The introduction of the 4th-generation iPad at yesterday’s Apple media event may have left some recent purchasers of the 3rd-gen model feeling a little deflated. However, there may be hope. If you’ve purchased a 3rd-generation iPad in the past 30 days, your local Apple Store MIGHT let you exchange it for the latest model.
The manager at the Stockton Street store in San Francisco explained that “this specific store” would allow purchasers of the third-generation iPad to exchange their device for the fourth-generation iPad if purchased within the last 30 days. She emphasized that, unless the recently-purchased iPad showed serious signs of wear-and-tear, the usual 14-day return policy would be waived.
How about your local Apple Store? Sorry, she said you’d have to call and find out, adding, “We can’t speak to other stores’ policies — this is something our store has decided to do.”
The extended return window doesn’t appear to be an official company policy, so there may be some uneven adherence to it. Stores do have flexibility on how they can allow returns in specific circumstances. So, with a little luck, your local store will be willing to keep you happy and allow you to switch out your suddenly old and ugly 3rd-gen iPad for the new shininess of a 4th-gen marvel.
As someone who has worked at an Apple Store, I have witnessed management allowing returns such as this. Want a little hint? Management allows Apple Store Specialists, (the guys and gals in the blue shirts), to make their own decisions about whether or not to do returns like this. Be pleasant and reasonable from the time you walk into the store, the nicer you are to them, the nicer they’ll want to be to you!
