In the wake of the sudden an unexpected $200 shaving of the iPhone’s price, Apple has announced that it will do right by those who purchased the device prior to the cut. Unfortunately, they’re not going the entire distance, which would be offering the full $200 — in cash — to these loyal customers. Instead, they’re offering a $100 store credit to anyone who purchased an iPhone since it was released on June 29. For those who purchased one within the 14 days prior to the price cut, a full $200 refund will be issued. Our question: Why is Apple differentiating between those who bought the device in early July and those who bought it in late August? We’re not sure if there is any major precedent to cite in this price cut, making it difficult to do anything but criticize Apple over the move. The price cut happened barely 60 days after the iPhone’s release, and to us that should entitle everyone who bought one to the discounted price. Think about it: They’re essentially screwing their best, most loyal customers. One can invoke the logic that those people remain faithful to Apple, and there is evidence in other industries that would help that theory hold up. For instance, in baseball the real fans — the ones that pay $15 or less a ticket and attend the most games — are continually screwed by the teams, who pander to the corporate attendants who pay $150 and up per game. The faithful still come out for games, though. So this could be Apple’s line of thinking. But what if you bought the 4 GB iPhone, which has been discontinued? Well, they’re definitely entitled to the $100 store credit. If they bought it in the last two weeks, though, it might be a different case. They do have the option to return it for a full refund, rather than take the $100 credit. The folks at PC World report that a representative from their local AT&T Wireless dealer said 4 GB iPhone users who purchased the device in the last 14 days were also eligible for the $200 refund. A call to our own AT&T Wireless dealer yielded a simple, “I don’t know. Check back next week.” The worst part is that you’ll have to wait for your refund. According to Apple, they’ll be mailing notices of the refund to iPhone purchasers that will detail instructions for redemption. So yeah, no using that refund on a new-fangled iPod this weekend. If you purchased the phone with an American Express card, you’re in luck. Even though they discontinued their price-match guarantee, they will honor it for the iPhone. Yeah, we guess that’s what happens when you’re flooded with calls. We have the following message for Apple: Suck it up and give your loyal customers the full refund they deserve. It would be one thing if you cut the price in late November or December, seeing as it would be almost six months from release, and during the holiday season. But to do it now? Admit your mistake, suck up the loss, and hope that the good PR that results from your refunds helps sell more of your second generation iPhones. [PC World]]]>
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