Hey guys, I want to check with those that have replaced your out of warranty Macbook Air's battery with Apple. Does Apple charge additional cost on top of the advertised price of the battery? An authorized service center told me there's a "diagnostic fee" first on top that is not included with the battery cost.
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Cost breakdown for battery replacement out of warranty
- Thread starter pika2000
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https://support.apple.com/mac-notebooks/repair/service/pricing
"The following prices are for Apple repair service. Pricing and terms might vary at other service providers."
I think the "diagnostic fee", much like it is at car repair shops, is bogus and simply tacked on to increase the profits of the authorized service center... but Apple says in the link right above that if you don't go directly through them for the battery replacement that the pricing can be different so it's up to you which way you want to go. Personally I'd go the cheaper route, directly through Apple, to make sure the battery was genuine OEM and the work was done correctly but that's me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I would have gone to Apple Store if there was one in where I am right now.
Even if you had an Apple Store nearby and made an appointment Apple says it will be up to 5 business days for you to get your battery replaced (7 business days of you mail it to them).
Guess it really just depends on how quick you want the service done, assuming the authorized service center says they can do it quicker, and if you're willing to pay the "diagnostic fee", doesn't it?
Just an update to this.
So 1 authorized service centers have checked the battery of my MacBook Air, and it is still "green," but hovering just above the "red" condition.
1. They said that Apple only allowed them to order new batteries is the condition is in red (ie. failed or whatever). Their system won't allow them to order the component if it's still green status.
2. Regardless, I still have to pay for diagnostic fee to have more in-depth diagnosis. The kick is, if it was still in green status, then they still cannot order the battery, so I basically wasted a diagnostic fee for nothing.
Annoying. If this was an actual Apple Store, the decision is easier as there will be no diagnostic fee. *sigh.
So 1 authorized service centers have checked the battery of my MacBook Air, and it is still "green," but hovering just above the "red" condition.
1. They said that Apple only allowed them to order new batteries is the condition is in red (ie. failed or whatever). Their system won't allow them to order the component if it's still green status.
2. Regardless, I still have to pay for diagnostic fee to have more in-depth diagnosis. The kick is, if it was still in green status, then they still cannot order the battery, so I basically wasted a diagnostic fee for nothing.
Annoying. If this was an actual Apple Store, the decision is easier as there will be no diagnostic fee. *sigh.