You have never run an app for 15 minutes? Because, you know, those static elements are going to burn in...
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad iPad Air Return. Upsetting experience.
- Thread starter Alicia1
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
You have never run an app for 15 minutes? Because, you know, those static elements are going to burn in...
Ahhh brings back memories.
I went through several iPad 3's due to obvious screen issues, all but the last were done over the phone, which the phone rep. was more than happy to accommodate.
So I finally said enough is enough with this blind lottery, I'm going to take the time and drive to the closest Apple store, and open the package in the store before I leave.
I get to said Apple store, tell the guy I've had to return several iPads due to various screen problems (mostly tinting and yellow halves). He goes in the back, acknowledges I have a problem, but that I can only get a refund, or leave, and that I could no longer buy any iPads from them, or any other Apple store, even online.
I was very upset by this, and subsequently just left angry.
Called Apple customer service about the problem, and was referred to a top level exec. He tried his best to find out what exactly happened, but just got the runaround from the store manager.
In any case, the Apple exec. said it was not right for him to do so, but that each managers store policy was at their own discretion. They also said that the systems are not linked, and that I could not be banned from buying an iPad from Apple altogether.
He just said to go to another store or purchase online.
What pisses me off is that I buy thousands of dollars worth of Apple products a year, like $6000 last year alone. $4000 this year so far.
If they took the time and looked at my past return history, they would see that they have all been legitimate returns. I don't 'rent' products.
In any case, yes they can ban you from buying a specific product, or ban you from a specific store altogether.
You can however just go to another Apple store, or deal with the returns over the phone.
If all else fails, email Tim Cook. I had success getting an acceptable iMac after 2 came with piss yellow corners, doing this.
In the End, If Apple had stricter QC and didn't allow these faulty screens out the door, there wouldn't be so many returns.
After all, The screen IS the main part of any computer that you have to look at all day long. No one wants to settle for a flawed display.
I went through several iPad 3's due to obvious screen issues, all but the last were done over the phone, which the phone rep. was more than happy to accommodate.
So I finally said enough is enough with this blind lottery, I'm going to take the time and drive to the closest Apple store, and open the package in the store before I leave.
I get to said Apple store, tell the guy I've had to return several iPads due to various screen problems (mostly tinting and yellow halves). He goes in the back, acknowledges I have a problem, but that I can only get a refund, or leave, and that I could no longer buy any iPads from them, or any other Apple store, even online.
I was very upset by this, and subsequently just left angry.
Called Apple customer service about the problem, and was referred to a top level exec. He tried his best to find out what exactly happened, but just got the runaround from the store manager.
In any case, the Apple exec. said it was not right for him to do so, but that each managers store policy was at their own discretion. They also said that the systems are not linked, and that I could not be banned from buying an iPad from Apple altogether.
He just said to go to another store or purchase online.
What pisses me off is that I buy thousands of dollars worth of Apple products a year, like $6000 last year alone. $4000 this year so far.
If they took the time and looked at my past return history, they would see that they have all been legitimate returns. I don't 'rent' products.
In any case, yes they can ban you from buying a specific product, or ban you from a specific store altogether.
You can however just go to another Apple store, or deal with the returns over the phone.
If all else fails, email Tim Cook. I had success getting an acceptable iMac after 2 came with piss yellow corners, doing this.
In the End, If Apple had stricter QC and didn't allow these faulty screens out the door, there wouldn't be so many returns.
After all, The screen IS the main part of any computer that you have to look at all day long. No one wants to settle for a flawed display.
That's the problem though, it's not Apple's quality control, it's Foxconn, or whoever makes the devices. I would hope Apple would continue to randomly sample sealed and packaged devices, but any defective ones mostly won't be picked up until they're in the end user's hands. In any case, Apple will never admit if one of their mass produced products (to a very tight budget) does not meet the standards expected by the end user.
It's sad to say, but Apple have gone from being a company whose products appeal to me to one where there's not much I can see me buying in the future. Their computers certainly no longer meet my needs (not upgradeable, no optical drives, no anti-glare screens).
You returned a lot of things ...
Not surprised by the manager's decision.
----------
Never. I usually think about what I'm going to buy, especially if it is highly priced.
A few ? I could say MANY in a short time ...
Exactly--which is what Amazon does--at least based on the comments here from people who are no longer allowed to buy from them.
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?
And she ask why she was flagged ?
Sadly here on MR there are several users doing the same, keep exchanging items for any reason.
----------
Try to return a Ferrari after purchase if you can
Absolutely NOT.
There is no such a thing as "burned in" elements, since this is just retention (last time I checked, apple didn't use plasma displays on iPads) , and unless you are going to stare at a blank page after that you're are not going to see nothing.
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
It sounds to me like you do make excessive returns and exchanges. Good for Apple. Hopefully, you won't continue to take advantage of Apple's generous return/exchange policy. Obviously, you should have waited for the rMini came out before making a purchase decision. Get a clue, please.
----------
No. I have never returned anything to Apple. Like a normal person, I research products before buying them. And I call BS that you intended to keep the Air. Sounds like you bought the Air to tide you over until the rMini came out.
----------
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.
Absurd. I have never had to return any Apple product. Ever. Some people aren't happy until they find something faulty.
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
Just say that that must mean you buy a lot of products and it is their fault that you have to be taking them back and only the customer service is what keeps you going. Bet that would re-start the no questions asked
But stricter QC costs more money, and no QC is ever going to catch ALL defects. There'll always be some defects that slip through, and after a while, you hit the wall of diminishing returns. At a certain point, it becomes cheaper to accept returns and exchanges than to spend any more effort trying to improve QC. I'm sure Tim Cook and co have done the calculations, and QC is at a level that makes financial sense for Apple, even taking into account dissatisfaction on the part of customers who get stuck with defective units.
This is why we can't have nice things.
People abusing the system (and I mean really abusing, not the couple of legitimate returns) to the point that they ruin it for honest customers.
People abusing the system (and I mean really abusing, not the couple of legitimate returns) to the point that they ruin it for honest customers.
i think people are missing the point here. i'm mad because apple doesn't advertise these stricter standards. they're there, surface them for consumers. don't hide behind a "no questions asked return policy" when there are questions asked.
Rules are rules. i don't care if people "abuse" them. They are rules set and is an agreement between apple and their consumers. there's no such thing as a spirit of a rule and it's ridiculous to think people should follow them.
Rules are rules. i don't care if people "abuse" them. They are rules set and is an agreement between apple and their consumers. there's no such thing as a spirit of a rule and it's ridiculous to think people should follow them.
World isn't a nice place because people, like you, don't care about "abusing the rules" ....
No questions asked return policy ..... within reasonable limits.
I am very scared by people posting on this forum about returning computers and devices due to "a gradient" , or a button that rattle if you shake the phone like a maracas , or an iPhone with a millimetric scuff (and then they cover the phone with an ugly case like otterbox) , or notebooks for a buzzing sound .... and I could go on for a while.
Those people are wasting time and money for an OCD, and "help" Apple to keep prices very high.
I'm not speaking about people returning devices for real malfunctions ....
Last edited:
iPad Air Return Satisfying Experience...
Here's another data point:
I bought a 64GB Air VZW online right past midnight on the 1st of November. I have been using it since it arrived and decide I needed to go bigger - 128GB. Yesterday I took everything (box, charger, cable, etc.) to the local Apple store after making sure they had a 128GB VZW actually at the store to trade in.
I too was flagged on the return policy. I returned a mini about this time last year because it had defective ram slots. BUT - the reason I was flagged was because the purchase date was more than 14 days ago. No problem of any kind, their system evidently does not have the "holiday" return policy completely programmed in. The "manager" didn't even talk to me and the "runner" was back in about 1 minute to complete the transaction.
On the emailed receipt the replacement iPad Air shows, incorrectly, that I have 14 days for a return:
"If.you.are.not.fully.satisfied.with.your.iPad.purchase,.you.can.return.your.undamaged.iPad.within
14.days.of.purchase.for.a.full.refund.with.no.restocking.fee."
(strange .pdf copy formatting from receipt)
A final note is that the original 64GB VZW iPad Air had a T-mobile SIM that I removed and put back the Verizon SIM that came with it originally. I was worried that moving it to the new iPad would "break" the 200MB freebie plan. At first the Verizon site was "unavailable" but after a few hours everything seemed to sort out as the T-mobile SIM and account are working in the replacement VZW iPad and I had to do nothing...very cool.
Here's another data point:
I bought a 64GB Air VZW online right past midnight on the 1st of November. I have been using it since it arrived and decide I needed to go bigger - 128GB. Yesterday I took everything (box, charger, cable, etc.) to the local Apple store after making sure they had a 128GB VZW actually at the store to trade in.
I too was flagged on the return policy. I returned a mini about this time last year because it had defective ram slots. BUT - the reason I was flagged was because the purchase date was more than 14 days ago. No problem of any kind, their system evidently does not have the "holiday" return policy completely programmed in. The "manager" didn't even talk to me and the "runner" was back in about 1 minute to complete the transaction.
On the emailed receipt the replacement iPad Air shows, incorrectly, that I have 14 days for a return:
"If.you.are.not.fully.satisfied.with.your.iPad.purchase,.you.can.return.your.undamaged.iPad.within
14.days.of.purchase.for.a.full.refund.with.no.restocking.fee."
(strange .pdf copy formatting from receipt)
A final note is that the original 64GB VZW iPad Air had a T-mobile SIM that I removed and put back the Verizon SIM that came with it originally. I was worried that moving it to the new iPad would "break" the 200MB freebie plan. At first the Verizon site was "unavailable" but after a few hours everything seemed to sort out as the T-mobile SIM and account are working in the replacement VZW iPad and I had to do nothing...very cool.
1. A gradient from pure white to yellow is a defect. Especially since Apple decided to make iOS7 almost completely white.
2. A button 'rattle' is a defect. Especially when the button is almost falling out, or causing audio feedback during video recordings.
3. There have been far worse than a 'millimetric' scuff on some iPhones.
It's people like you that allow bad QC, and for Apple to let it slide. Also allowing the charade of 'we're the best out there' to keep flowing in their commercials.
People pay a premium for Apple products because they believe the commercials to be true; that Apple products 'just work'.
If Apple wasn't constantly toting the quality of their displays, maybe this wouldn't be so bad... wait, yes it would.
Apple set the bar high on their own admission of outstanding quality, but recently, they can't even meet their own standards.
Last edited:
Never had any of these problems. So that's my experience.
If you think Apple's displays are unreasonable, then you should be giving up on the product after 2 or 3 tries MAX and either waiting until the "issues" are fixed, or you should go out and buy another product. Anyone that does more returns than that is trying to cherry-pick something out of the bin at the expense of everyone else. And let's be clear ... if the product wasn't that good in other respects, you wouldn't be returning it 6 times to begin with.
If he leaves the same image on the screen and look at it for 15 minutes, his own retina will have image retention and he will go to a doctor and have it replaced.
yeah, I don't think a single person missed your point in all its nuanced glory.
That's true in my experience too. It also seems true to me that one should research a purchase first, but when the salespeople push this buy to try tactic, it seems legit.
I try not to abuse any system, but I returned a 5c after it was warmer in the hand than was totally comfortable and was slower than the 5s. I got a 5s and feel justified in doing so. The salesperson told me to take the 5c they had in stock on launch day and return it and order a 5s if it doesn't seem good enough to me.
I am skeptical. I have shopped a lot in apple stores and I have never heard and apple associate pitch a sale. They just seem to hover around, answering questions.
Ultimately its apples fault. I doubt they would lose much business with a restock fee of 10-30 percent.
World isn't a nice place because I follow the rules but not some "spiritual" rules? WOrld isn't a nice place because there's a rule in place and I abuse it by following it?
I suppose it's true. You must be a real cynic over there.
it's people like you that blame apple for following tax rules instead of blaming the politicians for not closing the loopholes.