U.K. Retailer John Lewis Offering Free Three-Year Guarantee on all Macs and iPads Until June 28

[MacRumors]

U.K. high street retailer John Lewis is currently offering three years' free guarantee on selected Apple gear including new MacBooks, iMacs, and iPads through its online store, potentially offering buyers £159 on equivalent AppleCare.

The offer extends to all listed Macs and iPads. For example, customers can today order a Space Grey 2017 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro with Intel Core i5, 8GBGB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 for £1,449 RRP, which includes the three-year guarantee at no extra cost, with an option for three years' Added Care (accidental damage cover) for £80.

Similarly, the retailer is offering a free three-year guarantee on a new Silver 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K Display, Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB Fusion Drive and Radeon Pro 570 GPU for £1,749 RRP, with three years' of accidental damage cover for £30. The site lists the new iMacs "Coming Soon", but this is likely just an oversight, since the Add to Basket option has been added and several listings claim more than 10 in stock.

Also included in the three-year guarantee offer are Apple's new range of iPad Pros, which the online store currently lists as out of stock as the retailer waits for them to become available to resellers later this month. Given that the offer is open until June 28, John Lewis is presumably confident of receiving the iPad Pros before then.

The retailer is also offering £50 off all iPhones when bought with an Apple Watch. A two-year guarantee is also included for both devices.

Note that configuration options are not available from John Lewis and all Macs are only available with the listed specifications. Equivalent three-year AppleCare from Apple costs £159. For more information on John Lewis inclusive guarantees, see here.

(Thanks, Tony!)

Article Link: U.K. Retailer John Lewis Offering Free Three-Year Guarantee on all Macs and iPads Until June 28

 

[dannys1]

They've always done this with Macs (off the shelf base models, no top configs, no CTO systems). It's not 3 years of AppleCare though, it's their own warranty. I'd rather be going to Apple.

 

[obiwan]

They've always done this with Macs (off the shelf base models, no top configs, no CTO systems). It's not 3 years of AppleCare though, it's their own warranty. I'd rather be going to Apple.

I've never bought a Mac from John Lewis, but always been tempted, due to their much more generous warranty offer. It's slightly crazy though, as the Apple Store is only a couple of shop units away from John Lewis - and I'd much rather have my Mac repaired in store at the Genius Bar, than John Lewis having to likely send it away to be repaired. (Unless they have an arrangement with the local Apple Store that is).

Because most Apple products cannot be upgraded and have to be built to order at the time of purchase, there are much fewer reasons to ever buy from another retailer, other than Apple - unless you are happy with the stock configuration.

 

[OllyW]

They've always done this with Macs (off the shelf base models, no top configs, no CTO systems). It's not 3 years of AppleCare though, it's their own warranty. I'd rather be going to Apple.

They usually a 2 year warranty so this offer includes an extra year.

 

[dannys1]

I've never bought a Mac from John Lewis, but always been tempted, due to their much more generous warranty offer. It's slightly crazy though, as the Apple Store is only a couple of shop units away from John Lewis - and I'd much rather have my Mac repaired in store at the Genius Bar, than John Lewis having to likely send it away to be repaired. (Unless they have an arrangement with the local Apple Store that is).

Because most Apple products cannot be upgraded and have to be built to order at the time of purchase, there are much fewer reasons to ever buy from another retailer, other than Apple - unless you are happy with the stock configuration.

A few of the premium resellers are often cheaper than Apple - Deecies on eBay who usually include Windows pre-installed for 'switchers' and other software are always cheaper on the top end models (all build to order configs) - the new 64gb iMacs are much cheaper than Apple direct (and they do 25% off actual AppleCare)

KRCS were cheaper for iMacs too, although they don't appear to have the new configs up yet.
[doublepost=1497266470][/doublepost]

They usually a 2 year warranty so this offer includes an extra year.

I always thought it was three, anyway it's with them not AppleCare - and their delivery service is the utter pits. I've just order and set back a TV, for delivery and collection it took them a total of 6 attempts. They did give me £100 back to be fair, but my word it was a painful experience. I wouldn't bother again.

 

[Telos101]

As OllyW mentioned, it's normally only two year's guarantee. If you consider they're also offering three added years' cover, that works out as a six-year guarantee on selected iMacs for a measly £30. Not bad.

I've bought stuff off JL before and they are a standup outfit. They pick up any faulty items from your home and the turnaround time is very decent, in my experience.

The UK Institute of Customer Service said last year it is "one of the organisations that has consistently delivered excellent levels of customer service and – alongside organisations like Waitrose, Nationwide and M&S Food – has scored higher than 80 in every UK Customer Satisfaction Index since 2013." So maybe dannys1 was unlucky.

 

[CJM]

I buy from John Lewis for electronics whenever I can. But then the downsides are no educational discount and no BTO.

 

[dazzer21-2]

I bought my iMac from another Mac retailer in the UK 2 black Fridays ago for just over £250 below the list price. I contacted John Lewis to see if they would match the price and they did. The only reason I didn't buy from there was because the item I wanted wasn't in stock. Otherwise, I would have.

 

[dannys1]

So maybe dannys1 was unlucky.

Yeah maybe, but it was easily the worst experience of ordering an electrical item ever. You also have to factor in that they have hardline RRP figures on everything.

Had a few others say how archaic their large delivery item service is on Twitter when I complained about it though. The worst part is if they fail to deliver (or collect, which they did on both occasions) its an entire week before they'll book you in again. They failed to deliver my TV the day they said they would, didn't tell me until 8pm that it wasn't arriving, I assumed it would be back out the next day, nope, 9 days later was the soonest they'd redeliver!

I wouldn't even think of John Lewis for Apple stuff when you've got the Apple store itself, plus the two retailers I mentioned above KRCS and Deecies that often better prices, more choice and custom systems - and for all other electricals Amazon would be my first stop.

 

[Lunfai]

Get someone you know from unidays and get the discount and use some of the discount to get Apple Care. You must order it at the same time and no finance is available

 

[Giev]

Well, in the first 12 months there is nothing to stop you going to an Apple Store if there are any issue. You just get an "extra" 24 months with JL.

That being said, the Apple store experience in London hasn't been that great recently, not too easy to book an appointment, and then when you go in for a pre0booked appointment it will be delayed. and the the "genius" will try to persuade you it's a software issue (really funny its their software) and asking you to go back , do a reset and see if the problem exists and then come back ....

Last three visits I had at an Apple store, I had to ask for the supervisor, and when he finally had the time to come and have a look, he instantly swapped the device.

I am not advocating JL by any means, but at least my experience with the Genius bar hasn't been so great either.

PS: As far as I have heard JL uses Apple for repairs and they mention this in their policy (unlike Apple's that offers refurbished units as replacement)

New for old replacement
If we can’t repair your product, we’ll arrange for it to be replaced with one of the same make and model. Or, when not available, one of a similar specification

​

 

[weckart]

Yeah maybe, but it was easily the worst experience of ordering an electrical item ever. You also have to factor in that they have hardline RRP figures on everything.

JL often has discounts, especially in the run up to new models, and will price match although the latter can be a bit hit and miss. Apple is about the only retailer that doggedly sticks to RRP.

 

[addictive]

I'm considering buying the new 10.5 iPad Pro so this would be a good offer.

There isn't too much that could go wrong with an iPad, right? I mean apart from the display cracking.

Has anyone dealt with John Lewis for an iPad on warranty before, wouldn't they just offer a straight swap if they couldn't fix the problem?

 

[Bassness]

Just to point out in UK you can claim under European Consumer Law on Macs for up to 6 years making the JL 3 year a moot point...I've found the knowedge of their staff to be below par and with no offer of student discount unlike apple premium resellers like KRCS ...I'll carry on avoiding John Lewis...and don't get me started on the "never knowingly undersold..." in the past I tried to get them to match or beat prices but they refused...

 

[weckart]

Just to point out in UK you can claim under European Consumer Law on Macs for up to 6 years making the JL 3 year a moot point...

Two points to raise here: The law in question is the UK CRA. The EU only mandates a 2 year guarantee. Second, JL is offering a warranty here. Claiming under guarantee and under warranty are vastly different experiences in simplicity, scope, time and cost. In no wise is this a moot point.

 

[Bassness]

Two points to raise here: The law in question is the UK CRA. The EU only mandates a 2 year guarantee. Second, JL is offering a warranty here. Claiming under guarantee and under warranty are vastly different experiences in simplicity, scope, time and cost. In no wise is this a moot point.

Link to Apples legal page

https://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/

Summary of Consumer Laws, the Apple One-Year Limited Warranty, the AppleCare Protection Plan or AppleCare+.
Claim period
Consumer Laws in the United Kingdom
England and Wales: 6 years from date of delivery

I was stating consumer law- I've claimed under it 5 times now...mainly for macs aged 5 years young! Although until this year I was claiming under Eu law - it would appear that Apple have changed the legal page.

I've had mates who tried it with JL at 4 years to be told they can't deal with it...they went to apple or resellers and had them repaired free of charge.

 

[Telos101]

Link to Apples legal page

https://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/

Summary of Consumer Laws, the Apple One-Year Limited Warranty, the AppleCare Protection Plan or AppleCare+.
Claim period
Consumer Laws in the United Kingdom
England and Wales: 6 years from date of delivery

I was stating EU consumer law- I've claimed under it 5 times now...mainly for macs aged 5 years young!

I've had mates who tried it with JL at 4 years to be told they can't deal with it...they went to apple or resellers and had them repaired free of charge.

That doesn't really make sense to me. If it's EU consumer law, JL can't refuse to deal with it, surely?

I think the difference here is a purchase guarantee offers supplementary stated benefits over against having to cite consumer law to argue your rights. Home pickup and re-delivery for example being one benefit of the JL guarantee.

 

[haydn!]

One thing worth noting with the six years versus the extended warranty. With extended warranty - you'll get a replacement if it can't be repaired. With the EU law, after the statutory 12 months, if it can't be repaired the retailer is only required to refund the value minus any natural depreciation.

 

[TWHH]

They've always done this with Macs (off the shelf base models, no top configs, no CTO systems). It's not 3 years of AppleCare though, it's their own warranty. I'd rather be going to Apple.

UK Consumer Law requires retailers in the UK to repair or replace a computer within 6 years of purchase if the fault is with the machine, rather than, say, you pouring coffee over it. So JL are not really giving anything more - in fact less - than they are legally required to.

Check out Apple's take on this:

https://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/

 

[epca12]

UK Consumer Law requires retailers in the UK to repair or replace a computer within 6 years of purchase if the fault is with the machine, rather than, say, you pouring coffee over it. So JL are not really giving anything more - in fact less - than they are legally required to.

Check out Apple's take on this:

https://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/

They aren't really giving less, just stating that they are giving less. I don't buy from John Lewis but I assume the seller guarantee is different to consumer law, like the Apple warranty is separate from consumer law. It may offer more

 

[weckart]

Link to Apples legal page

https://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/

The CRA, prior to 2015 known as the Sale Of Goods Act, dates back to 1979. Well before the EU published its directive in 1999. You have always claimed under English or Scottish Law. People are pretty much ignorant of their statutory rights and seem to think the EU invented consumer protection or added anything much to those that already existed here. The EU is pretty much irrelevant here. Its directive was aimed at newer and prospective new members who had patchier consumer protection laws. Apple does not help matters by referring to statutory warranties. It should be statutory guarantees. That is the term employed in the Act and the EU directive. Warranties are different and there are no statutory warranties for consumers.

That doesn't really make sense to me. If it's EU consumer law, JL can't refuse to deal with it, surely?

I think the difference here is a purchase guarantee offers supplementary stated benefits over against having to cite consumer law to argue your rights. Home pickup and re-delivery for example being one benefit of the JL guarantee.

No. Statutory guarantees are your protection with the retailer and are covered in the EU directive and the CRA. Warranties are an additional, discretionary benefit usually agreed between the manufacturer and the retailer and occasionally offered to the consumer in a limited form or sold as an extended warranty.

You guarantee gives you the right to raise a claim with the retailer up to six years after purchase. If the retailer does not agree with your claim (at any time) your claim will be refused and you are left with the option of pursuing your claim in the Small Claims Court. Warranties involve less quibbling hence my earlier comment denying that the existence of statutory guarantees makes JL's discretionary warranty moot.

 

[Darkashnet]

"which includes the three-year guarantee at no extra cost, with an option for three more additional years Added Care with accidental damage cover for £80."

The word "additional" is throwing me off here. Looking at JL's site its free standard 3 year cover, and you can pay £80 to have that 3 years include accidental damage. I don't think it's adding any additional years past the 3?

 

[StevieD100]

A few of the premium resellers are often cheaper than Apple - Deecies on eBay who usually include Windows pre-installed for 'switchers' and other software are always cheaper on the top end models (all build to order configs) - the new 64gb iMacs are much cheaper than Apple direct (and they do 25% off actual AppleCare)

KRCS were cheaper for iMacs too, although they don't appear to have the new configs up yet.
[doublepost=1497266470][/doublepost]

I always thought it was three, anyway it's with them not AppleCare - and their delivery service is the utter pits. I've just order and set back a TV, for delivery and collection it took them a total of 6 attempts. They did give me £100 back to be fair, but my word it was a painful experience. I wouldn't bother again.

With John Lewis, you can collect (many items) from a Waitrose Store. My nearest JL is 25 miles away but the Waitrose 2 miles away is perfect.

 

[masteroflondon]

Just to point out in UK you can claim under European Consumer Law on Macs for up to 6 years making the JL 3 year a moot point...I've found the knowedge of their staff to be below par and with no offer of student discount unlike apple premium resellers like KRCS ...I'll carry on avoiding John Lewis...and don't get me started on the "never knowingly undersold..." in the past I tried to get them to match or beat prices but they refused...

Agreed on the never undersold farce. So full of caveats, it's worthless. Once I was told they don't need to match as they were including a free warranty. If it's free, why should I pay an extra £100 for it? Another time I was told they won't match because the shop I was citing didn't have the item on the shop floor. They were a physical shop and had it in stock and offered delivery the next day. But it was not on display. Just like John Lewis, except their delivery offer was for two weeks later.
And it would be nice if they accepted contactless one day.
Basically, they are not the shop they were, nor the one they think they are. I see them as a fuddy duddy old company that's past it's sell by date. The service they pride themselves on is readily available elsewhere. I'll stop ranting now. Sorry.

 

[dannys1]

With John Lewis, you can collect (many items) from a Waitrose Store. My nearest JL is 25 miles away but the Waitrose 2 miles away is perfect.

That's fair enough, although Amazon is next day everything so. And there's no way i'd have got a 65" OLED in the back of my car haha.