[Q] Warranty Exchange w/ T-Mobile - Vibrant General

So I had to go through warranty exchange with Customer Care since my volume rocker and bezel are loosening. I am past the 14-day exchange window so the stores will not do anything for me. One thing I was insistent on is that I did not want a refurbished unit (the device is less than 30-days old, why should I accept a refurbished unit?). The customer care associate was pretty insistent himself in telling me that he cannot request a new unit for me, however it is a "great possibility" that I would receive a new unit due to the phone being pretty new. I reluctantly agreed to have the replacement shipped to me, since they refused to let me do an in-store exchange.
Has anyone gone through this with their Vibrant? I'm looking to find people who have received warranty replacements from Customer Care, if anyone has gotten a new or a refurbed unit. Bottom line, I will not accept a refurbished unit. I figured worse comes to worse, I will send the refurbed one back and continue to ***** with them over the phone.
I'm flipping pissed too, because it was just so unnoticeable during the first 14-days, and then it inherently got worse with normal use. So now I'm feeling stuck. I do not know if the rep was telling me it will "likely" be a new unit just to get me to stop complaining, or if it's really true.

I'm with you - I wouldn't accept a refurbished unit either. However, since you are out of your 14-days (I assume you don't live in California) I don't think there is much you can do.
How long have you been a T-Mobile customer? The best bet to have issues resolved is always contact retention department. Not only are the employees there more knowledgeable, but based on your tenure with T-Mo, they often will do things for you other reps won't.

How far out of 14 days are you? I would take your box and everything back to the store you got it at and talk to the manager. Just be super nice about it and ask them to see if they can exchange it for you. Sometimes they can make exceptions, I know at my store we do.

I have exchanged phones in the past that were referbs and they come in pristine condition. They are practically brand new and have zero blemishes.
Don't worry about it.
Question though...
What do you mean the bezel is coming loose. I noticed that on the left side of the phone the bezel does not seem to be on correctly like the right side it might just be my eyes though. I hear a lot of squeaking from it though kinda annoying.
My volume button was loose out of the box feels cheap as hell when pressing it but it does not really bother me too much.
Samsungs build quality on the vibrant is very poor.

PathogenX said:
Samsungs build quality on the vibrant is very poor.
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Mine is perfect. I am quite impressed with the build quality and iPhone4 fanatics who have looked at it have been impressed with it. Their quality control may be poor, but when you get a good one, its terrific.

speoples20 said:
How far out of 14 days are you? I would take your box and everything back to the store you got it at and talk to the manager. Just be super nice about it and ask them to see if they can exchange it for you. Sometimes they can make exceptions, I know at my store we do.
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The phone was purchased on launch day, so tomorrow will mark 30-days.
Unfortunately, I already tried returning my phone to the store. They wouldn't take it. They offered to call customer care to send me a refurb, which I declined. Worst part is, I can't try again because I am out of the area where it was purchased (we are on a family plan, the account holder is in Georgia, I'm in New Jersey, and I was on vacation there when we attempted the exchange this past week.) I do have the receipt though and can try at a different store, but I doubt a different store will want to inherit my problem.

DarkAgent said:
I'm with you - I wouldn't accept a refurbished unit either. However, since you are out of your 14-days (I assume you don't live in California) I don't think there is much you can do.
How long have you been a T-Mobile customer? The best bet to have issues resolved is always contact retention department. Not only are the employees there more knowledgeable, but based on your tenure with T-Mo, they often will do things for you other reps won't.
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We've had T-Mobile since 2002 or 2003, whatever year they first took over Voicestream. If this replacement is a refurb, I will be contacting the retention department.

PathogenX said:
Question though...
What do you mean the bezel is coming loose. I noticed that on the left side of the phone the bezel does not seem to be on correctly like the right side it might just be my eyes though. I hear a lot of squeaking from it though kinda annoying.
My volume button was loose out of the box feels cheap as hell when pressing it but it does not really bother me too much.
Samsungs build quality on the vibrant is very poor.
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Yes, that is what is happening to mine, and it's a defect. The bezel is loose and creaks when held. Also, the volume rocker rattles around in the phone.
I've played with the store display units, as well as another Vibrant we had purchased on our family account, and it has none of these issues. They are solidly built. So it's obvious that some of batches weren't properly assembled.

At my T-Mobile location my rep was having problems with her Vibrant and decided to try to tough it out. She did some master resets and didn't exchange within 14 days. She received a refurb from T-Mo.
As a manager I've gotten to the point where refurbs no longer bother me. Most of the time the refurbs come back in excellent condition, especially now that we're doing the certified open box program where people can buy COB phones.

Honestly if you put a refurb and a new vibrant side by side you couldn't tell the difference. If they hadn't said anything you wouldn't have known. Besides it comes with the same 1 year manufactures warranty so its still covered.

Did you purchase the phone at full price or as a subsidy? If at full price you have 30 days to exchange at store.

mesajoejoe said:
Did you purchase the phone at full price or as a subsidy? If at full price you have 30 days to exchange at store.
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As a subsidy.
I know refurbs are supposed to be just as good or even better, but I've never had any luck with anything refurbished. Anything with a screen has always had hairline scratches. Either that or it's very obviously been used with lots of normal wear and tear and marks/scuffs.

MMcCraryNJ said:
Yes, that is what is happening to mine, and it's a defect. The bezel is loose and creaks when held. Also, the volume rocker rattles around in the phone.
I've played with the store display units, as well as another Vibrant we had purchased on our family account, and it has none of these issues. They are solidly built. So it's obvious that some of batches weren't properly assembled.
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That's disappointing to hear... =/
It doesn't bother me too much I would have just perfected a more solid feeling phone.
Besides they charge you $10 to ship it out to you.
I would much rather save those 10 bucks and if the phone has some real issues I will return it. I also don't want to go through the headache of finding all my apps and redownloading them and getting my phone back to the way it previously was. Meh. I will stick with a few creaks here and there.
If you do however decide on doing this please tell us your experience with the referb phone. I am interested.

You whine too much. Who cares what it is. As long as you get a device that is new or refurbed, you won't even be able to tell the difference. Just enjoy your phone. And also, customer retention won't do anything as far as your problem.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

i just recently got a refurb from tmobile and it looks brand new have not had any problems it looks brand new like if it was never used

deviusdragger said:
You whine too much. Who cares what it is. As long as you get a device that is new or refurbed, you won't even be able to tell the difference. Just enjoy your phone. And also, customer retention won't do anything as far as your problem.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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Sorry, but I don't think I'm being unreasonable in requesting a new 500 dollar item when the one I just purchased was defective. Sure, 6 months down the line, something happens, give me a refurb. That's reasonable because the value of your purchase declines with time and with your own use. 30 days old is brand spanking new, and I should get the same if something is wrong with it.

I have one getting delivered to me today. I've been with T-mobile for close to ten years and they overnight shipped it for free to me. Mine is having an issue when charging where the usb cord is very loose. They rep said I would get a new or like new item but I will also be returning it if it not new. My phone is only 20 days old and I don't trust refurbished units enough when mine is only 20 days old. The loose card is making it so if the phone is not in the right position it won't charge

MMcCraryNJ said:
Sorry, but I don't think I'm being unreasonable in requesting a new 500 dollar item when the one I just purchased was defective. Sure, 6 months down the line, something happens, give me a refurb. That's reasonable because the value of your purchase declines with time and with your own use. 30 days old is brand spanking new, and I should get the same if something is wrong with it.
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LOL
i thought you bought your phone subsidized?

MMcCraryNJ said:
Sorry, but I don't think I'm being unreasonable in requesting a new 500 dollar item when the one I just purchased was defective. Sure, 6 months down the line, something happens, give me a refurb. That's reasonable because the value of your purchase declines with time and with your own use. 30 days old is brand spanking new, and I should get the same if something is wrong with it.
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Your window for a new replacement is 14 days.

I just got a replacement unit from T-Mobile and frankly I have no idea how to tell whether it is new or refurbished. Is there a way to tell? I really don't care if it is refurbished as long as it looks like new and works properly (aside from GPS and compass of course), but I am really curious how you guys are able to tell whether the replacement unit you got is new or not.

Related

Having Evo Issues? Sprint will exchange!!

This may have been discussed before but I just wanted to inform you guys on my experience.
So I purchased my EVO 6/16 and I absolutely loved it!! At first glance it was everything I expected an more. I looked a little closer at the device and I noticed quite a bit of things
1) Screen was not properly seated
2) Battery life was somewhat suspect (even with NO task manager and NO syncing)
3) a bit jittery when swiping from one screen to another (compared to that of replacement and my Nexus One)
4) Random buttons seemed to have been activated when pressing the power button (mostly the camera button)
5) Screen responsiveness was a bit off
So the above issues were just a few I noticed from my OLD EVO. Now this may be somewhat of an "Placebo Effect" of getting a new Evo. The phone they gave me today feels a bit different. Both phones has the Build (003) I jotted down all of the numbers I could and nothing seems different as far as build is concerned, however we all know quality control in different batches can vary from time to time but not by much (or at least shouldn't)
REVIEW OF EVO I RECEIVED 6/22 FROM SPRINT:
I went to the Sprint store on Monday 6/21, to exchange my OLD Evo because I was a lil disappointed with the above issues they inspected the device and said you are right the screen is not seated correctly. Of course the screen responsiveness worked perfectly for the rep lol. The manager came out and said he'd put me on the waiting list and I'd receive a new one as soon as they came in. I got a call less then 24-hrs later stating they had some in. So of course I jumped for joy dropped my son off at daycare and went to the sprint store to grab another Evo. It took about an hr because of the amount of people up there. I handed over my old Evo and got a new Evo. I asked to hold both in my hand because I read somewhere were a sprint rep tried to act like he exchanged a phone and changed all the stickers inside to make it seem like it was a new phone. So after I looked carefully at the numbers I had written down I held both in my hand and compared the screens. Rubbing my fingers on both screens on the left hand corner and side. As to no ones surprise what do you think happened!! DUH, the damn screen was coming up and the manager says, "WHAT THE HELL". So of course I get the new Evo and I get a brand new charger and kept my old one for my troubles per Manager.
So while keeping the above issues in mind, the new devices is showing absolutely NO light leakage and when I say NONE I mean NONE! No left corner. NO leakage above the 4 soft buttons, no nothing! Phone seems very responsive to every touch where you barely have to tap the button and it'll activate. This may be caused by the screen being properly seated unlike the previous one I had. Battery is still suspect however that is something I am willing to live with because I know what the phone can do and what it takes to perform those task. If anyone has any additional questions please PM me or ask here.
I know this is pretty lengthy but I really need to start giving back to XDA because, indirectly, you guys have done so much for me.
There all different
I called the Sprint store where I bought my phone, just a moment ago, and told them about how my screen is also starting to come up, you can see light around the edges of the phone, as if the screen is comming up and letting light out. not only that but even when I turn the phone off, and its real dark, I can see light underneath the soft keys, NOTHING IS TURNED ON THERE SHOULD BE NO LIGHT ON WHEN THE PHONE IS OFF!!! ya, kinda had to get that through to someone. anyway he told me to call a "repair" center, (which hes an idiot for telling me this) and that theyd have to "Diagnose it" - Or, "Look at it all bug eyed and say, HMMM.. a couple times, or Yup..." and tell me I need to replace it. Or what also might suck, is I dropped it a few days ago, from like 2 feet, didn't throw it, slam it, it was just a light drop. So there are a few chips around the edges of the phone, wounder if theyll try to tell me thats why its happening, even though it was doing this 3 days after I bought it. June 5th, so anyways I ended up calling the repair store before truckin over there, and they told me "No, you take it back to where you bought it, You dont want it repaired you want it Exchanged!
Hmmm.... Interesting, I could have sworn I told the other dude that! I know nothing Great Sprint Masta! So anyway they told me theyd have a shipment in tomorrow, and that No, I cannot get on a list nor could they "order" me one. Wounder if theyll be there tomorrow.
BAleR said:
I called the Sprint store where I bought my phone, just a moment ago, and told them about how my screen is also starting to come up, you can see light around the edges of the phone, as if the screen is comming up and letting light out. not only that but even when I turn the phone off, and its real dark, I can see light underneath the soft keys, NOTHING IS TURNED ON THERE SHOULD BE NO LIGHT ON WHEN THE PHONE IS OFF!!! ya, kinda had to get that through to someone. anyway he told me to call a "repair" center, (which hes an idiot for telling me this) and that theyd have to "Diagnose it" - Or, "Look at it all bug eyed and say, HMMM.. a couple times, or Yup..." and tell me I need to replace it. Or what also might suck, is I dropped it a few days ago, from like 2 feet, didn't throw it, slam it, it was just a light drop. So there are a few chips around the edges of the phone, wounder if theyll try to tell me thats why its happening, even though it was doing this 3 days after I bought it. June 5th, so anyways I ended up calling the repair store before truckin over there, and they told me "No, you take it back to where you bought it, You dont want it repaired you want it Exchanged!
Hmmm.... Interesting, I could have sworn I told the other dude that! I know nothing Great Sprint Masta! So anyway they told me theyd have a shipment in tomorrow, and that No, I cannot get on a list nor could they "order" me one. Wounder if theyll be there tomorrow.
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Wow that is very disappointing my man. I really hope it works out for you. The scratch should not be an issue. Are you a new customer or a existing customer?
BAleR said:
I called the Sprint store where I bought my phone, just a moment ago, and told them about how my screen is also starting to come up, you can see light around the edges of the phone, as if the screen is comming up and letting light out. not only that but even when I turn the phone off, and its real dark, I can see light underneath the soft keys, NOTHING IS TURNED ON THERE SHOULD BE NO LIGHT ON WHEN THE PHONE IS OFF!!! ya, kinda had to get that through to someone. anyway he told me to call a "repair" center, (which hes an idiot for telling me this) and that theyd have to "Diagnose it" - Or, "Look at it all bug eyed and say, HMMM.. a couple times, or Yup..." and tell me I need to replace it. Or what also might suck, is I dropped it a few days ago, from like 2 feet, didn't throw it, slam it, it was just a light drop. So there are a few chips around the edges of the phone, wounder if theyll try to tell me thats why its happening, even though it was doing this 3 days after I bought it. June 5th, so anyways I ended up calling the repair store before truckin over there, and they told me "No, you take it back to where you bought it, You dont want it repaired you want it Exchanged!
Hmmm.... Interesting, I could have sworn I told the other dude that! I know nothing Great Sprint Masta! So anyway they told me theyd have a shipment in tomorrow, and that No, I cannot get on a list nor could they "order" me one. Wounder if theyll be there tomorrow.
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Complete BS. I can tell you from experience that the Sprint employees at the stores know pretty much nothing about anything.
Call Sprint's hotline directly and explain your situation. They should be able to order one for you and have it shipped directly to your address. That's how I got my EVO in the first place. When every store was sold out and it was no longer available online, all I had to do was call in and they ordered it and sent it out next day.
sfox8 said:
Complete BS. I can tell you from experience that the Sprint employees at the stores know pretty much nothing about anything.
Call Sprint's hotline directly and explain your situation. They should be able to order one for you and have it shipped directly to your address. That's how I got my EVO in the first place. When every store was sold out and it was no longer available online, all I had to do was call in and they ordered it and sent it out next day.
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Yeah that is certainly a step you can take. If the store is unable to assist thats just more fuel to take with you when you call Sprint and let them know how you were treated in the store. Bet you'll have a new Evo by Friday lol.
talentedtenth said:
Wow that is very disappointing my man. I really hope it works out for you. The scratch should not be an issue. Are you a new customer or a existing customer?
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I am new yes.
sfox8 said:
Complete BS. I can tell you from experience that the Sprint employees at the stores know pretty much nothing about anything.
Call Sprint's hotline directly and explain your situation. They should be able to order one for you and have it shipped directly to your address. That's how I got my EVO in the first place. When every store was sold out and it was no longer available online, all I had to do was call in and they ordered it and sent it out next day.
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I did call the hotline, I dialed *2 and talked to a fella and he told me the same, just take it up to the one that I bought it at and have them exchange it. I guess they play favorites.
Ya, I called em again, they told me all I can do is have them hold one, IF they have any, I think I'm just talkin to the wrong people about this. thanks for the input.
I bought mine from Radio Shack.
Do I need to deal with them to try to exchange mine, or can/should I just take it to a Sprint store directly and see if they will exchange it there?
Also, I've heard/read that HTC has pulled all the EVO's and is "fixing" the assembly line and expects to have "fixed" units available soon.
Assuming this is true (yes, I know), do you think they will replace the "defective" units after the 30 days, based on the 1 yr mfr warranty?
Or do I need to push for a replacement before July 3?
?????
okay heres what im understanding so far, sprint will replace/exchange my evo if it has light leakage or/and glass separation? please correct me if im wrong, so when i go to my local sprint store i wont look like a fool
JustinChase said:
I bought mine from Radio Shack.
Do I need to deal with them to try to exchange mine, or can/should I just take it to a Sprint store directly and see if they will exchange it there?
Also, I've heard/read that HTC has pulled all the EVO's and is "fixing" the assembly line and expects to have "fixed" units available soon.
Assuming this is true (yes, I know), do you think they will replace the "defective" units after the 30 days, based on the 1 yr mfr warranty?
Or do I need to push for a replacement before July 3?
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+1... Im in the same boat.
Sprint online order center told me that for the glass separation n light leaking I should get a replacement from sprint dot com (being the place I got my phone from) n that going to a local repair store would only mean I get a refurbished evo the rep said "if you paid for anew device n its defective you should naturally want a new replacement not a refurbished unit" so I agreed the phone is still out of stock at sprint dot com n as soon as it goes in stock I was told to call them n demand my new replacement. Further more the rep said even if I go past my 30 day limit n the device is still not in stock that I will not pl pay for anything because it was defective to begin with.
I went to a sprint repair center and the guy told me it is a normal thing for the phone to have a light leak and that the glass was normal. He said he has a Evo too and his is doing the same thing. I showed him how my glass is up and does not have an edge like the other side of the phone and he said that the phone is fine... WHAT THE HECK... no it isn't! It has lifted some since I bought it.
All 3 of ours are having the glass problem and mine has a half blown speaker. Sprint said to take it into a corp store so they could put a note on the account, so I did, but sprint.com is still out so I can't replace them.
Another week and a half and I'll be getting close to the 30 day mark. I hope I get some working ones by then!
I know it is not normal for the phone to be glowing in the dark...
JustinChase said:
I bought mine from Radio Shack.
Do I need to deal with them to try to exchange mine, or can/should I just take it to a Sprint store directly and see if they will exchange it there?
Also, I've heard/read that HTC has pulled all the EVO's and is "fixing" the assembly line and expects to have "fixed" units available soon.
Assuming this is true (yes, I know), do you think they will replace the "defective" units after the 30 days, based on the 1 yr mfr warranty?
Or do I need to push for a replacement before July 3?
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+1 I'm also in the same boat..
Coming from having 2 faulty Heros and having to deal with CS, your best bet is to use *2. Lately Sprint's CS has been amazing after horrible reviews. Let them know your problem and they will take care of it. I have had 2 different options. Either have Sprint overnight me a replacement phone. Or have them note my account and I go to the local Sprint store to have it replaced. Both have worked flawlessly.
talentedtenth said:
Wow that is very disappointing my man. I really hope it works out for you. The scratch should not be an issue. Are you a new customer or a existing customer?
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Oh good I was worried about this. I am having the light leakage issues and want an exchange, and of course like every other owner I have dropped mine already lol.
Luckily I got mine at a Wal-Mart in the boondocks where they have a full stock still so no inventory issues there haha
BAleR said:
I know it is not normal for the phone to be glowing in the dark...
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I had the same problem with glowing in the dark with the Navigation keys being dimly lit.
After some reaserch, It appears I have a REV 0002 Hardware. I have replaced with a REV 0003 hardware and the problem is GONE......
BAleR said:
I am new yes.
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Once you go into the store and speak with a manager politely ask him when your 30 day satisfaction guarentee started. Its unfortunate that you have to mention it but I am sure once he see that you are still within your trial that will light some fire under his a$$. Not only will he think he'll lose a new client but a new client that bought an EVO. Should work...
i'm not sure if i want to wait for the software patch for the screen since some people aren't having the issue. It won't fix the screen lifting issue anyway. Mine is very slightly raised at the bottom barely noticable but i'm woried that it will get worse over time.
I also purchased mine at Radio Shack and am wondering if I need to exchange it there or go to a sprint store.

Question for those who've gotten replacement

I don't want to clutter the forum with unnecessary messages, but those who have gotten their replacements--what was the situation with that? Were you sent new models, or refurbished ones? (assuming it was possible to tell).
I've got a DVP that's surprisingly crash-free (once in a week of regular use), but wireless sync doesn't work, and I'm apparently out of luck with Tech Support. If I'm going to get a refurbished replacement, I think I might be better off going for a refund again.
Desynthesis said:
I don't want to clutter the forum with unnecessary messages, but those who have gotten their replacements--what was the situation with that? Were you sent new models, or refurbished ones? (assuming it was possible to tell).
I've got a DVP that's surprisingly crash-free (once in a week of regular use), but wireless sync doesn't work, and I'm apparently out of luck with Tech Support. If I'm going to get a refurbished replacement, I think I might be better off going for a refund again.
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I never got my replacement so I can't say if it would have been refurbished or not, however I can say that if you decide to return yours, the process was pretty easy. Just call Dell Mobility (800 308 3355) and tell them you want to return your phone. If you had an exchange already scheduled (like I did), cancel the exchange first.
I returned mine 21 days after the day I received it. Apparently Dell starts that counter either when the device ships or when you order it, but it didn't cause me any problem.
It does seem as if Dell is shipping out new orders as they come in now, so your best bet to ensure you get a brand new device may be to just return and reorder. My exchange was in process for 20 days (received with a scratch on the screen) with no end in sight before I just gave up.
patrickk said:
I never got my replacement so I can't say if it would have been refurbished or not, however I can say that if you decide to return yours, the process was pretty easy. Just call Dell Mobility (800 308 3355) and tell them you want to return your phone. If you had an exchange already scheduled (like I did), cancel the exchange first.
I returned mine 21 days after the day I received it. Apparently Dell starts that counter either when the device ships or when you order it, but it didn't cause me any problem.
It does seem as if Dell is shipping out new orders as they come in now, so your best bet to ensure you get a brand new device may be to just return and reorder. My exchange was in process for 20 days (received with a scratch on the screen) with no end in sight before I just gave up.
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Dell sent me a refurb with my original order a week ago, so I don't think they'll be sending out NEW phones any time soon.
orochidp said:
Dell sent me a refurb with my original order a week ago, so I don't think they'll be sending out NEW phones any time soon.
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Wait, they sent you a refurb phone in fulfillment of your original order? Are they allowed to do that?? I didn't think a company was allowed to send you a refurb product without telling you at the time of purchase.
How could you tell it was refurbished?
patrickk said:
Wait, they sent you a refurb phone in fulfillment of your original order? Are they allowed to do that?? I didn't think a company was allowed to send you a refurb product without telling you at the time of purchase.
How could you tell it was refurbished?
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There was someone else's data on the phone, there was no initial setup, there were loose screws, and liquid damage to the screen.
Sold as new, no markings on the device or box marking it as refurbished.
patrickk said:
I never got my replacement so I can't say if it would have been refurbished or not, however I can say that if you decide to return yours, the process was pretty easy. Just call Dell Mobility (800 308 3355) and tell them you want to return your phone. If you had an exchange already scheduled (like I did), cancel the exchange first.
I returned mine 21 days after the day I received it. Apparently Dell starts that counter either when the device ships or when you order it, but it didn't cause me any problem.
It does seem as if Dell is shipping out new orders as they come in now, so your best bet to ensure you get a brand new device may be to just return and reorder. My exchange was in process for 20 days (received with a scratch on the screen) with no end in sight before I just gave up.
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Interesting. I spoke with Dell Mobility, and I was told that I would receive a new (not refurbished) phone since I'd asked for a replacement within my initial return period.
We'll see anyway. I'm not really going to push my luck with a second full return and another order--especially since I guess, assuming the worst, you could still get a refurbished unit anyway. I'll just have to inspect the replacement model thoroughly. The rep on Dell Mobility I spoke too also seemed to suggest that, if I wasn't satisfied with it, I could get another replacement, since I'd be within the 1-year-warranty period.
Orochidp, given that you got a phone obviously with someone else's data on it for a new order, it seems like that'd definitely be something to explain to Dell.
The touch screen on mine went out and .comy replacement appears to be brand new. I have had it for 4 days now and it has worked flawlessly. No lockups with WiFi, several app downloads regular email account synchs etc. Crossing my fingers that this new one stays stable!
Sooner or later that DVP you have that you think "works flawlessly" will cringe up and crash. I thought my 16GB dvp was perfect for 2 and a half weeks. That was until I started to download some xbox games from market place over wifi and guess what? CRASH! Not only that, I lost everything- including all the music albums I've synced with zune, any and all pictures ive taken with the phone, and all my downloaded games. I lost practically EVERYTHING after it crashed, auto-hard reset and forced me to the set-up screen as if it was the first time I've turned on the device.
I'm having a hard time trusting the DVP again. I don’t know if I want to go back to it. I am surely returning the device.
You may say, "...but mines perfect!" Yes, but mines was perfect as well... I thought. I trusted it, but it pulled a surprise on me out of no where.
So, what does it take for you to be convinced? A crash + auto-hard reset?
I don't know how else you'll be convinced.
Unfortunately, Lemon, just as we can't know for certain what'll happen with working phones, nor can you know for certain what'll happen.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't claim that it's a reliable piece of hardware--then again, given my limited experience with it, I'd be reluctant to talk about it's reliability period. I can certainly say that I'm unhappy with my problems, but I can't make a universal statement concerning everyone. Take Twitter--there are people who are going through multiple replacements, and there are people who are on the same phone they got and couldn't care less (except that they mention it--presumably there are people in both groups who we don't know about).
You don't know for a fact that that person's phone is going to fail anymore than they know for a fact that it won't. You can certainly make a prediction based on your experience, but that's no more immediately accurate than a prediction from someone who thinks their phone won't have any troubles. It's not like the RAM issue, where we can concretely point to something at any given time.
Personally, a hard reset is a minor inconvenience, in part because I demand working wireless sync (hence my attempts to replace the phone). The last laptop I bought from Dell was included in a class-action lawsuit, so as bad as this is, it's nothing by comparison.
I got my 16Gb replacement yesterday after getting the run around, I had to escalate the issue higher than Dell Mobility. The phone was brand new in the box with all accessories like the first one.
So far no lockups (knock on wood) but Bluetooth is still flakey. Hopefully an update can fix that.
rsacipher said:
I got my 16Gb replacement yesterday after getting the run around, I had to escalate the issue higher than Dell Mobility. The phone was brand new in the box with all accessories like the first one.
So far no lockups (knock on wood) but Bluetooth is still flakey. Hopefully an update can fix that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I had to likewise pester Dell about it--apparently, they were waiting for a shipment of new units before sending me a replacement. Which I guess at least seems to suggest I'll get a new one.
I got a replacement about a week and a half and after closer inspection I believe my replacement is indeed a refurbished device. There are very tiny dents, 2 per side, at almost the exact positions on the top where the metal meets the glass. As though the glass had been replaced. There is also some poor "glueing' and fitment on the back when I slide the front up.
I still have both and just received the waybill to send the original back. Now I am not so sure if I want to send back my new one and keep the refurb. I guess I will call them to verify if it is indeed a refurb.

Best buy insurance.

It has been about 20 days. Has anyone got an opinion on whether I should go back and add the insurance for 100? I am in Canada, so it isn't a quick trip.
I'm actually seeing some hard spots that look like dirt on the screen but I suspect the are the coating wearing off.
Seems this is fixed in newer versions of the phone.
Any thoughts on extended warranty and/or the screen?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Check SquareTrade.com see if they offer warranty service to Canada. It's cheaper and better than in store warranties.
-Nexus S
nxt said:
Check SquareTrade.com see if they offer warranty service to Canada. It's cheaper and better than in store warranties.
-Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Squaretrade looks pretty good. Do you have any experience with them? Is it a legitimate operation?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I dont recommended the Best Buy insurance, maybe its just but ive had nightmares when it comes to filing a warranty claim with them, They just try and give you the run around
How much is the Best Buy insurance? They didn't offer it to me, and I probably would have said no, but I see people say $99/$100 even though checking the Best Buy website just now shows it at $169 for 2 years. That's an awful lot for a insurance that doesn't cover loss/theft.
distortedloop said:
How much is the Best Buy insurance? They didn't offer it to me, and I probably would have said no, but I see people say $99/$100 even though checking the Best Buy website just now shows it at $169 for 2 years. That's an awful lot for a insurance that doesn't cover loss/theft.
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Click to collapse
i believe for cell phones its monthly. like 10 bucks
Loggerhead87 said:
Squaretrade looks pretty good. Do you have any experience with them? Is it a legitimate operation?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's legit. They reimubursed me full retail value for a water damaged iphone. I could tell they didnt want to and tried to be shady about it but at the time the way their contract was worded they had no choice.
I didnt take it personally because I only paid like $50 for the contract and for them to pay $600 out on a device that cost me $200 out of pocket surely annoyed them.
Well when I looked at it, the only difference between the two plans is that the BB plan doesn't specifically state they insure full immersion in liquid where Square Trade does. Drop your Nexus in the ocean then your effed on the BB plan, but not on Square's.
As far as the pricing, it is $9.99 a month and you can only add it within the first 30 days (same as SquareTrade). So the Best Buy model is basically double, however you do have the flexibility to stop paying BB if for instance you buy another phone at any time where as if you use SquareTrade you've already paid for all of your two years regardless of how long you own or wish to protect that specific phone.
I chose the Best Buy Black Tie simply based upon convenience of getting a new phone quicker, though I'm not certain how that works, it just appears to me that it would/could be same day?
Also apparently you can do the Black Tie protection online as well so that's a possibility for the OP specifically.
ritcereal said:
So the Best Buy model is basically double, however you do have the flexibility to stop paying BB if for instance you buy another phone at any time where as if you use SquareTrade you've already paid for all of your two years regardless of how long you own or wish to protect that specific phone.
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Click to collapse
Actually you can receive a prorated REFUND on your SquareTrade warranty ANY TIME you want if you sell the phone or don't want the warranty anymore, you can also transfer it to another user!
nxt said:
Actually you can receive a prorated REFUND on your SquareTrade warranty ANY TIME you want if you sell the phone or don't want the warranty anymore, you can also transfer it to another user!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah thanks for that bit!
So they gave you a really hard time? My phone isnt past its 30 days but I have a dim back button and compared to my best friends wife's phone, the screen is really gray and banded. Also the platinum case scratched it and either way I want to replace it. I have the black tie protection and paid close to six hundred for the phone and 35 for the scratchy case and another 30 for the invisible shield. It sucks that I want to repalce the phone yet again but for the 700 I've shelled out on this thing, it should at least be perfect from the start.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Jayrod1980 said:
So they gave you a really hard time? My phone isnt past its 30 days but I have a dim back button and compared to my best friends wife's phone, the screen is really gray and banded. Also the platinum case scratched it and either way I want to replace it. I have the black tie protection and paid close to six hundred for the phone and 35 for the scratchy case and another 30 for the invisible shield. It sucks that I want to repalce the phone yet again but for the 700 I've shelled out on this thing, it should at least be perfect from the start.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other stuff, yeah, exchange the phone for a bad backlit button or wonky display, but I don't get the platinum case thing. That's your fault, or the case maker's, not Samsung's.
You purchased a 3rd party case which was poorly designed and it damaged your phone's back and think that Samsung/Best Buy are to blame and should have to replace your phone for it?
Isn't that a bit like saying that if you bought a Ford, then slapped on an aftermarket strap-on luggage rack or bike carrier that scratched the paint that Ford should have to let you exchange the car? An extreme example, but the same concept.
Sounds kind of outrageous, doesn't it?
Unless of course scratches on the battery plate are covered as a repairable item under your black tie warranty, which I doubt.
The case has scratched the bezel so that's not easily repaired I wouldn't think.
Also, I agree its not Sammy's fault for the scratches but the other stuff yes. Also, the phone is sold exclusively by best buy and the case is best buys line of cases, the only one out until now. I wouldn't feel bad at all using the all inclusive (minus loss or theft) black tie thing that I pay for. If they won't let you even use it that's just free money for them and makes it a scam.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Jayrod1980 said:
I wouldn't feel bad at all using the all inclusive (minus loss or theft) black tie thing that I pay for. If they won't let you even use it that's just free money for them and makes it a scam.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, if the extended warranty covers stuff like scratches, go for it. Those warranties are almost 100% profit for the seller.
OK, kudos to best buy. They have been awesome to me with the n's, especially with what so.e might think is paranoia. After the case scratches and banding I exchanged mybphone for another. They didn't hassle me at all and after everything I would surely buy from them again. They were great. Unfortunately even though best buy online said they were tmo vendor, they are not. The last phone they had didn't have the creased glass, so I took it. Seems like my last phone was a gem. This one seems more washed out but im tired of fighting. After all the wrangling. It seems there's no such thing as a perfect phone, at least after my g1. A lot of the problems can be blamed on the rush to get gingerbread out for this phone.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I went to exchange mine after seeing the crease in the glass isnt supposed to be there, of the 24 devices my local store had, every one had it.
carolinaguy99 said:
I went to exchange mine after seeing the crease in the glass isnt supposed to be there, of the 24 devices my local store had, every one had it.
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Click to collapse
It's not? Mine has it up top bbut not at the bottom. Ah oh well.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Well I have to hand it to best buy mobile. Not to rag on the parent company but the mobile employees are a cut above normal best buy. Even the ones in the store are a separate entity like magnolia. Since my last post I have returned my phone two more times. The dim back button led to a new one with a dead pixel. The only problem I had was that they claimed that its one replacement per 30 day period. They still helped me out and got me a new one. They seem to genuinely care and gave excellent customer service, even with a picky person like myself.
Unfortunately this store had an entire batch of creased glass screens. I took one anyway as I had to drive a long way to find one that activated tmo. I did this because the other ones in the area were the ones with min availability. They also told me that the ones they had at the place I got mine were their second batch of phones which made me believe they would be less problematic. This one seems OK but the keyboard is acting strange. Its been less than 24hours since I put on my ghost armor so hopefully the sensitivity is just temporarily affected. My last one had the zagg one which was much thicker and had no sensitivity problems so I'm optimistic that this one will clear up.
I also learned that you need to ensure that the place you do an exchange with needs to correctly transfer your black tie protection if you do an in store 30 day exchange. I learned mine was still pegged to my very first one and they had to call up geek squad and fix the problem so that if I did use the warranty that I could actually make a claim.
Has anyone else been told that you can only do one exchange?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Who gets mad about having to get your first evo phone replaced by a refurb?

How many of you get pretty mad when you spent 400 to 250 on your evo and it was brand new outta the box and you babied it and then you had the light bleed or b spot effect on your screen 3 or 4 months later and when you take your phone in they swap it out calling it a new one thats a refurb kinda wish they give you a brand new one that had all the issues fixed dont you for the amount you paid for?
what do you guys think?
I buy my phones from bestbuy and use their insurance so if my phone messes up then they just replace it with brand new one. They don't use referbs. Just fyi for later buys. They also have buy back program. So basically when I upgrade next Jan they will be paying me for my next phone.
Papa Smurf151 said:
I buy my phones from bestbuy and use their insurance so if my phone messes up then they just replace it with brand new one. They don't use referbs. Just fyi for later buys. They also have buy back program. So basically when I upgrade next Jan they will be paying me for my next phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice i heard about that better deal then sprints
reaper24 said:
nice i heard about that better deal then sprints
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Click to collapse
Much better. Plus with buy back bestbuy will give me like 40-50% of original($650) after a year when my upgrade comes up. Only bad thing is they don't replace phone if its list it stolen
not all ways true last phone i had they never replaced it just wanted to keep sending it out and have it fixed and handing me a pos loaner
my first evo started to restart randomly, first thing the sprint rep did was do a hard reset and format the sd. I had a feeling that would not fix it and in fact the problem only got worse. When I took my EVO back the second time, they ordered me a "new" phone. The next week I was able to go pick it up. Soon as i got home i noticed 4 b-spots 3 of them are horribly distracting. Im procrastinating going back to the store cuz i am tired of the run around every time i go in. One thing that is weird to me is that i supposedly have hardware version 4. shouldnt the b spots be fixed by now on this version?
therealjimshady said:
my first evo started to restart randomly, first thing the sprint rep did was do a hard reset and format the sd. I had a feeling that would not fix it and in fact the problem only got worse. When I took my EVO back the second time, they ordered me a "new" phone. The next week I was able to go pick it up. Soon as i got home i noticed 4 b-spots 3 of them are horribly distracting. Im procrastinating going back to the store cuz i am tired of the run around every time i go in. One thing that is weird to me is that i supposedly have hardware version 4. shouldnt the b spots be fixed by now on this version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only Novatek screens exhibit the "b spots", and H/W 0004 has been using Novatek screens along with Epson. So some unlucky 0004 owners have the crappy LCD panels.
assurion
I bought my evo around christmas, I was in a bad accident feb 1st that thrashed my phone, I placed a order with assurion and it took them three weeks to get my phone because it was on" back order", so I assumed the phone was gonna be new but when I went to activate it on sprint.com in the description of the phone said "refurb unit" which means I waited three weeks for a refurbished phone paid a $100 insurance fee and the the phone came with a scratch out the box!!! thanks assurion
I'll order replacement parts and fix it myself, if possible.
it was brand new outta the box
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 or 4 months later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keywords: WAS new, broke 3-4 MONTHS later.
Yes, I completely agree that it sucks getting a refurb. But the truth is, your phone is NOT NEW ANYMORE. It's 3-4 months old, making it USED. Sprint should NOT have to give you a brand new phone to replace your USED one.
That being said though, I have had a few bad refurb evo's. But, I just take it back to sprint store, or call CS. I explain that while I understand I will get a refurb, the phone should be in good physical and working condition, as my last phone was. Then they either give me another refurb, or a new model for the inconvenience.
I don't mind as long as it works and I've had no problems with mine. I too am normally nervous about refurbs, only because I've had bad - and numerous - refurb issues with electronics. But as long as it works I couldn't care less.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
If it works being the big word. I had Horrible luck with verizon refurbs...
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Papa Smurf151 said:
I buy my phones from bestbuy and use their insurance so if my phone messes up then they just replace it with brand new one. They don't use referbs. Just fyi for later buys. They also have buy back program. So basically when I upgrade next Jan they will be paying me for my next phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what planet you're from but that's never the case with Best Buy. They will ALWAYS try to repair your phones which means sending it in for 2 weeks while you get stuck with a crappy loaner for the mean time. If it is not repairable, then they'll provide you with a new unit as long as they don't have something that has been returned to them in working condition.
Sprint will at least attempt to fix your phone on the spot so you're not wasting so much time and then send you a refurb (some times new devices).
I have recently had bad experiences with Sprints refurbs but kept exchanging it until I was 100% happy (3rd try) with no questions asked.
BTW, Best Buy's insurance is $10 a month, while Sprint's is $7 (30% less). Also, BB's insurance DOES NOT cover lost/stolen phones (not even if paying $100 deductible), Sprint does.
Done...
I talked to the manager at the sprint location I did my warranty swap at and told him I only wanted a new evo. Explained my side, waiting in line on opening day, etc., etc. and he agreed. So there are other ways....even at Sprint.
Sent on the go from my HTC EVO
He was nice, because he certainly doesn't have to.
Personally, I don't care if I'm the 5th owner of this phone as long as it is flawless cosmetically and functioning as it should.
akarol said:
He was nice, because he certainly doesn't have to.
Personally, I don't care if I'm the 5th owner of this phone as long as it is flawless cosmetically and functioning as it should.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Likewise..
My last replacement was a refurb with a cracked case and a weird bright spot on the screen.
I called 15 minutes after opening the box and Asurion promptly sent me a brand new one.
I wanted a brand new one too and Asurion could not guarantee it. I got a refurb and often wonder if it has been better than my original would have been. I had my original 3 weeks and cracked the screen

Received a refurbished phone to replace a phone with bad signal

I had an original Focus that got run over by a car and I had to get a new one using my insurance. I received that one a couple weeks ago. I called the insurance company because the new one had bad signal problems and I asked for another phone. I just received the new one and it's a refurbished. Is this normal policy? I paid $200. for my original Focus and I'm not too happy getting a refurbished model.
Are they not making these anymore or are they having problems with the new ones?They never told me they were sending me a refurbished. I'm just wondering if anyone here has received a refurbished for replacement?
Policy
What does your policy say? The ones I have seen, and I think the warranty terms as well, allow for refurbished phones.
if you gripe to the right people you should be able to get a new one.... it might take going to a few stores and talking to the right manager..
The signal is better so far than the old one, at least is doesn't lose calls all the time. It looks in good shape too but it's hard accepting a refurb being that I paid $200 for this thing.
I'll have to look at my contract as it applies to what they can give me but on the phone she didn't mention a refurb as a possibility. She only said a new samsung or a phone of equal quality. I'm not sure how a refurb is of equal quality to a brand new phone. I'll keep this for a few days to see how it works out. Thanks for the replys.
This is for ATT, my understading it was on suposed to $50 for replacement. I asked when I purchased the insurance thru ATT. Did they feed me a load of BS?
thanks
Nothing wrong with a refurb so long as it carries a warrenty, has no scratches, and is not full of ear wax ! Sometimes you are better off with a refurb as it's been fully tested or any potential known issues are fixed.
But yes, always nice to get one fresh new one for sure.
ktdan1 said:
This is for ATT, my understading it was on suposed to $50 for replacement. I asked when I purchased the insurance thru ATT. Did they feed me a load of BS?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do replace for $50, with a refurb. I've never had insurance with any carrier that offered a brand new phone. The refurbs are just as good, in fact probably tested even better than new ones.
wspaw said:
They do replace for $50, with a refurb. I've never had insurance with any carrier that offered a brand new phone. The refurbs are just as good, in fact probably tested even better than new ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did receive a new phone for my replacement the first time with AT&T. When I sent that one back because the signal sucked they sent me a refurb. This one is having issues also, the signal still sucks, the tiles seem to move all by themselves randomly and the phone freezes up. I've never seen tiles just move on their own like that, they just rearrange themselves into different locations, and the phone usually freezes up after that.
I have to stop buying new crap, I need to let someone else be the Guinea pig.
ktdan1 said:
This is for ATT, my understading it was on suposed to $50 for replacement. I asked when I purchased the insurance thru ATT. Did they feed me a load of BS?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pretty much in as legal a way as they could... ive found most (not all) cell salesmen are like used car salesmen...they will say anything to make a sale... and that ins add on made him a nice bonus....
kawgirlval69 said:
pretty much in as legal a way as they could... ive found most (not all) cell salesmen are like used car salesmen...they will say anything to make a sale... and that ins add on made him a nice bonus....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to agree with you on that one, "A bunch of used car salesman". I have been with ATT for quite some time and I do my reserch but $50 for a replacement was less than my tilt2. I was a bit surprised and pleased.
Just a note my Focus has been running like a charm since day one, I was lucky enought to have a capable 16GB MCSD card out of the gate.
thanks

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