Question about Apple Returns

Hi all.

Does anyone have experience with Apple returns and refunds? I'm in the market for a new laptop and am keen to understand the performance of the new silicon MacBooks in using some of the software packages I need for work.

I note that the wording in Apples T&Cs when it comes to returns seems more lenient than those on other shops (JB Hi-Fi, Amazon, Officeworks) - where others specify seals must be unbroken.

My concern is the performance may not be worth the price when it comes to the ways I'm hoping to use it, and I won't really know until trying it, therefore it would be nice to have the option to return for a full refund if it doesn't meet my needs.

Appreciate any help.

Comments

  • +6

    You have 14 days to return the product to Apple even after use. The whole point is you can use it and see if it's fit for you. You can verify this with Apple Support.

    Although not a personal fan of OSX, the performance is definitely worth the price. It's impressive. The question is whether it's suitable for your use case.

    • Thanks a lot. I definitely will be doing this.

      • I agree with Hybroid, though I wish I paid extra for 16GM on my M1 (I bought it June 30 and wanted to claim it)

        • How convenient that you can't just upgrade it like most other laptops.

          • +1

            @Mechz: The beauty of Apple. So many great innovations.
            1. Stick with lighting over USBC
            2. No microSD slot
            3. Get rid of the headphone 3.5mm Port
            4. Get rid of the frequencies and antennas so they are no longer blue tick. Give me an iPhone 8 over and iPhone in the last 5 years.
            5. Wait 2 years until 5g is safe.
            6. Design airpods that look ridiculous.
            7. Throttle USBC speed on 10 th green iPads to be as slow as micro USB/lightning.
            The positive is that all their slave labour at Foxconn are making more money than picking rice in a rice field. (Then again most wages are now paying for imported food).

          • @Mechz: Though, not most comparable laptops.

  • You could ask apple staff in person to get it straight form the source if you're worried?

    • Certainly would upon purchasing, but figured there might be someone here who could save a fellow OzB'er a trip to the Apple store if it's a straight up "no".

    • +1

      Con the fruiterer?

      He said a cuppla days - not 14.

      • haha classic australian tv - definitely could not get away with that stuff these days

        • +1

          Do you remember the 30 second outdoor cleaner ad?

  • +1

    I returned an apple watch (used) within the 14 days window. No questions asked, the staff just took it and processed the refund.

  • It's a test drive period. I've purchased products for test drive, returned it, and bought it for real using a discounted method.

  • +4

    If you return it Apple will stick it up on their refurbished site, or use it for warranty swaps.

    They have the power and supply chain do allow 14 days, no questions asked returns, when purchased direct.

  • +2

    I note that the wording in Apples T&Cs(apple.com) when it comes to returns seems more lenient than those on other shops (JB Hi-Fi, Amazon, Officeworks) - where others specify seals must be unbroken.

    Yeah don't even think about returning an opened Apple product you didn't buy directly from Apple for a change of mind to any of those retailers.

    Apple directly does allow a 14 day change of mind return. So as it seems you just want to play and then return it, buy from Apple directly.

  • +2

    Purchase direct from apple and you will be fine.
    you might want to skip gift cards etc as refunds could be tricky.

    • Purchase from Tim Apple, return for refund, then buy at a discount when on sale at JB with GCs etc.

  • I bought an iPhone SE because I needed it to back up my iPhone 8 (it was being weird, long story) and accidentally somehow scratched the screen, I think it must have scratched when I put it in my pocket and it grazed my zipper. Person didn’t even bother checking it on return.

    I love Apple’s return policy.

    • Probably bad customer service to leave customers feeling "stuck" with a device they don't want. And besides it lets Apple sell the devices on as refurbished, letting customers into the ecosystem for a lower price.

  • I hate Apple for many reason,s but one reason I love them is their generous return policy if product purchased directly through them…

    Think of it as a 2 week trial of the item. If you, for whatever reason find it unsuitable, they cheerfully refund the money, never making a fuss. Of course don't damage it and keep the packaging… But it sure is a good way to feel comfortable about a purchase in case it doesn't work out.

  • I actually picked up a 14" M2 Pro (base model) this arv and will trial it for work. if it works well, I'll talk the company into upgrading me!

  • To clarify, it sounds like if I am going on a 1 week trip in which I'd prefer a better laptop than I currently have, I could buy a new Apple Macbook, use it for my week interstate, then return it after no questions asked.

    Free laptop rental, although probably unable to get away with it more than one or two times.

    • +1

      Absolutely you can. Of course, you risk the laptop being damaged on the trip. Although you also get 7 days free AppleCare+ so maybe you could return it minus a fee
      (Each incident is subject to a service fee of A$149 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or A$429 for other accidental damage.)

  • I've had an incredibly difficult time getting a refund.

    Bought an Apple Watch and Airpod Pro and returned it within the window.

    1. They contacted me to say that they received the watch but not the Airpods. I told them I had a courier pick them both up on the same day.

    2. Received an e-mail notifying me of a refund for the Aipods had been processed.

    3. Received an e-mail of the need to discuss the return of the Apple Watch.

    4. I called back moments ago and was told that the band was not received. Told them The band was attached to the watch with everything that came with the watch. Waiting to hear back from them now.

    In short, its been a complete shit show.

    • Return in store might be better

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