Why doesn't the official Apple online refurbished store sell iPhones?

[emilioestevez]

The refurb store on Apple.com sells practically every other Apple product, but no iPhones. Does anyone know why not?

 

[ABC5S]

Ask Apple. How are we to know ?

 

[z31fanatic]

I am not sure. Apple did have an eBay store operated by a third party where they sold refurbished phones but that's gone too once they were found out I think.

 

[Broadus]

Perhaps the refurbished phones are used to replace iPhones returned due to warranty issues.

 

[bhayes444]

I've always wondered the same thing. Probably due to them needing replacement models for consumers and possibly other third parties. Also, it might be that they feel selling their #1 product as refurbished would cheapen the perceived value of it.

 

[yanki01]

they'd probably sell too quick and not enough to keep in store for replacements? never saw any prices regarding the ones on ebay but would assume they're about 40% cheaper than a brand new one? apple basically gives them away if you find anything wrong with your phone. I just got my 2nd replacement in the mail yesterday for a faulty vibrate switch. they could have easily fixed the issue or declined it because it wasn't that big of a problem, though I got a new/refurb in my hands right now.

 

[EW800]

Ask Apple. How are we to know ?

Tad cranky this morning?

 

[Steve686]

Perhaps the refurbished phones are used to replace iPhones returned due to warranty issues.

Exactly.

It is the highest return and defect item in their inventory just for the simple fact that the iPhone carries the company.

 

[eyoungren]

I would also argue that it undercuts their sales of new iPhones.

Apple wants you to buy a new phone at full price from them. It's popular enough that if you decide you don't want to buy a new phone from them it doesn't matter. Someone else will. But if you really want that iPhone you'll cough up the money for a new one.

Giving you the option to buy a refurb from them means they get less money.

 

[segrobja]

AT&T used to sell refurbished iPhones years ago. They would sell them online and they would magically appear, sell out, and then disappear for awhile. This is how I got my first iPhone, back in the days of no subsidies that we are now heading back to.