Hi everyone,
On December 5, 2022 I purchased a base model MacBook Pro 14 from the Japanese Apple Refurbished Store for 224,800 JPY.
On January 17, 2023 Apple unveiled the new MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro/Max chips... (side note: ...with a price increase of 14,000 JPY or approx. 100 USD compared to the previous models).
With the release of the new Macs, the price of refurbished MacBook Pros were also reduced.
The price of the very same model that I purchased is now 201,800 JPY. That's a 23,000 JPY or approx. 180 USD price change.
Quite a significant price drop, if you ask me, especially in view of the declining value of the Japanese Yen...
Since I ordered my Mac during the holiday season, the return window ends on January 20, 2023.
According to Apple's price-match policy I am way over the 14+14 calendar days to be eligible for a price-match.
Nevertheless, I phoned the Apple Store and gave it a try to see if they are willing to bend the rules for me.
The sales representative was very kind and helpful, but ultimately advised me that if I want to "take advantage of a price-match", I should return my Mac for a refund and order an identical refurbished product for the lower price. The main reason: price-match does not apply to refurbished products.
This was to be expected and needless to say, I did not want to go through the hassle of returning my Mac and ordering another one.
HOWEVER, 20 minutes later I got a call from the same Apple Store sales representative informing me that they will indeed do the price-match and that I should receive a confirmation email shortly. Today I got the email from Apple confirming the price-match/refund. Nice!
Thanks, Apple! 😍
Now, compare that to my experience with the Microsoft Store: I purchased a Surface Pro, but then decided to cancel my order. My credit card was charged, but MS says that they cannot do a refund, because my card wasn't supported. What?! 😡 That's right, they were able to take my money, but not to give it back. I had to contact my credit card issuer to solve this issue. Thankfully they were able to get my money back. That was the very last time I did any business with Microsoft.
I just wanted to share my experience with Apple (and Microsoft), in case it helps someone.
Have a nice day everyone!
On December 5, 2022 I purchased a base model MacBook Pro 14 from the Japanese Apple Refurbished Store for 224,800 JPY.
On January 17, 2023 Apple unveiled the new MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro/Max chips... (side note: ...with a price increase of 14,000 JPY or approx. 100 USD compared to the previous models).
With the release of the new Macs, the price of refurbished MacBook Pros were also reduced.
The price of the very same model that I purchased is now 201,800 JPY. That's a 23,000 JPY or approx. 180 USD price change.
Quite a significant price drop, if you ask me, especially in view of the declining value of the Japanese Yen...
Since I ordered my Mac during the holiday season, the return window ends on January 20, 2023.
According to Apple's price-match policy I am way over the 14+14 calendar days to be eligible for a price-match.
Nevertheless, I phoned the Apple Store and gave it a try to see if they are willing to bend the rules for me.
The sales representative was very kind and helpful, but ultimately advised me that if I want to "take advantage of a price-match", I should return my Mac for a refund and order an identical refurbished product for the lower price. The main reason: price-match does not apply to refurbished products.
This was to be expected and needless to say, I did not want to go through the hassle of returning my Mac and ordering another one.
HOWEVER, 20 minutes later I got a call from the same Apple Store sales representative informing me that they will indeed do the price-match and that I should receive a confirmation email shortly. Today I got the email from Apple confirming the price-match/refund. Nice!
Thanks, Apple! 😍
Now, compare that to my experience with the Microsoft Store: I purchased a Surface Pro, but then decided to cancel my order. My credit card was charged, but MS says that they cannot do a refund, because my card wasn't supported. What?! 😡 That's right, they were able to take my money, but not to give it back. I had to contact my credit card issuer to solve this issue. Thankfully they were able to get my money back. That was the very last time I did any business with Microsoft.
I just wanted to share my experience with Apple (and Microsoft), in case it helps someone.
Have a nice day everyone!
