Apple Screws Me Twice: Won't Let "Authorized User" Upgrade

[EarthDawn]

OK... ill jump in on this as my girlfriend upgraded back in Oct. 08 from the 2G to the 3G, Yes she is mad she dident wait but whatever.
So we go into the Apple store and she asks for the 3G with her 2G in hand. Picks out a new case and we get rung up without a word to me, me being the primary account holder. I was looking at cases for her while they processed her order.
So I dont know what happened with us but they dident need the primary persons info or presence in my case. And at the time she was just an add-on # to my family plan and was NOT an authorized user.

 

[SIUGRAD99]

So my 1st gen iPhone was damaged in some heavy rain a few days ago and, knowing I was eligible for an upgrade and with a couple of Apple discount coupons and gift cards burning a hole in my wallet that were sent to me after a less-than-stellar Genius Bar experience in March, I decided to go and cash in on a 3GS.

...Then Apple screwed me again.

The basics:

- I'm on an AT&T family plan;

- I'm not the primary accountholder, but I'm an authorized user;

- I was able to upgrade from a RAZR to a 1st gen iPhone in 2007 in an Apple Store with no problem whatsoever (presumably because the iPhones were unsubsidized and you activated them at home instead of in the store?);

- Back in March, my MBP's logic board died, which snowballed into a *****torm of customer service at the SoHo store's Genius Bar, which I sorted out after calling customer relations and emailing some Steve & Co

- One of the corporate execs I emailed was Ron Johnson, the SVP of retail. I Cc'd the SoHo General Manager on that e-mail, who promptly responded by calling me, apologizing, and sending me a 10% discount coupon and a $25 gift card for my next purchase to make up for the ****** experience.

- Today, I went into the same Apple Store, waited in line for over half an hour to see a specialist, and was told I couldn't buy a phone because I'm not the primary accountholder. I was also told the 10% coupon wouldn't be honored for the iPhone.

- The AT&T Store will let me upgrade and order a phone, no problem, but they won't honor the coupon or the gift card, obviously. Plus they're out of stock, so I'd have to wait for it to be shipped.

- I can pay $599 for an unactivated phone.

- I can order it on apple.com, but still no dice on the 10% coupon.

- I can have the primary accountholder (my mom, who lives in California), go into an Apple Store, purchase and activate the phone, and ship it to me. I'd be without a working phone in the meantime, since mine will be de-activated when the new one is activated, and I'd have to reimburse her for the phone and shipping costs. I'd also either have to mail her the gift card, or find a way to apply it retroactively. Again, no dice on the 10%.

- I'll probably end up ordering the phone off apple.com, since I can at least use the gift card there (which I can't with AT&T), and obviously the Internet has no way of verifying whether the accountholder or an authorized user is placing the order, but nevertheless, I thought I'd give Apple a piece of my mind following the second miserable Apple Store ordeal in three months:

(I should add I hadn't even stepped foot in an Apple Store or purchased any Apple products since the problems with my MacBook, so we're two for two so far. Also, FYI, "MaryMichelle Timbang" is is AT&T Wireless' president of executive customer service.)




I'd be curious to know if anyone here has had any similar problems with upgrading their phone if they're not the "primary accountholder." Seems like a pretty silly policy, considering it's not even consistently enforced between Apple and AT&T, or even Apple's own brick-and-mortar and online stores.

Sounds like the problem doesn't start with Apple. Sounds like your a trouble maker who make other people in retail cringe everytime you walk in their store. This is a YOU problem buddy, everything is not always someone else's fault. You are the classic "entitled" retail shopper who only has 1/2 the knowledge, but acts as if they invented the service.

Look in the mirror, realize you are the ignorant one, send another email to the "Steve & Co." apologizing for being an annoying customer and return your gift cards.

 

[SuparShadow]

Sounds like the problem doesn't start with Apple. Sounds like your a trouble maker who make other people in retail cringe everytime you walk in their store. This is a YOU problem buddy, everything is not always someone else's fault. You are the classic "entitled" retail shopper who only has 1/2 the knowledge, but acts as if they invented the service.

Look in the mirror, realize you are the ignorant one, send another email to the "Steve & Co." apologizing for being an annoying customer and return your gift cards.

I'd be more inclined to take your "critique" to heart if you pointed out where I'm the one who did something wrong here.

The bottom line here is that Apple isn't adequately equipped to deal with a situation where the AT&T accountholder can't physically be present to upgrade a peripheral line on the account; and for whatever reason, Apple is holding non-accountholders to a higher standard than AT&T itself does.

Adding the gift cards to the mix complicates things, I'll admit, and*I'm willing to bite the bullet and forego the 10% discount (that was given to me after Apple screwed the pooch on my MBP repair), but it's ridiculous — from a business standpoint — that the customer is forced to find a workaround for what should be a nonissue in the first place.

Some of us also depend on our computers and our phones for our jobs and livelihoods; we can't all afford to be without one, the other, or either for an extended period of time, so while you may call having to order a product online and wait for it shipped while the same item is in stock at a store just blocks away from my home acting "entitled," it's a major and unnecessary inconvenience for a product on which we're already paying a huge premium and from a company that prides itself on making itself easy and accessible to customers.

For the record, I've also worked in retail myself. And if you bothered to read the e-mail I sent to Apple, I made it very clear that I don't necessarily hold the store or its employees responsible for the situation, nor did I behave in anything less than an acceptable manner in the store. My issue is with what, as far as I can tell, is a corporate policy, so I escalated my complaint to the level where someone might have the authority to actually do something about it instead of wasting time and energy by badgering a lower- or mid-level retail employee whose best method of recourse is probably to throw more (apparently useless) gift cards at me.

 

[MBHockey]

Sounds like the problem doesn't start with Apple. Sounds like your a trouble maker who make other people in retail cringe everytime you walk in their store. This is a YOU problem buddy, everything is not always someone else's fault. You are the classic "entitled" retail shopper who only has 1/2 the knowledge, but acts as if they invented the service.

Look in the mirror, realize you are the ignorant one, send another email to the "Steve & Co." apologizing for being an annoying customer and return your gift cards.

Wow...what?! What ginormous leap of logic lead you to this conclusion?

I want to thank the OP for this well thought out, lucid, and rational response to a situation that might make some people here lose their minds. I hope Apple gets back to you with a workaround. Apple will probably be shocked that they received an email that doesn't look like this:

OMG STEVE JOBS WHY DO I HAVE DUST UNDER MY IPHONE SCREEN!!! MY VIBRATE BUTTON RATTLES!! WTF!!! I HAVE LIGHT LEAK!!! YES LIGHT LEAKS THROUGH IT IN THE DARK I CAN SEE IT BUT NO OTHER TIME AND IT DOESN'T AFFECT THE PHONE AT ALL!! APPLE QUALITY CONTROL SUCKS!! YOU SUCK! WHERE'S MY MMS????

 

[yum114]

Its because when you get this iphone through upgrade you are pro longing the contract. you cant sign the primary users name on a contract.

 

[SuparShadow]

I want to thank the OP for this well thought out, lucid, and rational response to a situation that might make some people here lose their minds. I hope Apple gets back to you with a workaround.

Thanks, I really hope they come up with a solution, too.

The real disappointment is that it's the second time in a row I've visited the Apple Store and had a poor experience.

To be fair, the fact that it was the same store is a coincidence, I'm sure I would've gotten the same result if I'd gone to any other store since this is clearly a situation caused by either Apple's sales policies or the limitations of their POS system and isn't something that's just up to some individual's discretion (like determining the coverage on my MBP was), but it doesn't reflect too well on Apple's commitment to a customer-friendly retail experience.

Its because when you get this iphone through upgrade you are pro longing the contract. you cant sign the primary users name on a contract.

Incorrect; I was able to do it when I bought my original iPhone, and AT&T will allow me to do it without question.

 

[AHDuke99]

Strange. I am not the primary account holder and was allowed to upgrade. There was a question at first, but the Apple Store said AT&T allows authorized users to upgrade.

 

[GoCubsGo]

it's well known you need to be the primary account holder

Yup. And for that, you need to go into AT&T, whether it was said here I don't know. Whether you intend on doing that ... well that's on you.

I'm sorry, I didn't read it all. However, couldn't you just order the phone online and have it shipped to your home? That is what I did (pre-order) and I'm not the account holder. You're just going to have to accept the fact that Apple and AT&T cannot accept discounts on iPhones. It is already subsidized. They don't discount further than that.

And that is what the rest of those receipants will say/do.

 

[SmoothCaller]

So just so we are all clear, you had a terrible experience at a store and you went back, sounds like you started your journey the proper way, going to a store that you know to have poor customer service, strike 1.

I think it's great that your 22 and Mom and Dad still pay your phone bill while you live in the big city by yourself! However this all could be avoid if you just had your own account, and dont give me the it's to expensive BS, if you can't afford your own account you should'nt have a phone let alone an iPhone, strike 2.

Finally I fail to understand why you think that you somehow are entitled to the 10% off, via the coupon you have, for a already subsidized purchase? I totally understand that while you are 22 and Mom and Dad still pay your bills while you live in the big city all by yourself, you haven't understood how business and the economy works yet, but come on, put down the joint and get a clue. strike 3

Clearly you feel you were wronged, I think you went about this little adventure of yours, the complete wrong way. Apple must get so sick of people like you, who bitch and complain about every little thing that doesn't go their way.

Maybe your Mom or Dad can call the meanies at the Apple Store and straighten this all out!!!!!!

 

[chriszzz]

So just so we are all clear, you had a terrible experience at a store and you went back, sounds like you started your journey the proper way, going to a store that you know to have poor customer service, strike 1.

I think it's great that your 22 and Mom and Dad still pay your phone bill while you live in the big city by yourself! However this all could be avoid if you just had your own account, and dont give me the it's to expensive BS, if you can't afford your own account you should'nt have a phone let alone an iPhone, strike 2.

Finally I fail to understand why you think that you somehow are entitled to the 10% off, via the coupon you have, for a already subsidized purchase? I totally understand that while you are 22 and Mom and Dad still pay your bills while you live in the big city all by yourself, you haven't understood how business and the economy works yet, but come on, put down the joint and get a clue. strike 3

Clearly you feel you were wronged, I think you went about this little adventure of yours, the complete wrong way. Apple must get so sick of people like you, who bitch and complain about every little thing that doesn't go their way.

Maybe your Mom or Dad can call the meanies at the Apple Store and straighten this all out!!!!!!

Exactly.

Become an adult and pay for your own cell phone bill, or follow Apple's rules. You don't like them? Don't shop there.

 

[ohio.emt]

Dude, just order the phone online, your current phone will work until you activate the new phone yourself. Now quit whining it is a known fact that you are supposed to be the primary account holder to go to the Apple store. Its even on the website.

 

[SuparShadow]

So just so we are all clear, you had a terrible experience at a store and you went back, sounds like you started your journey the proper way, going to a store that you know to have poor customer service, strike 1.

The situations aren't exactly comparable; my first experience was a Genius Bar issue, which involves the personal discretion of the technical staff. This iPhone issue is more of a sales policy issue, not a customer service issue. I probably would've run into the same problem regardless of which Apple Store I went into.

I think it's great that your 22 and Mom and Dad still pay your phone bill while you live in the big city by yourself! However this all could be avoid if you just had your own account, and dont give me the it's to expensive BS, if you can't afford your own account you should'nt have a phone let alone an iPhone, strike 2.

Exactly.

Become an adult and pay for your own cell phone bill, or follow Apple's rules. You don't like them? Don't shop there.

Uh, not that it's any of your business, but remind me again where I said I don't pay my own phone bill?

I pay a fraction of my family's phone bill proportional to the services and features I use; and being part of a family plan lowers the cost for everyone on the plan, not just myself. And my balance also happens to be greater than the amount my parents pay each month.

Secondly, I don't have a landline, so "not having a phone" isn't exactly an option.

Thirdly, unless I hired either one of you as my CPA without realizing it, I think I'm a little bit more qualified to speak about what expenditures my budget and income allow for. So maybe you'd like to cool it on the "let's jump to conclusions about other people's financial situations" parade. Though for the record, I'm completely financially independent from my parents. They do not pay my bills, cell phone or otherwise, nor do they provide me with money, etc. The only reasons we're still on a family plan are: 1.) I was still a minor when the account was opened, 2.) it's the most economical and affordable option for everybody listed on the plan, and 3.) porting phone numbers to separate accounts brings up a big headache involving contract signatories, regional markets, etc.

Finally I fail to understand why you think that you somehow are entitled to the 10% off, via the coupon you have, for a already subsidized purchase? I totally understand that while you are 22 and Mom and Dad still pay your bills while you live in the big city all by yourself, you haven't understood how business and the economy works yet, but come on, put down the joint and get a clue. strike 3

Uh, if I used that 10% coupon on a $2,500 laptop, Apple would take a $250 loss compared to the whopping $20 they'd lose on the iPhone's $199 pricetag. The subsidy doesn't really make a difference here, as far as I can tell, they wouldn't let me apply it to a $599, unactivated/unsubsidized iPhone, either. And even if they did, Apple still makes its $400 whether I use the 10% discount or not; either I'd be paying $539 ($599 x .90), or I pay $179 ($199 x .90) and AT&T shells out the $400 subsidy. Apple would actually lose more money (~$60) by letting me apply the discount to an unsubsidized phone than if they let me use it on the subsidized price.

Also, I'm pretty sure I made it very clear that I'm willing to bite the bullet on not being able to use the 10% coupon. $20 isn't exactly going to make or break the bank for me, and I can just as easily put the discount towards another purchase of similar value.

And this still fails to address my original point: it's a stupid policy that has no practical basis in reason. It's clearly not a technical impossibility, other retailers can approve the upgrade for non-accountholders just fine.

Having to order the phone online and wait for it to ship should not be the only way to complete such a simple transaction. What's the point of having over 200 of these retail stores, if not for the supposed convenience factor?

 

[freediverdude]

I'm finding myself agreeing with suparshadow here. If the manager himself gave him a 10% off coupon for bad service, that really should be on anything in the store, unless the coupon states exceptions on it. You really could force that legally, if you were willing, although it might not be worth it. For the principle it would be interesting.

As far as the having to be the primary account holder, I agree that is stupid, but it may depend on Apple and their computer systems or something. I agree that Apple and AT&T really should work something out about that. It's just "bad show" as people who work at Disney would say.

 

[SuparShadow]

I'm finding myself agreeing with suparshadow here. If the manager himself gave him a 10% off coupon for bad service, that really should be on anything in the store, unless the coupon states exceptions on it. You really could force that legally, if you were willing, although it might not be worth it. For the principle it would be interesting.

As far as the having to be the primary account holder, I agree that is stupid, but it may depend on Apple and their computer systems or something. I agree that Apple and AT&T really should work something out about that. It's just "bad show" as people who work at Disney would say.

I don't think there's much of a legal argument; the fine print on the back of the card is pretty clear:

This card entitles the holder to a one-time ten percent (10%) discount on the purchase of product(s) sold at any retail Apple Store location in the United States. This card cannot be used for discounts on services or for any purchases made at the online Apple Store, Apple Telesales, the iTunes Store, Apple resellers, or retail Apple Store locations outside the United States. This discount will be applied only at the time of purchase. This card has no cash value and cannot be exchanged or redeemed for cash. This offer is not valid on the purchase of any Apple Store or iTunes Music Store Gift Cards or Bose products. Other products may be excluded. Please see a retail Apple Store manager for details. This card cannot be combined with other officers, discounts, or special purchasing terms. Not for resale. This card will not be replaced if lost or stolen.

I didn't notice this until I was waiting in line at the store, so I knew full well when I spoke with the specialist that there was a possibility they wouldn't honor the 10%, but I never imagined they'd outright prevent me from buying the phone.

My issue is mostly with this authorized user/primary accountholder policy. Although I'm sure the manager could honor the 10% discount if he really wanted to (I don't know what the internal Apple policies about authorizing these kinds of things are, but when the discount totals a whoppingly petty $20, I'm pretty sure there's some leeway for managers in those circumstances), the problem is that the only way for me to buy the phone through Apple, let alone redeeming the 10% discount or the $25 gift card, is to do it online and wait a week for it to ship to me, when there's no reason one shouldn't be able to complete the same transaction in the store.



But yes, mostly it's just a "bad show."

 

[aristobrat]

Well, yes, I certainly realize that now. But having an accountholder and an authorized user in separate locations isn't an uncommon situation, and, frankly, requiring the accountholder to be present is a stupid and arbitrary policy. It wasn't in place with the original iPhone, and AT&T has no problem letting authorized users upgrade.

The solution to the "common problem" of authorized users and account holders being in separate locations is to order from either the AT&T or Apple online stores. Same price, free shipping, and your line of service isn't interrupted until you receive/activate it (as the iPhone is shipped only partially activated).

When you purchased your original iPhone, you did nothing with your AT&T contract inside the Apple store, so it didn't matter who purchased the phone (primary, authorized, not authorized, your next-door neighbor, whatever...)

Since the iPhone 3G launched last summer (and contracts had to be signed inside of the AT&T store at the time of purchase), the policy has been that the primary account holder must be present.

The iPhone 3GS policy is no different. I'm not sure why you're acting like it's something that just popped out of the blue this year?

If they're going to have an exclusive contract to sell this product, and Apple's going to have the authorization to act as AT&T's proxy and mess with people's accounts in its stores, then the two companies need to figure out a way to communicate and access each others' databases in a way that makes this process simple for the consumer. (Isn't that Apple's whole gimmick, after all? Being simple?)

The process of buying an iPhone at Apple couldn't be any more simple (for either the consumer, or the Apple employee doing the transaction), and frankly, everything your proposing for your situation (which isn't nearly as common as you are trying to make it appear) only COMPLICATES and LENGTHENS the Apple process.

Unlike Best Buy and Walmart, Apple isn't an authorized AT&T dealer. They can't sell you other brands of phones. They can't directly access/change AT&T customers accounts. All they can do is sell iPhones, and that's all that their interface to AT&T is designed for.

It's a four step process. They send your telephone#, billing zip code, and SSN over to AT&T. AT&T returns back the price that you're eligible to buy the iPhone for. Apple sends over the plan you picked. AT&T returns back if the iPhone successfully activated.

At no point during that process can Apple "mess with your account".

 

[aristobrat]

I'm pretty sure there's some leeway for managers in those circumstances)

Incorrect. After Apple sends your information over to AT&T and AT&T returns the price that you're eligible to buy the iPhone for, Apple managers have zero ability to modify/discount that price. There literally is no button/screen/feature/function during the process of selling an iPhone that lets them modify/discount the price.

 

[ddavid]

No you don't. I'm a registered holder of the account, yet my mother is the primary holder.

I was able to upgrade my line at the ATT store to a 3G.
Returned it in the 30 window, got my upgrade back as promised.
Went to Best Buy on 3Gs launch day and upgraded to the 3Gs.

My mom was not there.
They pulled up their system
Punched in some doo-dads and what-nots
iPhone in hand.

My mom was not there. They asked for my name and last 4 digits of my mother's social security number.

Can the Apple store really be that different? That doesn't make sense.

Can you read? The main point of this topic is that you can't at the Apple Store.

I just did this exact thing at the Apple Store at Partridge Creek in Michigan. At first the salesperson said that I couldn't because my wife is primary and I am an authorized user. I told her that I had just upgraded my wife's phone at an AT&T store an hour before without her present and intended to do the same there with my iPhone. She spoke to her manager and he said that I was right and as long as I was an authorized user and had the last 4 of HER SS# there wouldn't be an issue. There wasn't.

I would have been pissed if I had had to drive an hour back to get my wife and then another hour to the Apple store, especially since I had just done exactly the same thing with her phone at an AT&T store.

 

[SuparShadow]

The solution to the "common problem" of authorized users and account holders being in separate locations is to order from either the AT&T or Apple online stores. Same price, free shipping, and your line of service isn't interrupted until you receive/activate it (as the iPhone is shipped only partially activated).

This isn't terribly useful for anyone who has a completely nonfunctioning phone in the meantime, though. There's still downtime, which for some people (not me, necessarily, but speaking generally) who really need to have a working phone for their jobs and livelihoods is not a viable option.

Since the iPhone 3G launched last summer (and contracts had to be signed inside of the AT&T store at the time of purchase), the policy has been that the primary account holder must be present.

The iPhone 3GS policy is no different. I'm not sure why you're acting like it's something that just popped out of the blue this year?

I didn't upgrade to a 3G, so for me, at least, this situation is new.

The process of buying an iPhone at Apple couldn't be any more simple (for either the consumer, or the Apple employee doing the transaction), and frankly, everything your proposing for your situation (which isn't nearly as common as you are trying to make it appear) only COMPLICATES and LENGTHENS the Apple process.

I'm pretty sure the only thing about my situation that's any more complicated than your routine "authorized users and account holders in separate locations" is that I was hoping they'd apply the 10% discount. But, as I've stated several times already, I was prepared to bite the bullet on that. I just wanted to be able to replace my damn phone. AT&T will let me do it, but they won't honor an Apple Gift Card. So why does Apple get to set a stricter standard?

Unlike Best Buy and Walmart, Apple isn't an authorized AT&T dealer. They can't sell you other brands of phones. They can't directly access/change AT&T customers accounts. All they can do is sell iPhones, and that's all that their interface to AT&T is designed for.

It's a four step process. They send your telephone#, billing zip code, and SSN over to AT&T. AT&T returns back the price that you're eligible to buy the iPhone for. Apple sends over the plan you picked. AT&T returns back if the iPhone successfully activated.

At no point during that process can Apple "mess with your account".

Well, I have my telephone number, I know the billing zip code, I know the SSN on the account, and as far as AT&T is concerned, I'm authorized to make this kind of change to the account. I still haven't heard a reasonable explanation for why Apple and AT&T haven't, can't, or don't want to utilize an interface that allows Apple to see who, besides just the accountholder, is authorized by AT&T to sign for a service agreement on a given account.

You seem pretty convinced that this is a rare situation, but I'm pretty sure there are tons of spouses, college students, etc., out there on group plans who walk into Apple Stores each day and deal with the same unnecessary headache.

Incorrect. After Apple sends your information over to AT&T and AT&T returns the price that you're eligible to buy the iPhone for, Apple managers have zero ability to modify/discount that price. There literally is no button/screen/feature/function during the process of selling an iPhone that lets them modify/discount the price.

Well, like I said, I was speculating about this. I'm not an Apple employee, so I don't know the ins and outs of how their POS systems work. I would think that, generally, at least, managers have some wiggle room for these kinds of things, but it doesn't surprise me that Apple's corporate office probably has a very tight leash on iPhone sales.

 

[ddavid]

So just so we are all clear, you had a terrible experience at a store and you went back, sounds like you started your journey the proper way, going to a store that you know to have poor customer service, strike 1.

I think it's great that your 22 and Mom and Dad still pay your phone bill while you live in the big city by yourself! However this all could be avoid if you just had your own account, and dont give me the it's to expensive BS, if you can't afford your own account you should'nt have a phone let alone an iPhone, strike 2.

Finally I fail to understand why you think that you somehow are entitled to the 10% off, via the coupon you have, for a already subsidized purchase? I totally understand that while you are 22 and Mom and Dad still pay your bills while you live in the big city all by yourself, you haven't understood how business and the economy works yet, but come on, put down the joint and get a clue. strike 3

Clearly you feel you were wronged, I think you went about this little adventure of yours, the complete wrong way. Apple must get so sick of people like you, who bitch and complain about every little thing that doesn't go their way.

Maybe your Mom or Dad can call the meanies at the Apple Store and straighten this all out!!!!!!

Being that you are Canadian you might not realize that his parents may get AT&T service at up to 30% off and may be extending it to him. His reasoning for being on a family plan are really none of your business. I don't think it is him that needs to grow up and stop whining...

 

[Spidey79]

You are entitled to vent and to express your frustration with your experience with Apple. However, it was shi theads like you that I made me dislike working in a retail environment. Stop being a dum bass. Pay close attention son. No one should be liable for your idiotic consumer fetishism. You are not entitled to a subsidized iPhone. B*tch and moan when you are the account holder, not an authorized individual. You are not being held accountable, it does not affect your credit report, but it does affect your mom. Why don't you start a new contract with ATT&T? Quit your yapping for once and stop consuming and start producing or else, you'll remain ignorant and a fukken tool. As a matter of fact, you can continue with your childish behavior. See you at the unemployment line.

 

[marksman]

No offense but they have not really been unreasonable and they are not really screwing you over.

The policies are there for a reason, and I suspect your discount certificate has exceptions listed on it.

It sucks that you were a victim of circumstance, but to claim they screwed you is an entirely unfair accusation.

 

[SuparShadow]

No offense but they have not really been unreasonable and they are not really screwing you over.

The policies are there for a reason, and I suspect your discount certificate has exceptions listed on it.

It sucks that you were a victim of circumstance, but to claim they screwed you is an entirely unfair accusation.

Well, yes, I was hyperbolizing slightly when I said "screwed."

That said, it's still an asinine policy, which Apple ought to straighten out.

 

[marksman]

I'm sorry, I didn't read it all. However, couldn't you just order the phone online and have it shipped to your home?

Yeah he could have done that, but he said he did not do that because they would not honor his 10% off discount. Even though in some place it probably talks about things it is not good for.. just a hunch.

The guy is upset he can't use his discount coupon. The rest of it is a smoke screen. That is what he is upset about....

 

[SuparShadow]

You are entitled to vent and to express your frustration with your experience with Apple. However, it was shi theads like you that I made me dislike working in a retail environment. Stop being a dum bass. Pay close attention son. No one should be liable for your idiotic consumer fetishism. You are not entitled to a subsidized iPhone. B*tch and moan when you are the account holder, not an authorized individual. You are not being held accountable, it does not affect your credit report, but it does affect your mom. Why don't you start a new contract with ATT&T? Quit your yapping for once and stop consuming and start producing or else, you'll remain ignorant and a fukken tool. As a matter of fact, you can continue with your childish behavior. See you at the unemployment line.

Clearly you haven't been following this thread, since I've already addressed many, if not all, of your "points" already. My reasons for being on a family plan are none of your business, frankly, and it would serve you well not to be so presumptuous with strangers whom you know nothing about.

That said, considering my family and I (read: all of us, not simply the accountholder) make our payments on time and have dutifully fulfilled our end of the bargain with AT&T, I am, in fact, contractually entitled to subsidized iPhone pricing. And AT&T, the subsidizer, happens to agree. The only party dragging its heels here is Apple.

And I am an "authorized individual." Again, the service provider, AT&T, recognizes me as having the authority to extend service agreements and make changes to the account. I was given that authorization by the accountholder, who had full knowledge that she would be held accountable for changes I make to the account.

Yeah he could have done that, but he said he did not do that because they would not honor his 10% off discount. Even though in some place it probably talks about things it is not good for.. just a hunch.

The guy is upset he can't use his discount coupon. The rest of it is a smoke screen. That is what he is upset about....

I've already said, several times, that I was prepared for the possibility they wouldn't honor the 10% discount and that (since ultimately it'd save me a whole $20), not being able to use it isn't such a big deal. Was I looking forward to applying that discount and the gift card on this purchase? Absolutely. Am I particularly upset that I'll only be saving $25 on a $200 phone instead of $40? Not really.

What I'm upset about is that I rely on having a functional phone, my current phone is not functional, and my ability to obtain a replacement is delayed because of a pointless and unnecessary sales policy which has no legitimate legal or logistical basis.

 

[iUser4Lyfe]

That's the thing — AT&T will let the non-primary account user upgrade in their store; the Apple Store won't.

Why are people like being elitist ass holes like you? For the record, I am on a family plan, Am a registered user, and upgraded just fine at an APPLE store. Go do some research before you start mouthing off.