Got a scratch on my S6 screen already!

[johnyyz]

Keep in mind that Apple is worth $2T because they keep things profitable. They aren’t just going to take the hit for watches that are returned damaged like this, instead they are going to raise the price of the watch, so people like you and me who buy the watches are going to be the ones who cover the cost of people returning damaged watches.

Nah, for every one person that files a claim through AppleCare+ on their watch there's probably 5 that don't.

I'd imagine that AppleCare+ is very profitable for them, if it wasn't they would not have increased the amount of accidental damage claims one can file from 2 total to 2 every twelve months. They didn't do that out of the goodness of their hearts. They did it because they know it looks good on them.

 

[millerj123]

The deal that Apple offers is that it can be returned for any reason, no questions asked, in 14 days. This is a business decision by Apple. Do not let others guilt you into thinking this is wrong. However, I think deliberate abuse of this policy, such as repeatedly buying, damaging and returning products, is unethical will likely lead to being fired as a customer by Apple. (As some Amazon customers have discovered to their chagrin.)

One exception to this is for Apple Edition watches. To quote directly from Apple's official return policy:
"Apple Watch Returns
Apple Watch from the Edition collection may only be returned or exchanged if it’s in its original, undamaged and unmarked condition after passing inspection at Apple’s offsite facility. Depending on your original form of tender, a check, wire transfer, or refund to your debit/credit card will be issued within 10 business days provided the returned item is in its original condition."

I think a very valid reason for returning a watch (aside from Edition watches) in the 14-day period is the discovery that it scratches too easily!

This isn't true, 2nd paragraph 3rd word:
Standard Return Policy
We fundamentally believe you will be thrilled with the products you purchase from the Apple Store. That’s because we go out of our way to ensure that they’re designed and built to be just what you need. We understand, however, that sometimes a product may not be what you expected it to be. In that unlikely event, we invite you to review the following terms related to returning a product.


For any undamaged product, simply return it with its included accessories and packaging along with the original receipt (or gift receipt) within 14 days of the date you receive the product, and we’ll exchange it or offer a refund based upon the original payment method. In addition, please note the following:

 

[johnyyz]

Section 4.1 (“What is not covered”) states:

As I stated, the risk is microscopic, however it’s still fraud, no matter which way you look at it.

And “Apple factor it in” and “Apple can afford it” are excuses, not reasons.

That's interesting. I broke an iPhone screen and took it into the store for repair and the sales associate let me purchase AppleCare+ for my phone and then make a claim right on the spot, fully seeing that my phone was currently broken.

 

[BrettDS]

Nah, for every one person that files a claim through AppleCare+ on their watch there's probably 5 that don't.

I'd imagine that AppleCare+ is very profitable for them, if it wasn't they would not have increased the amount of accidental damage claims one can file from 2 total to 2 every twelve months. They didn't do that out of the goodness of their hearts. They did it because they know it looks good on them.

That’s absolutely true. AppleCare+ is priced so that they make a profit on it. Obviously it is designed so that even when people make claims they will still have enough people who don’t make claims to cover the cost.

But my comments weren’t about AppleCare+. I was talking about people who buy a watch, accidentally damage it, then return it and buy a new undamaged watch.

 

[johnyyz]

That’s absolutely true. AppleCare+ is priced so that they make a profit on it. Obviously it is designed so that even when people make claims they will still have enough people who don’t make claims to cover the cost.

But my comments weren’t about AppleCare+. I was talking about people who buy a watch, accidentally damage it, then return it and buy a new undamaged watch.

Ah my bad then, for some reason I thought you were referring to AC+. Carry on!

 

[wilberforce]

Some people seem to be unclear about the true meaning of "fraud." Fraud is intentional deception to secure unfair gain. There is no deception involved here. You can tell them: "I am returning it because it got scratched." No deception. No fraud.

 

[millerj123]

Some people seem to be unclear about the true meaning of "fraud." Fraud is intentional deception to secure unfair gain. There is no deception involved here. You can tell them: "I am returning it because it got scratched." No deception. No fraud.

Sure, OP can tell them that, it's then up to the Apple rep. I'll repeat Apple's policy, already quoted above: "For any undamaged product,"

 

[MacStreamer]

I've been solely using Stainless the last few generations to them being tougher to scratch. But I couldn't resist the blue aluminum this year so I have one of those. You just have to be more careful wearing those and try to be mindful not to let them bang against a door or another structure.

 

[Monkswhiskers]

I think a very valid reason for returning a watch (aside from Edition watches) in the 14-day period is the discovery that it scratches too easily!

This.
Hey OP, don't feel guilty because of the fanboys on here. I don't hate Apple, but I don't worship at the church of them either.
I have had some great Apple products over the years, and some not so great. I have only ever taken 1 thing back, I used it to the max for 12 days and decided it wasn't for me, Apple took it back no questions asked, they didn't even inspect it. It is a great policy because 99/100 people keep the item. It is your choice to return if you wish. Too much abuse of the policy and Apple will change it. If it were me I would return it, Apple have had plenty of money from me over the years and will get plenty more.
They won't put prices up because of people returning stuff...they will just put prices up anyway.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

I’m certainly not saying that’s the only reason that prices go up, but honestly it’s just common sense. It costs money to refurbish damaged returns and just like the cost of materials it is going to be factored in to the price of the products that Apple sells so that they can remain profitable. It’s crazy to assume that Apple (or any other company) is just going to absorb those costs.

There’s always going to be some of abuse of policy that costs the company money and you can say that it’s just the cost of doing business. But the way Apple pays the cost of doing business is by selling products. And if the cost of doing business goes up then the cost of the products will go up as well.

Sure, one person returning one scratched watch will probably be imperceptible to Apple’s bottom line, or the cost of watches. But if it’s OK for one person to do it, then what about 10? Or 1000? Or 10,000? Suddenly you get into a lot bigger numbers.

What you say makes sense. I'm not debating that. What I am calling out though is the idea that a few people intentionally "defrauding" Apple by returning a watch they themselves damaged is simply insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Sure, if 1,000 or 10,000 people decide to intentionally damage their hardware just to screw Apple out of money we may see some sort of change in their lax return policies but I personally don't believe there's a chance in hell it's going to make them say "Ope! Customers are abusing our return policy; we should probably increase prices to stick it to em!".

 

[BrettDS]

I think a very valid reason for returning a watch (aside from Edition watches) in the 14-day period is the discovery that it scratches too easily!

Honestly, I’m not against this, with a couple of caveats. If you get an aluminum watch and it scratches within the first week and you realize... hey, this is more fragile than I expected and you return it for that reason so that you can then purchase a model with a sapphire screen, then more power to you. Or even if that’s enough to make you decide that an Apple Watch isn’t for you and you return it and don’t buy another Apple Watch. Apple needs to know that the glass screen scratches too easily.

However, if you return it because the screen scratched and then turn around and buy another apple watch with a glass screen, then I might still question your motives.

 

[canyonblue737]

Look, the original poster can do whatever he or she would like, Apple will likely take it and refund you even though the purchase language clearly states they don't have to. Just don't come here expecting everyone to say it is moral or right to reinforce your decision.

The deal that Apple offers is that it can be returned for any reason, no questions asked, in 14 days. This is a business decision by Apple. Do not let others guilt you into thinking this is wrong. However, I think deliberate abuse of this policy, such as repeatedly buying, damaging and returning products, is unethical will likely lead to being fired as a customer by Apple. (As some Amazon customers have discovered to their chagrin.)

One exception to this is for Apple Edition watches. To quote directly from Apple's official return policy:

"Apple Watch Returns:
Apple Watch from the Edition collection may only be returned or exchanged if it’s in its original, undamaged and unmarked condition after passing inspection at Apple’s offsite facility. Depending on your original form of tender, a check, wire transfer, or refund to your debit/credit card will be issued within 10 business days provided the returned item is in its original condition."

I think a very valid reason for returning a watch (aside from Edition watches) in the 14-day period is the discovery that it scratches too easily!

As for the above... you agree to it, you should live to it. The folks who say its valid to return after you discover that it scratches too easily are just wrong IMHO, scratches can always happen... after an hour or after a year... why should apple be responsible that you scratched a glass face watch through bad luck or negligence in the first 2 weeks? i mean if it scratchable, it is scratchable... there isn't some magic test where "it shouldn't scratch in the first two weeks!"... what it should after 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years? it is either scratchable or not. i have never owned a glass watch where the face didn't get all scuffed through normal wear... its a major reason i've purchased all sapphire model apple watches until just this year where i'm experimenting with an aluminum model BUT FULLY EXPECTING it to scratch.

 

[BrettDS]

What you say makes sense. I'm not debating that. What I am calling out though is the idea that a few people intentionally "defrauding" Apple by returning a watch they themselves damaged is simply insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

But my point here is that it’s a slippery slope. It starts with a few people and then quickly grows from there. I realize that a few people doing it is insignificant, but the more people that do it and get away with it and tell people on these boards then more people are going to see that as ‘ok’ and it’s just going to grow from there. What starts as a something insignificant with just a few people will usually grow and turn into something significant.

I personally don't believe there's a chance in hell it's going to make them say "Ope! Customers are abusing our return policy; we should probably increase prices to stick it to em!".

I don’t think they’re going to say that at all or that they’re going to try to raise prices in a punitive way. I think the conversation behind the scenes is going to be more like “We are making $10 less in profit on watches now than we did last year. $5 of that is because of the increased cost of materials, $3 of that is because some other reason and $2 of that is because of the increased cost of processing returns, so next year we’re going to raise the cost of watches by $10”

 

[weeesss]

I got scuff marks on my 5 aluminum like that not long after I got it but just wear it and remember I have AC+ if it really gets damaged. My previous 3 aluminum got a heavy gouge right after I got it by stupidly wearing it in the shower and smacking the rough stone wall tiles. That one I had replaced under AC+ but the replacement still looks new.

I would prefer the stainless models for their scratch resistance, but choose the aluminum so I can upgrade yearly if I so choose.

 

[canyonblue737]

but I personally don't believe there's a chance in hell it's going to make them say "Ope! Customers are abusing our return policy; we should probably increase prices to stick it to em!".

of course not... what they do is constantly calculate their cost of doing business to ensure they maintain their profit margins... if higher numbers of people return their watches and apple doesn't feel they can correct the issue through modifications to the watch, they will simply bake those growing costs into future apple watches by raising the price so they maintain their profit margin. Tim Cook was the former COO who helped Steve Jobs save Apple by expertly moving Apple to a JIT model (just in time) where they didn't keep excess product in stock, but rather could precisely calculate the demand for a product to make the product just in time. Believe me Tim Cook knows the EXACT percentage of apple watches that are returned in the first 2 weeks and that expense is baked into the price we all pay... if the percentage goes up the first question he will ask is, can we do something to reduce the percentage... but if the answer is no, people are simply abusing the policy... he will calculate the new percentage and then add that to the price of future new watches.

 

[BrettDS]

of course not... what they do is constantly calculate their cost of doing business to ensure they maintain their profit margins... if higher numbers of people return their watches and apple doesn't feel they can correct the issue through modifications to the watch, they will simply bake those growing costs into future apple watches by raising the price so they maintain their profit margin. Tim Cook was the former COO who helped Steve Jobs save Apple by expertly moving Apple to a JIT model (just in time) where they didn't keep excess product in stock, but rather could precisely calculate the demand for a product to make the product just in time. Believe me Tim Cook knows the EXACT percentage of apple watches that are returned in the first 2 weeks and that expense is baked into the price we all pay... if the percentage goes up the first question he will ask is, can we do something to reduce the percentage... but if the answer is no, people are simply abusing the policy... he will calculate the new percentage and then add that to the price of future new watches.

Thank you. You said exactly what I was trying to say much better than I said it.

 

[wilberforce]

This isn't true, 2nd paragraph 3rd word:
Standard Return Policy
We fundamentally believe you will be thrilled with the products you purchase from the Apple Store. That’s because we go out of our way to ensure that they’re designed and built to be just what you need. We understand, however, that sometimes a product may not be what you expected it to be. In that unlikely event, we invite you to review the following terms related to returning a product.


For any undamaged product, simply return it with its included accessories and packaging along with the original receipt (or gift receipt) within 14 days of the date you receive the product, and we’ll exchange it or offer a refund based upon the original payment method. In addition, please note the following:

Yes, I know that is what it says. But more important is what it does not say. It does not say what the return procedure is for a damaged product. It does not say the product has to be undamaged or like new (other than Edition Watches). It does not say they will not accept return of damaged products. This is deliberate in what it does not say, it is not an oversight in the wording. The wording of this policy has been very carefully scrubbed by their lawyers.
The reality is that Apple will actually accept return of damaged products (except Edition watches) within the 14 days. But the wording allows them an out to deny accepting a damaged return if it is deliberate, an abuse, etc. They would be stupid to officially say: "we will accept return of any product undamaged or damaged, no matter the reason, or how many times, whether deliberately damaged or not."

 

[Monkswhiskers]

I would prefer the stainless models for their scratch resistance, but choose the aluminum so I can upgrade yearly if I so choose.

I'm sad to report that the sapphire shatters quite easily compared to the ionX.

 

[44267547]

It’s a smartwatch display. It’s going to scratch over the course of time. If you’re that worried about it, then add a screen protector. But I think we have to learn to accept things when we wear them on our wrist, they’re susceptible to damage. It’s not the end of the world if your watch display has a ‘minuscule hairline scratch’ that is barely visible.

Or...or... You could upgrade to the stainless model if you’re worried about scratches, which has the Sapphire display for obvious reasons.

 

[wilberforce]

If I were the owner of Apple, I would definitely let a customer that accidentally badly scratched their watch in the first 14 days return it for another one. I would gain a lifelong Apple fan, versus a disgruntled reluctant customer.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

I know someone who scratched their series 4 on day 1. Minor scratch. You had to try to see it.

Returned it and bought a new one. No questions asked.

 

[Apple_Robert]

it's not terrible but enough to be noticeable!

The Milanese loop attached to your watch in the picture is what caused the scratches. Get rid of that band if you don’t want scratches. You should have never put a Milanese band on an aluminum watch. That band also scratches the SS models.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Wait! What's the return policy 14 days or 30 days?
Also, does it start when you place your order or when you actually receive the Apple Watch.

Someone please clarify.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Wait! What's the return policy 14 days or 30 days?
Also, does it start when you place your order or when you actually receive the Apple Watch.

Someone please clarify.

14 days from the date of purchase.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I am devastated, no idea how I've got it!

Part of me is tempted to return it because it's within the 14 day returns period and rebuying a new one (delivery isn't until the end of October though!)

My other thought is to buy Apple care and make a claim for accidental damage.

Anyone else had a similar issue?!

You were me last year at this time. I had my Brand New S5, I was so happy about it... Came downstairs rather quickly, slipped a little on my way into the kitchen and with all my fatness behind my watch, I slammed my watch screen into the corner edge of our marble countertop putting a nearly 2 inch gash into the screen.

I was devastated. I had AppleCare+. I called in and told them the problem, they said I could use one of the accident incidences on my watch, just say the word - they'd send me one in the mail and they also said they'd charge my CC for the full price of the watch until they got my scratched one.

I ended up not doing it. I lived with the scratch for the entire 1 year of my S5. I really didn't notice it unless it was in bright light. It didn't really bother me either.

With my S6 I'm being extra careful. lol.