14 DAY TRIAL // If you bought an iPhone two weeks ago and are contemplating to ask for a refund, better get your rear off the couch and hit the closest Apple Store in your area, because you may lose your chance to get your money back with every second that passes.
According to some leaked papers and an updated document on the company’s web site, you can no longer expect a refund in the usually-allotted 30-day window. Starting now, it’s just 14 days, or exactly the same as your carrier will offer, to avoid confusion.
“Thanks for shopping at Apple. We appreciate the fact that you like to buy the cool stuff we build. We also want to make sure you have a rewarding experience while you’re exploring, evaluating, and purchasing our products, whether you’re at the Apple Online Store, in an Apple Retail Store, or on the phone with the Apple Contact Center,” the company states.
Apple is confident everyone will fall in love with what it has to offer, but there are always exceptions. Anticipating these offset scenarios, the Cupertino giant says it wants to be there for you with some reasonable terms that both parties can agree to.
“We fundamentally believe you will be thrilled with the products you purchase from the Apple Store. That’s because we go out of our way to ensure that they’re designed and built to be just what you need. We understand, however, that sometimes a product may not be what you expected it to be. In that unlikely event, we invite you to review the following terms related to returning a product.”
The company then finally reveals its change in policy, stating that “For iPhone returns, you may return your undamaged iPhone with its included accessories within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.”
The Cupertino company also makes an important observation regarding returned iPhones and how these will not affect the current status of the customer’s wireless contract (with the likes of AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, Orange, Vodafone, etc.)
“Here’s the important part,” Apple outlines. “Returning your iPhone may not automatically cancel or reset your wireless account; you are responsible for your wireless service agreement and for any applicable fees associated with your wireless account. Please contact your provider for more information,” the document says.
To review Apple’s Retail Store Purchase Policies in full, visit the company’s web site at http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/sales-policies/retail_us.html. Remember that refunds only apply to devices returned without major scratches, dings, cracks, etc.