Just remembered why I buy Apple phones

tdenson · 28-01-2015, 14:56

Three months ago I bought a Wiko Dual Sim Android phone from Amazon. Love the phone, amazing value for money, bought it for use in Kenya where I travel frequently on business and use multiple SIM cards. *However* it broke two months and a couple of days after receiving it (completely dead, won't power on). Then the sorry saga began. I contacted Amazon who politely told me to contact the 3rd party seller (Amazon are amazing when it's an Amazon product but it gets a bit iffy with 3rd party seller products). I did that and after a week I got an email response from the seller telling me because it was over 2 months old (just) they couldn't deal with it but I had to contact the manufacturer. They gave me a link to a completely different Wiko company than the one that sells phones. I pointed this out in a reply and 10 days later had heard nothing. Meanwhile I Googled the real Wiko and sent them an email but it went into a black hole and have heard nothing. I therefore yesterday contacted Amazon and asked them to sort it out for me. They then chased the 3rd party on my behalf who replied to me today saying they had already told me the situation and given me a website address i.e. just repeated their earlier email and I am back to square one.
If there was a UK supplier of this phone I would immediately buy another one and write off the original, but there doesn't seem to be.
All I know is that if it were an iPhone I would have an instant replacement, no questions asked. Now *that's* why I don't begrudge them their huge profits (reference another thread

)

Si_Crewe · 28-01-2015, 15:06

Surprised and saddened to hear that a well-known company such as Wiko is less than superb with regard to product support.

Wait... who?

rosetech · 28-01-2015, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Si_Crewe

Surprised and saddened to hear that a well-known company such as Wiko is less than superb with regard to product support.

Wait... who?

No-brand tech has no support. Who would have thought that

Not sure which is sadder - they fact the OP didnt know this or he decided to open a thread to gloat about it

jabbamk1 · 28-01-2015, 15:30

So you bought a grey import from a French-Chinese company.

And then expected to have a UK warranty....

ok then....

tdenson · 28-01-2015, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosetech

No-brand tech has no support. Who would have thought that

Not sure which is sadder - they fact the OP didnt know this or he decided to open a thread to gloat about it

I could have entitled it "Just remembered why I buy brand name phones" but it just seemed rather relevant to that other thread

However, I did buy a Samsung laptop recently and got the complete run-around from Currys when I tried to get it repaired - so perhaps I *will* stick with the original title.

tdenson · 28-01-2015, 15:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by jabbamk1

So you bought a grey import from a French-Chinese company.

And then expected to have a UK warranty....

ok then....

No, I thought I was buying a product from Amazon, a company I like and respect.

Stiggles · 28-01-2015, 15:34

Errr....Great. Pleased for you.....i think....

rosetech · 28-01-2015, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdenson

I could have entitled it "Just remembered why I buy brand name phones" but it just seemed rather relevant to that other thread

However, I did buy a Samsung laptop recently and got the complete run-around from Currys when I tried to get it repaired - so perhaps I *will* stick with the original title.

Just joshing - I hope you get it sorted.

omnidirectional · 28-01-2015, 16:23

I had to get a Nexus 5 replaced by Google last year and was expecting it to be a difficult process.

After contacting Google they accepted there was a fault and I had a replacement delivered the next day, along with a pre-paid package to send the old one back. It couldn't have been any easier or quicker.

jaffboy151 · 28-01-2015, 16:32

How do samsung, HTC and LG deal with faulty phones, I have a samsung and are looking to get a note or equivalent soon, have delt with Apple a couple of times regarding phone issues, and they were always helpful. never had a issue with my Samsung galaxy yet

tdenson · 28-01-2015, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by omnidirectional

I had to get a Nexus 5 replaced by Google last year and was expecting it to be a difficult process.

After contacting Google they accepted there was a fault and I had a replacement delivered the next day, along with a pre-paid package to send the old one back. It couldn't have been any easier or quicker.

Well it could have been quicker as I'm fortunate and live 10 mins from an Apple Store, but I agree that is great service and what I have come to expect from Amazon as well - just order another for the next day and return the old one at my leisure. But after Google, Apple and Amazon the rest are a bit patchy.

alanwarwic · 28-01-2015, 16:42

Buy an iPhone from an Amazon/Ebay tin pot seller abroad and I bet you get the exact same treatment.

jabbamk1 · 28-01-2015, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdenson

No, I thought I was buying a product from Amazon, a company I like and respect.

You bought a Wiko phone. They are a French-Chinese company with no support for the UK.

You can buy many things on Amazon which aren't sold in the UK.

Richard_T · 28-01-2015, 17:09

if amazon are refusing to refund you, and you paid by credit card ( or one backed up with visa ) you may be able to get your money back

swordman · 28-01-2015, 17:15

deleted .. I shall not bother

alanwarwic · 28-01-2015, 17:20

Well, they were meant to be setting up in the UK.
I for one, had not heard of the label.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...ing-60-UK.html

"Britain has been slow to take advantage of plummeting technology costs which are making smartphones affordable across Africa and Asia"

A bizarre non true comment methinks.

tdenson · 28-01-2015, 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by jabbamk1

You bought a Wiko phone. They are a French-Chinese company with no support for the UK.
.

Yes, but I didn't know that at the time

tdenson · 28-01-2015, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard_T

if amazon are refusing to refund you, and you paid by credit card ( or one backed up with visa ) you may be able to get your money back

I wouldn't say they are refusing, they have chased the company. It's just proving a tortuous process, that's the only point I was making.

jabbamk1 · 28-01-2015, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

A bizarre non true comment methinks.

You'd be surprised how much we over pay compared to the rest of the world.

tdenson · 28-01-2015, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordman

deleted .. I shall not bother

Phew

kidspud · 28-01-2015, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaffboy151

How do samsung, HTC and LG deal with faulty phones, I have a samsung and are looking to get a note or equivalent soon, have delt with Apple a couple of times regarding phone issues, and they were always helpful. never had a issue with my Samsung galaxy yet

When I had a fault with my Samsung, I took it to the store at Westfield. The would not replace it, they sent it back to be repaired and it took a week.

The store has now closed.

moox · 28-01-2015, 17:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdenson

However, I did buy a Samsung laptop recently and got the complete run-around from Currys when I tried to get it repaired - so perhaps I *will* stick with the original title.

They could equally do the same with a MacBook, that's the retailer not the product or manufacturer.

I'd argue that the likes of Dell and Lenovo are actually better here, because for a very small fee they will give you on-site warranties on their laptops. Apple wants 10x the price for "drive it to the Apple Store" service. Great, when you are a 70 mile round trip away

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaffboy151

How do samsung, HTC and LG deal with faulty phones, I have a samsung and are looking to get a note or equivalent soon, have delt with Apple a couple of times regarding phone issues, and they were always helpful. never had a issue with my Samsung galaxy yet

HTC were pretty poor in my experience. They initially tried to claim my phone was German and from Vodafone (not SIM free as was sold), and even tried to claim that I'd have to contact Vodafone Germany to get it fixed.

After harassing the retailer they got it sent to an HTC approved service centre, after a month or two my phone came back fixed.

When it broke again with the same issue they then tried to say it was out of warranty (it wasn't) and after succesfully challenging that, they claimed that it had water damage (it didn't)

I don't plan to buy again from that retailer and from HTC. If I get an Android device it'll be a Nexus bought straight from Google.

Dr.Fever · 28-01-2015, 18:00

I have had a few HTC phones and the customer support couldn't have been better, excellent service.
A mate has had a Samsung phone, but not found their customer support that good.

But at least with a 'big' name brand it is easier to contact if you have problems.

The Lord Lucan · 28-01-2015, 22:52

Samsung sucks to have issues fixed/replaced. HTC/Google as mentioned above are not to bad. Nokia is ok but Apple does lead the way but of course that's mostly because they have the stores, online/telephone wise they can be a little long in the tooth sorting things out.

Faust · 28-01-2015, 22:58

Is it not the case you buy an iPhone because you want Apple to have a 40% markup on the product they have just sold you?

I can see you don't mind this company going through your pockets - well done you.

28-01-2015, 14:56	#1
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,212	Just remembered why I buy Apple phones Three months ago I bought a Wiko Dual Sim Android phone from Amazon. Love the phone, amazing value for money, bought it for use in Kenya where I travel frequently on business and use multiple SIM cards. However it broke two months and a couple of days after receiving it (completely dead, won't power on). Then the sorry saga began. I contacted Amazon who politely told me to contact the 3rd party seller (Amazon are amazing when it's an Amazon product but it gets a bit iffy with 3rd party seller products). I did that and after a week I got an email response from the seller telling me because it was over 2 months old (just) they couldn't deal with it but I had to contact the manufacturer. They gave me a link to a completely different Wiko company than the one that sells phones. I pointed this out in a reply and 10 days later had heard nothing. Meanwhile I Googled the real Wiko and sent them an email but it went into a black hole and have heard nothing. I therefore yesterday contacted Amazon and asked them to sort it out for me. They then chased the 3rd party on my behalf who replied to me today saying they had already told me the situation and given me a website address i.e. just repeated their earlier email and I am back to square one. If there was a UK supplier of this phone I would immediately buy another one and write off the original, but there doesn't seem to be. All I know is that if it were an iPhone I would have an instant replacement, no questions asked. Now that's why I don't begrudge them their huge profits (reference another thread)

28-01-2015, 15:06	#2
Si_Crewe Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dumfries Posts: 38,495	Surprised and saddened to hear that a well-known company such as Wiko is less than superb with regard to product support. Wait... who?

28-01-2015, 15:16	#3
rosetech Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,058	Quote: Originally Posted by Si_Crewe Surprised and saddened to hear that a well-known company such as Wiko is less than superb with regard to product support. Wait... who? No-brand tech has no support. Who would have thought that Not sure which is sadder - they fact the OP didnt know this or he decided to open a thread to gloat about it

28-01-2015, 15:30	#4
jabbamk1 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: London, UK Posts: 8,759	So you bought a grey import from a French-Chinese company. And then expected to have a UK warranty.... ok then....

28-01-2015, 15:32	#5
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,212	Quote: Originally Posted by rosetech No-brand tech has no support. Who would have thought that Not sure which is sadder - they fact the OP didnt know this or he decided to open a thread to gloat about it I could have entitled it "Just remembered why I buy brand name phones" but it just seemed rather relevant to that other thread However, I did buy a Samsung laptop recently and got the complete run-around from Currys when I tried to get it repaired - so perhaps I will stick with the original title.

28-01-2015, 15:33	#6
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,212	Quote: Originally Posted by jabbamk1 So you bought a grey import from a French-Chinese company. And then expected to have a UK warranty.... ok then.... No, I thought I was buying a product from Amazon, a company I like and respect.

28-01-2015, 15:34	#7
Stiggles Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dundee, Scotland Posts: 9,292	Errr....Great. Pleased for you.....i think....

28-01-2015, 15:37	#8
rosetech Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,058	Quote: Originally Posted by tdenson I could have entitled it "Just remembered why I buy brand name phones" but it just seemed rather relevant to that other thread However, I did buy a Samsung laptop recently and got the complete run-around from Currys when I tried to get it repaired - so perhaps I will stick with the original title. Just joshing - I hope you get it sorted.

28-01-2015, 16:23	#9
omnidirectional Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 10,877	I had to get a Nexus 5 replaced by Google last year and was expecting it to be a difficult process. After contacting Google they accepted there was a fault and I had a replacement delivered the next day, along with a pre-paid package to send the old one back. It couldn't have been any easier or quicker.

28-01-2015, 16:32	#10
jaffboy151 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Woore, Cheshire/Shropshire Posts: 1,675	How do samsung, HTC and LG deal with faulty phones, I have a samsung and are looking to get a note or equivalent soon, have delt with Apple a couple of times regarding phone issues, and they were always helpful. never had a issue with my Samsung galaxy yet

28-01-2015, 16:38	#11
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,212	Quote: Originally Posted by omnidirectional I had to get a Nexus 5 replaced by Google last year and was expecting it to be a difficult process. After contacting Google they accepted there was a fault and I had a replacement delivered the next day, along with a pre-paid package to send the old one back. It couldn't have been any easier or quicker. Well it could have been quicker as I'm fortunate and live 10 mins from an Apple Store, but I agree that is great service and what I have come to expect from Amazon as well - just order another for the next day and return the old one at my leisure. But after Google, Apple and Amazon the rest are a bit patchy.

28-01-2015, 16:42	#12
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	Buy an iPhone from an Amazon/Ebay tin pot seller abroad and I bet you get the exact same treatment.

28-01-2015, 16:49	#13
jabbamk1 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: London, UK Posts: 8,759	Quote: Originally Posted by tdenson No, I thought I was buying a product from Amazon, a company I like and respect. You bought a Wiko phone. They are a French-Chinese company with no support for the UK. You can buy many things on Amazon which aren't sold in the UK.

28-01-2015, 17:09	#14
Richard_T Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: East Midlands Posts: 3,840	if amazon are refusing to refund you, and you paid by credit card ( or one backed up with visa ) you may be able to get your money back

28-01-2015, 17:15	#15
swordman Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6,342	deleted .. I shall not bother

28-01-2015, 17:20	#16
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	Well, they were meant to be setting up in the UK. I for one, had not heard of the label. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...ing-60-UK.html "Britain has been slow to take advantage of plummeting technology costs which are making smartphones affordable across Africa and Asia" A bizarre non true comment methinks.

28-01-2015, 17:38	#17
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,212	Quote: Originally Posted by jabbamk1 You bought a Wiko phone. They are a French-Chinese company with no support for the UK. . Yes, but I didn't know that at the time

28-01-2015, 17:39	#18
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,212	Quote: Originally Posted by Richard_T if amazon are refusing to refund you, and you paid by credit card ( or one backed up with visa ) you may be able to get your money back I wouldn't say they are refusing, they have chased the company. It's just proving a tortuous process, that's the only point I was making.

28-01-2015, 17:39	#19
jabbamk1 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: London, UK Posts: 8,759	Quote: Originally Posted by alanwarwic A bizarre non true comment methinks. You'd be surprised how much we over pay compared to the rest of the world.

28-01-2015, 17:40	#20
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,212	Quote: Originally Posted by swordman deleted .. I shall not bother Phew

28-01-2015, 17:41	#21
kidspud Forum Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 11,493	Quote: Originally Posted by jaffboy151 How do samsung, HTC and LG deal with faulty phones, I have a samsung and are looking to get a note or equivalent soon, have delt with Apple a couple of times regarding phone issues, and they were always helpful. never had a issue with my Samsung galaxy yet When I had a fault with my Samsung, I took it to the store at Westfield. The would not replace it, they sent it back to be repaired and it took a week. The store has now closed.

DS Forums

Just remembered why I buy Apple phones

28-01-2015, 17:43	#22
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,641	Quote: Originally Posted by tdenson However, I did buy a Samsung laptop recently and got the complete run-around from Currys when I tried to get it repaired - so perhaps I will stick with the original title. They could equally do the same with a MacBook, that's the retailer not the product or manufacturer. I'd argue that the likes of Dell and Lenovo are actually better here, because for a very small fee they will give you on-site warranties on their laptops. Apple wants 10x the price for "drive it to the Apple Store" service. Great, when you are a 70 mile round trip away Quote: Originally Posted by jaffboy151 How do samsung, HTC and LG deal with faulty phones, I have a samsung and are looking to get a note or equivalent soon, have delt with Apple a couple of times regarding phone issues, and they were always helpful. never had a issue with my Samsung galaxy yet HTC were pretty poor in my experience. They initially tried to claim my phone was German and from Vodafone (not SIM free as was sold), and even tried to claim that I'd have to contact Vodafone Germany to get it fixed. After harassing the retailer they got it sent to an HTC approved service centre, after a month or two my phone came back fixed. When it broke again with the same issue they then tried to say it was out of warranty (it wasn't) and after succesfully challenging that, they claimed that it had water damage (it didn't) I don't plan to buy again from that retailer and from HTC. If I get an Android device it'll be a Nexus bought straight from Google.

28-01-2015, 18:00	#23
Dr.Fever Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 367	I have had a few HTC phones and the customer support couldn't have been better, excellent service. A mate has had a Samsung phone, but not found their customer support that good. But at least with a 'big' name brand it is easier to contact if you have problems.

28-01-2015, 22:52	#24
The Lord Lucan Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Scotland Posts: 4,966	Samsung sucks to have issues fixed/replaced. HTC/Google as mentioned above are not to bad. Nokia is ok but Apple does lead the way but of course that's mostly because they have the stores, online/telephone wise they can be a little long in the tooth sorting things out.

28-01-2015, 22:58	#25
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 8,100	Is it not the case you buy an iPhone because you want Apple to have a 40% markup on the product they have just sold you? I can see you don't mind this company going through your pockets - well done you.