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Apple iPhone Upgrade Program Bait and Switch Scam - BEWARE
- Thread starter pokermanlv
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So here's the issue, I am not sure what you did but this is clearly a mistake somewhere. Sim-Free phones are NOT part of the AUP clearly. As it's stated pretty much everywhere what's included and what's not. I tried doing this several times at several store locations across the US, the AUP was not an option for SIM FREE. Nevada isn't on the lis for reservations either for some reason.
I think the issue is, you saw someone on Reddit get his this way and you thought you would do the same. You tried to work the system and failed and now you're butt hurt and want to create drama where none exists. If you're that "financially secure", you wouldn't be here making nothing into something and you wouldn't be financing a phone either. You would buy it outright every year.
So in the end, you saw something online, you tried it, you failed and now you're unhappy you didn't get what you wanted by working the system.
No story here. No bait and switch either. Stay out of the sun because I think it's hurting you mentally.
I think the issue is, you saw someone on Reddit get his this way and you thought you would do the same. You tried to work the system and failed and now you're butt hurt and want to create drama where none exists. If you're that "financially secure", you wouldn't be here making nothing into something and you wouldn't be financing a phone either. You would buy it outright every year.
So in the end, you saw something online, you tried it, you failed and now you're unhappy you didn't get what you wanted by working the system.
No story here. No bait and switch either. Stay out of the sun because I think it's hurting you mentally.
Rue, unless you have trouble putting down close to $900 after taxes every year in September. A lot of people are on seasonal or unsteady incomes to have the kind of cash flow. Now, you could make the case whether these people should purchase iPhones in the first place, but that's not my judgment to make. There are people who think that houses should be bought in cash only.
Why did you feel the need to add that attack in the bottom?
I'm normally one to defend Apple (though not to the extend of some in this thread). The iPhone upgrade program page clearly states:
"Because the iPhone Upgrade Program isn’t tied to a single carrier, you don’t need a multiyear service contract. If you don’t have any carrier commitments, you’re free to select a new carrier or stick with the one you have. A Specialist can answer questions and help you set your iPhone up the way you like."
That suggests that you can continue to use your current carrier (as long as its AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon) without the need to take out a new cell plan.
If Apple are advertising SIM free as an option for the IUP, it should be there. And that IS the definition of bait and switch. Bait into store with an offer and switch. In this case it's probably a mistake on one party's side, but it's still not right, and he shouldn't have been given the brush off as he has been - and he sure as heck shouldn't have been given the abuse he's gotten from members here.
I can reserve a SIM free phone online for the iPhone Upgrade Program, which is something Apple are saying isn't possible. That's not right.
I know the iPhone section on MR has been bad for some time, but geez.
It's clearly a glitch, it even says on the reservation that up you need your wireless carrier information. You just need to breath and get over it, band 30 is not worth popping a blood vessel. (And if you're on Verizon, you don't even need it...)
I too was frustrated. I reserved a SIM free phone via the upgrade program, and when I got to the store, I was told it could not be done.
For me, it was not catastrophic, as I already had a 6S plus under the upgrade program (silver). I wanted to return it for the gold and only the SIM FREE phone was available. The reservation system gave no indication this was it possible. I am not saying it should be possible and for me, I already had a phone, so no big deal.
What I am saying is the web site should not allow you to reserve a SIM free phone under the Apple Upgrade Prigram.
I would suggest that Apple have two seperate reservation systems. One for the upgrade program and one to reserve a phone. Not through the upgrade program.
For me, it was not catastrophic, as I already had a 6S plus under the upgrade program (silver). I wanted to return it for the gold and only the SIM FREE phone was available. The reservation system gave no indication this was it possible. I am not saying it should be possible and for me, I already had a phone, so no big deal.
What I am saying is the web site should not allow you to reserve a SIM free phone under the Apple Upgrade Prigram.
I would suggest that Apple have two seperate reservation systems. One for the upgrade program and one to reserve a phone. Not through the upgrade program.
Here's the thing, you can't do that. It won't let you. It will let you reserve a sim-free phone for in store pickup/reservation. Nowhere on the reservation does it say AUP when you go to make it. Try it.
Yes, it does.
http://s16.postimg.org/46ntfgwk5/Screen_Shot_2015_10_11_at_16_57_59.png
Quite clearly says in-store reservation, upgrade program and SIM free. I don't get why you don't see that?
Yes, they are. Any phone purchased outright for full retail price (NOT subsidized or on a carrier payment plan) or any phone purchased on the Apple Upgrade Plan will be unlocked. The only difference between these and the sim-free versions are that the non sim-free phones need to be activated on a major carrier at the time of purchase, and the sim-free phones do not.
Since the Apple Upgrade Program clearly states the phone must be activated at the time of purchase on a major carrier, it's logical to assume the sim-free phones are not eligible for the Apple Upgrade Program. I agree that it's misleading that apple.com shows the sim-free phones with AUP pricing, but not an intentional bait and switch scheme, nor do I think Apple Store managers are liars...just misinformed.
Stulaw11: Your problem is you didn't read my post.
1) I got a second phone the iphone 6s on the upgrade plan when they denied to put the phone I wanted (the iphone 6s plus sim-free) on the upgrade plan just to prove that I qualified for credit. Again, all I wanted was the Iphone 6s plus on the upgrade plan and was more than happy to activate it on my verizon account. I have no use whatsoever for the iphone 6s that I did get on the upgrade plan and fully intend to return it. Again I got this phone only because I smelled a scam eg they will put phones with a lot of availability on the upgrade plan but rare phones they will only sell you full price. This way I have proof that I did indeed qualify for the upgrade plan and the only problem was Apple refused to sell the phone with low stock on the plan as promised on the email (classic bait and switch).
2) This user clearly got a 64gb iphone 6s sim free on the upgrade plan : https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/3o3lm0/simfree_available_on_iphone_upgrade_plan_so_whats/
so the problem was just a untrained sales manager OR maybe a bigger corporate scam. eg we have plenty of iphone 6s but only 1 iphone 6s plus. You can take as many iphone 6s as you want on the upgrade plan but you can't do it to the iphone 6s plus because we want to sell it full price.
3) I asked for the store manager and got the senior store manager's card and both he and the low level sales rep stated no way to get the iphone 6s plus sim free on the upgrade plan. What they should have done is the same thing as the iphone 6s sim free user on reddit. Eg they pull a verizon sim, activate it and I walk out the door. I had no problem whatsoever adding it to my verizon account and in fact that is what I wanted. Saves me the hassle of calling verizon myself and adding it. When I went home I just popped the phone off the activated iphone 6s which was added to the upgrade plan and popped it into the iphone 6s plus and it's working fine now.
If I couldn't get the phone without activation on the upgrade plan, WHY DIDN'T THEY ACTIVATE IT???
I don't see the problem here on my side and have no idea why you would defend Apple unless you work for their PR team. Clearly I was screwed over - other customers got their sim-free phones on the upgrade plan. The store manager at the Las Vegas store saw that the high demand phones (the 6s plus) could be sold for more so denied it on that basis. I'm sure if they had plenty of stock non of this would happen (eg tons of 6s in stock).
All I wanted now was for them to pull a phone out of stock and hold it for me and we can just swap these 2 for the one on the upgrade plan instead of me dancing through the upgrade website and try my "luck" with the store again. It was clearly their mistake, and I'm horrified at the terrible customer service and illegal bait and switch techniques.
Lordhamster: This phone is $918 after tax + $129 apple care=$1047. $1047-$40.75*12-$75.73 in taxes=$482. Can you sell a used 64gb iphone 6 (last years model) for $482 no hassle today even if it has a few scratches on it from normal use? Gazelle.com quotes a iphone 6 plus 64gb verizon as $305 in good condition. Not only that but I already got screwed by verizon last year when they said they would give me $200 on my iphone 5 towards a iphone 6 but I just had to mail it in. After I mailed it in, they said the phone wasn't working (even though it was 100% working daily phone until I put it in the mail) and dropped my $200 down to $50 - asked for my phone back so I can sell it somewhere else and they said no can't do that as it's too late. The hassles of selling a used phone or even a mail in trade in are huge.
Iphone upgrade plan at zero percent interest and full trade in at the Apple store is clearly superior purchase.
1) I got a second phone the iphone 6s on the upgrade plan when they denied to put the phone I wanted (the iphone 6s plus sim-free) on the upgrade plan just to prove that I qualified for credit. Again, all I wanted was the Iphone 6s plus on the upgrade plan and was more than happy to activate it on my verizon account. I have no use whatsoever for the iphone 6s that I did get on the upgrade plan and fully intend to return it. Again I got this phone only because I smelled a scam eg they will put phones with a lot of availability on the upgrade plan but rare phones they will only sell you full price. This way I have proof that I did indeed qualify for the upgrade plan and the only problem was Apple refused to sell the phone with low stock on the plan as promised on the email (classic bait and switch).
2) This user clearly got a 64gb iphone 6s sim free on the upgrade plan : https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/3o3lm0/simfree_available_on_iphone_upgrade_plan_so_whats/
so the problem was just a untrained sales manager OR maybe a bigger corporate scam. eg we have plenty of iphone 6s but only 1 iphone 6s plus. You can take as many iphone 6s as you want on the upgrade plan but you can't do it to the iphone 6s plus because we want to sell it full price.
3) I asked for the store manager and got the senior store manager's card and both he and the low level sales rep stated no way to get the iphone 6s plus sim free on the upgrade plan. What they should have done is the same thing as the iphone 6s sim free user on reddit. Eg they pull a verizon sim, activate it and I walk out the door. I had no problem whatsoever adding it to my verizon account and in fact that is what I wanted. Saves me the hassle of calling verizon myself and adding it. When I went home I just popped the phone off the activated iphone 6s which was added to the upgrade plan and popped it into the iphone 6s plus and it's working fine now.
If I couldn't get the phone without activation on the upgrade plan, WHY DIDN'T THEY ACTIVATE IT???
I don't see the problem here on my side and have no idea why you would defend Apple unless you work for their PR team. Clearly I was screwed over - other customers got their sim-free phones on the upgrade plan. The store manager at the Las Vegas store saw that the high demand phones (the 6s plus) could be sold for more so denied it on that basis. I'm sure if they had plenty of stock non of this would happen (eg tons of 6s in stock).
All I wanted now was for them to pull a phone out of stock and hold it for me and we can just swap these 2 for the one on the upgrade plan instead of me dancing through the upgrade website and try my "luck" with the store again. It was clearly their mistake, and I'm horrified at the terrible customer service and illegal bait and switch techniques.
Lordhamster: This phone is $918 after tax + $129 apple care=$1047. $1047-$40.75*12-$75.73 in taxes=$482. Can you sell a used 64gb iphone 6 (last years model) for $482 no hassle today even if it has a few scratches on it from normal use? Gazelle.com quotes a iphone 6 plus 64gb verizon as $305 in good condition. Not only that but I already got screwed by verizon last year when they said they would give me $200 on my iphone 5 towards a iphone 6 but I just had to mail it in. After I mailed it in, they said the phone wasn't working (even though it was 100% working daily phone until I put it in the mail) and dropped my $200 down to $50 - asked for my phone back so I can sell it somewhere else and they said no can't do that as it's too late. The hassles of selling a used phone or even a mail in trade in are huge.
Iphone upgrade plan at zero percent interest and full trade in at the Apple store is clearly superior purchase.
Perhaps you should bring your sim free phone back to a different Apple Store and do a return rebuy with the upgrade plan. Isn't there one in the forum shops?
Companies are made of people and are not perfect... Kindness goes a long way.
Ah. I see now. Interesting. Perhaps when Apple added sim-free, they didn't update that page to reflect that it's not part of the AUP. Who knows. I can see where the confusion comes in now.
I still don't think it's a bait and switch though. Simple error.
Class action lawsuit... yeah, that sounds like a real reasonable plan. I suggest you hire some lawyers yourself right now to get the ball rolling. Pick the really expensive ones. I mean, you'll definitely win and get Apple to pay your legal fees so don't worry about the costs.
You should be horrified of something worth being horrified about. Not because you didn't get the phone you want and are throwing a tantrum about it until you get your way. Clearly what's happening here. Your true colors are shinning bright right now.
Now, if you want to be horrified about something - read and watch this - http://www.theguardian.com/world/vi...ment-of-explosion-at-ankara-peace-rally-video
86+ dead, 189 injured.
Enjoy your phone.
Yep. The lawyers will get millions of dollars and the plaintiffs will get an iTunes gift card for $4.71.
I just went back to the apple upgrade program link and here's the webpage again tested on 10/11/2015 (2 days after I made my reservation). Sim free, $36.58/month for 24months. Doesn't get any more clear than that.
Obviously they intend to offer the Sim-free phones on the upgrade plan and the store manager just wasn't trained on how to do it or it's a serious screw up on the apple website.
I wouldn't have gone to the store if it was not on the upgrade plan as I would just have ordered it and have it shipped to me for free and not deal with the clowns at the apple store.
Brian Y does seem like the only one that can read.
Why do they even require you to go to the store to get the upgrade plan and not do it online? Probably to sell you other apple stuff. Again bait you into the store and switch the deal when you show up. Bait and switch all day long.
Obviously they intend to offer the Sim-free phones on the upgrade plan and the store manager just wasn't trained on how to do it or it's a serious screw up on the apple website.
I wouldn't have gone to the store if it was not on the upgrade plan as I would just have ordered it and have it shipped to me for free and not deal with the clowns at the apple store.
Brian Y does seem like the only one that can read.
Why do they even require you to go to the store to get the upgrade plan and not do it online? Probably to sell you other apple stuff. Again bait you into the store and switch the deal when you show up. Bait and switch all day long.
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Glad I was not the only one. Clearly Apple needed to either fix their website or train their sales managers to pop in a spare sim and just activate on a carrier if that's required. I assume since it's still available for reservation that they need to all all their apple stores and train their managers to figure out what to do.
From my experience working retail many years ago, in order to win a so called "Bait and Switch" or even a "False Advertising" law suit, one would have to *PROVE* malice with the intent to defraud. A simple typo does not work. That is why at the bottom of every offer you usually see some sort of disclaimer.
Really all apple needs to do is make it right in customer service by offering rainchecks and extend return policy. Eg keep that phone you paid full price for and when we get a verizon one then we will call you to swap it. Seems like a simple solution rather than the in your face you are out of luck go back to the reservation system and try again.
A lot cheaper than the alternatives of a lawsuit and fines. Class action lawyers work off contingency and it's free. Civil court is different from criminal court, you don't need to prove anything just 51% chance you are right:
NRS 207.171 False, deceptive or misleading advertising and other sales practices. It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association or any agent or employee thereof to use, publish, disseminate, display or make or cause directly or indirectly to be used, published, disseminated, displayed or made, in any newspaper, magazine or other publication, by any radio, television or other advertising medium, or by any advertising device, or by public outcry, proclamation, or declaration, or by any other manner or means, including but not limited to solicitation or dissemination by mail, telephone or door-to-door contacts, any statement which is known or through the exercise of reasonable care should be known to be false, deceptive or misleading in order to induce any person to purchase, sell, lease, dispose of, utilize or acquire any title or interest in any real or personal property or any personal or professional services or to enter into any obligation or transaction relating thereto, or to include such statement as part of a plan or scheme which intentionally misstates cost or price for the purposes of producing an erroneous belief by any person that the actual cost or price is the same as stated therein.
(Added to NRS by 1973, 210)
NRS 207.173 Actual deception unnecessary to create liability. It is sufficient in bringing any action pursuant to NRS 207.170 to 207.177, inclusive, that any statement referred to in NRS 207.171 has a tendency to deceive or mislead the public because of its false or deceptive or misleading character even though no member of the public is actually deceived or misled by such statement.
(Added to NRS by 1973, 211)
A lot cheaper than the alternatives of a lawsuit and fines. Class action lawyers work off contingency and it's free. Civil court is different from criminal court, you don't need to prove anything just 51% chance you are right:
NRS 207.171 False, deceptive or misleading advertising and other sales practices. It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association or any agent or employee thereof to use, publish, disseminate, display or make or cause directly or indirectly to be used, published, disseminated, displayed or made, in any newspaper, magazine or other publication, by any radio, television or other advertising medium, or by any advertising device, or by public outcry, proclamation, or declaration, or by any other manner or means, including but not limited to solicitation or dissemination by mail, telephone or door-to-door contacts, any statement which is known or through the exercise of reasonable care should be known to be false, deceptive or misleading in order to induce any person to purchase, sell, lease, dispose of, utilize or acquire any title or interest in any real or personal property or any personal or professional services or to enter into any obligation or transaction relating thereto, or to include such statement as part of a plan or scheme which intentionally misstates cost or price for the purposes of producing an erroneous belief by any person that the actual cost or price is the same as stated therein.
(Added to NRS by 1973, 210)
NRS 207.173 Actual deception unnecessary to create liability. It is sufficient in bringing any action pursuant to NRS 207.170 to 207.177, inclusive, that any statement referred to in NRS 207.171 has a tendency to deceive or mislead the public because of its false or deceptive or misleading character even though no member of the public is actually deceived or misled by such statement.
(Added to NRS by 1973, 211)
I hope this guy rides a bike because buying a car would blow his mind.
I mean, I'm still totally on board with this lawsuit plan. I think this is worth you spending a lot of time and effort on. You seem like a really reasonable, rational person who has good judgement and really.. really knows what's going on, and I trust you to get to the bottom of this injustice.
I'd even go as far as to call it an atrocity. Senior store manager Tony is worse than Stalin in my book.
I'd even go as far as to call it an atrocity. Senior store manager Tony is worse than Stalin in my book.
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