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Rubbish Shipping

So I am typing this on my new iBook. Nice machine. Only thing I am a little bit disappointed about is the quality of the enclosure. Not everything is 100% straight at the edges and the plastic feels a little bit cheap. But for a subnotebook I can live with that.

No dead pixels and everything works as it should. Just the memory I bought doesn't work properly, have to return it today after work. For now I am stuck with the stock 256MB RAM.

groovebuster
 
Okay, so my update:

24 Oct 2003_15:32_Ordered from Apple Store UK
03 Nov 2003_00:00_Taiwan
07 Nov 2003_22:33_Dublin_Shipped From Originating Depot
10 Nov 2003_06:14_London Heathrow Depot_Import Received_
10 Nov 2003_07:53_London Heathrow Depot_Out For Delivery_
10 Nov 2003_10:50_London Heathrow Depot_Delivered_
14 Nov 2003_15:54_Arnhem Hub_Consignment Passed Through Transit Point_
14 Nov 2003_18:13_Eindhoven_Shipped From Originating Depot_
16 Nov 2003_10:10_London Heathrow Depot_Import Received_
17 Nov 2003_08:11_London Heathrow Depot_Out For Delivery_
17 Nov 2003_10:50_London Heathrow Depot_Delivered_

I phoned TNT on the 17th and they told me that the whole order had now been passed over to IEC Global Logistics.

I phoned Apple today (18th) and waited on hold for 20 minutes. When I got through they told me that actually TNT were incorrect, and that TNT were going to be delivering it themselves, later today.

I phoned TNT back to ask whether this was true, and they told me it was incorrect. The order HAD been passed to IEC global logisitics, but they couldn't say when it would be delivered. They told me they had a helpline number to call for package tracking

I called the helpline but it was not for IEC global logistics... it was for Apple.

I managed to find a number for IEC global logistics, and THEY told me that they do not deliver for Apple.

What they DO apparently do is merge orders together for Apple... before TNT come back and pick up the merged package, and deliver it themselves. The merging used to occur in Venray but now this is being done at IEC Heathrow.

So while my bits and bobs are currently being merged at IEC, they will then be picked up by TNT and delivered.

So here I am without my order. Apple say that TNT have it (which TNT disclaim), and that IEC do not have it (which TNT claim they do). TNT say that Apple are wrong, and that IEC do have it (which they probably do), but that TNT won't deliver it (which they probably will, if IEC are right).

No-one can confirm when I will receive the item.

Floop
 
Apple say that TNT have it (which TNT disclaim), and that IEC do not have it (which T

That sounds about right for Apple.
They've just e-mailed me to say my iBook will ship on the 18th or 19th — although whether this means to me or from Holland I don't know.
Also gave me a QMS number (whatever that is) and instructed me to check on the Apple tracking site. Except the Apple tracking site doesn't appear to be working. TNT as well still deny all knowledge of my order.
Ho hum.
 
Re: Apple say that TNT have it (which TNT disclaim), and that IEC do not have it (which T

Originally posted by Jonm
That sounds about right for Apple.
They've just e-mailed me to say my iBook will ship on the 18th or 19th — although whether this means to me or from Holland I don't know.
Also gave me a QMS number (whatever that is) and instructed me to check on the Apple tracking site. Except the Apple tracking site doesn't appear to be working. TNT as well still deny all knowledge of my order.
Ho hum.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm still in the same situation. The TNT site can't find my tracking number nor the delivery, and I've been given a QMS from Apple too. I think I've called them 10 times at least, and all I get is that they "haven't received an update from the logistics division yet". Still waiting... My dual G5 shipped (!) on 8th of november, but there's no sign of it now. No tracked locations and date stamps at either the Apple Order Status page or TNT's site.

I was really satisfied with the Apple Store when I received my email with the shipping confirmation the 8th of november, because I ordered the G5 just three days before that. But as soon as I discovered that there were no records of locations or date stamps at the order status page, I had this feeling this delivery would take more time than I would've counted on...
 
Re: Re: Apple say that TNT have it (which TNT disclaim), and that IEC do not have it (which T

Originally posted by Zenith
Yeah, I'm still in the same situation. The TNT site can't find my tracking number nor the delivery
Click to expand...

Not that it will help, but...

I had difficulty getting my order number recognised on the TNT site, and after experimenting, figured out the following.

If I go to the Apple Store site, log in and review my order, then click on the order tracking page, I get a new page.

This page shows a tracking number which looks like this:

8XXXXX8282000040

(note - I have changed some digits to Xs to hide my own order number).

If you cut off the last 6 digits, you get a shorter number which looks like this

8XXXXX8282

Copy that number and go to the TNT website at www.tnt.com

From the pop-up menu choose TNT Express which will take you to a new page.

Put this number into the tracking box, make sure you press the 'Reference' radio button (by default the 'Consginment' radio button is selected) and then click the TRACK button.

It works for me, and shows me TNT's tracking status.

I hope this process works for you - let me know.
 
Actually, I've tried that and every other imaginable way to get the tracking number to work at TNT's page. And all I get is "Not found"...

I think that's generally the problem. And Apple is working on it. At least they say so.

I just have to wait. Or maybe just cancel my order and order a new one. Because I want to use my ADC student discount I have to order from the Apple Store, so I'm stuck with these problems...
 
I had difficulty getting my order number recognised on the TNT site, and after experi

No, that doesn't work. I've tried it frequently.
If Apple haven't handed it on to TNT it won't show up.
We use TNT at work frequently and once they've got the package they're usually pretty good. The problem seems to be at Apple's end and you suspect they are not handing the stuff over to TNT for some reason. God knows why — but I still think they have major problems that they're not explaining.
Does anyone know what the point of getting a QMS number is? It doesn't seem to get you any nearer or getting any help.
 
Yeah, I agree.

The problem is at Apple, not TNT. Because when I called Apple Store Norway last week they blamed TNT, but yesterday the guy I spoke with wasn't sure at all who was responsible for this mess.

The QMS doesn't help at all. Trust me. I called Apple on wednesday last week (my shipping date), and they "made" a QMS of my order and sent it to the logistics division for investigation. Now, they still haven't received an update on that QMS, and nobody knows anything about my order.

I just sent Apple Store Norway an email, but from what I've been told, such emails may take weeks to process... God, this sucks.
 
I am so disheartened.

On top of the fact that my order is massively delayed, I have just noticed something else which concerns me.

When I ordered my G4 iBook Apple had an offer called "More Fun, More Done" or something like that.

Basically the deal was, buy an iBook and an iPod and get £120 rebate back.

I checked the small print and it said that all iBooks qualified, except the old G3 iBook with the CD-ROM (not Combo drive).

Great, I thought. My order qualifies.

Today I checked their website and noticed that they have revised the terms and conditions on this order - AFTER I have placed my order - to now exclude the base level G4 iBook from this rebate offer.

Also one of the terms and conditions specifies that Apple can make changes to the rebate offer at any time. So it looks like I won't be able to get the rebate I was expecting, because they have changed the rules after I ordered.

Furthermore one of the terms and conditions is that the rebate application form is sent in within 30 days of the purchase date on the invoice.

My purchase date was 24th October, but I still haven't received my computer, and until I do so I cannot apply for the rebate because you need to send in the UPC codes from the box.

I feel like cancelling this order completely and becoming a PC user. I am so unbelievably fed up.

Oh, and they just introduced a 20-inch iMac. Saw the rumours yesterday, could not believe they were true due to weight issues - wow was I wrong.


Floop
 
Re: I am so disheartened.

Originally posted by Floop
On top of the fact that my order is massively delayed, I have just noticed something else which concerns me.

When I ordered my G4 iBook Apple had an offer called "More Fun, More Done" or something like that.

Basically the deal was, buy an iBook and an iPod and get £120 rebate back.

I checked the small print and it said that all iBooks qualified, except the old G3 iBook with the CD-ROM (not Combo drive).

Great, I thought. My order qualifies.

Today I checked their website and noticed that they have revised the terms and conditions on this order - AFTER I have placed my order - to now exclude the base level G4 iBook from this rebate offer.

Also one of the terms and conditions specifies that Apple can make changes to the rebate offer at any time. So it looks like I won't be able to get the rebate I was expecting, because they have changed the rules after I ordered.

Furthermore one of the terms and conditions is that the rebate application form is sent in within 30 days of the purchase date on the invoice.

My purchase date was 24th October, but I still haven't received my computer, and until I do so I cannot apply for the rebate because you need to send in the UPC codes from the box.

I feel like cancelling this order completely and becoming a PC user. I am so unbelievably fed up.
Click to expand...

Looks like Apple has a personal issue with you :p

No, seriously. That sucks. You've been really unlucky, but when it comes to the shipping I suppose we're in the same boat. At least, you've gotten some updates on where your order have been, is, and when. My tracking page has been blank since my order shipped on the 8th of november. As I heard from Wes, he told me Apple screwed up when installing new tracking software, and all the order affected are stuck in Luxembourg. I was told that my G5 was currently in The Netherlands, but I might be wrong, or Apple just doesn't know.
 
Re: Re: I am so disheartened.

Originally posted by Zenith
I was told that my G5 was currently in The Netherlands, but I might be wrong, or Apple just doesn't know.
Click to expand...

I hope you didn't order the 1.8 Ghz G5 - they have just introduced a dual 1.8 Ghz G5... and lowered the price of the 1.6Ghz G5...


Floop
 
I was quite shocked when Apple UK's Order Status page listed my 1.25 PB as shipped on 15/11 (I only placed my order on 7/11 and there's supposedly a 2-3 week build time)... I got all rather excited, but the Order Status page has remained blank since Saturday, and I've also tried every single combination of tracking numbers on the TNT site. No bones.

I'm beginning to think my PB may have been blown up as a suspicious package due to Bush's visit... ;(

jx
 
jMc; As with me, I haven't had any updates or anything at my tracking page too. I'll just wait till the end of the week, and if my G5 still isn't here, I'll cancel the order and order a new one...

Floop; No, it's actually a dual 2 Ghz G5. And I used my ADC student discount on it and stripped it for superdrive and modem. I got it for only 1.700£ including VAT, which is 24% here in Norway. So I have to order another one from Apple store if i'll cancel this order, caus it's a great deal really.

BTW, my 200th post! Yay. Mind my 'tar :D
 
I should also say that I've received absolutely no communications from Apple since my original Order Acknowledgment - no confirmation that my order was accepted and no confirmation that my order had shipped (even though the Order Status page would suggest that both of these have ocurred)...

Not a single email. I really should call them... I have a sneaking suspicion, given the supposed lead time of PBs that mine hasn't shipped at all.

jx
 
I am joining the ranks of the disgruntled club.
5th phone call to apple today. option 2. on hold for 25 minutes. Michelle takes the call.
"oh... we have your monitor, your ibook ready. The only problem is your G5 powermac. its not ready"
Me: "why is this?"
Her: "we have a part shortage at the moment"
Me: "well this is the 5th time i have rung over the past 2 and a half months. I keep getting the same story told to me, but there are people all over the world getting theirs... . which is kinda strange since i live down the road from the Cork Apple Factory"
Her: "Oh im sorry but its not really our fault, i do appreciate that you might be frustrated"
Me: "Well i am frustrated , but im frustrated not so much by the delay because these things happen, but by the dishonest nature and lack of accountability within apple. Even today you are saying its not your fault. How can you say that. On 5 or 6 separate times you guys have promised me delivery with in 3 or4 working days. Today you tell me that its the powermac holding the order up and that its still in production and that its not apple's fault."
Her: "oh well im sorry sir, and Im sorry that you feel no one has been honest with you but the fact of the matter is that there is a parts shortage and it isn't just you that is being affected"
Me: "I can appreciate that there is a parts shortage but why advertise 10 -15 day build time, why PROMISE me on the phone on 5 or 6 separate times that it had been built and would be out to me in 4 or 5 working days????"
Her: "Because that was what we believed at the time. We genuinely believed that it would be ready in 4 or 5 working days."
me: "So then its not just your production levels that appear wanting its your customer service levels also. Because if that had been the case and deliveries and production was to be delayed you should have contacted me and other customers who had taken you at face value when you said 4 -5 days. I shouldn't have to be ringing you guys to find out that the schedule has slipped. Thats your responsibility"
Her: "well i don't really know what to say"
Me : "Its not you personally that i feel disgruntled with its at the lack of customer service that i feel i am getting from apple. At the moment it just feels that Apple has taken my money and run..... and i especially feel that when apple has had the benefit of my money for the past 2 1/2 months that i am at least entitled to be contacted that my order has slipped and not this keep feeding me rubbish on the phone to keep me happy..... and certainly i shouldn't have to keep ringing them to hound them to give me my computer"
....
....
...
.....
Anyway to cut a long story short with you guys, i was extremely calm with her on the phone and extremely formal and business like. The time for pleasantness is gone im afraid. Essentially i told her that either my order is on my doorstop by Wednesday next week which gives them another week, or i will go and order a laptop and desktop from dell instead.

Not that i think it will make a difference but at this stage i don't know what to do.

Those of you who are having major pains with your orders. i truly feel your pain.
i_wolf
 
The joke is that they are still telling people the completely wrong ship times - getting them to place their order, and then have them WAIT and WAIT and WAIT.

Go and put anything in your Shopping Cart at the Apple Store, and they will still tell you your order will have a very short build time, and then express delivery.

E.G. a Dual 1.8Ghz G5 has a build time of 2-3 days, and an Express Delivery time of 5-7 days.

I'll bet money that if you placed that order today...

1. You would have to wait 48 hours for order confirmation
2. The build time would start from then
3. You would receive shipping confirmation no earlier than 4 working days from that date
4. You would then receive a shipping update which tells you that shipping will take an additional 3-5 working days on top of the originally estimated 5-7 working days
5. Your item would still supposedly be 'in transit' three weeks later.

I have come to the conclusion, NEVER, EVER ORDER FROM THE APPLE STORE, unless you would be happy for your order to arrive 6 weeks after you made the order.


Floop
 
here here. the irony is that dell gets a lot of flak for their product. yet they manage or at least have managed in the past to get machines out to us when we needed them. We are in the process of upgrading our office, and while apple may have the best hardware out there sub 6000 euro and probably the best OS ....... what good is that to us if we can't get our hands on the stuff. If you are in business time is money and you schedule around timetables. The original time table i got from the apple rep on the phone was 4 -5 days max. 2 1/2 months ago. I ordered the iBook after i ordered the G5. however that is a separate order. seamingly they thought that i wanted both power mac and ibook shipped together?! No , i ordered seperately. At least this is the excuse i got on the iBook delivery as well. This is very bad customer service.
 
Thanks for the tracking tip Floop

Well

I phoned up apple today and by the end of the phone call I had no hair left after pulling it all out :mad:

Apple had shipped my G5 via TNT but not bothered to tell me the shipping number. I phoned TNT and eventually found out that they had tried shipping Friday/Monday/Today(Tuesday)...

TNT on the first two attempts did not leave a note through the door :( :(.

Fortunately I live near the depot 6km(3-4miles) so I'm taking the afternoon off to pick it up. Hopefully the box will fit in my Car :eek: :(

Well also the end of the story, let you know how it goes.

Though Apple really need to sort out their tracking web site as it's a big mess at the moment, and probably annoyed rather a lot of customers....

Andrew
 
Near

Well, what do you know?:)
My iBook has finally arrived at Heathrow more than three weeks after being shipped from Taiwan.
Except Apple forgot to inform TNT of a change of delivery address — despite telling me they had.
So now it's heading over to the other side of London — unless TNT can redirect the driver.
Woman at TNT's Customer Services seemed as exasperated as the rest of us with Apple. She said they'd been a nightmare for the past few weeks — and also revealed they're getting delivery addresses consisting of Richmond, London or just Manchester — with nothing else.
Bodes well for all of us, doesn't it?
Can we expect Apple to apologise at any time?
 
MY DUAL G5 IS ON MY DOOR STEP BETWEEN 16.00 AND 21.00!!!

I can't beleive it! I spent so much time yesterday on bashing Apple about false delivery dates and poor customer service, but the G5 actually arrived at the terminal on monday! Oh well, considering that I DID receive bad service at the Apple Store it wasn't just wasted time. But I'm soooo happy my Mac is finally here!

And to the rest of you guys who's still waiting, I really feel your pain and wish you all good luck with the deliveries. Just keep calling Apple and keep getting their attention.
 
It's here :)

Well I picked up the G5 from the TNT depot today :D

Albeit without Panther installed on the machine, which I'm rather peeved about <Grrrr> :mad: :mad: :mad:

So I have to wait another 5-30 days (bit realistic I know)....

Andrew

Overall happy to have it though, no to put in the 1GB of extra ram :) (been waiting 2 weeks though) :)
 
Another week has passed... no iBook... am 'in the queue' on the Apple Store helpline

So I ordered on the 24th October...

My item was shipped on the 3rd November...

And it has now been from Taiwan, to Dublin, to Heathrow, to Arnhem, to Eindhoven, back to Heathrow again, to Arnhem again, back to Heathrow for the third time, onto Arnhem for the third time, and now it is back at Heathrow, for the fourth time!

I wonder whether I could frequent flyer mileage for my iBook's travels. That would be good.

What would be better, though, is for my FRICKING iBOOK to be delivered to me, instead of assuming the role of a ping pong ball in a bizarre, funny-if-it-weren't-so-irritating cock-up of magnificent proportions!

This is absolutely the last time I ever buy from the Apple Store. In future, I will buy from dealers.

As far as the Apple Store is concerned -

BE AFRAID. BE VERY AFRAID.

(and this comes from a guy who has used Apple computers since 1984 and loves the technology, but right now wants to do unspeakable things to the fools at Apple whose incompetence allows situations such as this to happen).

Floop, out.
 
So I finally made the switch last Sunday night and ordered my 12" iBook G4. It was shipped yesterday (20th). After realising how bad the apple store's tracking page is, I decided to search around for reviews. Was a little overwhelmed by the number of disappointing reviews of the UK Apple store shipping times.

I've just received an email from the education store saying my order has been shipped today. It's currently still in Taiwan.

Wish me luck folks. Can't wait to get my iBook :)


Wolverine
 
Re: Another week has passed... no iBook... am 'in the queue' on the Apple Store helpl

Originally posted by Floop
So I ordered on the 24th October...

My item was shipped on the 3rd November...

And it has now been from Taiwan, to Dublin, to Heathrow, to Arnhem, to Eindhoven, back to Heathrow again, to Arnhem again, back to Heathrow for the third time, onto Arnhem for the third time, and now it is back at Heathrow, for the fourth time!

I wonder whether I could get frequent flyer mileage for my iBook's travels. That would be good.
Click to expand...
HaHaHa!
yea, that's what I would like as well! My PB is still in "TA YUAN HSIANG, TAIWAN" though... as it has *only* been 11 hours since it was shipped...



Anyway, isn't it ironical that our items are world-travelers even before us...?!:rolleyes:
I'm just intimidated by the fact that, now, wherever I take my PB around, its gonna turn up its nose, smirk and say:

"tsk! tsk.. BORING!
...Europe's soo much bettah---especially London...it's such a charming city, really... and oh, Asia is just Maahvelous, dahling! ...You should go there sometime.... "






:mad: damn! these over-spoilt Powerbookz!:p
 
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