The $200 iPhone "water penalty" (do NOT get it wet!)

[kdarling]

Of course we can't expect ATT to subsidize multiple phones. So extra new ones without another contract must be full price.

However, it used to be that Apple replaced out-of-warranty phones at or near actual cost. For example, if you broke the touchscreen of the original iPhone or dropped it in water, you paid a flat $250/350 (now $200/300).

By that logic, all such non-warrantied "repairs" should still run around $200/300 (8/16GB).

Instead, it sounds like Apple thinks they can hide that they're getting about $200 in subsidy money. I think the OP should call Apple support instead, and see what they'll do by mail.

EDIT: Never mind. The new advanced replacement FAQ quotes the higher price:
See Section 10 of the FAQ here

 

[n0de]

I have used the rice solution on more simple moto phones with good success before.

For the iPhone I would disassemble it first, a video of the process is available here: http://www.iphonehacks.com/2008/07/iphone-3g-video.html

Since you would have to replace it completely, what is the harm?

 

[The General]

Duh? What do you expect? AT&T to eat another $200 on another iPhone just because you left yours in your pants and washed your pants?

Did you really expect to buy a new one for $299?

 

[LotuSviLLe]

Do unto iPhone as you would have done unto you.

 

[Nicolecat]

If you added a phone to the contract, could you get the subsidized price?

I realize it isn't a full new contract. Just wondering.

 

[eye.surgeon]

Man that really sucks. Why should you have to pay for the cost of replacing the phone that you washed in a washing machine? Totally unfair.

 

[nickspohn]

You should try putting it in water again and letting it dry out.

 

[Nicolecat]

You should try putting it in water again and letting it dry out.

Why?...that would just increase the possibility of something else f**king up.

 

[TheMonarch]

I do agree that it's BS they told you one thing then a bit later, another thing. But it's not that hard to get past the red water indicator.

You've heard of bleach. No?
That's all I can say.
Not saying you should do anything, just asking if you've heard about it

 

[islandtitan]

Duh? What do you expect? AT&T to eat another $200 on another iPhone just because you left yours in your pants and washed your pants?

Did you really expect to buy a new one for $299?

I really think you guys are missing the point.

He was told at first the repair would be 299.00, so he thought that he'd just get a new phone for that, and when he found out that wouldn't happen, he said, ok, go ahead and repair it and then he was told they couldn't repair it and he'd have to purchase a new phone for 499.00.

I don't think he really thought he was "entitled" to another subsidized phone. He was thinking about Apple's prior policies.

 

[islandtitan]

Man that really sucks. Why should you have to pay for the cost of replacing the phone that you washed in a washing machine? Totally unfair.

Man, you are a total D#@K. I've read your other posts.
You must have some serious self esteem issues.

The OP was not asking for a free phone, damn man READ!!!

 

[scaredpoet]

1.) Buy it one week ago and get subsidized pricing. Total price I'm giving AT&T over two years is $2100 ($1800 for 24 months of $75 bills, plus $300 for the phone).

Okay first thing's first: you need to divorce the cost of the hardware and the service. The $75 a month is for AT&T service, NOT for the hardware.

AT&T gave you a $200 discount on your first phone on the basis that you would be using them for service for 2 years. Quit the service, pay $175 to AT&T as liquidated damages.

2.) Take damaged item in one week later. Total price I'm giving AT&T: $2300.

Yes, because you dunked a $499 piece of equipment into water, rendering it useless.

If we were talking 1+ year gap between when I purchased the phone and when it was damaged it'd be one thing. We're talking 1 week. $200 seems a pretty hefty penalty given that AT&T is still getting the same amount from me for a contract that was barely started (24 months * $75).

On the contrary: you're asking them to eat $400, instead of only $200. Sorry, not gonna fly.

The whole point of the subsidy is to lock people into the 2-year agreement.

Actually, the point of the 2 year agreement is that AT&T doesn't lose its shirt for subsidizing your phone. You're asking them to subsidize two phones for the same two year period. How is that fair?

 

[Nicolecat]

If an employee A at circuit city verbally told you a computer would cost X...then later you found out it was more than what employee A told you, circuit city is not obligated to uphold employee A's statement.

If he had it in writing it would be different.

 

[scaredpoet]

I don't think he really thought he was "entitled" to another subsidized phone. He was thinking about Apple's prior policies.

I would agree with you, until he brought AT&T's serving pricing into his argument. Now he's trying to argue both fronts: he wanted to buy a new phone at the subsidized price AND is annoyed at Apple's repair price.

 

[islandtitan]

If an employee A at circuit city verbally told you a computer would cost X...then later you found out it was more than what employee A told you, circuit city is not obligated to uphold employee A's statement.

If he had it in writing it would be different.

Not necessarily saying Apple employee is obligated, but you can't tell me it wouldn't piss you off if you were given a price for something, from someone who should know what their employer's policies are , and later told it would cost you more.

Come on people, It may be that the OP wasn't really expecting that so much as he is frustrated ad needed to vent. We all do from time time.

And you can't tell me that no of you have never started ranting about something and later cooled off and totally understood.

 

[Nicolecat]

I would be very very pissed. "slash tires" kind of pissed
I would even try going to upper management.

But, if I still had an original iphone...or could get my hands on one for cheaper, than I would in the meantime.

 

[islandtitan]

I would be very very pissed. "slash tires" kind of pissed
I would even try going to upper management.

But, if I still had an original iphone...or could get my hands on one for cheaper, than I would in the meantime.

See, I think we all react at first, and not always appropriately, but we col down and start thinking with a clear head.

WE all need to remember that some of these posters are pretty young and really just need some god advice rather than attacking them.

 

[Nicolecat]

I have seen some highschool kids on here...and it is the weekend.

But as a college graduate...I dont like being jerked around by employees that think, they can coddle me into thinking they can say whatever they want.

I sure do hope that the OP gets "some" kind of retribution out of this...

 

[islandtitan]

I have seen some highschool kids on here...and it is the weekend.

But as a college graduate...I dont like being jerked around by employees that think, they can coddle me into thinking they can say whatever they want.

I sure do hope that the OP gets "some" kind of retribution out of this...

Couldn't agree more.

I would hope that Apple will do something for him. I do recall after the last launch they were kind enough to replace phones that they really shouldn't have. A really good PR move, but we as customers must remember we shouldn't expect it.

 

[Flhusky]

Well, just got done with a rather frustrating afternoon.

Backstory

Apple customer for a number of years. Spent thousands on their products. Purchased an iPhone the second day it came out. Purchased an iPhone 3G the second day it came out as well. Been recommending Apple products to coworkers and family.

Means nothing to AT&T and honestly unless its a local Mac shop nothing to Apple either.

And Now Today...

This morning, I did something incredibly moronic: I left my iPhone 3G in my pants pocket and washed my clothes. I damaged my iPhone 3G. It's waterlogged. It turns on, but there's water under the screen and it's constantly complaining about an accessory that doesn't exist.

I schedule an appointment at the Genius Bar of my local Apple Store. I bring it in, say that it's water damaged, know that'll cost money to fix/replace it and I want to start the process. After consulting with the manager, the technician says it's a $299 repair.

Well, $299 is what I paid for it a week ago (I was an existing iPhone customer) so I said "Ok, I'll just buy a new one then."

"$499."

Sounds Fair, new iPhone NO CONTRACT = $399/499 just like anyone else would pay.

Excuse me?

It turns out, if you damage your iPhone with water, you have to pay the UNSUBSIDIZED price to get a new one. Even if you've an existing AT&T customer.

Why shouldn't you? the damage was NOT AT&Ts fault nor was it a manufacturing defect. I didn't get a new Palm Treo @ the subsidized price when it got soaked in a fishing accident. Had been a Cingular/AT&T/Cingular/AT&T+Cingular customer for 10 years when that happened.

Ok, I'll get it repaired then. "Sorry, we don't repair water-damaged phones." Huh? But he just said... Now there was confusion. The tech speaks with the manager and comes back with the final price: $499.

I called up Apple personally (with another phone, obviously) to verify the policy. After the person speaking to their manager (apparently, only managers know these things, they confirmed it).

I can understand your confusion and frustration, the tech clearly didn't understand Apples policy on liquid damage. The $ he quoted would be correct for any repair/replacement on a device out of warranty.

So, here's the irony:

1.) Damage your iPhone and claim it "just stopped working": $0.
2.) Damage your iPhone and say it was damaged: $299 repair.
3.) Damage your iPhone and say it was damaged with water: $499 unsubsidized new phone.

The moral of this story? Apparently, don't be an honest customer when it comes to explaining what happened to your phone.

1. When the Apple Genius opens the phone in front of you to verify that it was 'just humidity' that caused the water damage dot to turn colours you will of course look like a total liar scumbag.
2 & 3 is up to Apple, You can do a mail in service and get the Advanced Replacement Service and hope they don't catch the liquid damage and get a replacement phone for $299 HOWEVER if they catch the liquid damage they will bill the full replacement cost.

Surprisingly sometimes a nice truthful letter with the damaged product will get you some sympathy and replacement phone gratis/discounted.
When I worked for Nokia we quoted liquid damage phones all day for $100/$175 BUT the rare occasion someone sent in a letter with a good story and was truthful about what happened we replaced it free or gave them a free accessory+battery with the paid repair. I'm sure that level of Customer service is long since dead but its worth a shot.

 

[Nicolecat]

Couldn't agree more.

I would hope that Apple will do something for him. I do recall after the last launch they were kind enough to replace phones that they really shouldn't have. A really good PR move, but we as customers must remember we shouldn't expect it.

Exactly...and a good company should never let a situation get to a point where something like that is expected.

I've served my time in the service industry.

 

[eplchamps0304]

sorry about your situation. from the moment you bought your iPhone you must have known that if it was damaged or lost you would have to pay the full price. I did. since you did damage it you should foot the bill not apple or ATT. if it's too expensive for you buy another phone.

 

[SilentCrs]

See, I think we all react at first, and not always appropriately, but we col down and start thinking with a clear head.

WE all need to remember that some of these posters are pretty young and really just need some god advice rather than attacking them.

I'm 29.

And in all honesty, I don't believe 1 week off of the contract necessarily justifies $200. Considering the parts to put the thing together were probably under $150 to start with anyway...

But I digress. Just sold the 3G (clearly labelled waterlogged and damaged) on Ebay as a parts-only phone. I have a new one on order. Total cost to me (after getting money for the old one): $400.

 

[Nicolecat]

I wish you all the luck with your new one...

And, please do look into adding a policy to either your homeowner's insuranse or car insurance if you don't own a house...you should be eligible now since your paid full price for the phone.

 

[RetiredInFl]

Wouldn't brown rice be healthier for the phone? <sorry, OP. I feeel your pain.>

I once literally flushed $300 down the turlet. BTW, your credit card may very well cover what you paid for it. You did pay by CC, right? I always do because for most all purchased Amex (and others) double your warranty as well as provide other perks on purchases.

you can try putting your iPhone in uncooked white rice and leave it for a day or two.