Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple IS Offering $200 Credit For Customers (With Caveat)
- Thread starter Amblinman
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
well.....
I bought the 4gb iPhone on launch day. I stand there for about 4-7 hours. The only reason I am mad for is that I paid $550 for my phone and if I would of waited 2 months I could have got a 8gb for a hundred dollars less. I feel like I should be able to recieve $100 coupon or be able to trade in my 4gb for a 8gb. Than I would say apple and I would be square
I bought the 4gb iPhone on launch day. I stand there for about 4-7 hours. The only reason I am mad for is that I paid $550 for my phone and if I would of waited 2 months I could have got a 8gb for a hundred dollars less. I feel like I should be able to recieve $100 coupon or be able to trade in my 4gb for a 8gb. Than I would say apple and I would be square
I got an 8 GB one on 7/15 from a store, I don't think I can get credit for it from the store however, the card I used has 60 day price protection. Here is the part I need help from you guys.
To get the $200 from the credit card co I need to provide them a printed ad such as newspaper ad or magazine ad or in store circular showing new price.
Does Apple have any of these ads? Any help would save me $200
Thanks
Yep, I just got off the phone w/ Citi and they told me the same thing. Since Apple seems to be sticking to the 14 day party line, perhaps they would be nice enough to print off a few in store circulars touting the new price. Doesn't cost them much, but saves me a bundle and restores at little good will. BTW, I just called my local Apple store and they have no plans for in store ads at this point. However, since the price drop just occurred yesterday, maybe that will change.
More refund transactions
Dear forum,
I also called the 1-800-MYAPPLE line regarding my iDay phone. I spoke to a technical support rep who seemed to be familiar with the type of call I had initiated. He told me he would put me on hold and transfer me to the 'correct department'
After about 20 minutes I was connected with a rep. She began to read from what sounded like a script to address one of my concerns expressed to the tech guy. I politely cut her off and gave her all the reasons I was disappointed including bad faith, the pricing scheme which hurts the most loyal, my long time apple commitments, my waiting in line, the bugs which still exists, and the kitchen sink my friends. I was firm and calm throughout my exchange.
In the end, it was clear this person I was speaking to was unable to offer any sort of concession. She said "Apple was not out to take money in a nefarious way from consumers." I replied, "That is precisely what apple did. It is right out of an economics text book. Apple recaptured consumer surplus-- a brilliant strategy, but one that will only work once."
So Macrumors, it appears that calling this line is a complete dead end. I am a lawyer and I gave this woman the best cross examination I could muster. Apple apparently has no plans to offer you a refund. If you find a local store manager who does otherwise he is probably dipping into the "calm an angry customer fund" each store is allocated.
For those that do call, I suggested giving the early adopters a $50 iTunes credit to test out the new wireless store. It won't cost apple much and will go a long way in calming the irked.
Dear forum,
I also called the 1-800-MYAPPLE line regarding my iDay phone. I spoke to a technical support rep who seemed to be familiar with the type of call I had initiated. He told me he would put me on hold and transfer me to the 'correct department'
After about 20 minutes I was connected with a rep. She began to read from what sounded like a script to address one of my concerns expressed to the tech guy. I politely cut her off and gave her all the reasons I was disappointed including bad faith, the pricing scheme which hurts the most loyal, my long time apple commitments, my waiting in line, the bugs which still exists, and the kitchen sink my friends. I was firm and calm throughout my exchange.
In the end, it was clear this person I was speaking to was unable to offer any sort of concession. She said "Apple was not out to take money in a nefarious way from consumers." I replied, "That is precisely what apple did. It is right out of an economics text book. Apple recaptured consumer surplus-- a brilliant strategy, but one that will only work once."
So Macrumors, it appears that calling this line is a complete dead end. I am a lawyer and I gave this woman the best cross examination I could muster. Apple apparently has no plans to offer you a refund. If you find a local store manager who does otherwise he is probably dipping into the "calm an angry customer fund" each store is allocated.
For those that do call, I suggested giving the early adopters a $50 iTunes credit to test out the new wireless store. It won't cost apple much and will go a long way in calming the irked.
Aw crap.
That part about "We don't talk about..."
dang it... okay, was that the 1st Rule of Early Adopter Club or the 2nd one?
That part about "We don't talk about..."
dang it... okay, was that the 1st Rule of Early Adopter Club or the 2nd one?
Crap, I didn't read about that perk in the manual. What about us women?
Oh, and I guess I just realized why my boyfriend waited in line 6 hours on the 29th...
I just talked to a customer service person and complained about my experience with the Mall of America Apple Store, so they will be receiving a call from corporate.
He also said he'll be sending me a Platronics Explorer330 bluetooth headset ($50 value) for my poor experience with the Mall of America Apple Store.
The best thing he said he can do about the price drop is file a complaint to corporate and that I should get a letter in the mail if Apple decides to do anything. To which I replied "So I'm left here with the hope that Apple will send me a letter that contains nothing more than an empty apology and they are only out 40 cents?" And that was about all he could give me.
Hopefully this will turn around.
He also said he'll be sending me a Platronics Explorer330 bluetooth headset ($50 value) for my poor experience with the Mall of America Apple Store.
The best thing he said he can do about the price drop is file a complaint to corporate and that I should get a letter in the mail if Apple decides to do anything. To which I replied "So I'm left here with the hope that Apple will send me a letter that contains nothing more than an empty apology and they are only out 40 cents?" And that was about all he could give me.
Hopefully this will turn around.
Crap, I didn't read about that perk in the manual. What about us women?
Oh, and I guess I just realized why my boyfriend waited in line 6 hours on the 29th...
Damn, I've been found out. As for you women, if you turn to page 5, you'll see that you benefit in similar ways...which I'm sure you know from your experience of having an iPhone when you know your boyfriend is an Apple fanboy.
Not for nothing, jonatron. This wasn't the typical product launch. Apple had people lined up for blocks to purchase this product. The "typical" rules don't apply here.
It really smells more like a "get a whole lot of cash upfront" kind of thing. They know that only a small percentage will look for refunds and that most will give up after the first time they're told "no".
So far, AT&T gave me a definite "no" as I was one of the suckers that bought it the first weekend. Apple says they can't do anything because it was AT&T inventory. Though Apple was, as expected, far more customer service friendly than the morons at AT&T.
The AT&T supervisor I talked to went so far as to tell me it was a promotional price. Then went on to tell me how the TV she purchased 3 weeks ago was now on sale. But that she wouldn't complain. I told her to bring the receipt to the store. If it's a major retailer, they will probably refund the difference a "good customer relations".
Supposedly, another supervisor from AT&T is going to call me back.
I don't know what you're entitled to. You thought $600 was a fair price for the product you purchased the day it was launched. You aren't entitled to squat.
Interesting post.
For those that are truly irked, you might check your credit card policy. Mine (AMEX) offers 60 day price protection / buyer's assurance.
Good for you kellen
A few minutes ago, I called 1-800-MYAPPLE as well as my local Apple Store - both basically told me (though very courteously) to take a hike. This selective crediting ticks me off even more - if they credit folks, they should do it consistently or not at all. Bunch of bastids.
If a copy of my receipt will help, I have posted it.
Unfortunately, it didn't.
I specifically mentioned this forum/thread along with the copy of the receipt that had been posted ... no dice. Both folks I talked to very quite friendly but judging by firm they were in reiterating the "no refunds outside of the 14 day policy", it sure looks like that's going to be Apple's policy from here on out.The NYT article about the price cuts having been planned "a long time ago" makes this all the worse.
I don't know what you're entitled to. You thought $600 was a fair price for the product you purchased the day it was launched. You aren't entitled to squat.
I never claimed to be entitled to anything. I just know that Apple does meticulous business plans on everything, including the iPhone. They knew this price drop was coming and they screwed their loyal customers. That's just business on Infinity Loop I guess.
Just got back from the same Lynnwood, WA Apple store that the fellow who posted his receipt was at. No dice for my Day 1 iphones.
I came in about 20 minutes after the store opened this am, talked to the Assistant Manager (Henry), who reiterated the 14-day policy, and noted that he'd had a LOT of unpleasant discussions since mid-day yesterday. He was polite, seemed quite pained to be unable to assist, but stood firm.
In my case, I'd planned on buying a 24" iMac this week, but I think that's on hold.
I'm a little griped that the folks like me who bought in the first 45 days are the only ones not getting rebates... I'm deeply familiar with technology pricing, and I know how things go, but this is unusually rapid, especially for a company that has a history of keeping prices remarkably stable. I literally can't remember the last Apple product that got a discount between revisions.
My final whine is that my credit card has a 60-day price-protection policy, and I'm now past that as well.... I'll see if they're any more movable than Apple.
I came in about 20 minutes after the store opened this am, talked to the Assistant Manager (Henry), who reiterated the 14-day policy, and noted that he'd had a LOT of unpleasant discussions since mid-day yesterday. He was polite, seemed quite pained to be unable to assist, but stood firm.
In my case, I'd planned on buying a 24" iMac this week, but I think that's on hold.
I'm a little griped that the folks like me who bought in the first 45 days are the only ones not getting rebates... I'm deeply familiar with technology pricing, and I know how things go, but this is unusually rapid, especially for a company that has a history of keeping prices remarkably stable. I literally can't remember the last Apple product that got a discount between revisions.
My final whine is that my credit card has a 60-day price-protection policy, and I'm now past that as well.... I'll see if they're any more movable than Apple.
So does mine, but they require a paper advert of some kind as proof of the new price...they won't accept anything web based or a printed price quote. Is Amex willing to refund it based solely on Apple's web site price? If so, that's excellent, wish Citi would do the same.
I just got off the phone with Citi Cards Price Protection / Claims department. Well actually I called them yesterday and filed a claim but I was told that I needed a printed ad showing the new price. When I called them today they said that they have been getting lot of calls regarding iphone and not being able to provide printed ad since Apple does't have any printed ads.
Their claim department is going to make a decision regarding whether to have an exception for Apple products since there are no printed media ads. They will know within 24 hours.
I got the phone on 7/15 and 60 days is up on 9/15, I filed a claim yesterday and I was told that it will be ok.
In addition to all this, I bought a 4GB model last friday as a gift, I think I can get a credit for it since it is in 14-day period.
Jut keeping citi card users informed.
Their claim department is going to make a decision regarding whether to have an exception for Apple products since there are no printed media ads. They will know within 24 hours.
I got the phone on 7/15 and 60 days is up on 9/15, I filed a claim yesterday and I was told that it will be ok.
In addition to all this, I bought a 4GB model last friday as a gift, I think I can get a credit for it since it is in 14-day period.
Jut keeping citi card users informed.
i tried calling the Apple store i purchased the product from. the 'supervisor' was a complete jerk. i then called Apple customer service, got transferred around a few times, but each of those people seemed helpful even though they kept passing the buck. was on hold for 15 minutes before getting through to the 'right' person which pretty much said "tough luck".
it is only $200 and it's not that big of a deal to me as i'm used to paying a premium for cell phones when they are first released (i buy unlocked euro cell phones, not US phones), but this much of a drop this quickly is upsetting. not to mention it'd be nice to have an 8gb model vs a 4gb like i currently have.
ah well.
it is only $200 and it's not that big of a deal to me as i'm used to paying a premium for cell phones when they are first released (i buy unlocked euro cell phones, not US phones), but this much of a drop this quickly is upsetting. not to mention it'd be nice to have an 8gb model vs a 4gb like i currently have.
ah well.
Official! $100 Store Credit
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/
To all iPhone customers:
I have received hundreds of emails from iPhone customers who are upset about Apple dropping the price of iPhone by $200 two months after it went on sale. After reading every one of these emails, I have some observations and conclusions.
First, I am sure that we are making the correct decision to lower the price of the 8GB iPhone from $599 to $399, and that now is the right time to do it. iPhone is a breakthrough product, and we have the chance to 'go for it' this holiday season. iPhone is so far ahead of the competition, and now it will be affordable by even more customers. It benefits both Apple and every iPhone user to get as many new customers as possible in the iPhone 'tent'. We strongly believe the $399 price will help us do just that this holiday season.
Second, being in technology for 30+ years I can attest to the fact that the technology road is bumpy. There is always change and improvement, and there is always someone who bought a product before a particular cutoff date and misses the new price or the new operating system or the new whatever. This is life in the technology lane. If you always wait for the next price cut or to buy the new improved model, you'll never buy any technology product because there is always something better and less expensive on the horizon. The good news is that if you buy products from companies that support them well, like Apple tries to do, you will receive years of useful and satisfying service from them even as newer models are introduced.
Third, even though we are making the right decision to lower the price of iPhone, and even though the technology road is bumpy, we need to do a better job taking care of our early iPhone customers as we aggressively go after new ones with a lower price. Our early customers trusted us, and we must live up to that trust with our actions in moments like these.
Therefore, we have decided to offer every iPhone customer who purchased an iPhone from either Apple or AT&T, and who is not receiving a rebate or any other consideration, a $100 store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Details are still being worked out and will be posted on Apple's website next week. Stay tuned.
We want to do the right thing for our valued iPhone customers. We apologize for disappointing some of you, and we are doing our best to live up to your high expectations of Apple.
Steve Jobs
Apple CEO
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/
To all iPhone customers:
I have received hundreds of emails from iPhone customers who are upset about Apple dropping the price of iPhone by $200 two months after it went on sale. After reading every one of these emails, I have some observations and conclusions.
First, I am sure that we are making the correct decision to lower the price of the 8GB iPhone from $599 to $399, and that now is the right time to do it. iPhone is a breakthrough product, and we have the chance to 'go for it' this holiday season. iPhone is so far ahead of the competition, and now it will be affordable by even more customers. It benefits both Apple and every iPhone user to get as many new customers as possible in the iPhone 'tent'. We strongly believe the $399 price will help us do just that this holiday season.
Second, being in technology for 30+ years I can attest to the fact that the technology road is bumpy. There is always change and improvement, and there is always someone who bought a product before a particular cutoff date and misses the new price or the new operating system or the new whatever. This is life in the technology lane. If you always wait for the next price cut or to buy the new improved model, you'll never buy any technology product because there is always something better and less expensive on the horizon. The good news is that if you buy products from companies that support them well, like Apple tries to do, you will receive years of useful and satisfying service from them even as newer models are introduced.
Third, even though we are making the right decision to lower the price of iPhone, and even though the technology road is bumpy, we need to do a better job taking care of our early iPhone customers as we aggressively go after new ones with a lower price. Our early customers trusted us, and we must live up to that trust with our actions in moments like these.
Therefore, we have decided to offer every iPhone customer who purchased an iPhone from either Apple or AT&T, and who is not receiving a rebate or any other consideration, a $100 store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Details are still being worked out and will be posted on Apple's website next week. Stay tuned.
We want to do the right thing for our valued iPhone customers. We apologize for disappointing some of you, and we are doing our best to live up to your high expectations of Apple.
Steve Jobs
Apple CEO
I just got off the phone with Citi Cards Price Protection / Claims department. Well actually I called them yesterday and filed a claim but I was told that I needed a printed ad showing the new price. When I called them today they said that they have been getting lot of calls regarding iphone and not being able to provide printed ad since Apple does't have any printed ads.
Their claim department is going to make a decision regarding whether to have an exception for Apple products since there are no printed media ads. They will know within 24 hours.
Jut keeping citi card users informed.
Thanks for the update. I'll give them another call tomorrow. Of course now that it appears there will be a $100 store credit concession from Apple, not sure if Citi will follow through.
I was pretty upset about the $200 drop, but I'm more than pleased with the $100 credit that Apple is offering now. Granted it's got to be spent with Apple again, but it's better than nothing at all.
I'm not sure I understand why some people think they are entitled to the full $200 back. It also seems pretty underhanded to try to take advantage of the $100 credit and a $200 refund (should you actually get Apple/AT&T to have let you).
I'm not sure I understand why some people think they are entitled to the full $200 back. It also seems pretty underhanded to try to take advantage of the $100 credit and a $200 refund (should you actually get Apple/AT&T to have let you).