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staring at my unopened iPhone 5s box...

L

Leonard1818

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Nov 15, 2011
2,460
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I have in front of me a little brown box that UPS just dropped off. Inside is a 64GB "Space Grey" iPhone 5s. I'm not opening it.

I plan to drive an hour up to the closest retail store and "exchange" (put in parenthesis because I've had mixed responses as to whether I can actually "exchange" it or do a return/re-purchase) it for a different one for my wife.

This is tough -- every fiber of my being wants to rip it open and start tinkering. I really want my wife to have the 5s and she doesn't want black and doesn't need 64GB.

Cool story bro....

To make this thread useful -- does anyone know how "exchanges" or "returns" work at the apple retail store when iPhones are this backordered? I know they keep stock for defective units... I would LOVE for them to exchange mine with one of those so I can be on my merry way but I'm fully prepared to do a full return then do a re-purchase and get on the waiting list...
 
Leonard1818 said:
I have in front of me a little brown box that UPS just dropped off. Inside is a 64GB "Space Grey" iPhone 5s. I'm not opening it.

I plan to drive an hour up to the closest retail store and "exchange" (put in parenthesis because I've had mixed responses as to whether I can actually "exchange" it or do a return/re-purchase) it for a different one for my wife.

This is tough -- every fiber of my being wants to rip it open and start tinkering. I really want my wife to have the 5s and she doesn't want black and doesn't need 64GB.

Cool story bro....

To make this thread useful -- does anyone know how "exchanges" or "returns" work at the apple retail store when iPhones are this backordered? I know they keep stock for defective units... I would LOVE for them to exchange mine with one of those so I can be on my merry way but I'm fully prepared to do a full return then do a re-purchase and get on the waiting list...
Click to expand...

You have 14 days from the initial date of purchase to return an iPhone. As far as returning the 5S, if there's a line you would have to get in the line and get a ticket (at least that's the protocol at the Aventura Apple Store). Earlier you arrive at the store, the more likely you are to find the model that you wish to exchange for. For what it's worth, I saw an individual return an opened iPhone w/o damage. Just need to be within that 14 day window. Best of luck.
 
moblessed17 said:
You have 14 days from the initial date of purchase to return an iPhone. As far as returning the 5S, if there's a line you would have to get in the line and get a ticket (at least that's the protocol at the Aventura Apple Store). Earlier you arrive at the store, the more likely you are to find the model that you wish to exchange for. For what it's worth, I saw an individual return an opened iPhone w/o damage. Just need to be within that 14 day window. Best of luck.
Click to expand...

30 days if you bought it from the Apple online store, not 14. 14 days from most carriers and in at least one case which state.

http://store.apple.com/us/help/returns_refund#policy
 
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moblessed17 said:
You have 14 days from the initial date of purchase to return an iPhone. As far as returning the 5S, if there's a line you would have to get in the line and get a ticket (at least that's the protocol at the Aventura Apple Store). Earlier you arrive at the store, the more likely you are to find the model that you wish to exchange for. For what it's worth, I saw an individual return an opened iPhone w/o damage. Just need to be within that 14 day window. Best of luck.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I was under the impression I needed a Genius Bar Appt. to conduct my return.
 
I drove home from the apple store on launch day without having opened mine. It was so hard not to open it up and fiddle with it on the hour long ride home.

I made it. Then I calmly backed up my 4s, opened up the package and immediately put my screen protectors on (which came out as flawless as I have ever done, might I add).

I absolutely love the space gray.
 
If they have them in stock you can exchange it. That simple. Start calling Apple stores? Lol.

Edit to add I returned my space gray from launch as a walk in. And it was opened and used already.
 
Unlike many -- I've never been to an apple retail store as the closest one to me is over an hour away. That's why I'm trying to get as much info and be as well prepared as I can be before traveling over an hour....
 
mightygitis said:
If they have them in stock you can exchange it. That simple. Start calling Apple stores? Lol.

Edit to add I returned my space gray from launch as a walk in. And it was opened and used already.
Click to expand...

Thanks -- I called the closest one (1hr 7 mins away) and they said they get deliveries throughout the day but they also have lines and usually sell out quicker.

I'm trying to get a feel as to whether it's better to:

a. Drive up there, return the one I've got, place an order for the one I want and wait. Or

b. Wait until things have "calmed down" a bit, drive up there, and shoot for an exchange...

....I can't get too much info out of them at the store as to whether I would have a shot in, say, 3 days.

----------
user-name-here said:
The things we do to make our wives happy eh? :p

Good man!
Click to expand...

Thanks!

I just wish I would have thought it through at 3AM when I was ordering (launch day) and I could have avoided the whole mess. The plan has always been "I get the new one and pass the old down to my wife" So that's the plan I executed.

Once I actually got some sleep and started thinking -- my 5 is just fine and quite honestly, I won't use the Camera upgrade and the Fingerprint technology NEARLY as much as she would... I'd rather sit this one out and let her have the "latest and greatest" this time.
 
Leonard1818 said:
Unlike many -- I've never been to an apple retail store as the closest one to me is over an hour away. That's why I'm trying to get as much info and be as well prepared as I can be before traveling over an hour....
Click to expand...

Seriously, an only hour away, is the best "EXCUSE" to go.

I live in Sacramento. Fortunately there are two, within 10 to 20 minutes from my house. I've been to both. However with that said. I've been to the Apple Store, in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Bridgeport Oregon, 5th Avenue and Grand Central Station NYC, Covent Garden UK.

IF I am in a big city or one where there is an Apple Store, I make it a point to go. I then MMS a pic to my nephew and tease him about it.

Anyway, it's a lot of fun, and you should go... Get your wife's phone!
 
Leonard1818 said:
Unlike many -- I've never been to an apple retail store as the closest one to me is over an hour away. That's why I'm trying to get as much info and be as well prepared as I can be before traveling over an hour....
Click to expand...

I'm making some assumptions when I mention if it's processed as a return you may run into some bumps with your upgrade eligibility being returned to you for the next purchase. (If you didn't upgrade then no worries.)

What color does she want? That may be a problem. If she takes pictures at all she *needs* the improved camera. :)

How about a nice case to hide the Space Gray and save yourself the possibly disappointing trip? And even if she doesn't use the 64GB it will be worth more at resell.

Yes, the things we do for the wifey. I worked with AT&T and had n an upgrade pushed up so I could get the wife a 5s she doesn't know about yet. Gotta keep momma happy.

Good luck!
 
why did you order it at that config? I can understand color, but why the big size? I think you want it for yourself and looking for an excuse to buy one w/out the wife getting mad :p
 
Carlanga said:
why did you order it at that config? I can understand color, but why the big size? I think you want it for yourself and looking for an excuse to buy one w/out the wife getting mad :p
Click to expand...

Please re-read the first post. It has nothing to do with his wife being mad. He changed his mind and decided that she would get the 5s not him.
 
Leonard1818 said:
I plan to drive an hour up to the closest retail store and "exchange" (put in parenthesis because I've had mixed responses as to whether I can actually "exchange" it or do a return/re-purchase) it for a different one for my wife.
Click to expand...
FWIW, an exchange at Apple is a refund for what you're returning (which returns it back to the store inventory), and then the purchase of the new one. Can be done on one receipt, but it's two separate steps. :)
 
You're almost as crazy as my buddy who smells the box when he does his unboxing.

No joke about my buddy.
 
PNutts said:
What color does she want? That may be a problem. If she takes pictures at all she *needs* the improved camera. :)

How about a nice case to hide the Space Gray and save yourself the possibly disappointing trip? And even if she doesn't use the 64GB it will be worth more at resell.

Yes, the things we do for the wifey. I worked with AT&T and had n an upgrade pushed up so I could get the wife a 5s she doesn't know about yet. Gotta keep momma happy.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks! She wants white/silver I believe. We talked about keeping the 64-gig grey one -- she *says* she'd be OK with it (color) and intends to put a case on, but I know deep down she wants white. As mentioned, she doesn't really need the 64GB and she really wants to save the $100-$200 by taking the lesser-capacity one. To be honest, if they happen to have a 64 gig white/silver, I'm going to get it. I'm not so hung up on the $$ of it (it would be nice to save a couple hundred) but more that I want her to get the configuration that she wants.

Carlanga said:
why did you order it at that config? I can understand color, but why the big size? I think you want it for yourself and looking for an excuse to buy one w/out the wife getting mad :p
Click to expand...

I initially ordered it for me :eek: We have an "agreement" of sorts -- ha. I don't spend any money on anything ever, and I get the latest/greatest iPhone!! ha ha, just kidding (sorta). I really don't have many expensive hobbies and such and she never really cares to have the latest/greatest so I usually just get it and pass down mine. This time around though, I think she would benefit from the two major advances (IMO): The camera and the finger-print scanner. So, I'd rather HER have the 5s and I'll be content with my 5 (for now ;) )


Thanks everybody for the replies!!
 
Dude been married 25 years open the damn box use it for yourself and just order one for her. Sell your 5 for the expense of hers than sell hers after you get her a silver or gold. Than your both happy and you still took care if your wife. Bonus you'll be the good guy. LOL
 
Space grey is much closer to the Macbook Pro's or Air's finish than it is to black.

See it in person. You may decide, as I did, that the space grey 5S is the most gorgeous of all.
 
How much is the gas for a round trip hour drive to Apple? And you aren't going to go on that long a trip without stopping by somewhere to eat. If you are making that trip *just* to make that exchange, you aren't saving that much money by exchanging for a lower cost model. If she really wants the other color, fine, but if saving cost is a real consideration, then I wouldn't make that trip.
 
Oui said:
False, it can be exchanged in the store.
Click to expand...

From the Apple refunds page: http://store.apple.com/us/help/returns_refund
--
Bring your item to an Apple Store

You can always return the item to any U.S. Apple Retail Store. An Apple Specialist will assist you with your return. Your refund will be processed at that time. To locate an Apple Store in your area, please refer to the Apple Retail Store Locator.

Note: An iPhone purchased on the Apple Online Store is ineligible for return to an Apple Retail Store.
 
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