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kmdln

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 1, 2021
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I initially purchased a 12 Pro, and didn't give it a fair shot before I decided that it was too unwieldy. I returned it the next day, and jumped straight to the other end of the spectrum and bought a 12 Mini. Turns out, not only do I miss the telephoto lens, but I'm also really missing the finishing of the Pro compared to the Mini I have here. I am now, sadly, in the process of returning it.

I've heard stories of people being blocked by Apple from purchasing new phones or returning their existing ones. Is that something I'll have to worry about?
 
While they certainly have their internal regulations on fraudulent returns my guess is you’re still in the green zone.
 
I don't like people who does this frequently. Make up your mind before purchasing it. Because those phones are going to get repacked and being sold to someone who thought they would be the first owners of the phone while they aren't.
 
I initially purchased a 12 Pro, and didn't give it a fair shot before I decided that it was too unwieldy. I returned it the next day, and jumped straight to the other end of the spectrum and bought a 12 Mini. Turns out, not only do I miss the telephoto lens, but I'm also really missing the finishing of the Pro compared to the Mini I have here. I am now, sadly, in the process of returning it.

I've heard stories of people being blocked by Apple from purchasing new phones or returning their existing ones. Is that something I'll have to worry about?
Just as a point of reference - back in the iPhone 5 days when Scuffgate was the thing, there was one user here who reported opening nine brand new iPhone boxes in-store trying to find the 'perfect' iPhone before Apple stopped him and told him to choose.

I think there's some leeway for indecision, but they will stop you at some point.
 
If it was say 5+ returns in a short time maybe yes,but just 2? I don’t think it’s a problem at all.

and to the person above saying people should make their mind before buying,maybe he forgot about current situation,currently going to stores and playing around with devices is not as easy as it used to be,there are few different models with very different finishes and build quality that can’t be experienced in photo/videos ..

also you’re spending lots of money (way more than these things are really worth) so it should be something you’re 100% happy with,it’s not like you’re owing something to Apple.
 
I don't like people who does this frequently. Make up your mind before purchasing it. Because those phones are going to get repacked and being sold to someone who thought they would be the first owners of the phone while they aren't.

Do you have proof of this or a reference? I always assumed that returned product made its way into the Apple Refurbished world and not back out to consumers as new.
 
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I don't like people who does this frequently. Make up your mind before purchasing it. Because those phones are going to get repacked and being sold to someone who thought they would be the first owners of the phone while they aren't.
No they won’t. Returned Apple products aren’t resealed and sold as new. They’re refurbished and used for the Genius Bar or sold as Apple Refurbished.
 
I don't like people who does this frequently. Make up your mind before purchasing it. Because those phones are going to get repacked and being sold to someone who thought they would be the first owners of the phone while they aren't.
100% incorrect, this is absolutely not true when purchased from Apple. A mall kiosk type of store maybe, Apple no
 
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Do you have proof of this or a reference? I always assumed that returned product made its way into the Apple Refurbished world and not back out to consumers as new.
I'm talking in general. Hence why I'm saying phones an not the iPhone specifically. Or do you really think that all those electronics that got returned are going to be recycled. No, most companies will repack (it professionally) returned items which doesn't show flaws. Otherwise it's not sustainable.
 
You stated and I quote:
those phones are going to get repacked and being sold to someone who thought they would be the first owners of the phone while they aren't.
I'm talking in general. Hence why I'm saying phones an not the iPhone specifically. Or do you really think that all those electronics that got returned are going to be recycled. No, most companies will repack (it professionally) returned items which doesn't show flaws. Otherwise it's not sustainable.
Don't backpedal. We're not talking "in general" we are talking about Apple and iPhone in this thread. APPLE DOES NOT DO THAT. And my above statement is in fact 100% correct sir.
 
You stated and I quote:


Don't backpedal. We're not talking "in general" we are talking about Apple and iPhone in this thread. APPLE DOES NOT DO THAT. And my above statement is in fact 100% correct sir.
Nothing backpedaling about it you just didn't read properly. ALSO TALKING IN CAPSLOCKS DOESNT MAKE IT SUDDENLY LOOKS BETTER.
 
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I initially purchased a 12 Pro, and didn't give it a fair shot before I decided that it was too unwieldy. I returned it the next day, and jumped straight to the other end of the spectrum and bought a 12 Mini. Turns out, not only do I miss the telephoto lens, but I'm also really missing the finishing of the Pro compared to the Mini I have here. I am now, sadly, in the process of returning it.

I've heard stories of people being blocked by Apple from purchasing new phones or returning their existing ones. Is that something I'll have to worry about?
You will be fine. I had to return (1) iPhone 12 Pro Max due to a dead pixel smack in middle of the screen, and (2) more due to scratches on the front glass out of the box. Returned another (1) due to terrible uneven colors at bottom vs. top of the screen. Returned (1) 12 Mini around launch time because of the touch issues that were present back then, ended up being fixed by software. Another one (1) had brown tint at the bottom half of the screen.

So that's 6 phones returned for me. All due to defects out of the box. For the price Apple is charging I expect better and don't hesitate to return defective ones.

Currently using both a 12 Pro Max and 12 Mini because I enjoy them both and didn't want to have to choose, or return due to buyer remorse. I didn't get banned from re-buying.
 
No they won’t. Returned Apple products aren’t resealed and sold as new. They’re refurbished and used for the Genius Bar or sold as Apple Refurbished.
Correct
You will be fine. I had to return (1) iPhone 12 Pro Max due to a dead pixel smack in middle of the screen, and (2) more due to scratches on the front glass out of the box. Returned another (1) due to terrible uneven colors at bottom vs. top of the screen. Returned (1) 12 Mini around launch time because of the touch issues that were present back then, ended up being fixed by software. Another one (1) had brown tint at the bottom half of the screen.

So that's 6 phones returned for me. All due to defects out of the box. For the price Apple is charging I expect better and don't hesitate to return defective ones.

Currently using both a 12 Pro Max and 12 Mini because I enjoy them both and didn't want to have to choose, or return due to buyer remorse. I didn't get banned from re-buying.
There's a difference between returning a defective unit as opposed to returning one that wasn't liked for whatever reason, over and over again. Apple is very generous with their return policy so I understand why some carriers and retailers have restocking fees.
I initially purchased a 12 Pro, and didn't give it a fair shot before I decided that it was too unwieldy. I returned it the next day, and jumped straight to the other end of the spectrum and bought a 12 Mini. Turns out, not only do I miss the telephoto lens, but I'm also really missing the finishing of the Pro compared to the Mini I have here. I am now, sadly, in the process of returning it.

I've heard stories of people being blocked by Apple from purchasing new phones or returning their existing ones. Is that something I'll have to worry about?
Been there myself. Last year for example, got the 11 Pro Max, returned it for a Pro, then really missed the size of the Max, so that was returned for the Max.
 
TECHNICALLY there's no set limit. As long as you're reasonable, most Apple Stores will be too. That said, some Apple Stores will hassle you after even one return in which case you can either choose to escalate or just go to another store if there's one in your area.
 
I'm talking in general. Hence why I'm saying phones an not the iPhone specifically. Or do you really think that all those electronics that got returned are going to be recycled. No, most companies will repack (it professionally) returned items which doesn't show flaws. Otherwise it's not sustainable.
If this thread is specifically about Apple iPhones being returned, why even bring "in general" into the discussion. Apple simply does not repackage returned phones and turns around and sells them as new.
 
I'm talking in general. Hence why I'm saying phones an not the iPhone specifically. Or do you really think that all those electronics that got returned are going to be recycled. No, most companies will repack (it professionally) returned items which doesn't show flaws. Otherwise it's not sustainable.
As @Taz Mangus stated, Apple does not repackage them and sell them as new. But I think I know what you are trying to say (maybe). Basically, return phones are sent back to Apple and they will turn them into a certified refurbs or used as a warranty replacement (but they still go through testings and all that to ensure that it's working).

As for OP; It is understandable, you initially started with the 12 Pro and you had a change of mind and then went with the mini but then testing it you find it it wasn't for you. It's valid. you should be fine.

Last year I remember some guy going through 16 iphones?
 
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