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**The "I called Apple and got a FREE bumper" Thread***

skafia said:
Its not the point, the point is they are skimping to make more profit.

This is pointless. FML.
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Skimping for profits or trying to lower unit cost due to higher cost parts of the iP4 relative to previous models? Glass instead of plastic back, custom A4 chip, double the ram of previous models, machined stainless instead of plastic chassis, additional camera and gyro.

I think the loss of a custom paper clip and a rag is a worthwhile trade off.
 
To all you who think apple shouldn't provide bumper cases: the iPhone is a phone first and everything else second. If by holding your phone in a logical and normal way reduces the call quality and signal of your PHONE, apple has the responsibility of fixing that. If the only thing that fixes a fundamental flaw in the phone is a bumper case, it should be provided to compensate for the defect. Or apple should just recall it. Which do you think is cheaper for the company to do?

The iPhone SHOULDNT have this defect. Therefore they need to compensate for THEIR mistake. Its not just "gimme gimme gimme". Its "fix this fundamental problem with my phone"

my $.02

(For the record i did not get a free bumper)

Thought of this video haha: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo3uxqwTxk0&feature=related
 
dlamin517 said:
To all you who think apple shouldn't provide bumper cases: the iPhone is a phone first and everything else second. If by holding your phone in a logical and normal way reduces the call quality and signal of your PHONE, apple has the responsibility of fixing that. If the only thing that fixes a fundamental flaw in the phone is a bumper case, it should be provided to compensate for the defect. Or apple should just recall it. Which do you think is cheaper for the company to do?

The iPhone SHOULDNT have this defect. Therefore they need to compensate for THEIR mistake. Its not just "gimme gimme gimme". Its "fix this fundamental problem with my phone"

my $.02
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What would you say here if the "official" solution Apple offered was a small piece of clear tape mailed to you with instructions to apply it over the gap between the antennas on the left corner of the phone instead of a bumper?
 
gehrbox said:
What would you say here if the "official" solution Apple offered was a small piece of clear tape mailed to you with instructions to apply it over the gap between the antennas on the left corner of the phone instead of a bumper?
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If apple cannot fix it through a software update what other option would they have? Apple would never do this though because they strive for perfection. It would be horrible PR if every iphone user in the world had to have a piece of tape on their phone. People may not complain as much if it was a case provided. Or Apple should have the responsibility of allowing customers to be compensated for this defect (gift card or something) or be allowed to return it. Ultimately Apple should stop production and fix the problem.
 
dlamin517 said:
If apple cannot fix it through a software update what other option would they have? Apple would never do this though because they strive for perfection. It would be horrible PR if every iphone user in the world had to have a piece of tape on their phone. People may not complain as much if it was a case provided. Or Apple should have the responsibility of allowing customers to be compensated for this defect (gift card or something) or be allowed to return it. Ultimately Apple should stop production and fix the problem.
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If Perfection was the goal why would they launch the iP4 with the appearance that it's primary function is inhibited by contact with flesh?
 
gehrbox said:
If Perfection was the goal why would they launch the iP4 with the appearance that it's primary function is inhibited by contact with flesh?
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Exactly my point. There are ultimately three parts to this debate:

1. Is this reception issue necessarily a defect? Can or can it not be assumed that the degeneration of phone quality, while holding it in a logical fashion, is a design/ manufacturing defect?

2. If we can assume that it is, does apple have the responsibility as a company to amend their design/ manufacturing defect?

3. If apple must assume responsibility, apple must decide what to do (assuming a software fix will not work). They can:
a. Offer a bumper case to fix the problem (hoping the customer will accept that as an amendment to the problem)
b. Allow the customer to return/exchange the product for a non defective unit
c. Offer a gift card or something (hoping the customer will accept that as compensation and forget about the defect)
d. Recall the product
 
_Matt said:
So my first generation iPhone cost around $600 and came with everything. My new iPhone 4 cost $199 plus $29 for a bumper and came with a charger, usb cable, and two apple stickers. It did not come with a microfiber cloth, sim ejector tool (aka a fancy paperclip), or a dock.

Apple is making their products less expensive over time for their consumers.

It is not their responsibility to buy your iPhone case for you. I also find it rather comical how most people who were complaining and obsessively tracking their iPhone orders to make sure they were the first people to have the iPhone 4 are the first people to complain and try to get Apple gift cards or free bumpers for their "troubles".

The free bumper committee should just be thankful that Apple would rather just send you a free bumper than have to deal with your calls anymore. Hopefully it will also end the endless influx of pointless threads on these forums.
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The iPhones have gotten more expensive over time. Att is just taken over a lot of the cost for you. Apple should have included all the accessories to the original iPhone in every iteration.
 
appleguy123 said:
The iPhones have gotten more expensive over time. Att is just taken over a lot of the cost for you. Apple should have included all the accessories to the original iPhone in every iteration.
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I remember software development tools used to all come with printed documentation.

I used to be able to choose paper or plastic.

Gas used to cost less then $.35 a gallon and somebody would pump it for you, check your oil and clean your windows for free.

Milk used to be delivered to my door.

I could be met by my family at my airline gate. My shoes didn't come off unless I wanted them to and we didn't pay extra for luggage.

I could go on and on, but you should be getting the picture.
 
So I looked online at apple.com at my iPhone order status this morning and a black bumper has been added at no cost. I never even called them, as I don't have my phone yet.
 
I called Apple support today to let them know about my reception issues and was given a free bumper. The tech did say that Apple is actively working to solve the problem. Lets hope they can find a legitimate fix.
 
Called 800-My-Apple. Played nice and dumb. Dude said he didn't know anything about free bumpers but that it's a known issue. He said the only known fix is a case and suggested asking a local Apple Store about free bumpers. Guess it depends on which person you get. I have a genius appointment tomorrow about a SIM problem so I'll take it up there.
 
Failed.. didn't work for me

He told me that they were not offering it to us for free, only been told to tell customers about Bumper Case as a fix. All he did was gave me a case number..
 
Jason-Houghton said:
There's already a thread I made on this.

And seriously, some of you guys need to get a life. Stop trying to get free stuff. Everyone sounds so desperate here. I despise people that complain just to get something free. Get a life.
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Nice! Didn't you post a step by step set of instructions on how to complain and get free stuff on the other thread?

Oh yes, here it is:

Jason-Houghton said:
The trick is not to directly ask out right for the case, let them transfer you up a level and explain how u have hear that if you use a case it prevents the issue. then ask have they any cases that can be provided as good will to prevent the issue.
Click to expand...

:D
 
gehrbox said:
Skimping for profits or trying to lower unit cost due to higher cost parts of the iP4 relative to previous models? Glass instead of plastic back, custom A4 chip, double the ram of previous models, machined stainless instead of plastic chassis, additional camera and gyro.

I think the loss of a custom paper clip and a rag is a worthwhile trade off.
Click to expand...

Are you serious? If iPhone 4 cost more to build than previous iterations then somebody at Apple gonna get a real hurting.

Did you forget to factor in how fast electronics drop in price over the course of a year?
 
LimeyBastard said:
Nice! Didn't you post a step by step set of instructions on how to complain and get free stuff on the other thread?

Oh yes, here it is:



:D
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My point is that some people here just want free stuff. That was not a guide on how to obtain free bumper. When I called I didn't intend on getting a free bumper, I wanted support with the issue and the rep said he will help by sending a good will bumper. I don't mind, if you genuinely do have the antenna issue.

Then yes, its a good idea to ask if they can provide a bumper because its down right out of order if you have to pay £25 to fix the antenna issue. What I am saying is that some people are just wanting to do anything to get something for free - that I don't like.

There's a difference between "complaining" and phoning for support. If I wanted to complain, I could have gone directly to customer relations and probably managed to obtain a whole bunch of free apple products.
 
Sleazy E said:
+1

I can't believe some of you feel entitled to free items and furthermore are proud enough to post about it. Glad I am not like you :p
Click to expand...

if the product doesnt work as advertised, it is the responsibility of the maker to provide a solution to the problem..from apple's perspective, giving away a free bumper is the best solution because a supposed $29 piece of plastic is actually worth close to nothing..it is in their best interest to give a away a bumper which will alleviate the issue rather than replace EVERY iphone with reception issues -- do you know the cost of replacing every iphone with this widespread issue? lets just say its a lot more than giving away a free bumper..do you think companies give away stuff for free every time a customer complains? no and i encourage you to try it..however, apple dropped the ball on this one, and therefore it is THEIR responsibility to fix it..i paid $200 for iphone that is supposed to work..and if it doesnt work, why should I be obligated to pay an additional $29 to fix apple's mess?

yeah, maybe im gloating a got a free bumper..and you know why? its because im ENTITLED to one

i cant believe consumers like you sit back and accept that you have to buy things to resolve an inherent defect..GLAD I AM NOT LIKE YOU
 
skafia said:
Are you serious? If iPhone 4 cost more to build than previous iterations then somebody at Apple gonna get a real hurting.

Did you forget to factor in how fast electronics drop in price over the course of a year?
Click to expand...

Yes. Which explains the lack of a rag, dock and paperclip.

You are not buying an upgraded 3GS, you are buying an entirely new phone design. This design includes higher cost materials and additional components that were not in the last generation. I did forget to mention the larger battery in the iP4 which would also increase materials cost slightly. I did not take into account the higher expense of the production process of the stainless and glass parts.

All for the same price as last years model, lacking a rag and paper clip. You sure are the demanding sort.
 
Got email confirmation of bumper:
 

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