iPod Is this why Apple is offering free laser-engraving?

[WickedAngel]

Please note that Apple does not permit the return of or offer refunds for the following products:
Product that is custom configured to your specifications
Opened memory
Opened software*
Electronic software downloads
Personalized iPods
Software Up to Date Program Products (SW upgrades)

So basically, they've finally noticed the fact that spending a few dollars on laser engraving will save them from having to honor refunds/returns in the long run.

 

[iMeowbot]

In fairness to Apple, they do say "Please make sure that everything is spelled correctly as engraved iPods can't be returned." right on the engraving form.

 

[Sun Baked]

Not like they finally paid for the machine, and they want people to get in the "swing of things" coming into the holiday season

Also gets people to buy from Apple directly, instead of from a reseller.

 

[mrgreen4242]

For practical purposes you can't really return an iPod anyways, beyond the 10 day point or something like that. If you have an issue with the iPod you can send it in for repair, and if they replace it (very common) they will engrave the new unit with the same message.

I doubt they are saving much money on the free engravings, if any at all.

 

[Applespider]

So basically, they've finally noticed the fact that spending a few dollars on laser engraving will save them from having to honor refunds/returns in the long run.

There's probably also a line in there about this not affecting your statutory rights. They can't legislate away your warranty by saying that it's personalised - hence why if it is fixed under warranty (read replaced more often than not), it will take a few days longer while they re-engrave.

What they're saying is exactly the same as most other retailers (and even in the EU, the distance selling regulations allow this), that if they go to the effort of personalising something for you, you can't just change your mind and return it for a full refund which is fair enough since what are they meant to do with your snugglebum engraved iPod or WTF monogrammed towels etc?

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

It also helps set themselves apart from their other resellers. A value add to the deal.

 

[steve_hill4]

I don't think they would legally be able to get away with saying "if you have an engraved iPod that malfunctions within the guarantee period, we cannot accept it back because of the engraving." That, as many have already pointed out, refers to non-faulty units. If I ordered one with engraving for someone's birthday and they then said to me that they actually wanted a different one, apple would not accept the old one back and refund it because the message would be too specific. That's what they are essentially saying.

 

[iJon]

This is nothing new, not like some loop hole or something. Apple has never taken back custom products. Apple has never taken back products to begin with without a restocking fee. If you change it out of normal specs you are on your own. If it breaks then Apple is liable fix it, but not take it back.

jon