I was thinking of getting an apple watch as a gift and saw that the apple store has some pretty good prices. I'm wary of Apple in general but think it might be a good gift but unsure about the 7 days worth of apple care. I see that they have 1 year limited warranty..
Does anyone have experience with the apple store refurb section?
"new box" but it's usually a plain cardboard box - still like buying new
Oh no, thats 'part of the Apple Experience', according to the Apple Rep.
I've had the same experience. Plain cardboard box for a laptop but you wouldn't be able to tell the difference from that and a brand new one (store rep said the same thing when I asked in store before buying). It also comes with the same warranty as the new ones so the risk is minimal.
Apple Store Refurbished products are indistinguishable from brand new ones. They’re mint. Packaging may not be though and could be plain boxes. What are you wary about?
Just wary because I won't have opened the packaging by the time it's gifted and the 7 day apple care. I've been let down by the apple "geniuses" before.
You may be confusing a couple of different things.
The 7-Day Complimentary AppleCare+ is for accidental damage. It has no relation to returns or warranty at all. Add-on insurance.
That's completely separate from change of mind returns which I believe is 14 days from receipt (but call them and double check).
More info on refurbs: https://www.apple.com/au/shop/refurbished/about
Why are you wary of Apple? They make good products and have the some of the best warranties and support you can get.
Bad experience and they do have anti-consumer practices.
Personally, I had to return an iMac multiple times to repair a hinge. After getting it back the first time the screen wouldn't turn on. Returned it and checked in store it was working but there was dust or something behind the glass and they accused us of tampering with it. Out of the ordinary but still the event still shits me.
I've been dealing with Apple as a Retailer for over 32 years.
No grey areas, just Black or White. At least we have an Apple store near by to refer people to, if they need it repaired (and there are heaps, we refer).
Bought refurb Apple Watches for my parents since they don’t need the latest and greatest.
They came boxed like new in retail packaging, not plain cardboard boxes.
Only thing is they had a little sticker that said Apple Certified Refurbished on it.
Other than that they’re like brand new, haven’t missed a beat.
Edit: photo of one of the boxes while I was gift wrapping it.
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/32825/98572/5b2d0d76-9…
I've bought multiple products from the Refurb Store. One product (an iPad mini) had an issue with the display. Apple swapped it over without fuss. Everything else has been fine. Nothing has ever had any scratches or dings, etc.
Imagine somebody being so triggered by Apple's existence that they'd downvote you for answering the question
Yep, they're solid. I've ordered a few things from there and they're basically brand new. New box and everything looks brand new inside.