A seller in Russia has no right to inspect a defective iPhone for more than 30 days. Oleg Pavlov, candidate of legal sciences, head of the public organization “Public Consumer Initiative” for the protection of consumer rights, told socialbites.ca about this and explained the rules for returning defective Apple smartphones under parallel import conditions.
With the launch of the iPhone 15, a lot of news has emerged on the internet about various types of faulty devices. Some smartphones’ speakers make wheezing noises, some break while synchronizing with cars, and some’s screens break down quickly. In the USA and other countries where Apple operates, the company easily replaces defective devices with new ones, but in Russia, according to Pavlov, if a defect is detected in the iPhone 15 (or any other model), the consumer can only rely on the help of the seller. And not in every case.
“The success of returning a defective product to the seller directly depends on the existence of the warranty. If it’s there, there shouldn’t be any problems. Neither in the online store nor in the retail outlet,” the expert said.
If a defect is detected, the buyer must submit a claim to the seller. Then the seller must fulfill one of the consumer’s requirements: replace the device or carry out repairs. Inspection costs are carried out at the seller’s expense.
“As for the refund of money. In case of a minor defect, you can claim the money for the purchase only within the first 15 days. Moreover, a refund is possible only in the case of a significant defect. Pavlov noted that significant if the cost of eliminating the defect is comparable to the cost of a new device He added that it was considered a fault.
According to the expert, the seller’s inspection according to the law may take different periods of time. The deadline depends on the consumer’s need: the inspection must be carried out within 10 days if he wants to return the money, up to 30 days if repair or replacement is required.
“In cases where there is no warranty, the review is carried out at the discretion of the consumer. In this case, you can request a refund within up to two years from the date of purchase. Provided that the seller does not liquidate the legal entity,” Pavlov said.
According to the lawyer, buying a new iPhone without a warranty under parallel import conditions is not that difficult. Apple smartphones often sell so-called shuttles. They bring small quantities of iPhones from other countries and resell them in Russia through social networks and instant messengers, online advertising sites and small online or offline stores. In addition, often such sellers, selling a small batch, simply liquidate the legal entity, so there is no one left to claim.
“In this case, the consumer faces a one-to-one problem when detecting a defect – he cannot offer anything to the seller,” the expert concluded.
Previously DxOMark experts sort of The iPhone 15’s screen is worse than last year’s Google smartphone.