PSA: If You Recently Bought a 2017 MacBook Pro, You Might Be Able to Get a Refund

[MacRumors]

If you recently purchased a 2017 MacBook Pro prior to today's announcement of the new 2018 models, it's possible that Apple might allow you to return the machine for one of the updated 2018 MacBook Pros.

There's a two-week return policy on all Apple products, so if your 2017 MacBook Pro was purchased within the last 14 calendar days, you can return it no questions asked to purchase a new 2018 MacBook Pro instead.

If it's been longer than two weeks, there's still a chance Apple will let you make an exchange. A Reddit user purchased a new 2017 MacBook Pro a month ago, and took it to the Apple Store to see if he could return it to purchase a new model and to take advantage of the current Back to School sale offering free Beats headphones.

The Apple employee he spoke with did indeed let him return the 2017 machine that was purchased 30 days ago.

I explained my situation and how I saw that they just released the new machines today along with the Beats deal and asked if they might have some mercy for me and let me exchange it for the new one or at least get free Beats. The guy I spoke too said he completely understood my situation and had been there himself, he let me refund my 2017 MBP completely on the spot without even a receipt and told me the cash will be back to me in 2-3 days, at which point I can reorder the new one from the education store for the same price I did before and get my Beats.

In the past, Apple has been generous with returns when new Mac models are released, so it's no surprise that at least one person has been able to exchange a month-old machine for the newer 2018 model.

It's not store policy to allow for exchanges after 14 calendar days though, so while it's absolutely worth visiting an Apple Store to plead your case for a return if you purchased a 2017 MacBook Pro in the last month or so, there's no guarantee that your local store will allow it.

In situations like these, the decisions are left up to the employees at each individual store, so your experience may differ than the Reddit user who was able to get a refund.

The new 2018 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models feature 8th-generation Coffee Lake processors from Intel which bring major speed improvements, up to 32GB RAM (15-inch MacBook Pro), up to 4TB of solid state storage, Retina displays with True Tone, revamped keyboards with quieter keys, and a T2 chip for improved security and hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality.


Article Link: PSA: If You Recently Bought a 2017 MacBook Pro, You Might Be Able to Get a Refund

 

[MrLoL]

Similar experience, bought a 13" Touch bar 9 days ago, went to my local Apple store and they told me they'll obviously accept to refund which will allow me to get the new model. Customer service always on point.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Apple has the best customer service around, in my opinion.

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

anyone had any luck of getting this done with having the 2017 model for over a month or so?

 

[69Mustang]

Similar experience, bought a 13" Touch bar 9 days ago, went to my local Apple store and they told me they'll obviously accept to refund which will allow me to get the new model. Customer service always on point.

Similar experience to whom? You returned a product within the 2 week return window. That Redditer returned a product 2 weeks after the return window had closed. One of those is an example of standard operating procedure and the other is an example of above and beyond customer service.

 

[topgunn]

I ordered 8 MacBook Pros in June and only one of which is within the 14-day return window. I started the conversation with my Apple rep as soon as I opened MacRumors this morning. So far, all I have gotten is "We’ll need to check in with our custom service team to understand our options."

 

[Schranke]

if some one within the next few days are able to do this with a machine coming close tho the 3 months mark let me know

 

[bennyf]

Similar experience to whom? You returned a product within the 2 week return window. That Redditer returned a product 2 weeks after the return window had closed. One of those is an example of standard operating procedure and the other is an example of above and beyond customer service.

You're right, but there are many other laptop retailers (various Windows machines) that charge restocking fees regardless of how quickly returned. Apple takes a sizable hit by having to sell any returned machines as refurbs (both in the reduced price point and labor to inspect, reset, repackage the machine). So that makes me really appreciate Apple having the policy even if it seems like standard operating procedure.

All that being said, accepting a return 30 days vs. 14 days later in one-off cases doesn't really cost Apple more, so long as both cases are like-new condition.

 

[joueboy]

Similar experience, bought a 13" Touch bar 9 days ago, went to my local Apple store and they told me they'll obviously accept to refund which will allow me to get the new model. Customer service always on point.

You said 9 days ago, 14 days is allowable. You’re making it a big deal at this period no question asked either way they’ll just take your item. It’s standard in a lot of businesses if returned within 14 days. Anything beyond will be considered great customer sevice. But this is just some random situation and every store is different and also depends on the customer and the genius you’re talking at that period of time. Back in the days Apple customer service was much better before they gone crazy with the Apple Care. I’m thinking if you’re already over 14 days and didn’t bought an Apple Care most likely they just say sorry.
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anyone had any luck of getting this done with having the 2017 model for over a month or so?

You’re pretty much out of luck but it won’t hurt to try. I heard a lot of praises has already been made on 2018. The keyboard itself is already a significant upgrade one tech review said he could tell the difference. On top of that a much newer processor and everything would have been a year much longer to keep, than just being a late for just over a month.

 

[69Mustang]

You're right, but there are many other laptop retailers (various Windows machines) that charge restocking fees regardless of how quickly returned. Apple takes a sizable hit by having to sell any returned machines as refurbs (both in the reduced price point and labor to inspect, reset, repackage the machine). So that makes me really appreciate Apple having the policy even if it seems like standard operating procedure.

All that being said, accepting a return 30 days vs. 14 days later in one-off cases doesn't really cost Apple more, so long as both cases are like-new condition.

What other retailers do is immaterial relative to the original post and my reply to it. Apple is the only retailer of note in that scenario. MrLol's anecdote is about a simple customer return. The Redditer's anecdote is about an above and beyond experience. Not similar. Their cost on returns is also immaterial. It's their policy. If it was a hardship (it isn't btw) they could change it. To be clear, my point of contention isn't Apple's return policy. It's MrLol's claim of similarity in situation.

 

[stevaroo01]

I’m literally at the Apple store in Indianapolis right now doing this. They accepted a return for my spec’d out 2017 MBP that I bought 30 days ago exactly.

 

[andytechdad]

I’m literally at the Apple store in Indianapolis right now doing this. They accepted a return for my spec’d out 2017 MBP that I bought 30 days ago exactly.

Just finished my refund at the Trafford Centre store in the UK.

MacBook ordered 12th June, collected 20th June. I did have applecare but the guy didn't check whether I did or not before agreeing to refund.

They originally tried to refund me to a gift card so I could just order the new model in the shop however the gift cards have a £2000 limit and they weren't able to split it over 2 gift cards so they had to refund my credit card, which means I need to wait 5/6 days before I can order the new model.

Good luck to anyone trying the same.

 

[csurfr]

I'll be doing exactly this this coming weekend when I am down in Oregon, provided they have them in stock. I'll get a 2018 Machine, free Beats headphones, AND 250.00 back since there is no tax in Oregon. Score!

 

[GeometricLion]

I'm in Australia and I just rang Apple about my 34 day old MacBook Pro and they agreed to give me a full refund. They said they always assess these sorts of things on a case-by-case basis. Cheering!!

 

[markedlymac]

I bought a 2017 TB MBP in Australia four months ago, but from week 2 experienced the famous keyboard problems which infuriate me and affect my productivity every day. I just rang Apple to explain that under their new (and expensive) keyboard replacement program, they may as well exchange my perfect-condition 4-month-old unit for today's updated 2018 model (with its new keyboard design) as their method to half-fix my keyboard, instead of the expensive whole top board 2017 replacement method, and I will find out when I bring it in to my nearest Apple store next Wednesday. I hope they're nice, because I'm an exclusive MacBook user est. 2010 and intend my recent purchase to last for 5 years minimum (which my 2012 retina did beautifully)!

I will report back here once I find out next Wednesday. I'm definitely not trying to rip Apple off, but instead just receive the decent experience one would expect from a AUD $4500 laptop purchase! This keyboard design flaw was their fault and is the biggest problem I've had with an Apple product since the beginning in 2004.

 

[scch]

I'm in Hong Kong, bought 15inch MacBook Pro right after WWDC, rang Apple about it, no luck

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

I'm gonna at least ask about it! The worst they'll tell me is "no". I've had mine for several months now.

 

[JGD95]

What if I purchased from Best Buy?

 

[stevaroo01]

anyone had any luck of getting this done with having the 2017 model for over a month or so?

I had mine for exactly one month. Bought my 2017 custom config on June 12. They didn’t give me any trouble and even helped place the order for my new custom config while I was still in store.

 

[JoshBoy]

I purchased mine on the 20th of June and it was delivered on the 26th. Spoke to them this morning and they were great about it. They have allowed me to send it back for a full refund and then I can just order a new one online. Such great service.

 

[stevaroo01]

Just finished my refund at the Trafford Centre store in the UK.

MacBook ordered 12th June, collected 20th June. I did have applecare but the guy didn't check whether I did or not before agreeing to refund.

They originally tried to refund me to a gift card so I could just order the new model in the shop however the gift cards have a £2000 limit and they weren't able to split it over 2 gift cards so they had to refund my credit card, which means I need to wait 5/6 days before I can order the new model.

Good luck to anyone trying the same.

That’s interesting on the gift card thing. My return was for a custom config that cost $3,399. We have a $2,000 limit here in the states. But they didn’t have any issue putting it on 2 gift cards. Then I used both cards on the order of my 2018 custom config. I guess UK Apple stores have a different policy on gift cards?
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What if I purchased from Best Buy?

Best Buy return policy would be in place for this scenario since they are a third party reseller.

 

[fhall1]

You need to read the whole thread. He already posted that it was sarcasm.

 

[Mixersky]

Hi! I would like to ask if i bought on ebay.com few days ago, plus didn’t even open the box yet? Is there a chance to get refund?

 

[Vjosullivan]

I'm almost tempted to try it with my 2011 17" MBP.

 

[Superfletch]

If you recently purchased a 2017 MacBook Pro prior to today's announcement of the new 2018 models, it's possible that Apple might allow you to return the machine for one of the updated 2018 MacBook Pros.

There's a two-week return policy on all Apple products, so if your 2017 MacBook Pro was purchased within the last 14 calendar days, you can return it no questions asked to purchase a new 2018 MacBook Pro instead.

If it's been longer than two weeks, there's still a chance Apple will let you make an exchange. A Reddit user purchased a new 2017 MacBook Pro a month ago, and took it to the Apple Store to see if he could return it to purchase a new model and to take advantage of the current Back to School sale offering free Beats headphones.

The Apple employee he spoke with did indeed let him return the 2017 machine that was purchased 30 days ago.

In the past, Apple has been generous with returns when new Mac models are released, so it's no surprise that at least one person has been able to exchange a month-old machine for the newer 2018 model.

It's not store policy to allow for exchanges after 14 calendar days though, so while it's absolutely worth visiting an Apple Store to plead your case for a return if you purchased a 2017 MacBook Pro in the last month or so, there's no guarantee that your local store will allow it.

In situations like these, the decisions are left up to the employees at each individual store, so your experience may differ than the Reddit user who was able to get a refund.

The new 2018 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models feature 8th-generation Coffee Lake processors from Intel which bring major speed improvements, up to 32GB RAM (15-inch MacBook Pro), up to 4TB of solid state storage, Retina displays with True Tone, revamped keyboards with quieter keys, and a T2 chip for improved security and hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality.


Article Link: PSA: If You Recently Bought a 2017 MacBook Pro, You Might Be Able to Get a Refund

I purchased a 15.4" 3.1Ghz, 16GB, 1TB Touch Bar MacBook Pro from B&H Photo 2 weeks ago. They refused to even consider returning the laptop stating that since it had been open it violated their return policy, end of story. I then went on to explain I had made a $10,000 order on Monday and it hadn't yet got to me and if they were unwilling to work with me here (I didn't want a refund, I wanted to give them more money and get the upgraded model) I would cancel the order and do my business elsewhere. The lady put me on hold and came back a few minutes later and changed her tune and basically stated that they would return the laptop but then I would be responsible for a 20% restocking fee. I explained to her that I wasn't interested in paying another $700 on top of the $600 that the upgrade was going to cost where I was then told that was all they were willing to do. I cancelled the order and it's going to cost them $9399. and some change. At that point she explained that since it was in transit they couldn't cancel it and I would have to refuse shipment. Then there was a snarky comment of some possible shipping fees or what have you. At that point I got real upset and called my credit card company and disputed the charge. FedEx has also been notified to return the shipment to the sender. I will never do business with B&H Photo again. All over the website is says 30-Day return policy, but if you look into it deeper, in small print they state basically "unless you open it". There was a 27" i7 fully loaded iMac and and a 2.8 Mac mini with SSD in the order I cancelled. I purchased a fully loaded 27" iMac i7 from them a year ago. I've spent no less than $20,000 with them the last year and they were unwilling to work with me at all to retain my business. They wouldn't even match Apple's 14-Day policy on a laptop return, which I sure Apple would have made right with them, had they even asked but were evidently unwilling to do. Their loss. B&H Photo has good prices and quick and reasonable shipping. Unfortunately the first time I had a "problem" with them they really dropped the ball in my book and fell on some "small print" policy. My advice to anyone doing business with B&H... don't if you're planning on purchasing a computer because once you break the plastic wrap seal, you're screwed.

Anyhow, I've contacted Apple to see if they would be willing to help me and they are feverishly looking into it for me. They do have some sort of department that will hear your case if the Authorized Retailer you purchased from won't return your item but it's real hard to find and I haven't heard back from them yet. I'm hoping they will hear me out and help even though they are under no obligation to do so. Fingers crossed. I'll be sure and let everyone know how it all works out in the wash, but one thing is for sure... I'll never do business with B&H again, if for no other reason than the snarky comment by the rep that was on the phone and the way they flip flopped on their policy after they realized I had a $10,000 order outstanding, but wouldn't go ahead and follow thru and tried to bilk me out of another $700. Shamefull.

I probably could have literally told them the item was defective and just returned it and no one would have been the wiser but I tried to do the right thing and I guess... shame on me. Live and Learn. Apple, if you're watching.... please, please, please help me out here like you've done so many other people. Please don't make me regret doing business with your Apple Authorized Retailer, B&H PHOTO, anymore than I already have.

Gary Fletcher