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My eBay experience (techno.trading.house)

Hi everyone,
I want to share my journey with the Z3, and the experience with buying from eBay, specifically from a seller, techno.trading.house (Steph, Ed). I bought two brand new Z3 (D6603)--a black one for myself, and a white one for my girlfriend. The order was smooth, and the phones came in pretty much brand new (open box though) with their plastic peel-screens on the glass, untouched. After using the two for a few hours, I noticed that my black one had a defective sensor (photo). The seller advertised "hassle-free" exchanges/refunds, so I reported the defect and had the black one exchanged right away.
After a week, the new one came, the same brand new (open box) condition as the previous phones. However, there was a slight manufacturing defect with the USB flap--it closes completely at a slant (photo). I spelled out the issue with the seller, and here was how it went:
SELLER: I'm sorry to hear that! We will certainly replace it for you, I believe that your phone would be damaged underwater if that or any other flap was not closed properly. (I also do strongly suggest to avoid wetting the phone just in case). Please return the phone to...
ME (after 2 days delivered to them): Hi, have you receive the package yet, and have you ship out the new phone?
SELLER: Your return has been received. If you had chosen to receive a replacement, it will be sent within 2 days. If you have opted for a refund, it will be issued within 24 hours minus applicable restocking fee.
ME: Do you have tracking info? Thanks!
SELLER: Our records indicate that we have already sent a replacement. You have reached out to us to let us know that the replacement has the same issue. In order to avoid another occurrence, we recommend that we proceed with a refund for this item. Please let us know if this is okay.
ME: Sorry, I am not sure what you are saying. Are you talking about the previous replacement or the 2nd replacement being shipped out? I am currently waiting for the 2nd replacement. You said "sure" on the second replacement last week.
SELLER: We are talking about the previous replacement. We believe since both- the original phone and the replacement phone- has had the same issue, that a refund might be best. Let us know if this is ok.
ME: That is not correct. First phone had a defective camera. Second one had a manufacturer defect on the flap. You agreed for the second exchange, so I am not sure why you are backing out now? I need the phone as I have been using an old dumb phone for work for a week already.
SELLER: I'm very sorry for the confusion. I just read back through the emails and you are indeed correct. We will have your replacement unit shipped today. Here is your tracking number. Again, I am sorry for the confusion. Have a great day!
ME: Thanks. I just hope the new one does not have any defect--I will be checking it. If it's not shipped out yet, anyway you can inspect these? Thank you.
SELLER: Hello, Not a problem.
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Click to collapse
So the 2nd replacement came (third phone), and the phone came in a used/open condition. There were no plastic peel-screens on either side of the glass and the USB wire was laying in there without its plastic wrappers. I knew immediately this was used, so I began close inspection of the phone. I found that the power button had a noticeable dent on one side, as if it was dropped on a table before. At this point, I don't know what to do with the phone. I have summoned the seller to see what they plan to do with this situation.
It appears that the seller recycles their returned phones and try to sell them as new, or whatever it is. I am extremely disappointed with this seller, and I want others to know so they may not fall into the same trap.
I checked the current feedback, and it appears someone had the same situation (photo). Go figure!

To me this sounds like a fair seller and a picky buyer. 832 positive reviews and 6 negative ones in a month is a ratio I would buy at if I wanted to save a hundred bucks by buying without factory warranty.

It could have been an honest mistake. I doubt he purposely gave you an opened one, just work with him to solve the problem. eBay is much harder on sellers than buyers and he would ruin his reputation if he did it on purpose. Looking at his rating I would say it was an honest mistake.
I understand if he wants to refund you, he is just trying to cut his losses. At the same time it was your misfortune to get a bad device/s. Since this phone is known for cosmetic/other issues as its in early production you are better of buying from Sony/carrier making replacement easier.

abhinav.tella said:
It could have been an honest mistake. I doubt he purposely gave you an opened one, just work with him to solve the problem. eBay is much harder on sellers than buyers and he would ruin his reputation if he did it on purpose. Looking at his rating I would say it was an honest mistake.
I understand if he wants to refund you, he is just trying to cut his losses. At the same time it was your misfortune to get a bad device/s. Since this phone is known for cosmetic/other issues as its in early production you are better of buying from Sony/carrier making replacement easier.
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Click to collapse
remember me?
I'm sorry to hear that. It was really a frustrating moment you went through. If I were you I would probably be really angry.
If you want, just buy it from Sony store. I got mine and it's perfect so far (except some cosmetic minor faults).

I bought two phones directly from the same seller. The price was cheaper on their own site vs eBay or Amazon. Both phones are perfect. They came in non sealed boxes. I've got no complaints.

android404 said:
To me this sounds like a fair seller and a picky buyer. 832 positive reviews and 6 negative ones in a month is a ratio I would buy at if I wanted to save a hundred bucks by buying without factory warranty.
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I may be a picky buyer, but who wouldn't be when you receive a defective product, and even worse when you get a used one on your third one. Feedbacks mean jack when you are on the short end. They are only good for initial decision about the seller, hence I trust them like you would too.
abhinav.tella said:
It could have been an honest mistake. I doubt he purposely gave you an opened one, just work with him to solve the problem. eBay is much harder on sellers than buyers and he would ruin his reputation if he did it on purpose. Looking at his rating I would say it was an honest mistake.
I understand if he wants to refund you, he is just trying to cut his losses. At the same time it was your misfortune to get a bad device/s. Since this phone is known for cosmetic/other issues as its in early production you are better of buying from Sony/carrier making replacement easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you are right on the honest mistake.
bluesky2111 said:
remember me?
I'm sorry to hear that. It was really a frustrating moment you went through. If I were you I would probably be really angry.
If you want, just buy it from Sony store. I got mine and it's perfect so far (except some cosmetic minor faults).
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Yeah, I really regret not buying from Sony store, or even T-Mobile here. At this point, I might just say screw it, keep the phone, and move on with my life. Maybe the Z4 will entice me in few months. :good:

I purchased 3 different Z3 D6603 from Techno Trading, Never-MSRP, and Sony Direct all off ebay.
Techno Trading shipping a Central America version of the D6603 (White) to me and it had no seals whatsoever on the box (US Charger). This model would not show LTE indicator until I flashed a generic TFT. Booting with Encryption shows the Pin Entry text in Spanish but quickly changes to English. Seller Feedack: Shipped very quickly but using subpar shipping materials. Shipped from Miami.
Never-MSRP shipped a Central Europe version of the D6603 (Copper) to me and it HAD seals on the box but also included a Sony Screen Protector (Non-US Charger). This model had the LTE indicator from start. Booting with Encryption shows the Pin Entry text in English. Seller Feedback: Shipped same day and was packaged very well. Unfortunately, they are located in Houston so I had to pay tax.
Sony Direct shipped a Generic North American model of the D6603 (Green) to me. This one had seals on the box but didn't include the Screen Protector. LTE shows from start and includes a US Charger. Plastic on the front and back of phone is totally different than the other two. Its hard to describe but the other phones came with a very very thin plastic protector. This model shipped with much thicker protectors on front and back (still meant to be removed because they have tabs on the side). Additionally, the other two phones were inside a cellophane bag but the this model was not in cellophane. Shipped from Sony in Romeoville IL. Shipped within two hours of purchase using FedEx for free. Unfortunately, Sony charges tax everywhere. Packaged well but not great.
My point...
Sony packages models different based on their intended destination. It might not be that you ever got "open box" devices but rather they were intended for an area which Sony (for whatever reason) chose not to use seals.

mwep said:
My point...
Sony packages models different based on their intended destination. It might not be that you ever got "open box" devices but rather they were intended for an area which Sony (for whatever reason) chose not to use seals.
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That is interesting. Before buying from techno, I bought a white one from tropical_mobile (in which I sold quickly due to being D6653), who stated they were located in Tennessee, but shipped from Singapore. However, the phone was sealed with two white rounded "sealed" stickers on the box. The phone also was sealed in a clear plastic slip and had protective screens on both sides.
This whole Z3 deal has been pretty bad luck for me. Maybe it is not meant to be. But good news--the seller techno.trading.house got back to me, and is willing to refund me $20 for the dented power button, or do another replacement. I'm planning to take the refund, and live with it as I am sick of all the exchanges. Who knows, the replacement might have even weirder issues.

If you spend $500 plus on an item, you the buyer, have every right on this planet to be as picky as you like.
Nobody has to settle for anything less than perfection.
So no, you don't have to accept a defective camera, or flap or indeed a previously returned phone.
As I mentioned before but was lambasted in another thread, Sony may be using premium materials, but they are certainly not using premium construction. Not when some people have to go through six boxes in store to find a unit without light bleed and gaps.
I myself had two exchanges within the first two weeks. My first unit was simply not waterproof and had a leaky flap and my second one didn't charge on the magnetic dock and now I have light bleed but no energy to fight it anymore.
It's almost as bad as an iPhone. All my iPhone friends have had multiple exchanges... Some as many as 5 in a year.
Sent from my D6603 using XDA Free mobile app

More recent feedbacks to prove my point.

stop accepting being called a picky buyer.... ur paying top dollar for the phone, that said u should receive a product good for the purpose, if the camera doesn't work its not good
if the phone isnt water proof it isnt good
if there is a dent in the design it should state it before being bought. so it's not the buyer nor seller (purposely) its a unlucky sale.

I purchased mine at t-mobile. I paid 100% upfront despite being with t-mobile and they unlock it on the spot. When I registered with Xperia Care (sonymobiles product registration) I entered my IMEI and it has till Oct 2016 on warranty.
However on the 2nd day of owning the device The bottom speaker stopped working and was making a static noise. I went to my t-mo store I purchased it and they swapped it out. I didn't even pay a restocking fee. The manager said as long as I get the same phone and since I bought it back so promptly that he would just swap a new one. This one has been perfect since. Sometimes the convenience of having a store near by is better than having to deal with shipping my phone back and forth!
Alot of people dont want the tmobile Bloatwear but like I said, 32 GB + Local customer support outweight > No bloatwear & 16 Gig with mail in issues. (since i have no sony store near by, id still have to mail in for repairs and exchanges)

Me too, I'm glad I bought it from TMO with an EIP, exchanged mine 3 times on my 4th now, no hassles or fees.

[Q] Rinsed my phone, now touchscreen not working

This morning I rinsed my z3 off in the kitchen sink, all the ports were closed and I only have ever used a magnetic charger so theres no way I damaged the rubber seals. After rinsing the phone off for about 15 seconds I dried it and tried to use it.
The screen comes on and all of the buttons (power, volume, camera) work but the touchscreen is completely unresponsive. I've rebooted it with power button + volume up and now it's sitting in a bag of rice while I'm typing this.
This is obviously especially frustrating given the fact that the phone is supposed to be WATERPROOF up to 5 feet of water and mine was only under the faucet for 15 seconds or so.
I have the extended warranty but I dont want to use the extended warranty on something that I feel isnt my fault when I might need it later if I drop it or if I damage it somehow. (the warranty can only be used once)
Also I've had a terrible experience with Sony customer service in the past so I'm really trying to avoid dealing with them at all costs. Unfortunately this might be my only option.
Has anyone else had a similar experience? did the rice work or did you have to send it back?

I've rinsed my phone off several times and never had a problem.

I've had mine underwater a few times and rinsed it in the sink lots of times with no ill effects. Is yours the T-Mobile version by any chance? I've read about quite a few problems with at least one batch of Z3s T-Mobile received.

torquelift said:
I've had mine underwater a few times and rinsed it in the sink lots of times with no ill effects. Is yours the T-Mobile version by any chance? I've read about quite a few problems with at least one batch of Z3s T-Mobile received.
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No this is the unlocked variant bought straight off of the sony store. The fact that there is nothing else wrong with the screen makes me think it was just something wrong with the phone and i happened to rinse it off at the same time that it stopped working. I've never dropped this phone, I've only had it for a week and a half. It's gotta be from a bad batch.

I had one of my Z3s with massive light leak all along one side of the frame, looking closely you could see bits of glue in intervals. If yours has a similar issue, water may have entered.

abhinav.tella said:
I had one of my Z3s with massive light leak all along one side of the frame, looking closely you could see bits of glue in intervals. If yours has a similar issue, water may have entered.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I was thinking maybe there was some leak on the body or frame but It's weird that the picture is fine and it's only the touchscreen that's completely unresponsive. I would think if there was some water damage then the picture would be distorted or it wouldnt turn on properly. I'm on the phone with Sony right now, hopefully they decide that it was defective in the first place so I can dodge this ridiculous 15% restocking fee.

UPDATE**
After speaking with almost every compartmentalized department of Sony I was finally brought back to the sony store help line where the rep told me that I would be able to return the phone for a full refund. Now I'm deciding whether or not to buy another Z3. The phone was great when it worked but after mine broke down I found a lot of people online with problems like mine. This leads me to believe that this phone is very delicate and not at all as durable as I originally thought. I wish I could know if it was just a defective one out of the millions they will produce.
PS If you use your Sony warranty do not expect a replacement or loaner phone while you wait for your phone to get fixed. I ended up just buying a galaxy S4 from bestbuy to use until my new phone gets here. 14 day return policy!!

fujimori1780 said:
UPDATE**
After speaking with almost every compartmentalized department of Sony I was finally brought back to the sony store help line where the rep told me that I would be able to return the phone for a full refund. Now I'm deciding whether or not to buy another Z3. The phone was great when it worked but after mine broke down I found a lot of people online with problems like mine. This leads me to believe that this phone is very delicate and not at all as durable as I originally thought. I wish I could know if it was just a defective one out of the millions they will produce.
PS If you use your Sony warranty do not expect a replacement or loaner phone while you wait for your phone to get fixed. I ended up just buying a galaxy S4 from bestbuy to use until my new phone gets here. 14 day return policy!!
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Darn. I was planning on getting the Z3 too next month as part of a contract with one of the carriers in Canada. Looks like a great phone in terms of battery life and performance.
Don't think I can/will wait until Q1/Q2 of 2015 for a new phone. I could, I just don't know if I would. :|

Info
fujimori1780 said:
UPDATE**
After speaking with almost every compartmentalized department of Sony I was finally brought back to the sony store help line where the rep told me that I would be able to return the phone for a full refund. Now I'm deciding whether or not to buy another Z3. The phone was great when it worked but after mine broke down I found a lot of people online with problems like mine. This leads me to believe that this phone is very delicate and not at all as durable as I originally thought. I wish I could know if it was just a defective one out of the millions they will produce.
PS If you use your Sony warranty do not expect a replacement or loaner phone while you wait for your phone to get fixed. I ended up just buying a galaxy S4 from bestbuy to use until my new phone gets here. 14 day return policy!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thr can be faulty device for all brands
for example someone broke its Galaxy S4 just by putting it in pocket!
If you want real durable device the Xperia Z series is the best and the original Xperia Z was better than others
it had durable frame + light weight + beauty
:good:

Geeks Empire said:
thr can be faulty device for all brands
for example someone broke its Galaxy S4 just by putting it in pocket!
If you want real durable device the Xperia Z series is the best and the original Xperia Z was better than others
it had durable frame + light weight + beauty
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i just ordered another z3 about 10 minutes ago haha i can't go back to a sub par battery now

Went to the aquarium yesterday and took some cool pics, unfortunately my touchscreen doesn't work now...
14 day wait time

xxquicksh0txx said:
Went to the aquarium yesterday and took some cool pics, unfortunately my touchscreen doesn't work now...
14 day wait time
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I dont know if you have a backup plan in place while youre waiting but I strongly suggest going to bestbuy and buying a phone to use in the meantime since you can just take it back within 14 for a no questions asked return. It's basically a free phone rental service. :good:

fujimori1780 said:
I dont know if you have a backup plan in place while youre waiting but I strongly suggest going to bestbuy and buying a phone to use in the meantime since you can just take it back within 14 for a no questions asked return. It's basically a free phone rental service. :good:
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Seems kinda lame to buy a phone from someone with the intent to return it like this.

helpmejeebus said:
Seems kinda lame to buy a phone from someone with the intent to return it like this.
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Click to collapse
I doubt BestBuy is going to feel the difference in their wallet. My other option is to buy a 25 dollar flip phone that I'll never use again or keep the 500+ dollar Galaxy S because it's the "right" thing to do. It would be one thing if the damage to my phone was my fault, but it's not and Sony isn't going to provide me a replacement. That is what I'd call "lame".

Ice Dot View Case Hinge tearing?

Hi all,
I have an official HTC Dot view case for my M9, the ICE version (with the transparent back) but I have found that just after a month of normal use, the hinge is starting to tear from the inside, just where it is connected to the hard transparent back.
I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this.
I'm going to try and get a replacement from the store as I am surprised at the quality issue with this one, just hope it's a one off.
I've never had this issue with my m8 Dot View case.

Same exact thing happened to me, in about 2 weeks. I went to the Verizon store where I bought it, and they offer 14 day returns, and my entire front flap ripped off at 15 days.
I even reached out to HTC, and they said that you have to get warranty thru the store you bought it at. Needless to say, I'm really ****ing pissed, and only saw this post when I came here to find a new case. It just really pisses me off that I got roped into the m9 due to the dotview case, and it ****ing fell apart in 2 weeks. Nice flagship case for your flagship phone, HTC. Ya jerks.

godzirrarawr said:
Same exact thing happened to me, in about 2 weeks. I went to the Verizon store where I bought it, and they offer 14 day returns, and my entire front flap ripped off at 15 days.
I even reached out to HTC, and they said that you have to get warranty thru the store you bought it at. Needless to say, I'm really ****ing pissed, and only saw this post when I came here to find a new case. It just really pisses me off that I got roped into the m9 due to the dotview case, and it ****ing fell apart in 2 weeks. Nice flagship case for your flagship phone, HTC. Ya jerks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckily I bought mine at best buy, I couldn't get my money back because they have the 15 day policy, but I was able to get store credit and switched to the otterbox. My ice case tore right at the 30 day mark.
That doesn't seem right, HTC should have a standard product warranty. They are willing to give another device through uh-oh protection, but not a case? That's a noodle scratcher if I've ever heard one.

Another ripped case here, after a month of use, contacted HTC, they said to go to the supplier, even though i purchased the case through the HTC Website... It's a bit of a joke and then the online chat rep eventually told me to try contact expansy's which doesn't make any sense either. Ordered a new spiegen slim case anyway now but still trying to claim my compensation back

I had a lengthy discussion with htc support and they basically told me to contact the retailer.
When I told them they are responsible for warranty claims, they basically told me they can't fulfil their own warranty policy.
Really its a joke, if I had the time and energy I would take them to court, as this is clearly illegal.
**********
Sent from a tin of baked beans using some chewing gum, tinfoil, a piece of string and a manual written by MacGyver

Same thing is happening to mine! Found this topic through a search. Really disappointed but haven't reached out to anyone yet. Bottom of hinge barely on now. Really wanted this case and it's such a let down.

Does anyone know if that can happen with the first version of the dot view case for the m9?

Carphone warehouse is sending out a replacement to me.. I'll keep an eye out if it happens again.. Haven't received it yet..
**********
Sent from a tin of baked beans using some chewing gum, tinfoil, a piece of string and a manual written by MacGyver

I wonder if I should not buy a clone then, I thought the main advantage of the original cover is the durability...
Sent from my HTC One M9 using XDA Free mobile app

vegetaleb said:
I wonder if I should not buy a clone then, I thought the main advantage of the original cover is the durability...
Sent from my HTC One M9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anything is better than the original, poorly maid, probably to have consumers buy multiple cases to help HTC make up for quarterly revenue

I just noticed that HTC did 2 different Dot View cases for the M9, the Ice which is transparent back and the normal one which is like the M8 Dot view.
Do you think only the Ice version has problems?
What do you think about this case? http://www.amazon.com/case-Rock-Ult...p/B00VND5HQK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

vegetaleb said:
I just noticed that HTC did 2 different Dot View cases for the M9, the Ice which is transparent back and the normal one which is like the M8 Dot view.
Do you think only the Ice version has problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I can say is the grey backed one is the one I had on the m8, never had an issue with it.
My gut feeling would be it only effects the ice cases, which is doubly irritating as that is supposed to be the more premium one...

Just had a look and mine is doing the same
@p50kombi did you just go in store or call them?

Electronic Punk said:
Just had a look and mine is doing the same
@p50kombi did you just go in store or call them?
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Click to collapse
Don't ask mate...
I went to the store first, but they are just a bunch of idiots..
I thin kI told you before I had a run in at the store before, this time was no different.
They told me they couldn't do anything about it in store and I should call HTC.
I can post the log from my conversation with HTC, they basically said they can't fulfil their own warranty policy and I should go back to CPW..
I really didn't want to go back to the store and waist another hour of my life debating with the knobs there, so decided to call CPW instead.
The woman on the phone sorted it out for me after me explaining my road towards my call with her...
Best bet would be to call them.
Maybe mention there seems to be a real issue with this case and maybe they can push HTC from their side to do something about it....
Man, it makes my head hurt already knowing that I probably will be doing the same after another months worth of use, as the new dot view case shows hairline cracks in the rubber already....

Yeah distinct lack of effort on cases this time, 3 **** colours and low quality imho, bottom of my case is not nicely drilled and has tiny bits of discoloured rubber where it hasn't been done properly.

kash20 said:
Another ripped case here, after a month of use, contacted HTC, they said to go to the supplier, even though i purchased the case through the HTC Website... It's a bit of a joke and then the online chat rep eventually told me to try contact expansy's which doesn't make any sense either. Ordered a new spiegen slim case anyway now but still trying to claim my compensation back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's because the "htc accessories website" is operated by expansys. i don't even know if that's the real official website.
the same happened to mine ICE case, i am still waiting for reply from expansys.

Ok went to the store (same store I actually had my online delivery that gave me it 4 days early - so pretty chill / clueless guys but regardless awesome because of it.
They weren't sure on the warranty policy so put me through to customers services. Without evening asking for name/number they told me the warranty was 6 months (which I actually believe is incorrect but serves purpose) and that the store should be able to replace it.
I had the nice lady repeat this for an employee. Boom, job jobbed.
Actually quite obvious on the tearing when the phone is out of the case.
Confirmation from "head office" was all they needed which I assume they meant customer services.
Would encourage everyone to do this to be honest, although a fan of HTC, they should not get away with low quality "premium" accessories and if this has an inherent fault then it needs to be sorted out.
Don't be afraid and if needed point them to this thread, might even start getting this talked on Elevate as I am disappointed in the variety of cases this year and miss my Orange M8

Electronic Punk said:
Ok went to the store (same store I actually had my online delivery that gave me it 4 days early - so pretty chill / clueless guys but regardless awesome because of it.
They weren't sure on the warranty policy so put me through to customers services. Without evening asking for name/number they told me the warranty was 6 months (which I actually believe is incorrect but serves purpose) and that the store should be able to replace it.
I had the nice lady repeat this for an employee. Boom, job jobbed.
Actually quite obvious on the tearing when the phone is out of the case.
Confirmation from "head office" was all they needed which I assume they meant customer services.
Would encourage everyone to do this to be honest, although a fan of HTC, they should not get away with low quality "premium" accessories and if this has an inherent fault then it needs to be sorted out.
Don't be afraid and if needed point them to this thread, might even start getting this talked on Elevate as I am disappointed in the variety of cases this year and miss my Orange M8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already posted this on elevate, not really a great deal of response there, just a few others who have similar issues but no response from HTC...
Interesting fact to add is the HTC warranty team I spoke to over the phone had no idea what HTC elevate is...

expansys will also change my case. they say that the first series had a problem that is now solved. will see in a month i guess.

sleby said:
expansys will also change my case. they say that the first series had a problem that is now solved. will see in a month i guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I don't believe that for a start
Secondly, no reason to be believe this isn't going to happen to my second case, can already see a gap.
Thirdly, nice of HTC to mention it :s

another dead pixel thread; possibly high defect rate?

hey all,
just wanted to share a few notes on my experience with the pixel 3 xl and google support. part cautionary tale, part just feeling bitter.
tl;dr: high defect rate has possibly depleted stock of new devices (that would be set aside specifically for replacements), now only replacing with refurbs? possible 3rd party wireless charging issue?
i purchased my p3xl direct from google. the first one died in about 4 days. it wouldn't turn on and no combinations of buttons would give me even a screen flicker. then a day later, it suddenly came back to life. no explanation, no errors. i factory reset it, set it back up, rooted it, etc...
it died again the next day. i RMA'd it, and the day before my replacement arrived, it just came back on. it was weird and i was feeling paranoid, so i set up the new one and started using it. i kept the original one running and just played around with it, until the last few days before i HAD to send it in. it never once dropped again. i sent it back, keeping the new replacement.
2 months later, my 2nd one is dead. it seems to be the same issue, won't respond to anything. i used the stock charger, tried my partner's pixel 3 charger & cables, connecting it to my laptop, the charger for my old nexus (with a USB-C adapter) -- each for 6 to 10 hours. i'm still holding out a glimmer of hope that it will kick back on long enough for me to pull everything off it. i have a whole list of links to other threads on XDA and reddit with the magic button combo that people used to turn theirs back on, but many people are just getting it replaced.
so.. after a day of panicked research and a spreadsheet full of "button combo", "time held", "button released first", "result" desperation and sadness, i RMA'd it. this time they will only replace it with a refurb device. i escalated this over email, chat, twitter... but i kept getting the same message:
I understand that you're looking for a new device as a replacement. Please be informed that we have a finite number of new devices manufactured, and I'm sorry to inform that we wouldn't be able to send out a new device as a replacement, but rest assured our replacement devices undergo a comprehensive process to ensure a high standard of quality before they are shipped.
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Click to collapse
my read on this that they're getting way more returns than they expected... thoughts?
all this said: i've been really loving the p3xl -- my brother has one, my gf has the p3. they love 'em and have had no problems. so yesterday i caved and ordered the replacement (refurb), but i'm pissed that (a) my phone is in perfect condition and i take really good care of it (shout out to whitestone dome, that thing is amazing!), and (b) i feel like i'm out 200$ish that is the diff between a new vs. refurb device and the cost of a new whitestone dome glass.
literally the only diff i can tell between myself, my brother, and my gf is that i have a tylt wireless charger that i drop my phone on when i'm going to bed. works great with my nexus, seemed like it was working fine for the pixel (albeit only slow charging). in my googling, i saw a couple of threads where people complained that a wireless charger had damaged their battery which is what pointed me this direction, but i honestly have no idea if it's really a factor.
so i'm sort of curious about other people's stories... are you running in to the same issues? did the magic button combo work? can you think of any reason why yours died in the first place?
thanks!

I can't comment from a bad experience, but I have ran the gambit of wired chargers through my 3xl but only ever used the pixel dock for wireless, due to my case (otterbox defender) it will only slow charge while the case is on, but I haven't had an issue, not trying to rub this in, just giving you another data point.

I have had mine for months, using it on the Pixel Stand nightly (with a case on). No issues so far.

Honestly, it's a big hit or miss with their "refurbished" devices. I've had multiple replacements ranging with big scratches 1.5 - 2 inches on the display. Buzzing earpieces and ****ty sounding speakers etc. They say their replacements go through a comprehensive check to make sure they're 100% mechanically sound. To me it seems like Google just stuffs in returned devices and ships them off as warranty exchanges. They just hope that the next person that gets it doesn't notice the defect and accepts the rubbish they dish out. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel if you deal with too many replacements. You can get your case escalated and they can refund you the total of the phone as a return 100% and you can get your money back. Then, if you wish, you can order a brand new one and at that point you'll have a brand new warranty and be guaranteed a new device for 2 weeks. I went through a similar fiasco for radio problems and speakers going out, but I have never faced your issue yet. I ended up getting a refund and bought a new Pixel 3 XL when they had the $200 off promotion so that was awesome! Best of luck!

zetsumeikuro said:
Honestly, it's a big hit or miss with their "refurbished" devices. <snip> I ended up getting a refund and bought a new Pixel 3 XL when they had the $200 off promotion so that was awesome! Best of luck!
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Similar situation with me but for constant flashing making the phone unusable for hours at a time. I was 17 days out of purchase and they refused to send me a new device, only a refurb. I could have gotten my money back as you described above but I bought it at the $200 off price and that promotion is expired. So my options were a refurb (they spout the exact same line about testing which is total BS) or spending an extra $200 for a new one. I have the Pixel 3 not the XL. These devices are flawed in a major way. The only thing they can do at this point is give free replacements to those experiencing problems. New and not refurbished. Throw all those away or give them away, they are useless. I wonder what the statistics are on returns. My wife has one since November with not one single issue. I'm on my 5th in the past month or so.

zetsumeikuro said:
Honestly, it's a big hit or miss with their "refurbished" devices. I've had multiple replacements ranging with big scratches 1.5 - 2 inches on the display. Buzzing earpieces and ****ty sounding speakers etc. They say their replacements go through a comprehensive check to make sure they're 100% mechanically sound. To me it seems like Google just stuffs in returned devices and ships them off as warranty exchanges. They just hope that the next person that gets it doesn't notice the defect and accepts the rubbish they dish out. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel if you deal with too many replacements. You can get your case escalated and they can refund you the total of the phone as a return 100% and you can get your money back. Then, if you wish, you can order a brand new one and at that point you'll have a brand new warranty and be guaranteed a new device for 2 weeks. I went through a similar fiasco for radio problems and speakers going out, but I have never faced your issue yet. I ended up getting a refund and bought a new Pixel 3 XL when they had the $200 off promotion so that was awesome! Best of luck!
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wow, that's a great piece of info - thanks! i'll see how the refurb works out, but yeah, mine is in pristine condition, i'm not going to accept a replacement with scratches.
They say their replacements go through a comprehensive check to make sure they're 100% mechanically sound.
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i swear, they pasted that line into EVERY single response i received. it got annoying fast.

bobby janow said:
The only thing they can do at this point is give free replacements to those experiencing problems. New and not refurbished. Throw all those away or give them away, they are useless. I wonder what the statistics are on returns. My wife has one since November with not one single issue. I'm on my 5th in the past month or so.
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i really think that this is why they're only doing refurbs now.. they probably used up all their "set aside for returns"-new devices already. makes me wonder if we're just all recycling each others non-functioning devices at this point..

JaceAlvejetti said:
I can't comment from a bad experience, but I have ran the gambit of wired chargers through my 3xl but only ever used the pixel dock for wireless, due to my case (otterbox defender) it will only slow charge while the case is on, but I haven't had an issue, not trying to rub this in, just giving you another data point.
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good to know. most of the "wireless charging broke my phone" threads do seem to be contained to 3rd party chargers, if the replacement works out, i might grab one of the pixel stands. thx!

williamentropy said:
i really think that this is why they're only doing refurbs now.. they probably used up all their "set aside for returns"-new devices already. makes me wonder if we're just all recycling each others non-functioning devices at this point..
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That's why I wouldn't accept a refurb. It cost me but I will get it back in the end. I had to pay for a new device, wait for it, transfer the info, send back the old piece of crap and wait for my refund. I don't care. I'm not getting some POS refurb when my device was only 17 days old and flashed like a lightning storm in June. So I'm going to test it as best I can in the coming days once I receive the new one. Any sign of anything and I'm outta here. Perhaps for good. It's just not worth it at this point when other devices are better. Used to the Nexus 5 at half the price of other phones, rootable, no problems with apps, stuff like that. Those days are over. Unfortunately.

bobby janow said:
Used to the Nexus 5 at half the price of other phones, rootable, no problems with apps, stuff like that. Those days are over. Unfortunately.
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i know, right? i'm back on my nexus 6 awaiting the replacement... despite the cracked screen, it's still a solid device.

It amazes me how lucky I must have been. Had to get my device from a third party with no chance of returning.

Why is Google quality control so freaking bad?
Plus if you complain on their support forum they just delete your post!

Welp, my Pixel finally had a catastrophic failure

Today about 2 hours after waking up, I unlocked my phone and noticed that a dime size dead-zone at the bottom left of the phone. My phone has been in a case and a glass screen protector since taking it out of the box and I have never (knock on wood) dropped it whatsoever. If I took it out of the case and screen protector you would think it is a brand new phone never used. So now I have this dead zone that will not recover regardless of countless remedies, so I contact Google support as I am a member of Google one because I pay for the 100 gigabyte cloud storage. I sent the representative Hey picture of the dead zone and to my surprise he told me he told me " do not worry about this at all, I will start an RMA for you immediately". I was extremely pleased with how this was handled, an hour after talking with him, my entire screen died. I no longer can use my phone at all. Thank god it will be here in two days!

So you'll only have to slum it with an old device for a day or two, sweet!

Never had a problem with Google RMA process, always the reason I buy direct, piece of mind

In the UK - Google do a great job with their phones too for RMA. They sort you out relatively well
Even if you didnt buy direct

Update:
Got the new device yesterday, apparently they are refurbished and I noticed a nice big strand of white lint in-between the camera glass right on top of the main shooter. Obviously got in there when Google did whatever they do to refurbish phones.
Contacted them and so far they are refusing to swap this one out. I understand it's a little nit picky but I paid $900 for a brand new phone, it had a defect and the replacement now has a defect. That aside, it's absolutely killing my OCD. Could you imagine having to look at that stupid little piece of lint for years to come? If they ultimately stick with not doing an RMA on this I'm either selling and going for a OnePlus 8 pro or possibly even attempting to remove the camera glass square to get that little fu**** out.

1dopewrx05 said:
Update:
Got the new device yesterday, apparently they are refurbished and I noticed a nice big strand of white lint in-between the camera glass right on top of the main shooter. Obviously got in there when Google did whatever they do to refurbish phones.
Contacted them and so far they are refusing to swap this one out. I understand it's a little nit picky but I paid $900 for a brand new phone, it had a defect and the replacement now has a defect. That aside, it's absolutely killing my OCD. Could you imagine having to look at that stupid little piece of lint for years to come? If they ultimately stick with not doing an RMA on this I'm either selling and going for a OnePlus 8 pro or possibly even attempting to remove the camera glass square to get that little fu**** out.
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Edit: I did buy direct btw, always have and always will.

1dopewrx05 said:
Edit: I did buy direct btw, always have and always will.
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Just call them back and do a second warranty, let them know your experiencing new problems, or tell them you want to do a buyer's remorse return & they'll do it. I did a buyers remorse after I bought the my pixel 3 xl twice last year, once at 2 months & the other at 4 months, (That's where they give your your money back).. I called them for a day over & over but they did what I wanted. don't let Google tell you what's gonna happen you tell them