Apple - Rotten to the Core service

<p>Apple IPhone 6s have an international recall on the faulty batteries- symptoms included unexpected shutdown and battery not charging. You log onto the apple website, enter the phone serial number and simple, your phone is valid for a battery replacement or not. You then phone the IStore of your choice and book the drop off time. </p> <p> </p> <p>Up to this point I was punting how lovely it is to deal with Apple everything works so smoothly. How wrong could I have been?</p> <p> </p> <p>Upon arrival at the apple store I was informed that the replacement of the battery will take between 3 and 28 working days. In other words when we feel like it - anytime between now and the end of an elastic string! When I asked if it could be escalated due to business travel the response was “you will have to be patient”. Way to go customer service! Upon asking if the option for a loan phone existed I was promptly put in my place that ONLY if you buy the phone from IStore directly could you possibly get a phone to use while Apple decides on the infinite repair period between 3 and 28 working days (that’s almost 6weeks!!).</p> <p> </p> <p>I leave the istore feeling a little done by only to receive a cost for replacement of the battery of R6007.24 stating the screen is looping and that screen has been tampered with. Once I had spoken to an agent to inform them again about the battery recall was told “we will inform the repair centre about the recall”. Days go by with no response until I get hold of Apple distribution and escalate the issue. After further days of requesting feedback I get nowhere quickly and told if you want the phone repaired, pay.</p> <p> </p> <p>Eventually almost three weeks later I get the phone back. Missing the protective cover – walk out Istore into an independent repair centre give them the phone and ask what the problem may be. Within minutes it is confirmed the battery is faulty. I ask if the screen is shorting to which I get the answer if it was the screen would not work. Well what is life without an second opinion? A quick google search and I am in the second repair centre for a diagnosis. Again in a matter of only minutes is it confirmed that the battery is faulty. What about the screen shorting ? “if the screen was shorting sir it would not power up.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Funny, what a customer had highlighted to Apple SA was confirmed by two independent repair centres in less time than it took to travel between the two. Oh the best part, to replace the battery (WHILE YOU WAIT WITH COFFEE!!) is R580 at the first store and R650 at the second!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>The question that is now asked: Is Apple SA ***********, dishonest or just plain thieving toward years of customer’s loyalty?</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>