December 7th, 2009 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Analysis & Editorial | 1 Comment »
Last weekend, Apple got slashed on Dutch TV for ignoring warrantee obligations as defined according to Dutch law. Consumer Authorities are now joining forces to try and convince Apple to operate in-line with the law.
In an episode of the Dutch TV show ‘Kassa’ (famous for getting Microsoft to repaid Xbox 360 devices with the ring of death), a number of complaints where broadcasted toward millions of viewers, showing that Apple is not committing to free repairs when a device is older than one year. In the Netherlands, vendors are expected to support a product during its expected lifetime (which for the iPod Touch as an MP3 player would be 3 years).
They also showed hidden camera footage in which a team visits Apple retailers. In all cases, they where advices to buy Apple Care as it is nearly impossible to claim a free repair once the warrantee period of one year has expired.
The TV show tried to get in touch with Apple, but the company simply didn’t reply to their calls and e-mails.
At the same time, an organization called ‘De Consumentenbond’ has also started to raise awareness of the lacking support from Apple. They received dozens of complaints and informed consumers to go to court if retailers do not offer free repairs to Apple products during their expected lifetime.
Knowing the TV show, this will probably not be the end of this story.
I replaced my Ipod’s battery myself no problem! but they should make it easier for the average consumer!