Thread: Anecdotal Experiences with *BAD* Service at Apple Service Centers?

I have heard of various bad experiences with the Apple Service Centers in Thailand -- both in terms of shoddy repair service (the repaired unit was returned with something else broken), or shoddy treatment (particularly Thais/locals getting treated worse than farang, oddly).

Particularly, I have some experiences of service center refusing to provide warranty service ('must buy new') to users whose broken parts were covered by the Apple Warranty Extension program (i.e. Apple covers them outside warranty), and the service center claiming they need to charge 1,000 Baht 'for checking with Apple', if a particular part or service are covered for replacement (just as recent examples), which is outrageous.

Trying to collect a list of such experiences, the more recent the better (don't bother with the 'farang beaten up at Apple Store, story -- it doesn't apply in this case) - including Mac computers, as well as iPod or iPhone experiences. Needs not be limited to service stores, if you have experiences from retail stores as well.

...and, of course, if you have positive experiences, please share those as well.

The 1st time I lost my mac I called the service center to see if that was covered under warranty. They said no and that pissed me off.

Luckily I got it back.

are you looking at attempting to take over the Aplle service contract in Thailand ?

Originally Posted by The Fresh Prince

I lost my mac

it was not "your mac" to lose - you are only leasing it from steve

ha ha

Originally Posted by baldrick

are you looking at attempting to take over the Aplle service contract in Thailand ?

Yes, it's a small step in my plans to rule the world.

Originally Posted by BKKBoet

I bought a new iPod 80 GB last year, after about 2 months the lock switch multifunctioned. I took it into the service centre and a week later got a call to pick it up, very efficient I though. Until I got there and was told '" cannot fix, can buy new".

Now I own a Nokia N97 with a 16GB SD card, total 48 GB storage, takes care of all my music needs. Won't touch Apple again.

The N97's a great phone -- a good effort from Nokia.

What service center gave you the cold shoulder? Seems preposterous that they would refuse to service a device that is still well within warranty.

I've had good experiences with apple service in Phuket Town.
MacBook(bought in the USA) hardrive failed under warranty, fixed no questions.
Keyboard cover began cracking out of warranty (well known design flaw). Fixed that day no charge. New keyboard cover warped right away, again replaced on the spot.

I had terrible experience with apple care in the US. My first mac a power book arrived with an obvious internal defect. I had to send it back twice, after hours on phone and about six months later I finally get a spanking new computer which still works well after 6 years.

^^ IT Mall Bangkok.