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Best iMac return policy?

P

psymac

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 17, 2002
549
155
Wondering about buying an iMac from Amazon or MacMall vs from Apple. If I have a problem with the computer, does it matter who I buy it from? It would be under warranty, so Apple would fix or replace no matter where I buy it, but not sure.

I guess the difference is within the first 14 or 30 days, who is going to be more flexible with a return, but after that its under Apple warranty and discretion. Any thoughts?
 
psymac said:
Wondering about buying an iMac from Amazon or MacMall vs from Apple. If I have a problem with the computer, does it matter who I buy it from? It would be under warranty, so Apple would fix or replace no matter where I buy it, but not sure.

I guess the difference is within the first 14 or 30 days, who is going to be more flexible with a return, but after that its under Apple warranty and discretion. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Amazon is better for return, as they will take it back with no restocking fees. You can bring it to apple for repair regardless of where you buy it. Amazon is a certified apple retailer.
 
psymac said:
Wondering about buying an iMac from Amazon or MacMall vs from Apple. If I have a problem with the computer, does it matter who I buy it from? It would be under warranty, so Apple would fix or replace no matter where I buy it, but not sure.

I guess the difference is within the first 14 or 30 days, who is going to be more flexible with a return, but after that its under Apple warranty and discretion. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Apple will support it wherever you buy it from, but would recommend returns to go the original purchase location. Are you more concerned about returns or exchanges? One company might accept an exchange for one dead or stuck pixel and another might not. Get a clear idea about their policy on screen defect exchanges/returns. Apple is pretty gray in this area and since they ultimately have to get Apple to accept the return, they might be a little tight on what they will accept.

I had to send my first one back to Apple for stuck pixels they day I got it. Minimal hassle and had the replacement within 8 days.
 
yes I have heard bad things about macmall, but as long as you buy items directly from amazon, you should be all set. The only problems I've heard of is when you use amazons 3rd party retailers.
 
Thanks, Leon! Great site, Macconnection has a good rating, 6.7

Wondering though, at what point do you either ask for a return/replacment with the store or go to Apple for warranty if something is wrong with the computer?

I can see right at delivery, if right away something is wrong, you'd want to return. How about a week or three later, still the store or now you call Apple for warranty?
 
psymac said:
Thanks, Leon! Great site, Macconnection has a good rating, 6.7

Wondering though, at what point do you either ask for a return/replacment with the store or go to Apple for warranty if something is wrong with the computer?

I can see right at delivery, if right away something is wrong, you'd want to return. How about a week or three later, still the store or now you call Apple for warranty?
Click to expand...

Usually if its within 30 days it goes back to the store, after that the manufacturer takes over. Some stores have different policies, and will allow returns up to 90 days, and after that the manufacturer takes over. That is rare though.
 
psymac said:
Wondering though, at what point do you either ask for a return/replacment with
the store or go to Apple for warranty if something is wrong with the computer?
Click to expand...

Suggest you follow gehrbox's excellent advice:

"Get a clear idea about their policy on screen defect exchanges/returns."

Apple's "official policy" on defective pixels is very cloudy, but numerous
postings here (and on other Apple forums) indicate that (most?) Apple
retail stores will exchange iMacs with a single bad pixel -- if you return
it to the store promptly. I have no idea whether various online resellers
would be so accomodating. Call 'em and ask.

WRT repair versus replacement of defective merchandise, read the DOA
provisions of Apple's official sales policy. In a nutshell, you have a right
to demand a replacement for a DOA unit during the first 30 days -- but
you forfeit that right if you allow Apple to attempt a repair.

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales_policies/

good luck,

LK
 
will they exchange/fix a monitor with a gradient and bleed if its about 3 or 4 months? with/without Applecare?
 
Interesting that on MacMall, they just refer to Apple or return/warranty repairs, but don's spell out their 30 day policy. So, you might be screwed or not, depending on who you get in the RMA department. Not sure how the sales person can make any promises either about the return policy.

You might ask him or her to write any promises made in the comments section of your order, but YMMV.
 
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