Yes it is nuts, and even though I'm the one getting the free stuff here I still think it's unfair to everyone else who is not. It seems as though I could have easily gotten negged in both comps and shipping based on who answered the CS call.
I was very nonchalant about the whole thing because after all, the order isn't late yet. I started out by asking her what the sort of system they are using for shipment and if there is any sort of delay in orders placed on 3/11 going out. I told her my friend had ordered hers just after me and had received hers yesterday. I also mentioned I'd heard people were getting complimentary covers. I made sure to sound as though I was just seeking information (which in all honesty I was), rather than accusatory (never a good move with CS). I just wanted her to help me understand. She said something about the earthquake in Japan causing FedEx delays to which I asked how that would affect whether my order in China was prepared for shipment or not. It was clear that Apple reps do not have a clear and concise answer for what is going on in China because she continued to offer suggestions (maybe demand for that particular model was too high, to which I asked then how could I have possibly ordered it when I did and be quoted the 3-5 day shipping time if there wasn't enough in supply-how can Apply of all companies have a inventory management system that would screw that basic of an equation up so royally, right?). To compensate me for not receiving my order when or before my friend who ordered after me, she offered to refund me for the covers. Before accepting that, I let her know I was aware that the order is still on time but that I am leaving the country next week (all true for me) and wondered if there was any way I could PAY for upgraded shipping. She said there was no way to pay for upgraded shipping but that she would go ahead and do it for free.
We all know Apple is extremely secretive and keep their employees on a strict need-to-know basis so I'm not surprised that their CS reps have been left fishing for answers. I think in lieu of those answers Apple has decided to randomly issue free covers to inquiring customers quiet the masses. They know that no matter how angry anyone gets they are most likely not going to cancel their order (even if they do someone else is already waiting in line for it), on top of that they know that offering them free Apple products will likely just make very happy and now repeat customers.
Though i definitely made a lot of sense to her and she genuinely wanted to help me in some way, I think mostly I was just lucky. As I said before, I could've just as easily gotten the rep from hell and hung up the phone no better off than I was before.
Good luck!
