "be current" - and rightly so. If there were, companies would be in a world of economic hurt. It's downright silly to "expect" that your product will remain "current" for X amount of days. It does what you bought it for. A new product being released doesn't hurt you in any way. It comes down to the customer pouting over his mal-timed purchase. Sorry if that sounds a bit harsh, but it's completely true. It's great if Apple makes the decision to compensate customers by offering a swap for a newer machine (or whatever), but for customers to even begin to expect any kind of good or compensation for being treated with NORMAL BUSINESS PRACTICES from Apple is just being spoiled.

the difference is you never know when apple will update their hardware. you know Dell will update whenever AMD or Intel comes out with new processors....or a new video card comes out (and yes, these dates you do know about). so no, you are still not entirely right.

 

[mongoos150]

the difference is you never know when apple will update their hardware. you know Dell will update whenever AMD or Intel comes out with new processors....or a new video card comes out (and yes, these dates you do know about). so no, you are still not entirely right.

Doesn't matter. The point, is that you've bought a machine for specific reasons. Those reasons all still apply, no matter what new machine comes out. Apple - Dell - Micro$haft - ANY company has a right to sell a product up to the day before a new product is released without letting customers know a new product is coming out. By disclosing that info, the business loses out on profit from whatever date they divulge that info. Again, as I said before, if Apple let the public know last week that new iMacs were definitely being released on the 7th, do you think they'd be selling ANY iMacs this week (the time between the release date info and the date of the new hardware)? It's ridiculous to expect Apple to divulge that info. They might as well close their doors for a week! People seem to think they are entitled to this kind of information - they aren't. Businesses have every right to be as profitable as the customer - the company making a profit on selling machines, and the customer making a profit on having the latest machine for their buck. Grow up, people - you can't have everything. That's precisely what it comes down to (people wanting to have a leg-up on a business - Apple in this example).

 

[twoodcc]

Doesn't matter. The point, is that you've bought a machine for specific reasons. Those reasons all still apply, no matter what new machine comes out. Apple - Dell - Micro$haft - ANY company has a right to sell a product up to the day before a new product is released without letting customers know a new product is coming out. By disclosing that info, the business loses out on profit from whatever date they divulge that info. Again, as I said before, if Apple let the public know last week that new iMacs were definitely being released on the 7th, do you think they'd be selling ANY iMacs this week (the time between the release date info and the date of the new hardware)? It's ridiculous to expect Apple to divulge that info. They might as well close their doors for a week! People seem to think they are entitled to this kind of information - they aren't. Businesses have every right to be as profitable as the customer - the company making a profit on selling machines, and the customer making a profit on having the latest machine for their buck. Grow up, people - you can't have everything. That's precisely what it comes down to (people wanting to have a leg-up on a business - Apple in this example).

you still don't get it. take the new intel processors coming out Q4 of this year. it is understood that as soon as they are avaible, Dell will be selling them. Dell might not release this information, but if you are planning on buying a computer in Q4 of this year, you wait until it's in a Dell computer. and believe me, you won't be waiting long (once they are avaible for sale)

Apple, on the other hand, is not the same. you could be waiting almost a full year before they use those processors, if they even use them at all. and no one knows if they will or won't. this reputation that both Apple and Dell have is very important. do you see dellrumors.com?

 

[mongoos150]

you still don't get it. take the new intel processors coming out Q4 of this year. it is understood that as soon as they are avaible, Dell will be selling them.

No, you still don't get it. It doesn't matter that Apple's info is less accessible than that of other manufacturers. The point, is that ANY manufacturer is not required in any way to disclose that information to the consumer. If they did, Apple would lose out on sales because people wouldn't buy their products that were "old"! Companies have every right to keep that information to themselves, and just because Apple products are harder to keep track of in terms of future releases, doesn't make their company any more "requiring" to offer reperations to customers who bought a system X days before a new one was released. The point you are failing to see is this: Your machine does what you bought it to do. Some people, like yourself, believe this doesn't matter, and that since a new product was released close to the purchase date of your machine, you should be compensated. This is utterly false. The fact that Apple products are more suceptible to this, of having product releases highly rumored (with very little evidence proving or disproving these rumors) is moot.

 

[erlkonig]

Research

mostly it comes down to this, yes you make the position to purchase such item, but were not aware of all information at the time of purchase if such information of an updated machine was to be release within a few days for the same price point mind you, your purchase decision would of been different.

I placed an order last Tuesday morning for a MBP. Once I learned that there was a Mac-only event the following Tuesday, I called back the store to cancel the order. I didn't want to take any chances...

------
Annoy a conservative: Think, Care... and balance your budget!

 

[twoodcc]

No, you still don't get it. It doesn't matter that Apple's info is less accessible than that of other manufacturers. The point, is that ANY manufacturer is not required in any way to disclose that information to the consumer. If they did, Apple would lose out on sales because people wouldn't buy their products that were "old"! Companies have every right to keep that information to themselves, and just because Apple products are harder to keep track of in terms of future releases, doesn't make their company any more "requiring" to offer reperations to customers who bought a system X days before a new one was released. The point you are failing to see is this: Your machine does what you bought it to do. Some people, like yourself, believe this doesn't matter, and that since a new product was released close to the purchase date of your machine, you should be compensated. This is utterly false. The fact that Apple products are more suceptible to this, of having product releases highly rumored (with very little evidence proving or disproving these rumors) is moot.

i see what you are saying, but you aren't seeing what i'm saying.

there is a difference here between a Dell and an Apple. let's say Intel is releasing new processors tomorrow. would you buy a Dell or an Apple now? no. but within the week, Dell will have the new computers out, and if they don't, then HP will, or someone else will. but Apple doesn't care about HP or Dell, or any other PC manufacturer.

you don't know when apple will put the new processors in their hardware, and you don't know when computers will use them, or any of this. but the main point is that apple has no competition. that's why you never know when they will use the new processors, or video cards, or whatever.

i'm not saying that apple has to tell me when they are releasing new products. dell doesn't either. but Dell will release them shortly after they are available, whether they announce it or not.

like i said, you don't see 100,000 people over at http://www.dellrumors.com

 

[DoFoT9]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA dellrumors.com is an actual website!!!

and pathetic. lol.

apple doesnt release the new stuff straight away because they dont have to. no matter what people will buy their products, unless a rumor is brought out, then people will wait.

there aint much to it, dell wants to be the latest and greatest in hardware...
besides, apple isnt really a hardware company, they are a software company. as long as their software runs on the computers they dont care.

 

[verniesgarden]

the reason why, the customer is always right

the company makes money off of sales, the customer is the one you buys from the company so the company wants to make the customer happy

happy customer=more purchases

as for restocking fee, you do know that even if the retailer didn't charge a restocking fee, and sold the item at a reduce price, they are still making a profit


ever been in a clothing retail store and see the clearance at 2 dollars for a 30 dollar shirt, guess what that retailer was still making money on that clearance sale. companies like apple know how to do customer service and the know that its the route to true sales is customer LOYALTY

it apple ever betrayed their customer loyalty and yes customer RIGHTS. they would close in no time

it is the right of a customer to be 100% satisfied with their purchase, it is their money.

as for mongoos150, i would never want to see you in the retail world. yes i believe over 4 or 5 days yes you are stuck with your purchase. but if i bought a mac yesterday and they came out with a new one tomorrow, damn right i should get the new one, as i was not aware of the change in product.

 

[matticus008]

as for restocking fee, you do know that even if the retailer didn't charge a restocking fee, and sold the item at a reduce price, they are still making a profit

No, they're not. Revenue is not the same as profit. If Product A gets returned having sold for $100 and the market will bear $88 for the refurb, minus the cost for refurbing (e.g. $3), they come up $15 short on that item, because they had projected revenues based on that inventory.

Even with a 10% restocking fee, they're still coming up $5 short compared to if the original customer had kept the item, just barely making it worth allowing the return at all.

ever been in a clothing retail store and see the clearance at 2 dollars for a 30 dollar shirt, guess what that retailer was still making money on that clearance sale.

They're not profiting on a $2 sale from a $30 shirt--they're just curbing the loss. It offsets at least a portion of the purchase price, but would not generate net profit.

it apple ever betrayed their customer loyalty and yes customer RIGHTS. they would close in no time

Which is all the more significant given their ongoing success. Their policies work to make them money. That includes the restocking fee and the 14-day product guarantee.

yes i believe over 4 or 5 days yes you are stuck with your purchase. but if i bought a mac yesterday and they came out with a new one tomorrow, damn right i should get the new one, as i was not aware of the change in product.

It's irrelevant. You got what you paid for. If you want to return yours and get a new one, by all means feel free. But you're liable for the open-box fee if you opened the box and want to return it. A smarter option is usually to ask for a price adjustment. Within 14 days, they will often credit you 5-10% if new products are launched. Again, though, it is only as a goodwill measure, not a right. This keeps the computer off their shelves and gives you compensation for your unlucky timing, so everyone wins and they're usually more than happy to do it--unless you act like a jackass; then, all bets are off.

 

[corywoolf]

No, they're not. Revenue is not the same as profit. If Product A gets returned having sold for $100 and the market will bear $88 for the refurb, minus the cost for refurbing (e.g. $3), they come up $15 short on that item, because they had projected revenues based on that inventory.

Even with a 10% restocking fee, they're still coming up $5 short compared to if the original customer had kept the item, just barely making it worth allowing the return at all.

They're not profiting on a $2 sale from a $30 shirt--they're just curbing the loss. It offsets at least a portion of the purchase price, but would not generate net profit.

Which is all the more significant given their ongoing success. Their policies work to make them money. That includes the restocking fee and the 14-day product guarantee.

It's irrelevant. You got what you paid for. If you want to return yours and get a new one, by all means feel free. But you're liable for the open-box fee if you opened the box and want to return it. A smarter option is usually to ask for a price adjustment. Within 14 days, they will often credit you 5-10% if new products are launched. Again, though, it is only as a goodwill measure, not a right. This keeps the computer off their shelves and gives you compensation for your unlucky timing, so everyone wins and they're usually more than happy to do it--unless you act like a jackass; then, all bets are off.

Very well put, I remember working at CompUSA and dealing with customers running up to me and telling my manager that I was the one who sold them an iPod that got updated the next week. We took back an INSANE amount of returns everyday. We had on average, about $15,000 worth of returns everyday. Then again it was on 5th Ave, so that is partially why. It could even be more if most of the customers weren't tourists. I had a women return an iPod because she didn't know she needed a computer to use it. She then wanted us to put her music onto her iPod for free. Another person claimed they thought iPods came full of music. With one salesperson for every 25 customers in the store, it's no wonder they have so many returns.

 

[verniesgarden]

Very well put, I remember working at CompUSA and dealing with customers running up to me and telling my manager that I was the one who sold them an iPod that got updated the next week. We took back an INSANE amount of returns everyday. We had on average, about $15,000 worth of returns everyday. Then again it was on 5th Ave, so that is partially why. It could even be more if most of the customers weren't tourists. I had a women return an iPod because she didn't know she needed a computer to use it. She then wanted us to put her music onto her iPod for free. Another person claimed they thought iPods came full of music. With one salesperson for every 25 customers in the store, it's no wonder they have so many returns.

but for the most part your company accepted the return, yes there was a restocking fee, but the return was made, that is retail, they are interested in the customer, as that is how you make money

those losses are nill compared to the profits they make from return shopping

 

[Soundhound]

I haven't followed all the ins and outs of this thread but it seems to me that it's not asking too much to get an exchange for the new model if you purchased the outgoing one within a reasonably short period of time.

Not everyone is as Macnuts as many of us are on these boards, and are not aware that a new model is coming out. Since Apple doesn't (as many companies don't) announce these things to the general public ahead of time, you could very easily wind up buying last years technology the day before the new stuff comes out.

Regardless, it seems like a perfectly reasonable request to me. I don't know if Apple does that sort of thing though. They make amazing, fantastic, wonderful things that I use daily and love using, and I must say their customer service is WAY better (at least what I've experienced) recently. But they do have a history and reputation of being, well, dicks.

Sure?

Apple may or may not replace the computer. The thing that really upsets me - and drives me MAD, is when customers get all high-and-mighty and *expect* a company to exchange their product for a newer model when they made a decision, on their own uncoerced accord, to purchase that machine. When people try to pass off the responsibility of making educated and responsible purchasing decisions on someone else (and justify it to themselves and others in forums like this why Apple (or whoever) should replace their product). If you're worried about your product being replaced soon, even though it does exactly what you bought it for (and doesn't loose any functionality once a new machine comes out) - and you will throw a fit if its replaced soon - DON'T BUY IT!

 

[Much Ado]

Look, Mongoos150 is saying that he's fed up with people whinging when their hardware quickly goes out of date, when they made the conscious decision to buy it. His point is fair, but he misses these key points:

1. Apple hardware updates are very rare and usually by the time they are released, the previous hardware has already been selling for loads of money when it's price no longer justifies it. For people who only use OS X, this means many people know they are paying a premium that no longer exists on a purchased Mac (e.g. No 2GB standard on Mac Pro).

2. Apple are extremely concerned about brand image

3. Apple want to shift as many of the new product as they can

I understand you have no real place to whinge, but going way back to the start of this debate, it is a falsehood to suggest that doing so will not get you a new iMac.

Ask for a return+upgrade, but if it doesn't work out, accept it.

The thing that really upsets me - and drives me MAD, is when customers get all high-and-mighty and *expect* a company to exchange their product

We are agreed.

Much Ado.

 

[verniesgarden]

Look, Mongoos150 is saying that he's fed up with people whinging when their hardware quickly goes out of date, when they made the conscious decision to buy it. His point is fair, but he misses these key points:

1. Apple hardware updates are very rare and usually by the time they are released, the previous hardware has already been selling for loads of money when it's price no longer justifies it. For people who only use OS X, this means many people know they are paying a premium that no longer exists on a purchased Mac (e.g. No 2GB standard on Mac Pro).

2. Apple are extremely concerned about brand image

3. Apple want to shift as many of the new product as they can

I understand you have no real place to whinge, but going way back to the start of this debate, it is a falsehood to suggest that doing so will not get you a new iMac.

Ask for a return+upgrade, but if it doesn't work out, accept it.

We are agreed.

Much Ado.

it may seem illogical for a retailer to take back the old merch for the new, but in the grand scheme its actually to their benefit

 

[mathwhiz90601]

Whoa whoa whoa everyone. Let's stop this argument. Apple's return policy is it's own, not ours.

This thread should be more about the content of the update on Tuesday.

 

[Manic Mouse]

Whoa whoa whoa everyone. Let's stop this argument. Apple's return policy is it's own, not ours.

This thread should be more about the content of the update on Tuesday.

/prays for early leopard release.

 

[BillyBobBongo]

/prays for early leopard release.

I hope not....I'm broke at the moment.....October suits me just fine!

Maybe Steve is gonna retire!?

 

[ReanimationLP]

I hope not....I'm broke at the moment.....October suits me just fine!

Maybe Steve is gonna retire!?

NEVER.

I cant wait to see what the new iMacs are gonna look like.

 

[Schtumple]

I hope not....I'm broke at the moment.....October suits me just fine!

Maybe Steve is gonna retire!?

HA, 90's all over again.

I'm still hoping on updates to all the desktops, not all complete re-designs, i doubt apple would do that, just maybe bump the mac mini up to the core 2 duo, add in some new options into the mac pro (new graphics cards, larger hard drives etc) and completely redesign the imac.

 

[yserve?]

NEVER.

Oh yes he will.
When the ship is balancing at the highest wave of the ocean...

 

[verniesgarden]

i don't think the mac pro will get a redesign anytime soon, the case is gorgeous. maybe a slimmer profile, new hardware but the basic shape

the imac is gonna be redone, at first i saw it as gorgeous but after looking at it a few times it's definitely dated

and if i was a betting man, i would actually bet on a MacTablet

and i see a "oh one more thing... ilife" maybe a "oh heres something in leopard we didn't show you" just to get the interest back for leopard that was lost due to iphones being shoved down our throats

and for the wishful, the gamer Mac mid tower

I'm usually not so optimistic about mac events but i really think this is gonna be the OMFG! one we've been thirsty for

 

[DoFoT9]

HA, 90's all over again.

I'm still hoping on updates to all the desktops, not all complete re-designs, i doubt apple would do that, just maybe bump the mac mini up to the core 2 duo, add in some new options into the mac pro (new graphics cards, larger hard drives etc) and completely redesign the imac.

as long as there is a fully redesigned imac, with DESKTOP components, i think there will be a hell of a lot more happy mac users. and alot more switchers. a mobile desktop isnt really a good idea, it was to start off with, not really now tho..originally the looks pulled in people. now they are after power power power!

a completely new imac design, to me, having a desktop processor, decent GPU, and stock 2gb ram will take the cake for me. ill buy one straight away! i never looked at the imac as an option because it was a little indecent for what i wanted. the macpro is too expensive, so for me the only option was and still is a macbookpro. afterall, the mbp and imac dont have a massive margin in power. both use the same components so yea.

if the new 'revised' imacs are bulkier, i dont care!!! as long as it has the power. 2.66ghz quad core cmon apple!!

definately the mac mini should be continued, with the bump up like u said, core2duo is a must if it wants to remain important. and a dedicated gpu. the mini's looks are inbelievable, for such a small machine....im sure they could somehow cram a mbp in there, there would also be some way to dissapate heat. (no top?? hahaha)

 

[zedsdead]

i don't think the mac pro will get a redesign anytime soon, the case is gorgeous. maybe a slimmer profile, new hardware but the basic shape

the imac is gonna be redone, at first i saw it as gorgeous but after looking at it a few times it's definitely dated

and if i was a betting man, i would actually bet on a MacTablet

and i see a "oh one more thing... ilife" maybe a "oh heres something in leopard we didn't show you" just to get the interest back for leopard that was lost due to iphones being shoved down our throats

and for the wishful, the gamer Mac mid tower

I'm usually not so optimistic about mac events but i really think this is gonna be the OMFG! one we've been thirsty for

I get the feeling that a lot of people waiting for new desktop macs will be happy with Tuesday...regardless of what Apple does, I am planning on buying a new Mac tuesday...so I have low expectations for the iMacs, just the Santa Rosa with similar specs to the Macbook Pros....of course, the Mac Pro update could come the same day, and that would be great.

The perfect iMac though would be with a Core 2 Quad....PLEASE