Flat fee repair service of MBP?

[cmm]

I've heard rumors that there is a flat fee (around $350) repair service where you send your MBP into the depot and they fix anything that is wrong with it within 3-4 weeks.

Is this true? What do I need to say when I go to the Apple Store so they'll offer this option to me?

Thanks!

NB: I don't have any applecare left on the machine

 

[Slivortal]

I've heard rumors that there is a flat fee (around $350) repair service where you send your MBP into the depot and they fix anything that is wrong with it within 3-4 weeks.

Is this true? What do I need to say when I go to the Apple Store so they'll offer this option to me?

Thanks!

NB: I don't have any applecare left on the machine

I've never heard of this, but I'm pretty sure this doesn't exist. The costs for certain parts for repairs cost more than $350, and people wouldn't use the service for repairs costing under $350.

tl;dr - This policy would only lose Apple money. But maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Mal]

I've never heard of this, but I'm pretty sure this doesn't exist. The costs for certain parts for repairs cost more than $350, and people wouldn't use the service for repairs costing under $350.

tl;dr - This policy would only lose Apple money. But maybe I'm wrong.

Yep, you're wrong. I work for an Apple Specialist, and we utilize this regularly. You can also call Apple and handle out-of-warranty repairs this way. Remember, Apple's parts costs aren't often more than that, and it's a good way to engender customer loyalty.

What it doesn't cover is accidental damage. They'll do that too, but at a much higher cost depending on the affected components. I've seen quotes as high as $1250 for damaged displays or logic boards.

jW

 

[Slivortal]

Yep, you're wrong. I work for an Apple Specialist, and we utilize this regularly. You can also call Apple and handle out-of-warranty repairs this way. Remember, Apple's parts costs aren't often more than that, and it's a good way to engender customer loyalty.

What it doesn't cover is accidental damage. They'll do that too, but at a much higher cost depending on the affected components. I've seen quotes as high as $1250 for damaged displays or logic boards.

jW

Is this that weird "tiers" thing I read about? Doesn't the tier you end up in generally cost you more money than just getting the individual repairs?

 

[cmm]

Yep, you're wrong. I work for an Apple Specialist, and we utilize this regularly. You can also call Apple and handle out-of-warranty repairs this way. Remember, Apple's parts costs aren't often more than that, and it's a good way to engender customer loyalty.

What it doesn't cover is accidental damage. They'll do that too, but at a much higher cost depending on the affected components. I've seen quotes as high as $1250 for damaged displays or logic boards.

jW

So, what do I do to get this service???

 

[thekev]

Yep, you're wrong. I work for an Apple Specialist, and we utilize this regularly. You can also call Apple and handle out-of-warranty repairs this way. Remember, Apple's parts costs aren't often more than that, and it's a good way to engender customer loyalty.

They offered me such terms once a long time ago, but I didn't think it was worth it on that computer. I replaced it entirely instead. Anyway do you know the typical qualifiers for depot repair? This always seems unclear.

 

[midtownhd]

I can confirm it exists. If you have several problems, this is the best option. If I remember correctly, it also comes with 90 day warranty.

 

[noteple]

Make an appointment with a genius and ask for a flat rate repair quote.
I did a MacBook for $240 near the end of 2011.

They replaced all housings, trackpad and keyboard, screen inverter, one hinge and a screen ribbon cable
Unit looks and runs like new.

 

[midtownhd]

Make an appointment with a genius and ask for a flat rate repair quote.
I did a MacBook for $240 near the end of 2011.

They replaced all housings, trackpad and keyboard, screen inverter, one hinge and a screen ribbon cable
Unit looks and runs like new.

You paid $240? I think I paid $180+$100(labor)+tax to replace screen+logic board last year. NYC apple store .

 

[cmm]

You paid $240? I think I paid $180+$100(labor)+tax to replace screen+logic board last year. NYC apple store .

Did you just ask for the flat fee service?

 

[lazer155]

Make an appointment with a genius and ask for a flat rate repair quote.
I did a MacBook for $240 near the end of 2011.

They replaced all housings, trackpad and keyboard, screen inverter, one hinge and a screen ribbon cable
Unit looks and runs like new.

Were your parts worn out or actually faulty/failed? Just curious to know if in the future I would be able to send my Mac in to make it look knew again for a couple hundred.

 

[Mal]

They offered me such terms once a long time ago, but I didn't think it was worth it on that computer. I replaced it entirely instead. Anyway do you know the typical qualifiers for depot repair? This always seems unclear.

The only qualifiers are that there is no physical damage to the machine. If there is, then they will call you back and "re-quote" the repair at whichever damage tier is appropriate. At any time, if you don't have an Apple Store nearby or you just want to do it that way, you can call Apple and request that they send you a box to send it in for a repair, however (I think they will have their phone operators try to confirm it's actually a likely hardware issue usually).

jW

 

[mattopotamus]

Wow, that may be a better option then applecare haha. Would cover accidental damage and you would only pay if you needed it.

 

[noteple]

Were your parts worn out or actually faulty/failed? Just curious to know if in the future I would be able to send my Mac in to make it look knew again for a couple hundred.

Housing plastic was cracking,
Trackpad button was stiff.
Keyboard and trackpad were prt of upper housing.
I knew about broken lcd cable causing screen to go into fits if cover was moved.
I don't know why they replaced the LCD inverter but it was on the invoice.

 

[ToddJ]

I am having a problem with mine, but was afraid it might have been caused by water damage. How can they tell if it has? Do the early 2008 MacBook Pros have water damaged indicators?

 

[MaxPower72]

I was told $310 by a "genius" at the GB when I took my dead MBP 2008 which died suddenly in July, they said it wasn't the Nvidia death thing but the LB. I got so frustrated with going back and forth from the Apple stores that I eventually sold it for parts and got a new one. It was too old anyhow and I was planning to buy a new one anyhow.