Apple stops returns & exchanges for retail purchases in Hong Kong
In parallel with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus launching in Hong Kong, Apple has simultaneously halted all returns and exchanges for Apple and Beats products bought at the company's local retail stores.
The change is noted on the company's website. Previously, people were able to return or exchange products within 14 days, so long as they had their original receipt and packaging.
Why Apple would clamp down the same day as a major product launch is unclear, but the decision might be related to China's black and gray markets, which take advantage of Hong Kong's lower import duties and taxes. Smuggling iPhones into mainland China can be lucrative, even though Apple has launched iPhones there simultaneously for several years.
Hong Kong is likely to see a crush of iPhone sales in the next few weeks, in no small part because of scalpers and smugglers. By stopping returns and exchanges, it may be able to better manage the chaos involved and deter anyone from trying to commit fraud.
The change is noted on the company's website. Previously, people were able to return or exchange products within 14 days, so long as they had their original receipt and packaging.
Why Apple would clamp down the same day as a major product launch is unclear, but the decision might be related to China's black and gray markets, which take advantage of Hong Kong's lower import duties and taxes. Smuggling iPhones into mainland China can be lucrative, even though Apple has launched iPhones there simultaneously for several years.
Hong Kong is likely to see a crush of iPhone sales in the next few weeks, in no small part because of scalpers and smugglers. By stopping returns and exchanges, it may be able to better manage the chaos involved and deter anyone from trying to commit fraud.
Comments
And what are 'other' products you might have bought from apple.
1. Many people in Hong Kong have been ordering hundred iPhones in the past when the new iPhone launched, if they could sell them in a profit (what you called scalpers who are not illegal here), then everything would be fine, however, if they could not sell it with a profit then they would return back to the store, which was a non lost bet, in addition since these people would bought the iPhones with their credit cards, in return they earned points.
2. There are few very smart iT people here, they bought the iPhones and replaced many parts inside the new iPhones, then they would return back the iPhones to the stores in a box just like an unopened one (really could not understand how could they did it so professionally). In the past the store staff would not open the box, when they realised it was already too late