iPad iPad Air Return. Upsetting experience.

[FrozenDarkness]

You have very bad luck with faulty Apple equipment! Sounds like most of the below were opened, though.


1 Time Capsule?


2 white iPhones?


1 iPad mini?


1 rMPB?


iPhone 4?


6 iMacs?

people on macrumors literally went through 20 iphone 5 to get one without scuffs

 

[DisplacedMic]

For a start I am female, secondly I do know what I want and thirdly I really only return unopened products if there is an issue with them (which I have every right to). The other items I have returned can be resold as they haven't been opened. The Air has been the only exception as the mini suits me better.

and they have every right to put a flag next to your name and ask associates to get a manager before taking your returns. what's the problem?

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people on macrumors literally went through 20 iphone 5 to get one without scuffs

and those kind of people probably walk into the store with head held high on phones 15-20 as well...

imbeciles...i'm pretty sure i would have said "screw apple, i'm getting an android phone" somewhere around phone number 4 or 5 at the most.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

i'm confused by that. just becuase you like the phone doesn't mean you can't hold apple to a higher standard. higher prices will come with higher standards. if i buy a ferrari, i'd go into it with a different standard than if i was buying a honda.

Either way, I'm disappointed because Apple is selling themselves as a luxury store who has a "no questions asked return policy" well back that up then. i hate it when retailers don't come clean and flag your name in the database. that's shady in my book. i'll do whatever i want according to your policy and if you don't like it, change it, make it more specific.

 

[monkeybagel]

I'm willing to bet the Macrumors crowd is hardly representative of the average consumer. Most people don't notice any of the issues mentioned on here and never return an item. They may not even be aware of the return policy or may even feel awkward returning anything.

For those that do know about the return policy, it's a significant part of the goodwill that's been built up around the Apple retail stores. I doubt they would scale back on that anytime soon - at least not in the US. I know overseas it's not always the same.

It's not just on these forums - take a glance at youtube at the "iPhone 5S unboxings" that have the site has been flooded with. So many of the users talk about "I may return it in a few days" and so on.

I believe the problem is that it has conditioned people to not really think about a purchase before they make it. They know if they get buyers remose, or finish up a school paper, they can just get a refund. I believe it is more widespread than most believe.

Apple has had the best customer service os any company that I have dealt with and I really appreciate that. I pay a premium for the products for that experience. But I do believe that people need to exercise a certain level of control and consideration. If they are not 95% they will keep a product, they need to do themselves and Apple favor and save their money.

My signature is a result of so many people returning items for petty things. I read so much about "lag" and other things that many people are way oversensitive to or could experience the product in the store and discover many things. People returned so many MacBook Pros with Retina Display - I have seen cases where people go through seven or eight of them.

I don't know how this hits Apple's bottom line - I am sure they will deal with it if it is significant enough. Best Buy has already adjusted their policy to reflect excessive returns and renting items. I just expect that the people that rent things will started shopping at Apple directly, and they may be forced to do something.

I am not directing this at the OP - just an observation in general.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

It's not just on these forums - take a glance at youtube at the "iPhone 5S unboxings" that have the site has been flooded with. So many of the users talk about "I may return it in a few days" and so on.

I believe the problem is that it has conditioned people to not really think about a purchase before they make it. They know if they get buyers remose, or finish up a school paper, they can just get a refund. I believe it is more widespread than most believe.

Apple has had the best customer service os any company that I have dealt with and I really appreciate that. I pay a premium for the products for that experience. But I do believe that people need to exercise a certain level of control and consideration. If they are not 95% they will keep a product, they need to do themselves and Apple favor and save their money.

My signature is a result of so many people returning items for petty things. I read so much about "lag" and other things that many people are way oversensitive to or could experience the product in the store and discover many things. People returned so many MacBook Pros with Retina Display - I have seen cases where people go through seven or eight of them.

I don't know how this hits Apple's bottom line - I am sure they will deal with it if it is significant enough. Best Buy has already adjusted their policy to reflect excessive returns and renting items. I just expect that the people that rent things will started shopping at Apple directly, and they may be forced to do something.

I am not directing this at the OP - just an observation in general.

which is ridiculous. the return policy is specifically made for buyer's remorse. if the product is broken, it's called an exchange.

 

[doboy]

apple can't refuse a return, they can only refuse a purchase.

it is disappointing though. the way apple touts their return policy makes it seem like they WANT You to buy stuff and try it out.

Where does it say that? (Other than the common sense conditions outlined in the posted return policy of course).

Maybe Apple doesn't explicitly say that, but Best Buy definitely does. Maybe I generalized it for all retail stores since I've seen it at other retail stores.

"Best Buy reserves the right to deny any return or exchange" from Best Buy site.

 

[ZipZap]

Just wanted to share my experience at the apple store yesterday. I purchased the iPad air on release day with every good intention of keeping it. When the retina mini was released I couldn't resist and decided that was the product for me. Was going to keep both but just couldn't justify having 2 iPads. So off I go to the apple store to return my air as I was told I had up to January 7 to return it.

When he went to process the return he said he had to get an override from the manager. I thought that is strange. The manager came up to me and said your name has been flagged for many returns and I would like to know why. I couldn't believe it! I generally only returned items due to faults (usually get a refund if a 2nd replacement isn't good) not change of mind (actually I did it once but the product was unopened and I purchased the next model up) and now my name is flagged! So much for a no questions asked return policy if you aren't happy! As they always see me in the store he approved the return.

Just wondering has this happened to anybody else and does it reset after a period of time? Does it just go on the name or the apple id and credit card as well? Are all the stores linked if I purchase from another store? I am crushed and will now hesitate to make a purchase because I don't want the third degree if I need to return something

They dont have a choice they must accept the return. If they advised you ahead of the purchase you would not be able to return it, and you bought it anyway thats different.

Apple must be using the same service as bestbuy and is looking all of your returns across all stores that use the same service.

In any case, they cannot sell to you then later say you cannot return it.

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I worked in retail before so going based off of what I know from other companies is that even though your returns are all good valid returns you have had too many returns within a specified time frame it's nothing personal but at this point you are costing the company money I'm not sure what Apple does with open/returned products but some places are required to mark down or not sale any product that was returned regardless it if was opened or not opened sadly the companies that I have worked before do not remove you from flagged list BUT again I am not sure about Apple good luck!

Apple is certainly within its rights to not sell to you but they cannot sell you something and then when you try to return refuse to do so. They have to tell you at the Point of Sale.

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The policy may not change, but stores (not only Apple) usually reserves the right to refuse a return.

They cannot if you are within the return period. If they want to prevent returns they need to stop selling to you.

Be sure you use a credit card and dispute if they refuse.

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i think companies should be required to be open about this. If you've returned more than xxx amount we will refuse to sell you yyy. i don't want to be a consumer who's living to an arbitrary standard or i'll take my business elsewhere.

This would be ok...but they are actually selling then trying to deny the return later.

 

[wxman2003]

people on macrumors literally went through 20 iphone 5 to get one without scuffs

This madness with that many returns has to stop. First return for a scuff, no problem. Second one for a scuff, no problem. Third one, you are warned and flagged. 4th time, the Apple rep scuffs the customer across the side of the head.

The OP has returned 12 items. Should be banned from Apple, not just flagged.

 

[ZipZap]

and they have every right to put a flag next to your name and ask associates to get a manager before taking your returns. what's the problem?

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and those kind of people probably walk into the store with head held high on phones 15-20 as well...

imbeciles...i'm pretty sure i would have said "screw apple, i'm getting an android phone" somewhere around phone number 4 or 5 at the most.

Talk to me all you want but if you did not advise me at the time of sale I could not return it...you have to take the return.

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BTW...when you are asked for your drivers license at return time show it only, do not hand it to the sales associate. This is how they are tracking you. Its a third party company.

Its not a requirement for return unless it is clearly stated in the return policy.

If they insist shop elsewhere and tell them.

 

[wxman2003]

Talk to me all you want but if you did not advise me at the time of sale I could not return it...you have to take the return.

They don't have to take any return if they deem it is not broken. They do it as a courtesy.

 

[Robster3]

This is good to know. I have been doing quiet a few exchanges and returns of the Air and mini trying to get one with a correct screen. I just got another air but when I walked out of the store it had a large piece of dust under the screen that even the Genuis saw. They swapped it out for another one and I got home only to discover it failed the image retention test on the bottom right side of the screen and also has faint vertical lines like some people have seen with the iPhone 5. Its very faint but whats seen can't be unseen. After trying about 4 airs I'm just going to keep the one with the slightly uneven yellow on the left side of screen as thats been somewhat common. The other air will be my last return and hopefully I don't get flagged. If they do I will tell them all I was trying to do was get one with a good screen but I will keep the one I have at home with the uneven tint. I would sometimes buy one to bring it home and compare and consider keeping the better of the 2. Im also tired of exchanging anyway.

You will never be happy

 

[wxman2003]

You will never be happy

I agree. Anyone that would run a image retention test for 15 minutes to see if they have image retention has a few screws loose. What real world scenario would one need to do that? Yea, when I use my ipad, I leave it on the same image for 15 minutes and just stare at it. People are nuts.

 

[Robster3]

You have very bad luck with faulty Apple equipment! Sounds like most of the below were opened, though. Wonder if Apple's system tracks returns, regardless of reason?


1 Time Capsule?


2 white iPhones?


1 iPad mini?


1 rMPB?


iPhone 4?


6 iMacs?

7 iMacs.

 

[monkeybagel]

which is ridiculous. the return policy is specifically made for buyer's remorse. if the product is broken, it's called an exchange.

It is made for the limited cases where a product does not fit the intended needs. Buyer's remose is taken care of in most cases by not making impulsive purchases.

If one is returning every product because they change their mind or the honeymoon with the gadget is over, one is wasting their own and Apple's time, not to mention being unethical for costing a company undue losses.

 

[DisplacedMic]

Talk to me all you want but if you did not advise me at the time of sale I could not return it...you have to take the return.

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BTW...when you are asked for your drivers license at return time show it only, do not hand it to the sales associate. This is how they are tracking you. Its a third party company.

Its not a requirement for return unless it is clearly stated in the return policy.

If they insist shop elsewhere and tell them.

i never said you can't... big difference between what you can do vs what you should do. the latter, of course, being subjective with the former being objective.


but yeah, i'm sure they'll be real sad to see mr 20 iphones taking his business elsewhere

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7 iMacs.

pretty sure it was 7 swans a swimming

 

[FrozenDarkness]

It is made for the limited cases where a product does not fit the intended needs. Buyer's remose is taken care of in most cases by not making impulsive purchases.

If one is returning every product because they change their mind or the honeymoon with the gadget is over, one is wasting their own and Apple's time, not to mention being unethical for costing a company undue losses.

I didnt realize you ran apple. I just assumed you're a consumer. No matter what the intended reason for a return policy, its determined by the market. As a consumer a return policy is a buyers remorse. If your product cant control my interest for 14 days you dont deserve my business.

In fact id argue that you should know if it fits ur intended purpose before purchase under your argument

 

[mtneer]

Talk to me all you want but if you did not advise me at the time of sale I could not return it...you have to take the return.

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BTW...when you are asked for your drivers license at return time show it only, do not hand it to the sales associate. This is how they are tracking you. Its a third party company.

Its not a requirement for return unless it is clearly stated in the return policy.

If they insist shop elsewhere and tell them.

If they are tracking using a drivers license; how will they ever advise a "flagged" customer that he/she will be unable to return at point of purchase?? As far as I can remember, I've never been asked for a drivers license at checkout in an apple store.

 

[ZBoater]

This apparent tactic of flagging people for too many returns may seem a reasonable business response to excessive returns, but they better disclose that on their return policy BEFORE I buy. A business has a right to limit returns, and I have a right to shop elsewhere.

Imagine. "Apple wants you to be happy with your purchase and will accept returns for up to 14 days after purchase, unless this is your 7th return due to LCD screen issues. In that case you will be issued a refund and escorted out of the store."

I'm sure the marketing department can spin this to sound better...

 

[bcorgan19982]

Absolutely, I'm stunned that this guy so carelessly purchases these items and treats the Apple store like a library. It's clear why Apple is doing this - if everybody did it they wouldn't have a business. Despite having a "no questions asked" returns policy, as with every other liberty, you can't just take advantage of it. Do your research then make your purchase.

Maybe Apple should up the QC and they wouldn't see so many returns. Or better yet buy your apple products elsewhere like at Best Buy. Return as often as you like there and you don't deal with the rude behaviour exhibited by the apple store employees.

 

[wxman2003]

Maybe Apple should up the QC and they wouldn't see so many returns. Or better yet buy your apple products elsewhere like at Best Buy. Return as often as you like there and you don't deal with the rude behaviour exhibited by the apple store employees.

Try returning items to BB multiple times. After about the 3rd time you are warned on your receipt and not allowed to return or exchange any item for 90 days.

 

[Haifisch]

i'm confused by that. just becuase you like the phone doesn't mean you can't hold apple to a higher standard. higher prices will come with higher standards. if i buy a ferrari, i'd go into it with a different standard than if i was buying a honda.

That's a $250000 car vs $25000. You are entitled to quite a bit more. But Apple products? Seriously, they don't charge enough to put up with people who abuse their return policy. Don't like it? Go buy Samsung.

 

[Steveh2780]

Seems they are wising up to this. A lot of people buying products until another one comes into stock or the colour they want becomes available. To many people buying and not keeping just to have a product they kind of want for a few weeks until the one they really want becomes available. Sorry but I don't blame apple

 

[Brittany246]

Sometimes I hear of people getting their iPads or iPhones exchanged 6 or 7 times and wonder why they haven't been flagged or banned yet. Some people will never be happy, and they won't stop unless you make them stop. Before you go and spend money, make sure you've made up your mind before you buy it. I always see people on here who think Apple is just a free rental service.

 

[Robster3]

Seems they are wising up to this. A lot of people buying products until another one comes into stock or the colour they want becomes available. To many people buying and not keeping just to have a product they kind of want for a few weeks until the one they really want becomes available. Sorry but I don't blame apple

Yep i just did it, got a 16gb wifi to try with tethering, Decided i didn't want to tether and 16 too small, sent it back now my Telco has 32GB with a 4gb plan and got it.

Apple phone sales use their return policy as a sales pitch so its their problem if people return for any reason with in the time allowed.

 

[aristobrat]

Or better yet buy your apple products elsewhere like at Best Buy. Return as often as you like there and you don't deal with the rude behaviour exhibited by the apple store employees.

Returned iPad Air to Best Buy. They banned me for life.