iPad iPad Air Return. Upsetting experience.

[Robster3]

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.

Guess if they make them right first up there wouldn't be so many swaps, they are a rental service if they are going to pitch the sale as return it if you don't like it

Try it ring Apple sales and say you are thinking about a iPhone but not sure if i will like it, see what they say.

 

[Macalway]

Apple is pretty cool about it. Best buy will just throw your ass out the door and tell you not to come back.
Apple won't do that i don't think.

Then again, there are some real picky people, at least in this forum.

Apple would be doing a few of these people a favor if they put their foot down

 

[ET iPhone Home]

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?

This is too funny. I think I may be banned at The Bose Store. I returned my first earphones because I simply wanted to upgrade it to the model where you can take incoming calls with a click of a button on the cord. I was told I could do this within 30 days. Then, I exchange it because the left earphones had no volume. In the process, I upgraded to the sport model. Today, I had to exchange the sport model because the person on the other end of the call could not hear me. In the process, I requested a different color. The guy said I've reached my max in returns. Yet, they were all faulty, except for the first one I originally bought which was a change of mind.

 

[Mr. Buzzcut]

I used to work in retail and occasionally had to fire a customer. Sometimes you just have to point out that your products don't seem to be working for them.

 

[DesertEagle]

This is why such restrictions are enforced:
https://forums.macrumors.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=13000117

Ok I should start off by saying I've always suffered buyer's remorse, for some unknown reason. I thought it was all over until yesterday, dammit. Here's the story.

I was completely happy with my 3yr old Lenovo notebook sporting a dual core processor, 120gb hd, and 1280x800 15.4" screen.

However, the family desktop was running really slow now, and old P4 1.6GHZ.

So, rather than replace the desktop, I had a selfish idea to hand the Lenovo down the family, and buy myself a new notebook. My family only does email, word processing and some music, photo printing, so my old notebook would do the trick. Off to Best Buy I go...

Not knowing anything about recent machines, I didn't know there were 2 generations of Intel processors out there. Anyhow, I was looking for something to replace my Lenovo at a great price, so I picked up an HP Pavillion for $699, and a sale included an xbox 360! What a deal!

This was machine #1: HP Pavillion w/640GB HD, Windows 7, a lousy AMD Phenom II processor, 15.4" screen, etc.

This machine was slower than my Lenovo. I blamed it on the processor, though I'm not sure if that was it. I also couldn't figure out how to enable Bluetooth. Decided I didn't like, and went back to Best Buy...

Machine #2: MacBook Pro 13", $1199 on sale. This is what I wanted in the first place, but was unwilling to fork out the cash for it. Took it home. Nice PC, huge learning curve to learn MAC OS. I'm a Windows guy for 20+ yrs. Find out that there's no driver's for my colour laser jet, or my photo printer. I fully expected everything to work with this MAC. Back to Best Buy... return lady looks at me funny, justifiably so.

Machine #3: Sony VAIO F1, Core i7, 500GB drive, fast dedicated graphics, 16.4" screen, Blueray, just a tank of a machine. $999. Take it home, spend a day loading all my junk on it. Runs good, but fan is insanely loud. I mean, this thing had a high pitch sound that got right in your ears. Back to to the store...

Machine #4: Sony VAIO E Series, Core i3, 500GB, 4GB Ram, 15.4" screen. $699. Ok I decided to cheap out a bit. I mean seriously, this isn't much more than an email machine for me, so why am I spending the money? (These are the insane thoughts going through my mind. What's funny, is the money is largely immaterial, it's more the time this is taking from me!) Unpack it, oh my god. These are the worst laptop speakers I've ever heard. I mean laptop speakers are generally bad, but these are really bad, like useless. Just on a whim, I check out the Sony website, and low and behold I finally learn the difference between a 1st gen core processor, and the 2nd gen. Sony was selling the second gen version of the laptop for only $30 more! Should be way faster right?

Machine #5: Family is upset now. How much time are you going to waste on this crap? Wife is shaking her head like I'm insane. I agree with her. Wait all day for the courier truck to deliver the 2nd gen Sony VAIO Core i3, 640GB HD, 6GB Ram, blah blah, $729. This is the machine I should have kept, it was fine for me. But oh, look at the build quality on this thing? Who put this together, a monkey? I had to snap the keyboard in place when I took it out of the box, brand new! Feeling like it's the wrong PC for me for some reason, call up Sony, get an RMA, and pay $20 to ship it back.

Machine #6: I promise to give everyone in the family $30 a piece if I return this machine, just to ease their concerns that I'll keep this machine. I buy again, the MacBook Pro 13", the second machine I already had. I decide I don't need to print on those old printers, and I buy a nice new shiny wireless laser printer just for the MAC. I'm seriously planning to keep it this time. 5 whole days go by with this machine, the others never lasted more than 1 or 2 days. Finally, I'm doing actual work on this machine. I load up some proprietary software for my work, and guess what, not MAC OS compatible. With some research and serious fiddling, I get it to work under MAC OS, but it's not great, missing some features. I could bootcamp this sucker, but why would I want to run Windows on this machine when I could run Windows on a far cheaper machine? That's right, I return the machine I already bought twice. I fork out $90 to my family for returning this machine.

Machine #7: HP Pavillion, I honestly can't remember the specs on this one after going through the other machines, but I believe it was $749. This was just ok, but wow, I learned that HP cheaped out on this particular model, and had a single channel wireless N chip on it. So it would only run at 2.4mhz, single channel. The port speed would top at 72mbps. I was getting 300mbps on all the other machines, save for the MAC I believe. I move a lot of files on the network!! What the heck is that??? Thankfully, I never promised my kids more money for making a switch.

Machine #8: HP Pavillion DM4. Core i3, 500GB, 6GB Ram, 14" screen, $699. None in stock, had to take an open box model for $660 or so. Take it home, wow, this is a nice PC for the money. It reminds me of the MACPro in a lot of ways, especially the keyboard. I'm loading my software on it, black screen of death and message that says "hard drive not present". WTF? What did the prior owner of this machine do, toss it off a balcony or something? It reboots fine, but a few hours later, I get the same error. I bring it back to Best Buy, and because it boots up at the counter, he doesn't believe me that there's something wrong with it. However, these guys are relentless at abiding by their return policies, and agree to take it back. I'm disappointed that he didn't believe that it was defective, as I know some other poor sap will be buying that machine open box. On the other hand, I can't blame him for not believing me considering my track record of returns.

Machine #9: Same machine as #8, but from a sealed box. Had to drive to the far side of town to a BB that had it in stock. For some reason, this one would disconnect from my router every hour or so. Not sure if it was my router or the pc or perhaps an incompatibility between the two, or perhaps it was defective, or perhaps I'm defective. Anyhow, it's gone. My family is hoping that BB won't take it back, and I find myself hoping as well, just to take me out of my PC exchanging misery.

Machine #10: MacBook Pro 13". That's right, bought it a 3rd time. This time I'm sure it's the machine for me. Work software incompatibilities, I'll deal with them. Such a nice machine, gorgeous aluminum, unequalled build quality, size is perfect, blah blah blah. Happy. Promise the kids $50 a piece if I switch this machine. Teenage daughter professes that I should just give her the money now.

Yesterday, bloody new MacBook Air is announced, it's got a backlit keyboard again, it's got a higher res screen, it's half the weight, it's got an SSD, it's so nice and sexy. I'm still in my return period for Best Buy! The Air is only $50 more!! I should go return this and immediately drive to the Apple store and get that Macbook Air 13".

Ahhhh screw it, I'm too tired. Kids lose out on $50 a piece.

 

[ZipZap]

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

You are misinformed.

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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.

That is their problem to resolve. If you dont inform me that my purchase it non-returnable...its returnable.

 

[maflynn]

Most retailers at this point seem to flag people for returning excessive amounts. I was unaware that apple was doing this, but seeing threads here at MR, I can see the value for a company to do so.

 

[wib]

Wow! That could be what keeps Apple's prices at a premium - maybe they have to charge everyone extra to compensate for all of the returns.

It might be an American thing.

I remember when I got my iPhone 5 in Japan, we were aware of the potential bezel/scuffing problems and the electrical shop I bought mine at (not an Apple Store) warned customers beforehand.

We had to pick from a few unopened boxes and take our chances. Basically if it had a cosmetic problem, unlucky, you couldn't return it, unless it actually had a real problem. Fortunately mine was perfect!

 

[Ledgem]

Better to buy online, just one click for a return and TNT picks up. You don't have to speak to anyone. I have a iPad, smart case and dock sitting here waiting for pickup.

It seems like doing things in person is what saved the thread starter, in this case, since they recognized her as a legitimate and frequent customer and were willing to override the flag on account of that.

The other items I have returned can be resold as they haven't been opened.

I don't work for Apple and thus I can't say what they actually do, but I would be very surprised if they simply took your return back and threw it on a shelf to sell to someone else. Some people are very good at re-sealing packaging to make it look as if it was unopened. They can open the packaging, remove the product, replace it with some items of similar weight (or a broken/defective device), and then re-seal the box. Apple would lose out on the actual product and would receive bad publicity when some unfortunate customer would then open the box to find heavy plastic in place of the device.

In other words, these types of actions probably do carry a cost to Apple.

People get a little bit crazy with their returns and exchanges. As a family, we've been through many iPhones, computers, iPads, and others (keyboards, trackpads, routers, a monitor) and have never had a single return or exchange. I came close with my retina iPad mini due to slight screen discoloration, but ultimately decided not to because truthfully, I don't notice it when I'm actually using the device (instead of staring at a pure white screen). I think that we've been rather lucky with our products, but I also think that, as detail-oriented as we are, we're not the types to examine every inch of the product for a flaw, or to "stress-test" screens. We get it, we briefly admire it, we power it on, and we use it.

 

[nealh]

Retail will always need a return policy period. When big retailers change this, customer get upset and they end up changing back.

Look at holiday returns as an example, look at how long the return period is, so that they get the needed sales for profitability.

As for Apple, I am sorry people return items. Apple prices have always been a premium long before this return policy.

However, I have drunk the Apple KoolAid over the last 5 yrs and my experience when I have had issues has not been stellar by any means. I always try t one nice and pleasant.
But I never seem to get the golden CSR. I buy AppleCare warranties and whenever I have had an issue they never offer me anything.

With that said, freebies are nice just give me a reliable and good product.

When, I see the screen issues with their products,..yellowish tint, uneven backlighting, poor color screens, etc. It disgusts me that their QC sucks.

But I keep buying and paying the premium. I have exchanged one iPhone 4 for poor camera and iPhone 5 for BT not working.
iMac had a HD fail in 8mo(ended up a year later Apple recalled the drives) and I was treated like it was my fault.

I hope people keep doing what makes them happy and since Apple pretends their products are the highest quality and deserve the price premium.

FYI, I hold an equity position and their profits do not suffer from return issues but component costs and subsidies. In fact, I think Cook is making a mistake saving $1Billion dollars by trying to repair many things instead of an exchange. This will hurt in the long run.

Make the products correctly and almost of these excessive returns disappear!!!

 

[ada-lovelace]

Similar upsetting experience

I can understand from the business point of view that multiple returns = not good for business

But I think they need to understand that we're returning them because of defects affecting practical daily use.

My similar rant:

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=18403856#post18403856

 

[nealh]

I can understand from the business point of view that multiple returns = not good for business

But I think they need to understand that we're returning them because of defects affecting practical daily use.

My similar rant:

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=18403856#post18403856

I hate returning and exchanging. Pain in the rear.

I got rMini and expected the color gamut to be better. I am very disappointed with it. I will likely return it, as I was not warned prior to purchase this was going to happen.

I expected a similar color gamut to my iPad3. Trust me if I can tell the colors are dulled anyone can. Apple was not going to publicize this obviously but again this product is pricey and it is "flawed" based on expectation from other retina products.

I did not do a retention image test and my screen looks overall good otherwise but I like correct looking colors.

I am trying to accept it but why should I, because they said I should. Jeez.

I have no issue paying the premium if I get what I want. But I feel deliberately mislead. Please do not say if Jobs were alive BS. He would jam this down our throats as the way colors are supposed to be. He was a condescending arrogant innovator. He dismissed other peoples opinions if they differed from his, please never forget that!!

 

[hawon]

Some people here talks like every product is made to be perfect and everyone should love. Research gets you to up to certain point. There are many products doesn't suit you after you try.

 

[Wbutchart]

If I were them I wouldn't let you return it. You should have waited for the retina mini, patience is a virtue. As it is someone else could have had that air and now it's really waste.

 

[fat jez]

Some people here talks like every product is made to be perfect and everyone should love. Research gets you to up to certain point. There are many products doesn't suit you after you try.

It's a premium product made at a bargain cost. That's the problem.

 

[bevsb2]

I returned 3 iPads last year trying to get a decent screen on an iPad 4. This year I returned 3 iPad Airs. I hate to return things and never return something because I changed my mind about wanting it or buy something to use it while waiting for what I really want to be available. However I refuse to keep a product that is flawed. iPads come in unopened boxes and unlike some items that you can examine before buying, you have to buy it and then see if it is acceptable. A screen that is yellow, has color gradients, lines etc is not acceptable to me and I won't just get used to it and get on with using and enjoying it. I want a good screen (not necessarily perfect) on my expensive new device and I don't think that makes me OCD or a customer that should be flagged. I've always had very good experiences with Apple returns so I have no problem with Apple just with members here that keep implying that there is something wrong with people who return a flawed product. I don't run tests for imagine retention or other problems. The iPads I returned could be picked up readily as flawed.

 

[Ledgem]

However I refuse to keep a product that is flawed.
...
A screen that is yellow, has color gradients, lines etc is not acceptable to me and I won't just get used to it and get on with using and enjoying it.

While I would agree that lines and gradients represent flaws, a uniformly yellow screen is not. The issue there is white balance, and you seem sensitive to "warmer" screens. The only "flaw" is that Apple has not included a utility to allow users to alter the white balance themselves.

 

[bevsb2]

While I would agree that lines and gradients represent flaws, a uniformly yellow screen is not. The issue there is white balance, and you seem sensitive to "warmer" screens. The only "flaw" is that Apple has not included a utility to allow users to alter the white balance themselves.

I have had "warmer screens" on some of my devices and they are fine. They are actually easier on the eyes. I don't consider yellow screens, even or uneven, acceptable. And when I look at the screens in the Apple store I don't see any yellow screens on display.

 

[hawon]

It's a premium product made at a bargain cost. That's the problem.

So it is a premium product made at a bargain cost yet we are charged premium?

 

[AppleScruff1]

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.

ROFLMAO!! Best post in thread!

 

[Plutonius]

Maybe Apple should up the QC and they wouldn't see so many returns.

Read through the threads. Many of the people are just buying multiple products and returning the ones they like the least. The return policy is a good policy but people are starting to abuse it. I can see Apple's return policy returning to what it was.

 

[rasputin1969]

To the OP - you really should take responsibility for your actions and stop expecting other people to fund your flippant behavior.

 

[fat jez]

Read through the threads. Many of the people are just buying multiple products and returning the ones they like the least. The return policy is a good policy but people are starting to abuse it. I can see Apple's return policy returning to what it was.

You could argue if the quality of the products was uniform, this wouldn't happen (over and above buyer's remorse where people realise they need more storage, for example).

 

[harleymhs]

This thread is interesting... I am a long time Apple buyer ( back to the orig ipod and ibook ) And back in those days you can go to the APPLE store, buy a product or 2 and come home with a PERFECT one EVERY TIME! Now, you have to go to the store and worry if your button will be loud, screen be yellow, dirt behind your screen on a $3000.00 imac , battery defective ETC ETC ETC.. Im sure some people need to buy 2-3 of the same item at a time to get home and compare, and find the GOOD ONE and return the rest! So if APPLE would get their quality control back I'm sure we would ALL do less returning!

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you could argue if the quality of the products was uniform, this wouldn't happen (over and above buyer's remorse where people realise they need more storage, for example).

exactly!!!!!

 

[iphoneuserinyyz]

And back in those days you can go to the APPLE store, buy a product or 2 and come home with a PERFECT one EVERY TIME! Now, you have to go to the store and worry if your button will be loud, screen be yellow, dirt behind your screen on a $3000.00 imac , battery defective ETC ETC ETC.. Im sure some people need to buy 2-3 of the same item at a time to get home and compare, and find the GOOD ONE and return the rest! So if APPLE would get their quality control back I'm sure we would ALL do less returning!

I have often wondered if some of Apple's ever growing sales figures might be explained by this phenomenon. For example, if I buy and return 2 iPads before keeping the third one that finally has an OK screen, is that counted as 3 sales?