Switch/return bands after purchase?

[Tammster]

So I got lucky & made the first shipping batch so I'll be getting mine in a few weeks hopefully. Ordered the 38mm Milanese and then an extra white sports band (instead of the stainless steel w/ white band with an extra Milanese strap)... I'm a woman by the way.

I honestly really liked the Milanese (a lot) but I was surprised at how much I liked the white strap. I didnt think it would be something I'd want to wear to work with dressy clothes but after trying it on I changed my mind.

The idea of having two bands to switch depending on what I'm wearing is appealing but sometimes I feel guilty spending the extra $150. I'm thinking I might decide I should return the Milanese band and just keep the white one.

Has anyone considered (or asked a sales person) if you could return one band even though it was purchased with the watch (as opposed to it being a separate purchase)? I obviously don't want to change my order since I won't have to wait until June.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

You'll have to return the entire order (within the 14-day return period) and place a new order. They won't let you swap out the band itself (as the retail box is linked to the band), but you can purchase a different band separately and ebay the unwanted one.

 

[Tammster]

You'll have to return the entire order (within the 14-day return period) and place a new order. They won't let you swap out the band itself (as the retail box is linked to the band), but you can purchase a different band separately and ebay the unwanted one.

That's a thought... And it makes sense. Thx.

 

[mattopotamus]

You'll have to return the entire order (within the 14-day return period) and place a new order. They won't let you swap out the band itself (as the retail box is linked to the band), but you can purchase a different band separately and ebay the unwanted one.

I also think this will be the case. It is an all or nothing deal. I wonder if for replacements they just give you a watch though.

When I added AC+ it was for a specific watch (watch, sport, edition) not a combination thing.

I bet replacements are just in the usual white box, and is the watch only.

 

[totten76]

You'll have to return the entire order (within the 14-day return period) and place a new order. They won't let you swap out the band itself (as the retail box is linked to the band), but you can purchase a different band separately and ebay the unwanted one.

Dang well that really sucks :/ What the heck, why not just put it in its own box?

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I also think this will be the case. It is an all or nothing deal. I wonder if for replacements they just give you a watch though.

When I added AC+ it was for a specific watch (watch, sport, edition) not a combination thing.

I bet replacements are just in the usual white box, and is the watch only.

Why wouldn't they have separate white box replacements for the case and band? If the clasp on a band breaks during the warranty period, they'd replace that with a white box replacement band. Likewise, you'd get a white box replacement Watch case if the case itself malfunctions and they transfer the existing band to it.

 

[mattopotamus]

Why wouldn't they have separate white box replacements for the case and band? If the clasp on a band breaks during the warranty period, they'd replace that with a white box replacement band. Likewise, you'd get a white box replacement Watch case if the case itself malfunctions and they transfer the existing band to it.

I just know when I called to add AC+ it was for the apple watch. They did not say the apple watch with classic band.

They actually added the AC+ to my order of a band. It's not even on my watch order.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I just know when I called to add AC+ it was for the apple watch. They did not say the apple watch with classic band.

I guess you're right. According to the AppleCare+ for Apple Watch page, the band isn't even covered!

Apple hardware coverage
AppleCare+ provides repair or replacement coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians. Service coverage includes the following:

• Your Apple Watch
• Battery
• For Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, included magnetic charging cable and power adapter. For Apple Watch Edition, included magentic charging cable, power adaptor, charging case, and USB cable.
• Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling of your Apple Watch, each subject to a service fee ($69 for Apple Watch Sport, $79 for Apple Watch, $1000 for Apple Watch Edition) plus applicable tax.

So if your band somehow breaks during the warranty period, tough luck and you'll have to buy a new one I've said it before and I'll say it again, AC+ for Apple Watch is a bad value. No risk of dropping it as it's worn on the wrist, it's IPX7 water resistant so water damage due to a defect would be covered under the standard warranty, scratches are considered normal wear and tear and hence not covered under AC+, purchasing with an Amex card (or equivalent) will double the warranty, etc.

 

[mattopotamus]

I guess you're right. According to the AppleCare+ for Apple Watch page, the band isn't even covered!

Apple hardware coverage
AppleCare+ provides repair or replacement coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians. Service coverage includes the following:

• Your Apple Watch
• Battery
• For Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, included magnetic charging calbe and power adapter. For Apple Watch Edition, included magentic charging cable, power adaptor, charging case, and USB cable.
• Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling of your Apple Watch, each subject to a service fee ($69 for Apple Watch Sport, $79 for Apple Watch, $1000 for Apple Watch Edition) plus applicable tax.

So if your band somehow breaks during the warranty period, tough luck and you'll have to buy a new one I've said it before and I'll say it again, AC+ for Apple Watch is a bad value. No risk of dropping it as it's worn on the wrist, it's IPX7 water resistant so water damage due to a defect would be covered under the standard warranty, scratches are considered normal wear and tear and hence not covered under AC+, purchasing with an Amex card (or equivalent) will double the warranty, etc.

I agree with a lot of what you said. However, people who are not use to wearing a watch will probably hit it on several things door, walls, stairs, etc. The first time I wore a watch it broke off my wrist on a door b.c I clipped the corner of it. I've been wearing a watch for ~10 years now, so I am use to it.

Those who do not wear watches daily will be surprised how close they walk to walls, doors, stairs, etc. I would risk it on the sport, but on the SS I would get it. It's $30 cheaper than AC+ on the iPhone so it proportional.

 

[Mr.C]

I guess you're right. According to the AppleCare+ for Apple Watch page, the band isn't even covered!

Apple hardware coverage
AppleCare+ provides repair or replacement coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians. Service coverage includes the following:

• Your Apple Watch
• Battery
• For Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, included magnetic charging cable and power adapter. For Apple Watch Edition, included magentic charging cable, power adaptor, charging case, and USB cable.
• Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling of your Apple Watch, each subject to a service fee ($69 for Apple Watch Sport, $79 for Apple Watch, $1000 for Apple Watch Edition) plus applicable tax.

So if your band somehow breaks during the warranty period, tough luck and you'll have to buy a new one I've said it before and I'll say it again, AC+ for Apple Watch is a bad value. No risk of dropping it as it's worn on the wrist, it's IPX7 water resistant so water damage due to a defect would be covered under the standard warranty, scratches are considered normal wear and tear and hence not covered under AC+, purchasing with an Amex card (or equivalent) will double the warranty, etc.

Again I disagree with you completely. AppleCare Plus for the Watch is not bad value. It's definitely worth it and better then a credit card warranty as you can get it serviced by Apple directly plus it includes two accidental damage replacements. You're also just making an assumption the band isn't included which obviously doesn't make sense as its sold as part of the watch. The AppleCare Plus warranty will likely cover the band too.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Again I disagree with you completely. AppleCare Plus for the Watch is not bad value. It's definitely worth it and better then a credit card warranty as you can get it serviced by Apple directly plus it includes two accidental damage replacements. You're also just making an assumption the band isn't included which obviously doesn't make sense as its sold as part of the watch. The AppleCare Plus warranty will likely cover the band too.

I'm absolutely not making an assumption that the band isn't covered under AC+. Go check out the link I provided. The band is excluded under the AC+ hardware section.

Also, the CC extended warranty isn't necessarily a replacement for AC+ as charging both the watch and AC+ to the CC (at least in Amex's case) will tack on another year of warranty protection (less the accidental damage coverage) at the end of AC+, giving you a total of three years of warranty protection. You can still get it serviced by Apple directly so don't spread misinformation. All Amex requires is filing a claim over the phone, even after the fact (after you get it repaired). No paperwork necessary.

 

[Mr.C]

I'm absolutely not making an assumption that the band isn't covered under AC+. Go check out the link I provided. The band is excluded under the AC+ hardware section.

Also, the CC extended warranty isn't necessarily a replacement for AC+ as charging both the watch and AC+ to the CC (at least in Amex's case) will tack on another year of warranty protection (less the accidental damage coverage) at the end of AC+, giving you a total of three years of warranty protection. You can still get it serviced by Apple directly so don't spread misinformation. All Amex requires is filing a claim over the phone, even after the fact (after you get it repaired). No paperwork necessary.

How is it excluded. It's part of the watch. The "Your Apple Watch" in that list would include the strap as it is sold with the watch. What you're saying is nonsense. Plus as I have already stated the Amex or other credit card extended warranty coverage doesn't include accidental damage. It is not the same as AppleCare Plus so like I said AppleCare Plus is worth it even for the Watch.

 

[Tycho24]

Dang well that really sucks :/ What the heck, why not just put it in its own box?

Name a single watch by ANY company that comes in a box with no band attached.

There you go... just answered your own question! =P

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

How is it excluded. It's part of the watch. The "Your Apple Watch" in that list would include the strap as it is sold with the watch. What you're saying is nonsense. Plus as I have already stated the Amex or other credit card extended warranty coverage doesn't include accidental damage. It is not the same as AppleCare Plus so like I said AppleCare Plus is worth it even for the Watch.

You could very well be right about the band being part of "Your Apple Watch," but it'd be nice to get a confirmation of it. Hence why I've started a dedicated thread on it.

I still maintain that the accidental damage coverage is pretty much unnecessary for the Watch unless you're extremely careless. No risk of dropping it as it's tethered to your wrist (unlike the iPhone) and no risk of water damage as the standard warranty will cover that (also unlike the iPhone).

 

[sahilpatel12]

yea im thinking its gonna be a full return since not saying wont but they are bundle with watch like with straps put on, like we saw in unboxing of ss

 

[Vanilla Face]

Again I disagree with you completely. AppleCare Plus for the Watch is not bad value. It's definitely worth it and better then a credit card warranty as you can get it serviced by Apple directly plus it includes two accidental damage replacements. You're also just making an assumption the band isn't included which obviously doesn't make sense as its sold as part of the watch. The AppleCare Plus warranty will likely cover the band too.

Doesn't really include accidental damage replacements, but gives you a cheaper option for accidental damage up to 2 times. Using the Watch Sport as an example, AC+ is $49, accidental damage has a service fee of $69. If you use it once it effectively costs you $118, if you use it twice $93.5 for each use. Many people don't realize that there is an out of warranty replacement option as well. For the Watch Sport it will cost $229 to have it replaced out of warranty. If you are confident that you are going to need to have it replaced because of accidental damage then it is absolutely worth it. Even if you think it's pretty likely, then AC+ is still a good idea. If you don't think you'll have accidental damage in the next 2 years, then it might not be the best bet. I'm confident that I wouldn't need 2 instances of accidental damage replacements and I think it is pretty unlikely that I'd need 1. To me it isn't worth $118 for the unlikely possibility to save $111. The value of AC+ is completely dependent on how likely you are to damage the product/how clumsy you are.

I've never had to have any of my iPhones replaced because if accidental damage, nor have I had to have the screens replaced. I think it's even less likely that I'll damage the watch. Similar to the iPhone, they might also offer screen replacement on the watch which will bring down how much you'd potentially save with AC+.

 

[Mr.C]

Doesn't really include accidental damage replacements, but gives you a cheaper option for accidental damage up to 2 times. Using the Watch Sport as an example, AC+ is $49, accidental damage has a service fee of $69. If you use it once it effectively costs you $118, if you use it twice $93.5 for each use. Many people don't realize that there is an out of warranty replacement option as well. For the Watch Sport it will cost $229 to have it replaced out of warranty. If you are confident that you are going to need to have it replaced because of accidental damage then it is absolutely worth it. Even if you think it's pretty likely, then AC+ is still a good idea. If you don't think you'll have accidental damage in the next 2 years, then it might not be the best bet. I'm confident that I wouldn't need 2 instances of accidental damage replacements and I think it is pretty unlikely that I'd need 1. To me it isn't worth $118 for the unlikely possibility to save $111. The value of AC+ is completely dependent on how likely you are to damage the product/how clumsy you are.

I've never had to have any of my iPhones replaced because if accidental damage, nor have I had to have the screens replaced. I think it's even less likely that I'll damage the watch. Similar to the iPhone, they might also offer screen replacement on the watch which will bring down how much you'd potentially save with AC+.

You do make some good points. That said other then my own piece of mind I get AppleCare or AppleCare Plus to increase the resale value and make it easier to resale. I upgrade my iPhone and iPad every time a new model comes out which is typically annually and I always get a much better return on them when selling them because of AppleCare.

Granted we don't know how often new Watch models will be released but chances are if they were to release a new one next year I will end up selling this one to pay towards the new one. At the end of the day getting AppleCare is a choice and it's a choice I want to make for my reasons. If people think it's not worth it then that's there choice.

 

[Vanilla Face]

You do make some good points. That said other then my own piece of mind I get AppleCare or AppleCare Plus to increase the resale value and make it easier to resale. I upgrade my iPhone and iPad every time a new model comes out which is typically annually and I always get a much better return on them when selling them because of AppleCare.

Granted we don't know how often new Watch models will be released but chances are if they were to release a new one next year I will end up selling this one to pay towards the new one. At the end of the day getting AppleCare is a choice and it's a choice I want to make for my reasons. If people think it's not worth it then that's there choice.

Peace of mind is certainly worth it. I also didn't take into account the extension of the hardware warranty or the phone support. While I don't think that it'd have a hardware issue in year 2, it could come in handy if it needs a battery replacement.

----------

I'm absolutely not making an assumption that the band isn't covered under AC+. Go check out the link I provided. The band is excluded under the AC+ hardware section.

I don't see where you are reading that the band isn't included. I'm seeing "Service coverage is available only for the Apple Watch and its original included accessories" which would include the band.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I don't see where you are reading that the band isn't included. I'm seeing "Service coverage is available only for the Apple Watch and its original included accessories" which would include the band.

Good point, so this points to the band being covered under AC+. Why, then, did the hardware section not state "Included accessories" as that's all inclusive rather than list magnetic charging cable and power adapter (bands are considered accessories in the watch world)? And we have conflicting information from the so-called "Apple Specialists" as to whether or not the band is covered.

 

[Vanilla Face]

Good point, so this points to the band being covered under AC+. Why, then, did the hardware section not state "Included accessories" as that's all inclusive rather than list magnetic charging cable and power adapter (bands are considered accessories in the watch world)? And we have conflicting information from the so-called "Apple Specialists" as to whether or not the band is covered.

Not sure. Maybe when they say Watch they mean the Watch+Band. When I think of my watches I don't think of their bands as being a separate item.

 

[flaw600]

You'll have to return the entire order (within the 14-day return period) and place a new order. They won't let you swap out the band itself (as the retail box is linked to the band), but you can purchase a different band separately and ebay the unwanted one.

I asked various Apple employees about this, and all said that you could return just the band. The reason being that the bundle is sold at the same cost as watch + price of separate band.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I asked various Apple employees about this, and all said that you could return just the band. The reason being that the bundle is sold at the same cost as watch + price of separate band.

I somehow don't believe that. What if you want to return just the Space Black link bracelet and get the Space Gray Sport band? How much would you get for the Space Black link bracelet (since it's not sold separately)?

It's extremely problematic because the retail box is tied to the band it's sold with. What if you swap out the band then decide you want to return for a full refund before the 14-day return period? Will they accept a watch with the wrong band per the retail box?