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ssb333

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 29, 2008
65
0
Went to the Apple Store today to buy a 4GB MBA after calling them and confirming they had it in stock (thanks to this forum). I knew exactly what I wanted: 11.6 inch 4GB Ram with 64Gb SSD that's it. Nothing else.

The Apple Sales Guy said certain things which made a lot of sense. Here is what he said:
-What are you going to do when a year and a half later the battery dies or you have to replace it?
-With the Student Discount Apple Care is $183!!
-If battery, logic board, or hard drive fails (any of it fails) than Apple will replace it.
-Might as well get it for that price and have the piece of mind for 3 years especially for only $183. The battery alone costs $149 and then you have to pay labor costs if you get it done anywhere else.

He ended up also selling me Apple care! What do you guys think? The battery will w/o a doubt need to be replaced in 2 years.

Also, is it true you cannot get education discount on Apple care later. You must get it at time of purchase?
 
You realise that applecare only covers faulty batteries, not batteries that have just worn down over time at an acceptable rate?

Notebook Owners

Your one-year warranty includes replacement coverage for a defective battery. You can extend your replacement coverage for a defective battery to three years from the date of your notebook purchase with the AppleCare Protection Plan. However, the AppleCare Protection Plan for notebook computers does not cover batteries that have failed or are exhibiting diminished capacity except when the failure or diminished capacity is the result of a manufacturing defect. Apple offers a battery replacement service for MacBook Air and all MacBook Pro notebooks with built-in batteries. You can purchase replacement batteries for late models of Apple notebooks directly from the Apple Store.
 
If the battery fails sooner than it should, then that is covered by AppleCare, but keep in mind that normal depletion of the battery's charge is not covered by AppleCare.
 
What he "failed" to tell you is that you automatically get apple care free for an entire year, and can upgrade to two more years for $183 at ANY point within that first free year. Even at the end of it.
 
You realise that applecare only covers faulty batteries, not batteries that have just worn down over time at an acceptable rate?

That's what I thought too. The Apple Sales Person said that is not the case. I thought it was too good to be true, so he gave me his card and said it bring it back any time and say my time if there is a problem. He said Apple treats their customers well. Even if the battery diminished because of wear and tear they would replace it.

Did I just get duped?
 
That's what I thought too. The Apple Sales Person said that is not the case. I thought it was too good to be true, so he gave me his card and said it bring it back any time and say my time if there is a problem. He said Apple treats their customers well. Even if the battery diminished because of wear and tear they would replace it.

Did I just get duped?

I wouldn't count on getting your normally diminished battery replaced at all. Why don't you call the AppleCare phone number and ask?

I'd hate to say you got lied to, but he was damn close.
 
What he "failed" to tell you is that you automatically get apple care free for an entire year, and can upgrade to two more years for $183 at ANY point within that first free year. Even at the end of it.

I brought that up, but he said you cannot get education discount on Apple care later. You must get it at time of purchase.
 
Don't they have a life cycle of 1000 discharges? If so, then thats more like 3+ years and effectively rendering the Apple Care useless (for that purpose only). I've had GREAT experience with Apple service/repair/replace and I personally would recommend it, but for more than simply the battery life. Its a good buy at that price, in my opinion.
 
That's what I thought too. The Apple Sales Person said that is not the case. I thought it was too good to be true, so he gave me his card and said it bring it back any time and say my time if there is a problem. He said Apple treats their customers well. Even if the battery diminished because of wear and tear they would replace it.

Did I just get duped?

Well you paid for his TGI Fridays on is way home from work lol:D

I'm not saying they never replace batteries that have depleted naturally, it's just that in the terms and conditions it states they do not. Who knows if the guy will be there still in 2.5yrs when you roll up for a free battery?
 
Best Advice of the Day -->from an Apple Sales Guy

The guy is good ... I'll bet this guy is one of their Top Sales Guys ... he refuses to sell a machine without Apple Care.

Apple Care can be purchased anytime in the first year even with student discount ... why buy it now, your purchase already comes with Apple Care for the first year.

He should be training Apple sales people
 
I brought that up, but he said you cannot get education discount on Apple care later. You must get it at time of purchase.

That's true, well it is in the UK anyway. Discounted applecare for students can only be purchased at the same time as the machine. (but its a much bigger discount for student applecare here £47 vs £199) This is mainly because higher education customers in the UK get a 3yr hardware warranty for free (to cover equipment for length of University Degree), they only pay the extra for the phone support etc.
 
Went to the Apple Store today to buy a 4GB MBA after calling them and confirming they had it in stock (thanks to this forum). I knew exactly what I wanted: 11.6 inch 4GB Ram with 64Gb SSD that's it. Nothing else.

The Apple Sales Guy said certain things which made a lot of sense. Here is what he said:
-What are you going to do when a year and a half later the battery dies or you have to replace it?
-With the Student Discount Apple Care is $183!!
-If battery, logic board, or hard drive fails (any of it fails) than Apple will replace it.
-Might as well get it for that price and have the piece of mind for 3 years especially for only $183. The battery alone costs $149 and then you have to pay labor costs if you get it done anywhere else.

He ended up also selling me Apple care! What do you guys think? The battery will w/o a doubt need to be replaced in 2 years.

Also, is it true you cannot get education discount on Apple care later. You must get it at time of purchase?

Well, the sales guy has done his job successfully. He should have also told you that you can get Apple Care off the market for half price. And you can get it anytime within the 1 year period, in case you change your mind and sell it.
 
That's what I thought too. The Apple Sales Person said that is not the case. I thought it was too good to be true, so he gave me his card and said it bring it back any time and say my time if there is a problem. He said Apple treats their customers well. Even if the battery diminished because of wear and tear they would replace it.

Did I just get duped?

I've had my battery replaced by Apple with normal wear and tear usage (older 15 MBP). Like I said in the previous post, I've had GREAT experience with Apple customer service.
 
ohh wow. I came away with the highest opinion of that guy :(

Now I am pissed off and thinking of going back tomorrow. I am usually better than this to fall for tricks, but he was so convincing and genuinely sincere about making it seem like hoest to good truth.
 
ohh wow. I came away with the highest opinion of that guy :(

Now I am pissed off and thinking of going back tomorrow. I am usually better than this to fall for tricks, but he was so convincing and genuinely sincere about making it seem like hoest to good truth.

You can at least nail him on the "must be purchased at time of original purchase" thing. If you go to the online EDU store right now, you can search for AppleCare for the MBA and add it to your cart for $183.

Apple's official policy about the battery is also obviously contradictory to what he said. Whether they'll make an exception for you or not is really not the point to me.

Sounds like a dishonest guy unfortunately.
 
ohh wow. I came away with the highest opinion of that guy :(

Now I am pissed off and thinking of going back tomorrow. I am usually better than this to fall for tricks, but he was so convincing and genuinely sincere about making it seem like hoest to good truth.

Just take a deep breath. Relax, applecare is a good purchase, full peace of mind for the next 3 years, most would reccommend buying it anyway. It makes no difference to your length of coverage whether you buy it at purchase or near the end of the 1st year.
 
-What are you going to do when a year and a half later the battery dies or you have to replace it?
-With the Student Discount Apple Care is $183!!
-If battery, logic board, or hard drive fails (any of it fails) than Apple will replace it.
-Might as well get it for that price and have the piece of mind for 3 years especially for only $183. The battery alone costs $149 and then you have to pay labor costs if you get it done anywhere else.

IF apple stuff fails in a year or a year and half, it SUCKS and no one should buy Apple products. (That's what I would say to the Apple sales)

I would rather SELF INSURE and if the stupid machine failed, I BUY A NEW ONE. big deal.

I never buy APPLECARE and I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED AN ISSUE (other than the fan making noise after 1.5 years because I abused the Macbook with games, but the replacement was only $25). Probability of electronics fail after the first year is extremely low unless you abuse it, which is not covered.
 
He ripped you off sorry:(

AGREED. Keep in mind the replacement value for the exact same machine goes lower and lower and if you multiply it by the probability of failing after first year (there is a calculation done on the other thread), you are giving apple free money.
 
I brought that up, but he said you cannot get education discount on Apple care later. You must get it at time of purchase.

He out and out lied to you. If you go to Any Apple Store, show your College ID, you'll get the student discount on any product Apple sells.
 
Went to the Apple Store today to buy a 4GB MBA after calling them and confirming they had it in stock (thanks to this forum). I knew exactly what I wanted: 11.6 inch 4GB Ram with 64Gb SSD that's it. Nothing else.

The Apple Sales Guy said certain things which made a lot of sense. Here is what he said:
-What are you going to do when a year and a half later the battery dies or you have to replace it?
-With the Student Discount Apple Care is $183!!
-If battery, logic board, or hard drive fails (any of it fails) than Apple will replace it.
-Might as well get it for that price and have the piece of mind for 3 years especially for only $183. The battery alone costs $149 and then you have to pay labor costs if you get it done anywhere else.

He ended up also selling me Apple care! What do you guys think? The battery will w/o a doubt need to be replaced in 2 years.

Also, is it true you cannot get education discount on Apple care later. You must get it at time of purchase?

The guy is good ... I'll bet this guy is one of their Top Sales Guys ... he refuses to sell a machine without Apple Care.

Apple Care can be purchased anytime in the first year even with student discount ... why buy it now, your purchase already comes with Apple Care for the first year.

He should be training Apple sales people

This guy is damn good! I wish I was that good(dishonest). I work for an Apple Reseller in Australia. The service department at your local apple service centre will run the battery test, if it comes up with 'consumed' warranty WILL NOT cover it. If it says 'replace battery' and is in its first year of warranty it will be covered.

Secondly, the first year of warranty is called "Apple Limited Warranty" it gives you coverage on parts and labour, but telephone support is limited 90 days of complimentary phone support.

In order to maximise your AppleCare experience purchase the AppleCare within the first 90 days to ensure you receive AppleCare for your entire contract. However, it makes no difference whether you buy it at the time of purchase or one day before the end of the first years warranty. It makes no difference to the warranty end date, as the warranty starts from the original date of purchase.

I hope this clears it up for you all.

Cheers

Dean
 
ohh wow. I came away with the highest opinion of that guy :(

Now I am pissed off and thinking of going back tomorrow. I am usually better than this to fall for tricks, but he was so convincing and genuinely sincere about making it seem like hoest to good truth.

you said he even gave you his Card ... call him up and point this thread out to him ... at least you will show him how slimy he is.

then ask him if you can speak to his manager ... Apple is not like Best Buy, this kind of behaviour is not the norm.

They have a reputation for treating people well ... and this guy is taking a risk by mis-informing you.
 
Apple is not like Best Buy, this kind of behaviour is not the norm.

They have a reputation for treating people well ... and this guy is taking a risk by mis-informing you.

That's what I thought and that's why I believed him more. I totally plan or calling him or showing up at the Apple store to confront him.
 
Relax and enjoy your new ride...

He ripped you off sorry:(

LOL geeeeeesus you people around here need the drama! :eek:

OP you hardly got ripped off. You got a good buy on a good warranty that most would say "if you have the money buy". Especially on a firs rev, well of sorts.

Whether the guy was telling you what he thought was the truth or not will probably never be known at this point. I've been told so many things from so many different "geniuses" over the years and each one with his/her own new story... it's hard to tell where these "clowns" get trained or informed or if they even do.

I truly believe that half the time they actually do think they are telling you what they know to be the honest to goodness truth, even if it in fact is not. Chances are this guy is another genius moron who really doesn't know wtf he's talking about. Rarely right but never in doubt is pre-req # 1 for Apple store customer service reps!

It's not like he talked you into the last rev MBA for today's highest end price. You bought Applecare...it brings a good piece of mind on a really nice new piece of tech. I say kick back, crack a cold one and enjoy your new beautiful little beast! Cheers.
 
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