Blacklisting refunds on App Store?

[Lisat78]

I have requested refunds um... Twice. Once a few weeks ago when I downloaded an app that turned out to either be very buggy/did not do what I thought it would do/accessibility issues. I indicated this as my reason for cancellation and then today when I went to download the Ulysses app I was told that if I went ahead with the purchase I would be waiving my right to cancellation! I understand the need not to abuse the refund system, but surely two usages should not qualify as 'abuse' and furthermore, it's exasperating that it has kicked in on an expensive app (£14, no less) where I would value the ability to get my money back. Does anyone know if there's any means of getting myself off the blacklist?

 

[gordon1234]

In the United States, Apple's official policy is that all sales are final, but if there is a real problem with the app, they almost always refund without issue. By contrast, in the UK, they have a standard two-week return policy for apps and other digital content (http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/132...p-store-refunds-in-the-uk-here-s-how-it-works). This may explain the message - you may have overused the automatic, standard return period, so Apple is revoking it for at least some new purchases.

I wouldn't worry about it overly. If there is a real problem with an app (crashes, not compatible with latest OS, missing advertised feature, not VoiceOver-friendly, etc), then I've never known Apple to be any trouble about issuing refunds on a case-by-case basis - the same way all refunds are handled in the US. If your reason for requesting a refund is simply that you didn't like the app, then you may run into problems.

My partner is blind, and finding third-party apps with good VoiceOver support tends to involve a lot of trial and error. I've literally sent mass refund requests to Apple for a dozen or more apps at a time, and never once have they given me any trouble once I explain why I'm requesting the refund.

 

[Sirious]

You can give Apple a phone call rather than trying to do it online. Usually they are the ones that can give you some relief from the black lists.

Online is good for the occasional refund for apps that don't work as expected, otherwise phone call is best.

 

[dk001]

Do the phone call. Only way I have found to get a good response.

 

[Lisat78]

Unfortunately I am deaf and cannot use the phone. They don't do FaceTime support, do they?! They should. OTOH I've always had a very fast email response so it may be that if this occurs again I can just email and hopefully get it sorted that way. At least it sounds like the blacklisting is just an automated response and if I desperately needed a refund I should be able to get one by contacting Apple directly.

 

[C DM]

Unfortunately I am deaf and cannot use the phone. They don't do FaceTime support, do they?! They should. OTOH I've always had a very fast email response so it may be that if this occurs again I can just email and hopefully get it sorted that way. At least it sounds like the blacklisting is just an automated response and if I desperately needed a refund I should be able to get one by contacting Apple directly.

Apple mentions the following on their contact page at http://www.apple.com/contact/--perhaps it might be of some help?

If you have a hearing or vision impairment, call (877) 204-3930 for direct access to Apple representatives who are trained in providing support using accessibility services.

 

[Max(IT)]

I asked for a refund once, for a movie erroneously rented on iTunes. They did it, no question asked.