ATT or Apple Store for purchase? Any difference?

It ABSOLUTLEY MATTERS where you buy your iPhone. I purchased mine at an AT&T store and two days later I needed to exchange it because it was not working properly which was no fault of my own. The AT&T Corporate store would not exchange it because they said Apple was responsible for it, the best they would do is return it, charge me a ten percent restock fee and ALLOW me to go purchase it somewhere else. I called AT&T CS and they called the local CORPORATE store where I purchased it and they still not EXCHANGE the 2 day old iPhone so the CS girl maid an appointment at my "local" Apple store -42mi away- and assured me that they would give me a brand new - not refurb- iphone. So I take the drive and am met with a Geniues who informs me that they can not help me because i did not purchase the phone from there store. I explained that AT&T had made an appointment for me with (wont mention any names or local). The manager then approached and offered me a refurb-for a phone i paid $400 two days earlier that did not work properly from the get go! I once again called AT&T and there supervisor spoke with the store manager wnd then he reluctantly gave me a new phone. AT&T called me later that week to give me a $150 credit on my bill and up my plan at no additional charge for the term of my contract.
SO IT MATTERS WHERE YOU BUY YOUR PHONE-so go to your local Apple store, but by all means buy it!
P.S. I'm certain this post will be deleted like it was last week so you better read it fast!

I think you just successfully argued that you should buy from an AT&T store. If you had bought from an Apple store you would not have gotten a $150 credit and an ugrade to your plan 😉

As mentioned, no difference in buying. But I would also suggest Apple store. As mentioned more accessories, but I would say better sales staff to answer every question about the phone. Ask them about what it is missing or things users have asked for that are not there (in case you do not know) so they will tell you and you are more informed. Both places you can play with them, but I know the Apple Store will have more to play with. Make sure to do so. Have a sales guy demo to you. Have them show you how to get on WiFi, etc.

It does not matter where you buy it

Repairs and support questions are handled by Apple only (by calling 1-800-MYIPHONE or making an appointment with a genius at an Apple store)

You will activate the phone at home connecting to iTunes, not at the Apple store or AT&T store

It will make no difference.

All you will do at either store is buy the phone. Activation is done on your personal computer via iTunes.

That being said, I would go to the Apple store if you are looking for additional accessories as their selection is much better than AT&T

I agree with most of the recommendations of the Apple store. The only exception I would make is if you have an existing AT&T account you are probably better off at the AT&T store so you plan can be converted to one that is compatible with the iPhone. When I went the gave me 3 phones (for each of my 3 lines on my family plan) even though I bought an iPhone. So I now have a spare phone for emergencies.

No, it doesn't.

Regardless of where the original purchase was made Apple handles all warranty work and exchanges. They will handled AT&T purchased iPhones as well as Apple Store purchased iPhones.

Should there not be a continent Apple store around you can call 1-800-My Apple and talk to a customer service rep to schedule a repair and have a loner phone mailed to you.

Joseph Albanese2 wrote:
The manager then approached and offered me a refurb-for a phone i paid $400 two days earlier that did not work properly from the get go!

Read your warranty card. Apple reserved the right to repair or replace your phone with refurbished parts at their discression. Refurbs are factory certified and work just like brand new units.

P.S. I'm certain this post will be deleted like it was last week so you better read it fast!

Try following the TOU and this wont happen.

Your problem was not the fact that you bought the phone from AT&T but the fact that the Apple employees did not know the Apple policy
But just to be safe that things like that do not happen I would buy the phone from an Apple store also

As I tried to inform you when you posted this the first time, what you experienced in this situation was unusual to say the least.

I purchased my iPhone at an AT&T Store and within the first two weeks or so I was experiencing occasional crackling with the earpiece during some calls. I knew at the time that AT&T does not handle any iPhone repairs or exchanges under warranty so I called AppleCare to handle the repair or exchange.

What this AT&T Store told you is correct. AT&T does not handle ANY iPhone repairs or exchanges under warranty but you can return an iPhone that was purchased at an AT&T Store to that store within 14 days of the purchase date for payment credit only. If the packaging is opened, a 10% restocking fee is charged and if the package is unopened, full credit will be issued. If not returned within the 14 day return for credit window, you own it regardless if the packaging is opened or not.

This 14 day return for credit window also applies to iPhones purchased at an Apple Store but Apple and Apple only handles all iPhone repairs or exchanges under warranty and per the written warranty if an iPhone is exchanged under warranty, a new or refurbished iPhone will be provided at Apple's discretion.

The problem you had was some misinformed employees at this Apple Store unless they misunderstood that you were looking for an exchange under warranty and you were not returning your iPhone for payment credit within the 14 day return window. If you were trying to return your iPhone for payment credit (not for an exchange under warranty), the Apple Store would have been right because in that situation you must return the iPhone for payment credit within the 14 day return window where the iPhone was purchased - in this case the AT&T Store.

It makes absolutely no difference where an iPhone was purchased in regards to a repair or exchange under warranty which is handled by Apple and Apple only, not AT&T.

Personally, no. I have, however, read hundreds of posts here that say the exact opposite of your story.

As Allan said, you got a bad Apple store employee. I'm sorry that happened to you but it doesn't change the fact that all repairs or exchanges are handled by Apple.

1: "Read your warranty card. Apple reserved the right to repair or replace your phone with refurbished parts at their discression. Refurbs are factory certified and work just like brand new units.

if i wanted a refurb I would have purchased a refurk.

2:The OP asked a valid question. just because it does not shine your Apple doesn't mean the answer has to be deleted.

And lastly, and with all due respect, since you have no experience in the matter I dont understand why you are so adiment in your position.

And lastly,lastly I would be more than happy to provide you with the # of the Corporate store in which I purchased the phone and a copy of the receipt which clearly states the return policy which they would no honor.

Why are you so angry? We are just trying to help.

1) This is how Apple does buisness. If you dont like it you are more than able to buy a different phone.

2) This is Apple's forum. I dont make the rules, they do. If you post something against the TOU they will delete it. If you don't like it, don't post here.

I am not discounting your experience. I am not claiming it didn't happen. I am simply saying that this is not the way it is SUPPOSED to work. You met with misinformed people initially and I am sorry that happened. The way both Allan and I have described it the sanctioned way Apple handles its warranty work.

If you don't like the help we try to give thats fine. Just remember that all of us are individuals giving up our free time to try to help people with problems. Please don't be rude to us. With out users like myself and Allan people with issues would have no help at all.

To the original poster;

By all means buy this phone. It's truly a great device. And I KNOW Apple is a very good company to deal with most if not mostly all of the time, as well as AT&T. I'm certain this was a fluke incident but just to be safe All I'm suggesting is that you buy it from the Apple store since they are the ones ultimatley responsible for it.

P.S. i appologize if I came across as anything other than passionate.
Happy Holidays to all!

Why am I angry?

"No, it doesn't.

Regardless of where the original purchase was made Apple handles all warranty work and exchanges. They will handled AT&T purchased iPhones as well as Apple Store purchased iPhones.

Should there not be a continent Apple store around you can call 1-800-My Apple and talk to a customer service rep to schedule a repair and have a loner phone mailed to you."

Because I had to run around for two days like a fool all while trying to explain to clients why i have not received there VM, never mind all the other nonsense I had to endure and you are going to INSIST that the episode I described did not happen the exact way I described it.

Also:"Should there not be a continent Apple store around you can call 1-800-My Apple and talk to a customer service rep to schedule a repair and have a loner phone mailed to you."
Do you think i should have to mail my 2 day old phone out for at least 10 days? Absolutely Not. I run a rather successful business and I would not dream of turning away a customer 2 days after I provided them with a faulty product/service.