Broken watch trouble

[Mlrollin91]

I have no interest in keeping a broken watch as someone above was asking... I have been working on this issue from 2 different angles at the same time.

Plan A was to get the watch repaired by Apple Care. I’m running into multiple problems in attempting to execute this plan. The biggest problem here is that all the Apple Care systems are set up with the assumption that the customer has a credit card. If I had a credit card the watch would definitely be fixed by now. As I said before I do not have a credit card by choice because they are a total scam! Just think about how much more money you would have from each pay check if none of it went to a bank! Enough said! I have now been working with Apple Care for a week with no verifiable progress. On Monday I’m expecting a call back from an Apple Care Specialist who claims that he can somehow get me a repaired watch by Wednesday. I’m not holding my breath as I have been told this several times already with no luck. The Apple Care department is a FOUNTAIN of conflicting information. The point that they keep stressing is that the watch is new product with all new processes. That’s a nice explanation but it’s not very helpful...

Plan B is to purchase a replacement watch. As of now this plan is cheaper, simpler and maybe faster. I will end up with 2 watches but it is cheaper (unless the specialist comes up with some magic on Monday). I’m really sick of talking endlessly to Apple Care on the phone. So a quick and easy fix like this purchase option has a ton of appeal for that reason as well.

Hmm.. Okay. First off (Bold item 1) You do not need a credit card to use Apple Care. If you have Applecare+ it would cost you less than $100 for a replacement watch. 2) Out of warranty replacement is $329, again no credit card required.

Second (Bold item 2) I'm not sure where you have received your information on credit cards being "scams" but it seems that your point is so you don't have to pay off your card from your paycheck. Well using your debit card is the same exact thing. Instead of paying the bank at a later time, you are taking the money out of your account right away.

One needs a credit card in order to build credit for the future, to purchase a house or a car, unless you make serious money and can pay for everything in cash. If you used a credit card, you would be able to get a replacement for free because the majority of credit card companies offer 90 day accidental damage protection. Additionally, most credit cards offer rewards which is a win, not a scam.

But hey to each their own, but I just feel like you have many misconceptions about AppleCare & credit cards.

 

[flur]

Hmm.. Okay. First off (Bold item 1) You do not need a credit card to use Apple Care. If you have Applecare+ it would cost you less than $100 for a replacement watch. 2) Out of warranty replacement is $329, again no credit card required.

Second (Bold item 2) I'm not sure where you have received your information on credit cards being "scams" but it seems that your point is so you don't have to pay off your card from your paycheck. Well using your debit card is the same exact thing. Instead of paying the bank at a later time, you are taking the money out of your account right away.

One needs a credit card in order to build credit for the future, to purchase a house or a car, unless you make serious money and can pay for everything in cash. If you used a credit card, you would be able to get a replacement for free because the majority of credit card companies offer 90 day accidental damage protection. Additionally, most credit cards offer rewards which is a win, not a scam.

But hey to each their own, but I just feel like you have many misconceptions about AppleCare & credit cards.

This, yes. If you have the money to pay off the charges each month, you pay no interest at all. Cards with no annual fee cost the user nothing to use if paid off each month.

Given the situation, not having the credit card is actually costing the OP money.

 

[lchlch]

... I still have 100% of the funds of my paycheck if it were directly deposited into a bank or paper check that was cashed.

ANYWAYS... use a pre-paid visa/amex gift card. Problem solved.

Also, if they ask for a CREDIT card number you can always give them your debit card number and it will be processed as credit...

That may be true. But I hope you guys are able to respect op's choice.

 

[suntannedmonk]

Apple Care has repeatedly quoted me the same price for a used repaired watch. That is $550 + CA Sales Tax + $79 + $29. Obviously, this is a horrible deal as it even more expensive than purchasing a brand new watch with rubber band. That $329 number is totally false, I have asked repeatedly about that.

However, this deal is only available if you have a credit card! I have a debit card. Note that credit cards are a scam that I choose not to be victimized by. So those Apple Care deals are not available to me.

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I have seen the cracked Sport Watch pictures too. It would be nice if someone independent like Consumer Reports did a complete analysis of both watch face types. I would be especially interested in how these compare to Lexan.

I've had many products serviced with Apple and a credit card should only be needed for express replacement service. Ask for mail in service. You won't need a credit card for a deposit (just a form of payment including debit cards or apple gift cards) but you will be without your watch until it is returned to you fixed.

 

[J.gerbes]

Image

This is what you want. They will replace just the watch and you don't have to buy another band.

I think we all want to know how you got that

 

[Azzin]

Plan A was to get the watch repaired by Apple Care.

Apple(care) don't yet repair watches, so it would be a straight swap of yours +$339 for a replacement (Out of Warranty) unit

I’m running into multiple problems in attempting to execute this plan. The biggest problem here is that all the Apple Care systems are set up with the assumption that the customer has a credit card. If I had a credit card the watch would definitely be fixed by now. As I said before I do not have a credit card by choice because they are a total scam! Just think about how much more money you would have from each pay check if none of it went to a bank! Enough said!

Er ok, so give them a debit card number?

I have now been working with Apple Care for a week with no verifiable progress. On Monday I’m expecting a call back from an Apple Care Specialist who claims that he can somehow get me a repaired watch by Wednesday.

Is this a $339 Out of Warranty replacement?

I’m not holding my breath as I have been told this several times already with no luck. The Apple Care department is a FOUNTAIN of conflicting information. The point that they keep stressing is that the watch is new product with all new processes. That’s a nice explanation but it’s not very helpful...

If I may, I think you may be muddying the waters slightly.

Did you purchase the separate Applecare+ policy, which not only extends your warranty for 2 years and gives you 2 years telephone support, but also 2 covers you for 2 x instances of breakage-so you give them your watch and $79 (I think that's the right figure) and you get a replacement watch.

Plan B is to purchase a replacement watch. As of now this plan is cheaper, simpler and maybe faster.

It won't be cheaper, simpler or faster than an Applecare + claim (assuming you have it of course).

I will end up with 2 watches but it is cheaper (unless the specialist comes up with some magic on Monday). I’m really sick of talking endlessly to Apple Care on the phone. So a quick and easy fix like this purchase option has a ton of appeal for that reason as well.

You won't end up with 2 watches if you go the AC+ route, or simply ask for an Out of Warranty replacement @ $339.

 

[dacreativeguy]

My watch broke. It’s my fault and I’m happy to pay full retail price to purchase a replacement. However, Apple REFUSES to sell me a replacement watch (aka a watch with no band). Numerous Apple employees have told me that the retail price for a 42mm Stainless Steel watch is $550 but they will not let me order one. They are insisting that I have to purchase a second expensive new band first. That’s ridiculous. I do not wish to purchase a new band. I’m very happy with the nice leather band I already have. Their sales people are hell bent on upselling me a new band before they will allow me to purchase a replacement watch. I wonder if they work on commission. They are pushier than the average used car sales man.

I want to be really clear. I’m not asking Apple for any special treatment. All I’m asking for is to purchase a replacement part. I don’t think that’s unreasonable but apparently Apple does. Please feel free to add you broken watch experience to this thread.

But you are asking for special treatment. Apple sells the watch as a complete package with band. They don't have skus for individual pieces. Just buy another SS with sport band. You can use the sport when you sweat as the leather one will get nasty over time.

 

[dacreativeguy]

Apple Care has repeatedly quoted me the same price for a used repaired watch. That is $550 + CA Sales Tax + $79 + $29. Obviously, this is a horrible deal as it even more expensive than purchasing a brand new watch with rubber band. That $329 number is totally false, I have asked repeatedly about that.

However, this deal is only available if you have a credit card! I have a debit card. Note that credit cards are a scam that I choose not to be victimized by. So those Apple Care deals are not available to me.

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I have seen the cracked Sport Watch pictures too. It would be nice if someone independent like Consumer Reports did a complete analysis of both watch face types. I would be especially interested in how these compare to Lexan.

Credit cards are a scam? Oh please. If you pay your bill in full every month they cost absolutely nothing! In fact they are spending money on YOU and get nothing in return. If you had a card with purchase protection, you might actually get a free replacement as well. Don't whine about apple when you are creating your own problems.

 

[edlex]

Credit cards are a scam? Oh please. If you pay your bill in full every month they cost absolutely nothing! In fact they are spending money on YOU and get nothing in return. If you had a card with purchase protection, you might actually get a free replacement as well. Don't whine about apple when you are creating your own problems.

I exclusively use cash back cards and pay them off every month. They are actually paying me to use their cards!

 

[fischersd]

They likely won't sell you AppleCare+ now - as there will be notes in your customer profile. That's what you should have done, simply bought AppleCare+ (as it's certainly less than 60 days), then used one of your accidental damages in a day or two after purchase.

 

[andyblila]

Note that credit cards are a scam that I choose not to be victimized by.

I disagree. I've had my southwest visa for years. I've never paid them a penny of interest, and I've also not paid for an airline ticket in years.

 

[Azzin]

I exclusively use cash back cards and pay them off every month. They are actually paying me to use their cards!

Exactly the same for me.

I use my Amex card for EVERYTHING during the year (I also pay it off the moment I've used it) and each November I receive the cashback as a credit on the card (which of course has a zero balance!) and that pretty much pays for Xmas.

 

[irentamac]

... If I had a credit card the watch would definitely be fixed by now. As I said before I do not have a credit card by choice because they are a total scam! Just think about how much more money you would have from each pay check if none of it went to a bank!...

By debit card do you mean ATM card? Does your card have the Visa/MC logo on it? Because this would be a first for anyone other than a car rental place, distinguishing whether you are paying with a debit or credit card.

2nd, if you get a credit card and pay your balance in full each month, you pay ZERO interest. Not to mention with the right card you can get cash back and rewards, and still pay ZERO interest. The only fee would be any annual fee which in some cases in minimal to nothing, and if you run enough transactions through the card the rewards more than cover the annual fee. Its a no brainer as long as you pay it off each month.

 

[FunkyTang]

Sounds like customer abuse. No deals for you.

 

[dontwalkhand]

I have no interest in keeping a broken watch as someone above was asking... I have been working on this issue from 2 different angles at the same time.

Plan A was to get the watch repaired by Apple Care. I’m running into multiple problems in attempting to execute this plan. The biggest problem here is that all the Apple Care systems are set up with the assumption that the customer has a credit card. If I had a credit card the watch would definitely be fixed by now. As I said before I do not have a credit card by choice because they are a total scam! Just think about how much more money you would have from each pay check if none of it went to a bank! Enough said! I have now been working with Apple Care for a week with no verifiable progress. On Monday I’m expecting a call back from an Apple Care Specialist who claims that he can somehow get me a repaired watch by Wednesday. I’m not holding my breath as I have been told this several times already with no luck. The Apple Care department is a FOUNTAIN of conflicting information. The point that they keep stressing is that the watch is new product with all new processes. That’s a nice explanation but it’s not very helpful...

Plan B is to purchase a replacement watch. As of now this plan is cheaper, simpler and maybe faster. I will end up with 2 watches but it is cheaper (unless the specialist comes up with some magic on Monday). I’m really sick of talking endlessly to Apple Care on the phone. So a quick and easy fix like this purchase option has a ton of appeal for that reason as well.

You have a debit card. You can still use that to buy AppleCare+. The same card that you ordered the watch with will work just fine.

I used a debit card to order my watch and used the same debit card to buy AppleCare+.

Debit cards use the same credit card networks to process your payment, and anywhere that asks for a credit card number, giving them the debit card number works. They don't see it as a debit card, they just see it as a credit card when they run your payment.

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Hmm.. Okay. First off (Bold item 1) You do not need a credit card to use Apple Care. If you have Applecare+ it would cost you less than $100 for a replacement watch. 2) Out of warranty replacement is $329, again no credit card required.

Second (Bold item 2) I'm not sure where you have received your information on credit cards being "scams" but it seems that your point is so you don't have to pay off your card from your paycheck. Well using your debit card is the same exact thing. Instead of paying the bank at a later time, you are taking the money out of your account right away.

One needs a credit card in order to build credit for the future, to purchase a house or a car, unless you make serious money and can pay for everything in cash. If you used a credit card, you would be able to get a replacement for free because the majority of credit card companies offer 90 day accidental damage protection. Additionally, most credit cards offer rewards which is a win, not a scam.

But hey to each their own, but I just feel like you have many misconceptions about AppleCare & credit cards.

I have clients that one would call fancy, and one even owns his own small plane and 4 vacation homes. He still uses a credit card. He tips me over $100 every time I'm there. With a credit card.

Rich or poor there's a credit card for everyone. In fact I don't even know one wealthy person who even carries more than $20-$50 cash on them anyway. They all depend on their cards. I'm not wealthy but so do I., and most other people

 

[Mlrollin91]

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[/COLOR]

I have clients that one would call fancy, and one even owns his own small plane and 4 vacation homes. He still uses a credit card. He tips me over $100 every time I'm there. With a credit card.

Rich or poor there's a credit card for everyone. In fact I don't even know one wealthy person who even carries more than $20-$50 cash on them anyway. They all depend on their cards. I'm not wealthy but so do I., and most other people

Oh, I am not disagreeing with you in the slightest. I was just saying that the only way to go through life without a credit card is if you never need to use credit for anything. And the simplest solution to not needing credit is have a ton of cash on hand all the time.

I solely rely on credit cards. I keep $20-40 cash in my car for an emergency, and only carry plastic on my person. I pay each card off in full at the end of the month. I've had all my cards for at least 5 years each and have never paid a penny in interest.

 

[kinster]

I don't get what your problem is. I don't have any credit cards. I bought mine with a debit card and Apple Care + (not Apple Care) is only available on the Watches

 

[gvan]

Ok, thank you for all your replies! I have read them all and hopefully this one post will address most of them.

As far as credit cards go. I used to have one. I learned through experience what a scam they are. I have not had one for 8+ years and I’m living way better now than before. Most people do need a mortgage to purchase a house but that’s all you really need. I have a mortgage and I have no issues with the concept. Car loans are not a scam but they are not necessary either. I bought my car used in 1989 for $4000 that I earned working nights while in high school. I have put money into it over the years but I never needed a loan.

As far as Apple Care goes I could technically force them to do it with my debit card but it will cost $611.20 + $79 + $29. That’s a total of $719.2. Full retail price on Apples web site for a new 42mm Steel with rubber band that I don’t want is $599 plus sales tax. The fact that Apple Care is more expensive than new makes it the ultimate SCAM. I’m sure some people are going for the Apple Care scam because they will overnight you a replacement and the on line store is back ordered to July. That is of course ignoring the fact that you can easily get one on EBAY in a day or two if you really want to over pay. Obviously, EBAY is an option for me if all else fails but I’m not there yet.

Please note that I am holding out a little hope for the Apple Specialist who is going to call me back on Monday. He said that he could get me a replacement by Wednesday but when pressed for a firm commitment of any sort he completely backed off from that statement. He did commit to seriously escalate my purchase request if it turns out that he can’t get me a replacement by Wednesday. So, at least something is moving forward all be it slowly on my replacement purchase request. Apple is shipping all watches by UPS over night so it’s logistically possible for them to get me a replacement by Wednesday. When this first started I was promised a replacement in “less than 2 to 3 days at a total cost of $79 cash” that turned out to total BS so I can’t count on this latest attempt.

FYI, this whole warranty hassle is the reason why I usually do not purchase extended warranties. It turns out to be a lot less brain damage to simply purchase a brand new replacement which is exactly what I have been attempting to do in this situation!

 

[kinster]

Ok, thank you for all your replies! I have read them all and hopefully this one post will address most of them.

As far as credit cards go. I used to have one. I learned through experience what a scam they are. I have not had one for 8+ years and I’m living way better now than before. Most people do need a mortgage to purchase a house but that’s all you really need. I have a mortgage and I have no issues with the concept. Car loans are not a scam but they are not necessary either. I bought my car used in 1989 for $4000 that I earned working nights while in high school. I have put money into it over the years but I never needed a loan.

As far as Apple Care goes I could technically force them to do it with my debit card but it will cost $611.20 + $79 + $29. That’s a total of $719.2. Full retail price on Apples web site for a new 42mm Steel with rubber band that I don’t want is $599 plus sales tax. The fact that Apple Care is more expensive than new makes it the ultimate SCAM. I’m sure some people are going for the Apple Care scam because they will overnight you a replacement and the on line store is back ordered to July. That is of course ignoring the fact that you can easily get one on EBAY in a day or two if you really want to over pay. Obviously, EBAY is an option for me if all else fails but I’m not there yet.

Please note that I am holding out a little hope for the Apple Specialist who is going to call me back on Monday. He said that he could get me a replacement by Wednesday but when pressed for a firm commitment of any sort he completely backed off from that statement. He did commit to seriously escalate my purchase request if it turns out that he can’t get me a replacement by Wednesday. So, at least something is moving forward all be it slowly on my replacement purchase request. Apple is shipping all watches by UPS over night so it’s logistically possible for them to get me a replacement by Wednesday. When this first started I was promised a replacement in “less than 2 to 3 days at a total cost of $79 cash” that turned out to total BS so I can’t count on this latest attempt.

FYI, this whole warranty hassle is the reason why I usually do not purchase extended warranties. It turns out to be a lot less brain damage to simply purchase a brand new replacement which is exactly what I have been attempting to do in this situation!

Mine costs £69 with a Debit Card

 

[wknapp0924]

I exclusively use cash back cards and pay them off every month. They are actually paying me to use their cards!

What he said. I have a different credit card for groceries, eating out, gas, and electronics.

I have flown first class a dozen times at no cost, stayed at STREGIS in Hawaii many times for free. I dropped by brand new iPhone 6 plus a month after getting it. They paid for a new one for free, I had 200 Bose headphones stolen and they replaced no questions asked.

My credit has gone from 600 to 800 and I pay off the cards in full each month which means I have NEVER paid them a dime in interest. Both of my cars are 1.9% financing and I get a discount with car insurance for my good credit.

A Scam?!? Not having credit is a scam because you will pay more for the exact thing I want because they don't trust you.

 

[iLukeJoseph]

Warranty hassle? What the heck are you talking about? Apple is in no way shape or form required to provide you with anything other for a watch you broke.

Yes it sucks, and I 100% feel for you. And yes in a perfect world apple would sell you just a replacement watch with no band. But those are really kept for warranty issues, or even out of warranty replacement. You are neither of those.

I really do hope everything works out for you, but do not blast or blame apple or call anything a scam when an accident happened and the watch broke.

And if you don't want a "credit card" you could look into a American Express "charge" card. Generally low-ish limits, but they require it be paid off everything month. And they are always running promotions like 5% off this and that. And I think Amex might even cover you in this situation.

 

[dontwalkhand]

Ok, thank you for all your replies! I have read them all and hopefully this one post will address most of them.

As far as credit cards go. I used to have one. I learned through experience what a scam they are. I have not had one for 8+ years and I’m living way better now than before. Most people do need a mortgage to purchase a house but that’s all you really need. I have a mortgage and I have no issues with the concept. Car loans are not a scam but they are not necessary either. I bought my car used in 1989 for $4000 that I earned working nights while in high school. I have put money into it over the years but I never needed a loan.

As far as Apple Care goes I could technically force them to do it with my debit card but it will cost $611.20 + $79 + $29. That’s a total of $719.2. Full retail price on Apples web site for a new 42mm Steel with rubber band that I don’t want is $599 plus sales tax. The fact that Apple Care is more expensive than new makes it the ultimate SCAM. I’m sure some people are going for the Apple Care scam because they will overnight you a replacement and the on line store is back ordered to July. That is of course ignoring the fact that you can easily get one on EBAY in a day or two if you really want to over pay. Obviously, EBAY is an option for me if all else fails but I’m not there yet.

Please note that I am holding out a little hope for the Apple Specialist who is going to call me back on Monday. He said that he could get me a replacement by Wednesday but when pressed for a firm commitment of any sort he completely backed off from that statement. He did commit to seriously escalate my purchase request if it turns out that he can’t get me a replacement by Wednesday. So, at least something is moving forward all be it slowly on my replacement purchase request. Apple is shipping all watches by UPS over night so it’s logistically possible for them to get me a replacement by Wednesday. When this first started I was promised a replacement in “less than 2 to 3 days at a total cost of $79 cash” that turned out to total BS so I can’t count on this latest attempt.

FYI, this whole warranty hassle is the reason why I usually do not purchase extended warranties. It turns out to be a lot less brain damage to simply purchase a brand new replacement which is exactly what I have been attempting to do in this situation!

You would have bought the warranty at $49 before it got damaged. Then it would have been $79, not the $611+$79. It's like insurance., you buy it for the peace of mind, hoping you never have to use it. I make sure all of my portable Apple equipment has AppleCare, iPhones and iPads included.

 

[gvan]

You would have bought the warranty at $49 before it got damaged. Then it would have been $79, not the $611+$79. It's like insurance., you buy it for the peace of mind, hoping you never have to use it. I make sure all of my portable Apple equipment has AppleCare, iPhones and iPads included.

I bought the $69 Apple Care + warranty when I pre-ordered my watch on April 10th. That is the $719.20 warranty repair deal (scam) I talked about in my last post. When my daughter broke her ipad screen it had Apple Care on it and they gave her a new replacement for $50 cash. That’s the service that we have all come to expect from Apple Care but that is NOT the deal with Apple care on a watch. It’s a completely different deal for the watches as far as I can tell.

 

[gvan]

And if you don't want a "credit card" you could look into a American Express "charge" card. Generally low-ish limits, but they require it be paid off everything month. And they are always running promotions like 5% off this and that. And I think Amex might even cover you in this situation.

I looked into that pre-paid Amex card a while back when my bank decided not to support Apple Pay. I end up switching banks instead when the Chase web site offed me $150 bonus to move my checking account! In any case the Amex card looked like a very good deal.

Also, I have a 2nd card but it's technically a debit card as well. It draws from my Etrade stock trading account instead of a regular banks checking account.

 

[dontwalkhand]

I bought the $69 Apple Care + warranty when I pre-ordered my watch on April 10th. That is the $719.20 warranty repair deal (scam) I talked about in my last post. When my daughter broke her ipad screen it had Apple Care on it and they gave her a new replacement for $50 cash. That’s the service that we have all come to expect from Apple Care but that is NOT the deal with Apple care on a watch. It’s a completely different deal for the watches as far as I can tell.

Shouldn't you just be able to walk into an Apple Store and pay a replacement fee? You did say it was covered now by AC+