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kadify

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 26, 2017
117
26
So bought a refurb 2017 model about 12 days ago, so still within 14 day return window. Went to apple store and they said they'd be happy to do an even exchange for the same new model since I'm returning because the computer has a keyboard issue BUT they don't have my computers configuration.

I have a question though, how likely do you think they'd be to let me upgrade for the cost between two new computers? They were willing to replace my refurbb with a new computer at no cost but they didn't have it in stock so I asked about just paying the difference between my computer and whatever spec they had in stock. My question is, do you think it would be reasonable to ask if they'd let me pay the difference between the cost of the two new computers since they were willing to exchange my refurbished computer with a new one for free? Or do you think that's pushing too far on the apple store's kindness to even offer to replace the refurb computer with a new model?
 
You said you asked them, what did they say? I doubt they'd allow it, you could always return it for your money back and then purchase the new one.
 
You said you asked them, what did they say? I doubt they'd allow it, you could always return it for your money back and then purchase the new one.
I just asked if it would be an option to pay the difference and they said that wouldn't be a problem. I didn't actually go into asking how they'd price it.
 
Well ask/try and see what happens, then you'll have your answer. It's going to be a store discretion thing so no one here can say for certain.
 
Well unfortunately even though they were willing to do a straight replacement they weren't willing to give me the value of the new computer so I could use it to upgrade to the higher processor which I don't really need. I'm going to be honest I'm kind of disappointed. It's probably completely unreasonable for me to expect them to do that but I don't see the difference in them offering to just replace my computer if they had one in stock rather than letting me use the value of that computer to buy a computer they actually do have in stock.
 
You purchased @ refurbished price and asked if they'd give / refund you the brand new in box retail pricing for it? If that's the case then of course they are not going to do that. They'll give you back what you paid and nothing more. You can then use that to buy whatever you'd like.
 
You purchased @ refurbished price and asked if they'd give / refund you the brand new in box retail pricing for it? If that's the case then of course they are not going to do that. They'll give you back what you paid and nothing more. You can then use that to buy whatever you'd like.
But they were already willing to just replace it for a new computer I guess I'm misunderstanding the difference if I got the actual new computer in my config. vs paying the difference for the next level up computer.

Either way whether I understand it or not doesn't matter so I will just have to figure out what my next move is... This keyboard issue and the fact that it's happened so quickly and apple isn't really willing to do much to actually help me get a new computer is illuminating the fact that I maybe don't want to deal with these computers though...
 
But they were already willing to just replace it for a new computer I guess I'm misunderstanding the difference if I got the actual new computer in my config. vs paying the difference for the next level up computer.

That was an awful nice gesture on their part. Apple does things that sometimes to help buyers out. They could have just said that since they didn't have another like model in stock that your options were repair or refund.

Anyways, doing what you are asking would be dangerous for any retailer. Buy refurb and return for full non refurb price. Or buy on sale and return for non sale price. Not a company on the planet is going to do either of those.
 
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That was an awful nice gesture on their part. Apple does things that sometimes to help buyers out. They could have just said that since they didn't have another like model in stock that your options were repair or refund.

Anyways, doing what you are asking would be dangerous for any retailer. Buy refurb and return for full non refurb price. Or buy on sale and return for non sale price. Not a company on the planet is going to do either of those.
You're right it was very nice and helpful and nontraditional for them to make that offer. However the fact remains it was an empty offer if they didn't actually have the computer to offer.

I'm just disappointed with my situation moreso than the apple store. I'm frustrated that I'm having to return a computer already while going through school and don't have the downtime necessary to go days without a computer and specifically bought refurbished because I thought I'd have better luck it wouldn't have issues. I'm not trying to upgrade for free. I just need a computer today, before my return window ends and the return/repurchase process will take too long. That's all. Like I said though, doesn't really matter. I just need to figure out what my next step is.
 
You're right it was very nice and helpful and nontraditional for them to make that offer. However the fact remains it was an empty offer if they didn't actually have the computer to offer.

I'm just disappointed with my situation moreso than the apple store. I'm frustrated that I'm having to return a computer already while going through school and don't have the downtime necessary to go days without a computer and specifically bought refurbished because I thought I'd have better luck it wouldn't have issues. I'm not trying to upgrade for free. I just need a computer today, before my return window ends and the return/repurchase process will take too long. That's all. Like I said though, doesn't really matter. I just need to figure out what my next step is.

That's one of the risks when buying a refurb.. Quantities change by the minute as people place orders or they get more refurbs in stock.

I would never expect Apple to give me full price credit for something I purchased as a refurb or on sale but that's just me.

You should be able to get fully refunded @ the price you paid at the Apple Store today. You can take that amount and apply it to a new machine. If you need a computer today, you have options just not the option you hoped for.
 
This keyboard issue and the fact that it's happened so quickly and apple isn't really willing to do much to actually help me get a new computer is illuminating the fact that I maybe don't want to deal with these computers though...

So far from what I can tell it seems Apple is actually jumping through hoops to help you...you can't realistically expect them to just give you money...They offered something that likely wouldn't cost them much more (profit margins and all...) but then realized that your device is specced differently than standard...so now you want them to just credit you 300 or whatever dollars because you feel entitled to handouts now...You have 2 options, both of which Apple IS helping you with...get it repaired or return it and buy a new one if you need it right away. Its unfortunate that your keyboard broke so quickly, but that is a risk with refurb...these things happen every once in a while.
 
Got in contact with the apple upper management regarding this when calling the service technician line they're going to mail me a replacement computer before I return my current computer so I can transfer everything over and won't be without my computer while going through school. I'll say this is an excellent outcome and I'm very happy that they were willing to do this for me. Just goes to show, sometimes you need to reach out and see what can be done.
 
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Got in contact with the apple upper management regarding this when calling the service technician line they're going to mail me a replacement computer before I return my current computer so I can transfer everything over and won't be without my computer while going through school. I'll say this is an excellent outcome and I'm very happy that they were willing to do this for me. Just goes to show, sometimes you need to reach out and see what can be done.

That is an excellent solution! I am genuinely glad they got something worked out for you. I am also in school, and I couldn't imagine being without my computer for a long time...
 
Agreed. That was the main issue and the only real reason I was thinking of even upgrading. I just couldn't afford to not have a computer for a week with what's coming up so I'm glad they are willing to offer that.
 
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