Official iPhone Refund Policy Tomorrow?

[iLeoMarc]

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).

Well speaking for my family, I think there are alot of us who just wants to be recognized really. The fact that Apple said "Suckers" to us, is a really bad feeling. With that said I would settle for Apple-Store/ iTunes credit and doesn't even have to be the entire $200 per iPhone ($400 in my case, as I bought two).

Note: Please don't reply about I should not get anything, Blah, Blah, Blah. I just wanted to point out that I would settle for much less then what people are asking for.

 

[deejemon]

*

 

[shrimpdesign]

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.

Apple likes to price their products a tad higher to give the perception that their products are better (which they usually are). Apple would never give away the iPhone. The iPhone is unsubsidized right now, and it will stay that way.

 

[MacEyeDoc]

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.

It's so interesting to see how people are divided on this issue. I am on the side of the rebates, because no previous Apple product (except for Aperture) has been devalued so quickly. You think your iPhone is still worth $500? You're wrong, it's worth $399. I paid 50% more than that about 6 weeks ago. A 50% upcharge to use it 6 weeks? That is unreasonable, even in the fast paced tech world. I promise I'll wait 2 months before I buy another new model of iPhone, and I don't think you'll see people giving Apple free publicity by camping out days ahead of product launches. And one of the other posters is correct - the price for a G4, G5, Mac Pro is usually around $2499 - you think they would ever drop it to $1650? I think people had a reasonable expectation that the price would be stable till a new model came out, or features were added. It's almost like a car dealer that gets you to pay for a higher priced sports car, and as you drive off the lot, you hear him say "so long, Sucker!" as he lowers the price on the sign.

I think we can all agree that Apple did a horrendously bad job(s) on the timing of this announcement. We should be talking about the cool new iPods, but everyone is upset about the iPhone price drop. If they had made a separate announcement next Monday that prices were going to be reduced, thay would not have gotten the black eye that are getting now.

And unfortunately if someone asks me about buying whatever the latest Apple gizmo is in the future, I'll have to say "wait at least 2 months, or until the price drops, whichever is sooner". That's kinda sad.

 

[DTphonehome]

A 50% upcharge to use it 6 weeks? That is unreasonable, even in the fast paced tech world.

So I ask again, what would you have preferred them do? Leave the price high simply to satisfy early adoptors, or drop it to attract new customers? At what point is it "OK" for them to drop the price? They needed to do it now so that they could move these for the holidays. Everyone has got to stop taking it so personally.

 

[hokullani]

well it sucks for me but come on, do they really expect non fan boys to pay $600 for an iPhone? Now at this price it is just like buying an iPod touch and a $100 phone which makes more sense than a nano and a $350 phone! so good for apple but sucks for me

 

[bousozoku]

Mod note: please keep it civil if you want this thread to remain open.

 

[shrimpdesign]

You think your iPhone is still worth $500? You're wrong, it's worth $399.

Technically $299 since I have the 4GB, but I get your point.

And one of the other posters is correct - the price for a G4, G5, Mac Pro is usually around $2499 - you think they would ever drop it to $1650? I think people had a reasonable expectation that the price would be stable till a new model came out, or features were added. It's almost like a car dealer that gets you to pay for a higher priced sports car, and as you drive off the lot, you hear him say "so long, Sucker!" as he lowers the price on the sign.

Comparing the iPhone to established products is wrong. Apple has had 20+ years so figure out how much to charge for a desktop computer, and how much for an Apple notebook? like 15+ years? The fact is, the iPhone is a completely new platform and handheld device, comparable to nothing else. It's a entirely new paradigm, and if demand for the $500-600 iPhone leveled out, and Apple decided to cut prices to increase demand, then good! They're figuring it out as they go along.

I think we can all agree that Apple did a horrendously bad job(s) on the timing of this announcement. We should be talking about the cool new iPods, but everyone is upset about the iPhone price drop.

I agree, they should've dropped the price in unison with a software update adding new features. That way, old users get the new software, and new users are more tempted to buy one.

 

[Sideonecincy]

Anyway, I don't really care about the iPhone price drop too much. I'd love to get even a $50 gift card from Apple or something, but I've really enjoyed my iPhone the last 2 months and I'm still 100% pleased with it.

Exactly. Some of you people might have still bought it even if you did know there was a price reduction coming.

If you are so mad, sell your phone on ebay, they are still going for original prices.

 

[thrckb]

ripped....Refund

I was so upset that I went back to my AT&T store and asked them to apply the pressure to Apple for the quick price drop. As others have said, I knew it was coming but not before the billing finally got right. I really hope some one starts a ClassAction cause this is screaming for one. I asked AT&T what can I do to close my account in protest they said I'll have to pay another 175.00 to do so.
Thanks for the royal flush APPLE.

 

[MacEyeDoc]

So I ask again, what would you have preferred them do? Leave the price high simply to satisfy early adoptors, or drop it to attract new customers? At what point is it "OK" for them to drop the price? They needed to do it now so that they could move these for the holidays. Everyone has got to stop taking it so personally.

Apple had months to set the price point. Then 2 months later they decide they were wrong by 50%? The newest Mercedes comes out at $60,000, doesn't sell well, and so 2 months later they sell it for $40,000? That never happens. The "holidays" are 3 months away, what's the rush?

I think most of us like Apple because they make the best products. I am fine with paying more for any Apple product than another brand because I know that they will "just work". And if the new paradigm is that Apple phone prices are going to drop 33% every 2 months, I can get used to that. But Apple has never done this before (excepting Aperture). They usually set a price and stick to it. This "feels" like a bait and switch. Not "Wow, our costs just went down and we're passing our savings on to you" but "I can't believe how stupid those first suckers were - we can cut it by 33% and still make a profit - losers!"

Apple occasionally makes a mistake - they did with Aperture and they made everyone happy with a store credit, so they can do the same here. I cerainly will continue to buy Apple stuff - I'll just wait longer now.

 

[choke]

Don't give up! I got my refund.

Got my iPhone 8GB on Aug 14 at the Apple Store in Cambridge, MA. I called the 1-800 Apple line but gave up when I read that if you bought your iPhone from a store, you had to deal with the store. I called the Cambridge store around 4pm EST and was told that they cannot do anything for me if the "14 day policy" has passed. I said, "Look, I would even settle for store credit." No dice. I even called my credit card company for price protection... no dice there too (thanks Bank of America).

Then, I emailed a friend of mine who works for an Apple Store (not Cambridge). He told me: (1) go to the store; (2) ask for the store manager; and (3) tell them you want a price adjustment refund. Seemed simple enough, but after all I read on here, I didn't think it would work.

So, I went down to the Apple Store with receipt in hand. I initially spoke with a sales rep and asked for the manager. The rep told me he could try and help, so I told him my story and he asked me where did I hear about 'price adjustment policy', and I told him "I have a friend who works for Apple." At the point, he went and got the manager.

Long story short, the manager credited my card back $210 (5% tax in MA). I didn't want to settle for store credit, so I didn't even bring it up. I also heard the manager speaking to another "price adjustment" person saying on the phone "if you come in by Friday, I can take care of it." Then the manager did the same thing for the guy behind me.

I don't know if every Apple store is doing this. It seems like some are and some are not. Maybe it's up to the individual managers and/or stores.

I am still peeved that I had to waste an afternoon going through all this, but $200 dollars is nothing to sneeze at.

So don't give up. Go down to your local Apple Store and ask directly for the manager. And if you live in Boston, go to the Cambridge store!

 

[sparkleytone]

I bought a 4GB iPhone because I thought it was worth $499. If I didn't, I wouldn't have purchased it. The price of entry to own the iPhone is now significantly lower. I look forward to seeing more people with them. What's the deal with this whining?

 

[zwida]

I don't think most of us expect a refund. I do think it's unreasonable to act as if we can't feel a little stung by the whole thing. Geesh

Exactly (and on both counts).

And now that I think about it, to apply the common stock market pitch, I liked it at $600, I LOVE it at $400...

 

[kugino]

i understand those who are upset about the price reduction. if i bought it 3 weeks ago at 599 i'd be upset about the money. in the same way i'd be upset about a shirt i bought that later went on sale...oh, if i had just waited a few weeks longer...

but how can you be upset at apple for doing this? that is where i think people are silly. you're upset that a for-profit company reduces the price on an item so that it will be easier to obtain, compete with offerings from other companies, and thus gain a bigger presence in the market. it's a business. some benefit from the reduction (like those who waited), while some spent $200 more. you still get the exact same functionality, exact same hardware, etc. and if you were willing and able to buy it at $599 you most certainly thought it was a fair price at that time, all things considered. otherwise you wouldn't have bought it.

apple's 14-day policy is more than fair, IMO. and if you miss it by a day? too bad. sorry. things like this happen all the time. i don't fault you for being upset about just missing it...but to think that apple "owes" you and that apple is evil and that apple is losing customers because of it is simply ridiculous. anyone who is in the tech gadget world knows that new things come up all the time and the turnover rate is very high...

so there. i've said it. stop whining and crying if you fall outside the 14-day grace period. suck it up and complain about something more important

 

[ATJxTPB]

Well, I just bought my iPhone 16 days ago. I think I have every right to be mad. I called up Apple, there was nothing they could do. All I can do now is petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/iPhone_Price_Cut/

 

[Anonymous Freak]

Well, I just bought my iPhone 16 days ago. I think I have every right to be mad. I called up Apple, there was nothing they could do. All I can do now is petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/iPhone_Price_Cut/

You do know that online petitions are 100% completely totally ignored by anyone in any position of authority or power, right?

Massive call-in campaigns can change things. Clicking "Yeah, me too, man!" doesn't.

 

[Daiden]

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

I always want to try to act mad, but I don't really feel like its fair to be a jerk to someone who had no say whatsoever in the decision. I try to be reasonable and level headed, and sometimes that works a lot better then yelling and screaming.

You do know that online petitions are 100% completely totally ignored by anyone in any position of authority or power, right?

Massive call-in campaigns can change things. Clicking "Yeah, me too, man!" doesn't.

That's true. When 100 people call in and complain, it feels like a lot. Phones are ringing off the hook. People in positions of power take notice.

When you show someone a petition with 20,000 names, they figure that doesn't represent the majority of their customer base and ignore it.

It's true, a lawsuit is pointless and a waste of time for everyone involved. The only leverage people have in this situation is the fact that they're a customer and they're unhappy with the company. There has been nothing illegal done here.

 

[MacAerfen]

Honestly I do not think I have seen more people whining. People who are whining should be ashamed of themselves. You are the reason support gets flooded and waste other peoples time and abuse techs that didn't do anything to deserve being harassed. Oh and you are not beta testing the Phone. You bought the phone when you wanted it, you could have waited like alot of people did if you thought the price was too much.

You bought a product for the price it was advertised. YOU are the one that made the descision that the price you paid was worth it to you. Everyone knows if you wait to buy a product you get a better price. If you think Apple owes you anything you are delusional. You can say well its unprecidented that they would lower the price two months later. This is Apples first venture into a highly established and highly competative business. The only way they are going to get a foothold so they can continue to develop new phones is by attacking that market agressively and getting as many switchers as they can. They need to lower the prices to get more people buying. They need to be agressive when there are companies like Nokia willing to shamelessly rip off their designs and remarket it.

Those bragging about getting a refund should be doubly ashamed. You took advantage of someones compassion and instead of quietly being happy you came to brag. Well you are bragging about ripping off the very company that laboured to develop that little toy you like. You made sure its that much harder for them to develop new items and provide you an option other than the beast that is Microsoft and other design thiefs like Nokia.

You people want Apple to develop an iPhone not tied to a specific carrier. Congratulations on making it that much harder. There is no way Apple could have brought the iPhone ot market without the support of a carrier. There are so many things Apple needed to learn as far as how the network works and that field of technology. Now that they know these things they can start developing a phone that they can bring to other networks. They have earned credibility that other networks can bank on because prior to this release alot of networks didn't think Apple could do it. Now because of greedy people that seem to think its fair to not only get the product on launch day but also get to pay the same as those patient (or in the case of availability) did not. This isn't mideval france and no you cant have your cake and eat it too.

To those that purchased the iPhone on launch and are not behaving like spoiled brats I say cheers. You are proof that there are still some people out there that have a clue.

 

[sparkleytone]

Honestly I do not think I have seen more people whining.

Stick around and watch what happens after the next Apple event. Also, take note of the ratio of whiners to newbies.

 

[Daiden]

Honestly I do not think I have seen more people whining.

People have the right to be upset about something a company (or anyone) does. You're just trying to tell people how to think. That's called "elitism", look it up.

 

[jcammo123]

I speak on behalf of iphoners prior to the price drop....
yes it would be nice if we received some kind of credit for the being the early birds...
realistically, however, it will not happen...

but dont u think having the iphone these past two months was an ooberly cool experience?
everyone went in awe the moment you pulled it out...

if anything...
at least we can appreciate our iphones $200 better then any of these 9/5 (and beyond) iphoners ever will...

excuse me.
:: picking up the shattered pieces of his dignity ::


at least we have that much...

-_-

 

[suneohair]

People have the right to be upset about something a company (or anyone) does. You're just trying to tell people how to think. That's called "elitism", look it up.

So wait. You tell the poster to "look it up" as if he doesn't know what it means. Could that be... *gasp* elitism?

No one is trying to tell you how to think. We are just trying to explain to you why your reasoning and actions are truly absurd.

 

[DownSetDana]

wtf

why should people who purchased the iphone months ago be eligible for the rebate. They were too anxious to wait for the iPhone so they paid the more expensive price, but they couldn't wait for the price cut. But now, since the price cut occured, people are bitching. Sometimes I don't understand people. Patience is virtue, remember that. I knew the price cut was going to happen sooner or later and I think that Apple is doing the right thing with the 14 Day Price Protection, but for the people who exceed that and are complaining, you shouldn't be getting anything if I had anything to do with it.

 

[atowntx512]

Hmmmm

Apple had months to set the price point. Then 2 months later they decide they were wrong by 50%? The newest Mercedes comes out at $60,000, doesn't sell well, and so 2 months later they sell it for $40,000? That never happens. The "holidays" are 3 months away, what's the rush?

I think most of us like Apple because they make the best products. I am fine with paying more for any Apple product than another brand because I know that they will "just work". And if the new paradigm is that Apple phone prices are going to drop 33% every 2 months, I can get used to that. But Apple has never done this before (excepting Aperture). They usually set a price and stick to it. This "feels" like a bait and switch. Not "Wow, our costs just went down and we're passing our savings on to you" but "I can't believe how stupid those first suckers were - we can cut it by 33% and still make a profit - losers!"

Apple occasionally makes a mistake - they did with Aperture and they made everyone happy with a store credit, so they can do the same here. I cerainly will continue to buy Apple stuff - I'll just wait longer now.

So we are now comparing a Benz to a phone!! Hmmm, $60,000 car to a $600 phone! Wooooooooow!!!! <--Sarcasm..... Let try comparing something in the price range of the phone....