Official iPhone Refund Policy Tomorrow?

[bretm]

So glad I waited it out on getting a new iPod. I like the line up, but they really should have had a 160 GB touch iPod option. Nobody is going to buy the classic iPod, it will be fazed out in the next six months. Even with better storage capacity, nobody wants the body of an old iPod. The touch is the equivalent of the iPod Photo, in that Apple will drop the touch name and make it replace the classic iPod for good.



Good point. I totally agree. I have a first gen. MBP that I am still very happy with, even though Apple made a double-layer dvd burner and FW800 standard just months later on the 15".

Well, I sure as hell wouldn't buy any of their new products now, considering they'll lower the price 33% in 2 months. Especially if they sell well. What the f kind of thinking is that?

And yes, we knew they'd drop the price... when the next phone came out. More features, lower price. That's sort of the norm with tech gear. And maybe a small reduction in price after 6 months or a year of good sales to pay for R&D. 2 months of sales? It's bad PR, and fixing that bad PR with refunds will be good PR. Well worth the cost, especially if they refund with Apple store cash.

The only time I can recall Apple doing ANYTHING like this (dropping a price so quickly) was Aperture. And I was quite impressed with how they handled it.

 

[pcorajr]

A: That's technology. If they bought it this morning, they should go back to where they bought it and talk to them. If they bought it a month ago, well, that's what happens in technology

That sums up everything in technology people should know this by now. This is how fast technology moves. Only the technologically greedy are the ones affected by this. Loyal fans are those who purchase the product because of the quality and established history. You pay a premium to be the first one to have it.

 

[technicolor]

If the technology had actually changed you would have a valid argument.

 

[pcorajr]

If the technology had actually changed you would have a valid argument.

technology did change my friend not for you but for apple production. Better methods of production and advances in the technology used to produce the devices means that apple is now able to produce at a lower cost, passing the savings to the user. Technology advances bring down prices.

 

[technicolor]

technology did change my friend not for you but for apple production. Better methods of production and advances in the technology used to produce the devices means that apple is now able to produce at a lower cost, passing the savings to the user. Technology advances bring down prices.

I see what you are saying, but I do not believe that is what happened in this case.

 

[CommandQ]

Welcome to the world of technology..

To everyone saying they were "ripped off". It's simple economics in play here. Apple released a product and set the price point at what they thought reasonable at the time. People then willing to pay that price (and some even higher) then bought the phone as early adopters. At a later date Apple, as with any company, reevaluated its price point to meet current and future goals. They offer a reasonable amount of time for recent purchases to be price adjusted, something that is in no way required of any company(nor is accepting returns BTW). So how are you being ripped off? Does the fact that the device now sells for a lower price somehow devalue youre original perception of it? It was worth $599 to you a up until today right? Just enjoy the phone. Oh and for the record, I bought 2 on launch day.

 

[bretm]

technology did change my friend not for you but for apple production. Better methods of production and advances in the technology used to produce the devices means that apple is now able to produce at a lower cost, passing the savings to the user. Technology advances bring down prices.

Funny, Jobs didn't say anything like that. He basically said, "we're doing ok on the profits, so we'd like to sell more." He was specifically asked if production came down and he didn't answer the question. In other words, it didn't. They're still selling the first or second production run. These things haven't come down in manufacturing costs.

Any yes, we all know that's how technology goes. Right? Well, in other sectors yes. But I can't remember a single time Apple has pulled a stunt like this. Apple charges a premium and it's expected. So early adopters feel safe that they're not going to be screwed.

What does the Apple laptop cost? Same it did when it came out. In fact, Apple hardly EVER drops prices on current products. They upped the specs, more RAM, more HD, etc. but they don't lower prices. Maybe $50 on a $1200 laptop or something. But don't you think it would be un applelike to release the laptop for 1099 and change the price 2 months later to $750?

You won't be seeing Lexus lowering their 60k SUV to 40k 2 months after it's launch either.

 

[aristobrat]

Suck it up. You made a purchase on a depreciating asset in an industry with a steep price curve.

Apple products don't typically get a 30% price cut 2 months after launch. For the last 3 years I've been buying 15" notebooks from Apple, they've always had a base model at $1999. New one comes out a few months later with better specs, my model depreciates, but the price of the new model remains the same.

Pretty much the same deal with iPods. They've adjusted some of the price points around over the years, but again, I don't recall any price drops 2 months after launch, and none that were 30% in one drop.

I think this is how a lot of folks expected the iPhone pricing to work.

 

[kcroy]

I also bought two on the launch day and I knew the price would come down. What can I say? I really wanted one. My frugal side told me to wait, but the techno-got-to-have-it side said "BUY TWO!"

I don't regret the decision and I don't expect a refund.

This has happened to me before with Apple products.

I can understand people being ticked off, but I think we all knew prices were going to come down. I admit, I didn't think there would be a drop this dramtic so soon, but I have really enjoyed the phone.\

 

[technicolor]

I dont think most of us expect a refund. I do thinks its unreasonable to act as if we cant feel a little stung by the whole thing. Geesh

 

[kellen]

I also bought two on the launch day and I knew the price would come down. What can I say? I really wanted one. My frugal side told me to wait, but the techno-got-to-have-it side said "BUY TWO!"

I don't regret the decision and I don't expect a refund.

This has happened to me before with Apple products.

I can understand people being ticked off, but I think we all knew prices were going to come down. I admit, I didn't think there would be a drop this dramtic so soon, but I have really enjoyed the phone.\

Sorry, but which apple products have you bought that fit this criteria? Two months later they don't change anything and drop the price by 33%.

Aperture? People were given a rebate. I may be wrong, just want to know the products.

 

[kellen]

I dont think most of us expect a refund. I do thinks its unreasonable to act as if we cant feel a little stung by the whole thing. Geesh

That sums up my feelings. I don't feel entitled to one, but if they want to offer one, you bet I will stand in line for one (already got my refund).

 

[findpankaj]

you do realize that refunding 1million phones for 200 each is 200 million dollars

apple may be nice but for 200million they should just let people be mad a couple of days

I agree with you...welcome to apple torture cell. I was thinking day and night about iPhone and finally thought of buying a 500 dollar sony ericsson P1i. But now I am buying my brand new iPhone - 4 GB.....for me apple rocks...saved me serious 200 dollars

 

[Daiden]

I dont think most of us expect a refund. I do thinks its unreasonable to act as if we cant feel a little stung by the whole thing. Geesh

Yep, that's where I am right now. I called up Apple and spoke to a very nice guy who listened to what I had to say and said that he knew how it felt since he had bought one a few months ago too. I mentioned that I just wanted to voice my disappointment with the decision to reduce the price so soon, but I can totally see why they did it. At the end of the conversation, we both agreed that it sucked, and when I hung up the phone I felt better. It's funny how a little customer service can go a long way.

 

[shrimpdesign]

For the last 3 years I've been buying 15" notebooks from Apple, they've always had a base model at $1999. New one comes out a few months later with better specs, my model depreciates, but the price of the new model remains the same.

Not a very fair comparison. The 15" Apple notebook (be it PowerBook or MBP) is an established product. A more valid comparison would be the first 15" notebook compared to the replacement model.

Not saying I agree with you, it's just your comparison makes no sense.

I remember getting an Intel iMac when they first came out. 6 months later, it was replaced and I could've gotten a 20". 6 months, 2 months. Mobile computing moves much faster than desktop computing, especially phones.

I got a 4GB iPhone 30 days ago. If I just waited a measly 16 days, I could be $200 richer. If Apple wants to give me something for it, great, if not, the iPhone was and is still worth the $500 I paid.

 

[chongkwang]

apple loyalty and rep at stake.. plus try 90 day credit card insurance

I have been paying $100 a year for .mac as a fund raiser for apple because they have been a great company in my mind (I mean really, who needs a $100 email account). I have praised their products to everyone as if they were family and whatever benefits the family benefits me. If they dont do the right thing and refund all iphone buyers I think they will be loosing a lot more than $200. I, for one, will not have the trust in this company I once had, and certainly will quit praising them, I will forever think before purchasing apple unlike now I just buy it because I want apple to succeed. I will recoup my $200 in 2 years with the .mac savings (which will cost apple $100 a year in lost revenue after that 2 years) but apple will never regain my trust and unfailing praise. This seems to be a crossroads in apples loyal following and reputation....what road will they take?

 

[Anonymous Freak]

They got the note this evening.

Just got back from trying to complain my way into free stuff or money.

Apple Store Bridgeport Village in Tigard (Portland) Oregon.

Had a manager and three more employees right at the front door, as soon as they saw me with my iPhone box, and a receipt, I heard one comment to another (not quiet enough, I have excellent hearing,) "Another refunder." The manager's first words were "Did you buy it in the last 14 days?"

There was no arguing. One of the other employees took over denials after a minute, when the manager was 'called away'. He said that even he was in the same boat. Only employees for over a year got free iPhones, so he bought his retail, and is in the same boat.

I played it hard. Talked about how I felt like I had just paid $200 for the honor of being Apple's beta tester, how the phone was horribly unstable until the most recent software update, how two of my hardware accessories had already failed (USB power brick and headphones.) I wasn't playing it light. I was trying to make a scene. (I'm good at that when I have to.) Not even so much as a $15 iTunes Gift Card could be talked out of them.

Oh well. I wasn't actually expecting anything, but for $200, I had to try. (I'm not anywhere near as angry about it as I presented to them, I am a little miffed though.) Either way, it was good stress relief.

 

[Daiden]

bought one 8gb on ilaunch and just called the 800 number. Got 150 credit at apple.com.

Customer service department is closed... Tech guys are the only people there and they can't give you a credit for anything.

 

[Lancetx]

Well, I sure as hell wouldn't buy any of their new products now, considering they'll lower the price 33% in 2 months. Especially if they sell well. What the f kind of thinking is that?

I couldn't agree more. Since this is evidently Apple's new way of doing business, I'm definitely going to hold off on getting that new iMac until October, as it's now apparently obvious that it'll be 33% less by then. After all, like Steve himself said, "That's what happens in technology."

 

[DTphonehome]

The precedent has already been set.

Not really a great comparison...Aperture was widely considered a debacle and not worth the high asking price when first released. The iPhone is and was considered an amazing piece of tech.

I completely understand Apple's reasoning for doing this...they want to simply blow the competition out of the water over the holidays by selling shiploads of these, and announce that they beat sales estimates. What would be a preferable move on Apple's part? Keep the price high and sales lower, simply to satisfy those who bought early? That's a bad business move. They have to do whatever they need to do in order to move these things.

And as a stockholder, I would be pissed if they gave out $200 mil in refunds (but definitely less pissed if they gave it out as Apple store credit).

 

[rapps]

Customer service department is closed... Tech guys are the only people there and they can't give you a credit for anything.

then a magical being gave me my credit....this was around 9pm.

 

[filman408]

I couldn't agree more. Since this is evidently Apple's new way of doing business, I'm definitely going to hold off on getting that new iMac until October, as it's now apparently obvious that it'll be 33% less by then. After all, like Steve himself said, "That's what happens in technology."

With Steves quote in mind, they should dock the Mac Pro 40-50%.

 

[DTphonehome]

I have been paying $100 a year for .mac as a fund raiser for apple because they have been a great company in my mind...

Are you kidding me??? There are sick and starving people in this world, and you go and "donate" money to Apple? Geez...I'm a shareholder and benefit (in an immmeasurably tiny amount) from your largesse, but for God's sake, direct it where it's needed!

 

[morphineseason]

This has just been blown way out of proportion. Maybe all you crybabies should ask the numerous PC owners that buy a Windows PC how they feel when they take a huge loss on it as soon as they walk out the door of the retailer they purchased it from. This is the telephone business you're dealing with now. Apple's hardware has maintained pretty great resale value in the past, but this is the first time Apple has released a phone, and it's going to be a different story folks.

The iPhone WILL eventually be a "freebie" that's given away with a contract...if you don't think it will, then you're completely oblivious. It's better that it went down in price now, because just like Steve said, it will put pressure on the competition for the holiday season.

If you were real Apple supporters you'd like to see the company gain exposure. The phone was already fairly overpriced when comparing its features to other similar phones (whether it has a pretty interface or not). It was a good business move - it may not have satisfied the fanbois that camped out, but that's just too bad.

Apple owes you nothing. You put your money on a brand new, first gen product, you risked sudden price drops and possibly even faulty hardware problems (be thankful it wasn't the latter, at least for the most of you), and even Steve Jobs himself doesn't cares if you camped out, SO YOU GET NOTHING! YOU LOSE! GOOD DAY, SIR!

 

[shrimpdesign]

Just got back from trying to complain my way into free stuff or money.

Apple Store Bridgeport Village in Tigard (Portland) Oregon.

I wasn't actually expecting anything, but for $200, I had to try. (I'm not anywhere near as angry about it as I presented to them, I am a little miffed though.) Either way, it was good stress relief.

I just went to Bridgeport tonight and got a 299 iPhone for the wife.

The employees at the Bridgeport store are too smart, since a lot of them bought iPhone before the price drop and before their employee discount. I'd trying calling Apple support. I just tried the 1-800 number, and they told me to call back from 9am-to-9pm tomorrow, Apple customer support might be able to do something, they said.

Like you, I'm not that mad, but since Apple is making $200 off me, I might as well act really mad and try.