Filed under: Retail, Apple, Macbook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air
Aw, I just bought a MacBook last week ...
When I was faced with the decision of buying a MacBook Pro or waiting, I immediately took the leap of faith without knowing if Apple would be releasing a new unit within the next few weeks or not. As it turns out, I was wrong and Apple did release a new MacBook Pro. However, I did not suck it up and go on ... I went searching for some answers as to what you can do if you are in the same situation. In this post, I'm going to tell you what I found out. When you purchase a new product from Apple (either through the online store, or though a brick-and-mortar store) you have 14 days to return the product. With this 14-day policy, Apple also gives you price protection. From my understanding this covers both pricing decreases as well as new products coming out.
When I took my MacBook Pro to the Apple Store, they immediately looked at my receipt and asked if I wanted a new one. I thought, "This can't be this easy, can it?" There is a caveat with replacing your old machine with a new model: the Apple Store might charge you a "re-stocking" fee. This is a 10% fee based on the initial purchase price. I questioned them about this and they told me that I would be getting an upgraded product. However, I was able to get my re-stocking fee waived after talking with the manager for a little while.
The Bottom Line
If you bought a MacBook/Pro/Air in the past 14 days and want to upgrade to one of the newer models, it definitely wouldn't hurt to call up your local store (or Apple online customer service at 1-800-MY-APPLE) and talk to them about returning. Don't be surprised if they tell you about the restocking fee, they told me the same story until I took it into the store. Unlike most computer companies, Apple does try to make the situation right, and most of the time, you come out on top of the matter.
Additional Resources
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Marcus said 8:16AM on 10-17-2008
I actually waited for the announcement and then ran out and picked up a 15" MBP whilst I still could. I am a professional designer, that also works in a really brightly daylight lit office. That glossy screen is a no go for me! Although I am tempted to get the new MB 13" for travel, etc.
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drjuice said 8:47AM on 10-17-2008
Did they re-tool the matte finish somehow? I have a 17" PowerBook (the G4's were matte-only) and in bright, direct light I can't see anything. I had a class with windows along the back wall and on sunny days it was nearly impossible to see anything on the screen. Maybe it's just that the newer models are much brighter?
RE: Re-stocking fee. As it was explained to me, once you've opened a computer or iPod they can't sell it as brand new, so they have to ship it off, inspect it, and throw it on the re-furb site for less.
Levi Figueira said 10:53AM on 10-17-2008
I bought a last-gen 17'' HR MBP with the matte finish... Being an LED display (first one in the MBP line) I can only tell ya this screen is GORGEOUS!! It has enough light behind it at all times and the whites are REALLY whites even if sitting next to blacks...
Pretty awesome screen imo!! ;)
doug said 12:23PM on 10-17-2008
Smart move. I can't imagine after seeing the new imacs using that screen on my notebook, instead of the matte on my MBP 17. I am also put off by the lack of firewire on the new Macbook. I did order a new Macbook for my sister. She is very excited about the aluminum, so they are going to sell a ton of these, but I think serious media folk will definitely have a problem with this generation of both these products. I am clinging to my 17 model tightly.
damclean said 3:13PM on 10-17-2008
Apparently, I've heard that if you're even the slightest bit unhappy about paying the restocking fee you'll get it waived. Ask to talk to the manager about it, and stay in conversation long enough that they will give. Consumers need to be more assertive, especially with Apple, since they keep their future product announcements so secretly.
thinktwice said 8:27AM on 10-17-2008
I did this three times earlier this year. I bought a 15 used it then decided I needed a 17. Then they upgraded the 17 with multi touch.
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Brian said 8:27AM on 10-17-2008
At the risk of sounding snarky.... you work for an Apple blog, and didn't know that Apple had a notebook event coming up? Still, good advice for those who are in this situation.
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andy said 11:26AM on 10-17-2008
I agree, what a tool for running out and buying a new MacBook Pro when you, work for TUAW and knew there was an event out while majority of the people were expecting new release...
Dan Woods said 3:51PM on 10-17-2008
In his defence, a Journalist who reviews Apple Products should gain as much exposure to the entire range of products.
By buying a MacBook just before a new one is released, using it for a week, and getting the next model up, he is more able to compare apples with apples.
Jesse said 8:32AM on 10-17-2008
I love the tantrums people have after they buy something one day only to have it superseded the next. Apple's aware of their 14 day returns policy and the minor percentage of people who have the nerve to take their new product back once they notice a new model 12 hours later.
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Gabe said 9:07AM on 10-17-2008
Actually it's perfectly acceptable to ask for the new product or a refund of the price difference. The return policy is there for a reason.
I bought a TiBook the week before the Aluminums came out at a lower price. I wandered into the store to see if I could get a refund on the price difference, and they did it without any problem. This was after they'd already given me a free RAM upgrade under a promotional deal that expired just before I'd bought the laptop.
No tantrum, no nerve required. It's just being a smart consumer. It never hurts to ask.
Matt H said 8:33AM on 10-17-2008
Jesus Christ
The writing has been on the wall for a long time, where do they get you people?
TUAW is slipping while all the good contributors get snapped up by other online publications...
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Soybean said 8:38AM on 10-17-2008
Apparently Apple blog writers don't read Apple blogs that foretold this announcemnt for weeks, and more vaguely, months.
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Canestrini said 8:55AM on 10-17-2008
Yeah, that seems pretty odd...
Anyway, a good thing to do before you click that "buy" button is to check out Macrumors buying guide http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/
Every modell has a forecast based on periodic updates in the past and rumors.
johnmc said 10:46AM on 10-17-2008
I read the guide and it recommended "Buy Now" for the MacBook Air, which my brother's girlfriend just did, following my advice.
Divya Jain said 11:26AM on 10-18-2008
Very good website. I liked it very much. Comments from http://www.valentineday.in
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krye said 8:50AM on 10-17-2008
So basically you're saying you're the only one who didn't know new machines were coming out on 10/14. I mean, you write for an Apple blog and we all knew it. What gives?
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Slappy said 1:33AM on 10-18-2008
You bought the laptop within the last 14 days when you KNEW there was an Apple event coming up? One that was announced as being for laptops (which admittedly might have been after you made the purchase, but, still...)
Was this post designed to torch your credibility as a Mac blogger?
Adam said 8:50AM on 10-17-2008
This is a guest post right? :-)
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Luna Lovegood said 8:51AM on 10-17-2008
"I was able to get my re-stocking fee waived after talking with the manager for a little while."
How'd you do that?
"Ever heard of the Unofficial Apple Weblog? It's a Weblog, Inc. property."
"I think I have."
"I'm kind of a big deal there."
"If you promise to stop pestering the other customers I'll waive the restocking fee."
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