Do Apple stores repackage returned products and sell as new?

[hajime]

Hello, I got an iPhone 15 Pro Max a week ago. It took an unusual long time for a staff to take it out in a very quiet store and when I opened the box at home, I found scratches near the USB-C port area. I immediately complained to Apple.com and they told me to return for a refund or exchange. Another strange thing is that I just checked the receipt and there is a few dollars worth of discount under "EPP for Corporate and Government". Never seen such thing on a receipt from Apple.

Now I am considering whether or not to buy from that store again.

 

[hg.wells]

No they don’t. Any returned products are sold through Apples online refurbished store. Return it to the store for another one and open and check before you leave.

The EPP is discount, which is probably related to an email address you used when purchasing, that’s normal.

 

[Iwavvns]

I don't think Apple are allowed to sell returned items as new items, rather they have to be sold as "open box" and at a discount - which is basically the purpose of their refurbished line. I have purchased refurbs from Apple in the past and every one of them looked like a brand new device - save for the box, which doesn't show the device picture on the front of it.

 

[Silly John Fatty]

Pro Trick:

1. Order new item
2. Return it
3. Way for it to appear in refurbished