«

I have discovered (and I'm sure others have also at some point) a major
issue for anybody thinking about buying an iPod in New Zealand or
Australia - and one must wonder, in other parts of the world
too.

Apple have told me, after a phone call that went to India, Australia and
back to New Zealand, that my son's iPod that I spent between $700-$750
for, is out of warranty and to repair it would cost more than the iPod is
worth. He had his iPod for 11 months when it failed. They replaced it. Very
nice we thought at the time. 6 Months later the replacement iPod failed.

Being out of warranty I was prepared to see if it was repairable, now I will
digress slightly at this point and try and explain a little thing in New
Zealand
call the Consumer's Guarantees Act. Under this act warranty's basically
don't count. If you are sold an item in New Zealand the Act says the product
must be able to perform it's intended use and last a reasonable length of
time. My argument was that 14 months for such an expensive and common
consumer item was NOT a reasonable length of time. Roughly $50 a month if
you tossed it out.

My question to Apple was "Can it be repaired?" Initially they said it was a
sealed unit and if faulty under warranty, it is replaced. So I said "What
about if it's out of warranty?". I was told to Google and find a repairer,
because they are out there. "An Apple approved/affiliated repairer?", I
asked. "No" was the reply.

Now I don't know about you but if I buy an expensive "every day" item I'd
prefer to have it repaired by a manufacturer's authorised repairer. So I
went further into my investigation mode and after about an hour and a half
here is what I learned:

- If your iPod fails during warranty it is replaced because it is classed as
a "sealed unit item". Your replacement is given a 90 day warranty - not sure
if that's on top of the existing warranty
if it hasn't run out.

- Apple if pushed said they can take back your failed iPod and replace it
with a repaired iPod with a warranty BUT it would cost more than a new
iPod - yes that's what they said!

- Apple if pushed further will take back your iPod for repair - BUT it will
almost certainly cost you more than a new iPod.

Bottom line - if you live in New Zealand or Australia - and maybe
everywhere else, Apple will not offer you a repair service for their product
that is realistic or affordable.

When asked about the Consumer Guarantees Act they offered no comment and if
I wanted to pursue that I could - I said perhaps I should try and find other
people in this position and join forces to take Apple to court. I'm
pondering that option.

Would you advise anybody to buy a ticket in what is effectively the iPod
lottery? You pay your money and hope for the best. How on Earth are they the
market leader?????

Imagine this attitude in other market segments - Fisher and Paykel for
example.

And for those of you who say go to the market and try and find someone who
CAN make it work, I say to you, if I'd known that in the first place I
wouldn't have bought the thing and if all else fails I may just do that -
but like the pink shirt - only if I have to.

Footnote: I went to the retailer who sold me the iPod and explained it all
to him. He said he had dropped other brands because of this very reason and
didn't believe me. So he rang himself and after a convoluted game of avoid
the question, hung up wide eyed with amazement, agreed with me and said he
would have to seriously reconsider his commitment to the iPod.

Rasputinnz666 wrote:
> I have discovered (and I'm sure others have also at some point) a major
> issue for anybody thinking about buying an iPod in New Zealand or
> Australia - and one must wonder, in other parts of the world
> too.
>
> Apple have told me, after a phone call that went to India, Australia and
> back to New Zealand, that my son's iPod that I spent between $700-$750
> for, is out of warranty and to repair it would cost more than the iPod is
> worth. He had his iPod for 11 months when it failed. They replaced it. Very
> nice we thought at the time. 6 Months later the replacement iPod failed.
>
> Being out of warranty I was prepared to see if it was repairable, now I will
> digress slightly at this point and try and explain a little thing in New
> Zealand
> call the Consumer's Guarantees Act. Under this act warranty's basically
> don't count. If you are sold an item in New Zealand the Act says the product
> must be able to perform it's intended use and last a reasonable length of
> time. My argument was that 14 months for such an expensive and common
> consumer item was NOT a reasonable length of time. Roughly $50 a month if
> you tossed it out.
>
> My question to Apple was "Can it be repaired?" Initially they said it was a
> sealed unit and if faulty under warranty, it is replaced. So I said "What
> about if it's out of warranty?". I was told to Google and find a repairer,
> because they are out there. "An Apple approved/affiliated repairer?", I
> asked. "No" was the reply.
>
> Now I don't know about you but if I buy an expensive "every day" item I'd
> prefer to have it repaired by a manufacturer's authorised repairer. So I
> went further into my investigation mode and after about an hour and a half
> here is what I learned:
>
> - If your iPod fails during warranty it is replaced because it is classed as
> a "sealed unit item". Your replacement is given a 90 day warranty - not sure
> if that's on top of the existing warranty
> if it hasn't run out.
>
> - Apple if pushed said they can take back your failed iPod and replace it
> with a repaired iPod with a warranty BUT it would cost more than a new
> iPod - yes that's what they said!
>
> - Apple if pushed further will take back your iPod for repair - BUT it will
> almost certainly cost you more than a new iPod.
>
> Bottom line - if you live in New Zealand or Australia - and maybe
> everywhere else, Apple will not offer you a repair service for their product
> that is realistic or affordable.
>
> When asked about the Consumer Guarantees Act they offered no comment and if
> I wanted to pursue that I could - I said perhaps I should try and find other
> people in this position and join forces to take Apple to court. I'm
> pondering that option.
>
> Would you advise anybody to buy a ticket in what is effectively the iPod
> lottery? You pay your money and hope for the best. How on Earth are they the
> market leader?????
>
> Imagine this attitude in other market segments - Fisher and Paykel for
> example.
>
> And for those of you who say go to the market and try and find someone who
> CAN make it work, I say to you, if I'd known that in the first place I
> wouldn't have bought the thing and if all else fails I may just do that -
> but like the pink shirt - only if I have to.
>
> Footnote: I went to the retailer who sold me the iPod and explained it all
> to him. He said he had dropped other brands because of this very reason and
> didn't believe me. So he rang himself and after a convoluted game of avoid
> the question, hung up wide eyed with amazement, agreed with me and said he
> would have to seriously reconsider his commitment to the iPod.
>
>

Take them to court, that amount of time is not reasonable for the amount
spent and that is clearly covered by the consumers guarantees act. The
consumers institute would agree there also. You could contact them for
advise also.

In article <el5r5o$ceh$>, Rasputinnz666 <> wrote:

> I have discovered (and I'm sure others have also at some point) a major
> issue for anybody thinking about buying an iPod in New Zealand or
> Australia - and one must wonder, in other parts of the world
> too.
>
> Apple have told me, after a phone call that went to India, Australia and
> back to New Zealand, that my son's iPod that I spent between $700-$750
> for, is out of warranty and to repair it would cost more than the iPod is
> worth. He had his iPod for 11 months when it failed. They replaced it. Very
> nice we thought at the time. 6 Months later the replacement iPod failed.
>
> Being out of warranty I was prepared to see if it was repairable, now I will
> digress slightly at this point and try and explain a little thing in New
> Zealand
> call the Consumer's Guarantees Act. Under this act warranty's basically
> don't count. If you are sold an item in New Zealand the Act says the product
> must be able to perform it's intended use and last a reasonable length of
> time. My argument was that 14 months for such an expensive and common
> consumer item was NOT a reasonable length of time. Roughly $50 a month if
> you tossed it out.

Having once worked for them I can tell you you are right in talking
about the CGA. Just contact Renaissance and say you want the iPod
fixed.

I had this argument before I left Renaissance. Basically you can
expect, under the CGA, to have parts and labour for the 1st year and
parts for years 2 and 3.

You don't have to take them to court - just the Small Claims Tribunal.
See http://www.howtolaw.co.nz/html/ml086.asp

Cheers

John

"John Holley" <> wrote in message
news:061220062040428382% .com...
> In article <el5r5o$ceh$>, Rasputinnz666 <> wrote:
>
>> I have discovered (and I'm sure others have also at some point) a major
>> issue for anybody thinking about buying an iPod in New Zealand or
>> Australia - and one must wonder, in other parts of the world
>> too.
>>
>> Apple have told me, after a phone call that went to India, Australia and
>> back to New Zealand, that my son's iPod that I spent between $700-$750
>> for, is out of warranty and to repair it would cost more than the iPod is
>> worth. He had his iPod for 11 months when it failed. They replaced it.
>> Very
>> nice we thought at the time. 6 Months later the replacement iPod failed.
>>
>> Being out of warranty I was prepared to see if it was repairable, now I
>> will
>> digress slightly at this point and try and explain a little thing in New
>> Zealand
>> call the Consumer's Guarantees Act. Under this act warranty's basically
>> don't count. If you are sold an item in New Zealand the Act says the
>> product
>> must be able to perform it's intended use and last a reasonable length of
>> time. My argument was that 14 months for such an expensive and common
>> consumer item was NOT a reasonable length of time. Roughly $50 a month if
>> you tossed it out.
>
> Having once worked for them I can tell you you are right in talking
> about the CGA. Just contact Renaissance and say you want the iPod
> fixed.
>
> I had this argument before I left Renaissance. Basically you can
> expect, under the CGA, to have parts and labour for the 1st year and
> parts for years 2 and 3.
>
> You don't have to take them to court - just the Small Claims Tribunal.
> See http://www.howtolaw.co.nz/html/ml086.asp
>
> Cheers
>
> John

I started and eventually ended up at Renaissance. Thanks for the small
claims idea, but maybe a lawyer is needed to really test this.

Use the Disputes Tribunal
http://www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals...tribunals.html
I think it costs around $35 to lodge a claim, They cannot bring
lawyers..

This sort of run around is legendary with Apple, the failing of Ipod
Batteries (and inability to open and replace) was another issue they
took hits on in the States a few years ago.


Rasputinnz666 wrote:
> I have discovered (and I'm sure others have also at some point) a major
> issue for anybody thinking about buying an iPod in New Zealand or
> Australia - and one must wonder, in other parts of the world
> too.
>
> Apple have told me, after a phone call that went to India, Australia and
> back to New Zealand, that my son's iPod that I spent between $700-$750
> for, is out of warranty and to repair it would cost more than the iPod is
> worth. He had his iPod for 11 months when it failed. They replaced it. Very
> nice we thought at the time. 6 Months later the replacement iPod failed.
>
> Being out of warranty I was prepared to see if it was repairable, now I will
> digress slightly at this point and try and explain a little thing in New
> Zealand
> call the Consumer's Guarantees Act. Under this act warranty's basically
> don't count. If you are sold an item in New Zealand the Act says the product
> must be able to perform it's intended use and last a reasonable length of
> time. My argument was that 14 months for such an expensive and common
> consumer item was NOT a reasonable length of time. Roughly $50 a month if
> you tossed it out.
>
> My question to Apple was "Can it be repaired?" Initially they said it was a
> sealed unit and if faulty under warranty, it is replaced. So I said "What
> about if it's out of warranty?". I was told to Google and find a repairer,
> because they are out there. "An Apple approved/affiliated repairer?", I
> asked. "No" was the reply.
>
> Now I don't know about you but if I buy an expensive "every day" item I'd
> prefer to have it repaired by a manufacturer's authorised repairer. So I
> went further into my investigation mode and after about an hour and a half
> here is what I learned:
>
> - If your iPod fails during warranty it is replaced because it is classed as
> a "sealed unit item". Your replacement is given a 90 day warranty - not sure
> if that's on top of the existing warranty
> if it hasn't run out.
>
> - Apple if pushed said they can take back your failed iPod and replace it
> with a repaired iPod with a warranty BUT it would cost more than a new
> iPod - yes that's what they said!
>
> - Apple if pushed further will take back your iPod for repair - BUT it will
> almost certainly cost you more than a new iPod.
>
> Bottom line - if you live in New Zealand or Australia - and maybe
> everywhere else, Apple will not offer you a repair service for their product
> that is realistic or affordable.
>
> When asked about the Consumer Guarantees Act they offered no comment and if
> I wanted to pursue that I could - I said perhaps I should try and find other
> people in this position and join forces to take Apple to court. I'm
> pondering that option.
>
> Would you advise anybody to buy a ticket in what is effectively the iPod
> lottery? You pay your money and hope for the best. How on Earth are they the
> market leader?????
>
> Imagine this attitude in other market segments - Fisher and Paykel for
> example.
>
> And for those of you who say go to the market and try and find someone who
> CAN make it work, I say to you, if I'd known that in the first place I
> wouldn't have bought the thing and if all else fails I may just do that -
> but like the pink shirt - only if I have to.
>
> Footnote: I went to the retailer who sold me the iPod and explained it all
> to him. He said he had dropped other brands because of this very reason and
> didn't believe me. So he rang himself and after a convoluted game of avoid
> the question, hung up wide eyed with amazement, agreed with me and said he
> would have to seriously reconsider his commitment to the iPod.

Rasputinnz666 wrote:
> I have discovered (and I'm sure others have also at some point) a major
> issue for anybody thinking about buying an iPod in New Zealand or
> Australia - and one must wonder, in other parts of the world
> too.

When out shopping for a iPod for teenage son, the shop attendant (at DSE)
recommended we get just about any other brand than iPod, although that was
due to the high failure rate, rather than poor customer support cited in
your story.


Peter

"Rasputinnz666" <> wrote in message
news:el5sf0$fjb$...
>
> "John Holley" <> wrote in message
> news:061220062040428382% .com...
>> In article <el5r5o$ceh$>, Rasputinnz666 <> wrote:
>>
>>> I have discovered (and I'm sure others have also at some point) a major
>>> issue for anybody thinking about buying an iPod in New Zealand or
>>> Australia - and one must wonder, in other parts of the world
>>> too.
>>>
>>> Apple have told me, after a phone call that went to India, Australia and
>>> back to New Zealand, that my son's iPod that I spent between $700-$750
>>> for, is out of warranty and to repair it would cost more than the iPod
>>> is
>>> worth. He had his iPod for 11 months when it failed. They replaced it.
>>> Very
>>> nice we thought at the time. 6 Months later the replacement iPod failed.
>>>
>>> Being out of warranty I was prepared to see if it was repairable, now I
>>> will
>>> digress slightly at this point and try and explain a little thing in New
>>> Zealand
>>> call the Consumer's Guarantees Act. Under this act warranty's basically
>>> don't count. If you are sold an item in New Zealand the Act says the
>>> product
>>> must be able to perform it's intended use and last a reasonable length
>>> of
>>> time. My argument was that 14 months for such an expensive and common
>>> consumer item was NOT a reasonable length of time. Roughly $50 a month
>>> if
>>> you tossed it out.
>>
>> Having once worked for them I can tell you you are right in talking
>> about the CGA. Just contact Renaissance and say you want the iPod
>> fixed.
>>
>> I had this argument before I left Renaissance. Basically you can
>> expect, under the CGA, to have parts and labour for the 1st year and
>> parts for years 2 and 3.
>>
>> You don't have to take them to court - just the Small Claims Tribunal.
>> See http://www.howtolaw.co.nz/html/ml086.asp
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> John
>
> I started and eventually ended up at Renaissance. Thanks for the small
> claims idea, but maybe a lawyer is needed to really test this.
>
>

absolutely not - no lawyer required , this is why we have small claims . 30
bucks I think, explain the situation, and you will get your money back.

On Wed, 6 Dec 2006 20:23:23 +1300, "Rasputinnz666" <>
wrote:

>I have discovered (and I'm sure others have also at some point) a major
>issue for anybody thinking about buying an iPod in New Zealand or
>Australia - and one must wonder, in other parts of the world
>too.

snip

IIRC, something similar was on Fair Go a while back. It looks like
Apple is determined to go for the "Sod the Customer" award of the
year, with this sort of attitude.

Go to the Disputes Tribunal, it sounds like you have a pretty good
chance of success. Incidentally, your beef is with the retailer, not
Apple. Even although he is obviously sympathetic, he is the one that
you have a contract with. He, in turn, then takes it up with Apple.

In the meantime, boycott them, and pass it around all and sundry.

Rasputinnz666 wrote:

> Apple have told me, after a phone call that went to India, Australia and
> back to New Zealand, that my son's iPod that I spent between $700-$750
> for, is out of warranty and to repair it would cost more than the iPod is
> worth. He had his iPod for 11 months when it failed. They replaced it. Very
> nice we thought at the time. 6 Months later the replacement iPod failed.

What model is it?


> My question to Apple was "Can it be repaired?" Initially they said it was a
> sealed unit and if faulty under warranty, it is replaced. So I said "What
> about if it's out of warranty?". I was told to Google and find a repairer,
> because they are out there. "An Apple approved/affiliated repairer?", I
> asked. "No" was the reply.
>

Depending on what is wrong with it you can purchase the parts via a
third party.

>
> Bottom line - if you live in New Zealand or Australia - and maybe
> everywhere else, Apple will not offer you a repair service for their product
> that is realistic or affordable.


It is world wide, for example if you break the screen Apple will charge
you near on the purchase price to fix, but you can buy third party
screens quite cheap.

> Would you advise anybody to buy a ticket in what is effectively the iPod
> lottery? You pay your money and hope for the best. How on Earth are they the
> market leader?????
>
> Imagine this attitude in other market segments - Fisher and Paykel for
> example.

Well I have had this very problem with Fisher and Paykel, I purchased a
fridge/freezer for $1700 that needed major repairs several times within
the year warrenty, and past that. Their solution was to allow me to
purchase a new one at discount.


> Footnote: I went to the retailer who sold me the iPod and explained it all
> to him. He said he had dropped other brands because of this very reason and
> didn't believe me. So he rang himself and after a convoluted game of avoid
> the question, hung up wide eyed with amazement, agreed with me and said he
> would have to seriously reconsider his commitment to the iPod.

My 4G 60GB iPod is just on two years old (still under apple care), and I
haven't had any issues with it. The battery still gives great life. And
both my kids have shuffles which have always worked perfectly I would
purchase one again without question.

On Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:23:23 +1300, Rasputinnz666 wrote:

> How on Earth are they the
> market leader?????

The stupidity of the buyers. Happens for much more than Apple. Once you
have a breakthru mass then a certain product by a company becomes *the*
product.

Humans talk about sheep following each other, but really the sheep are not
alone.

>
> Imagine this attitude in other market segments - Fisher and Paykel for
> example.

Study some history, F&P have not been the best at ensuring the playing
field is level.