Repair Quoted at $0 and Signed – Later Changed Due to Third-Party Screen?

heldtogetherbyzipties wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I later received a call saying that they were unable to repair/replace the display due to it being third-party and that it would now be a paid repair (around $1,000). This information about the display being third-party was known and on the previous repair record when the $0 quote was given. Consultation with store manager occurred - a hairline crack being accidental damage was confirmed in this case to be covered as it was tiny and not a ‘smashed screen’.

If it was an official OEM Apple Display Assembly, then a single hairline crack is covered by the Apple warranty (original or 90 day part/repair warranty).

Since it is not an OEM Apple Display Assembly, Apple cannot know its history or manufacture.

Even though the third party Display Assembly may have been documented with a previous repair, I highly doubt a tech would read those notes completely. They would just look at the history to see what items had been replaced & may be covered by the part warranty.

I have seen many posts on this forum where Apple wouldn't even repair your laptop once a third party part was discovered even though that is not legal in some regions such as the US.

My question is:

Has anyone experienced the repair quote changing after signing a Work Authorisation? And if so, what was the outcome?

I assumed once the Work Authorisation showing the cost was signed that would be the agreed amount to ‘replace display’ as per signed work authorisation! Any insight would be appreciated before I take next steps.

The Work Authorization is just a best guess repair estimate. Things can show up once the repair is actually started which can change the cost of the repair. When I have had repairs sent to an Apple mail-in repair depot, I have received a re-quote because another part was discovered to be bad, and another time they reported seeing accidental liquid damage. Most times the repairs were performed as quoted.

heldtogetherbyzipties wrote:

I recently took my MacBook Pro into an Apple Store for a screen issue. At the time we reviewed my previous repair history from January (logic board, fan..) and noted that Apple had already documented earlier this year that the display was a third-party replacement.

you do not say what exact mac is this.

What was this third party replacement...? Seems this is the issue.

You will have to take it up with the Apple Store manager.

I would not pay $1000

out of warranty repairs parts & labor are only guaranteed for 90-days.

See vintage and obsolete:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired ...

Local USA—

Store List - Apple Store - Apple

Around the World—

Choose your country or region - Apple

Unfortunately the store manager was misinformed. Apple will not accept a Mac that has had unauthorized repairs. He or she should have known better.

The only advice I as a user can suggest is:

1. Pay the $1000 to get it repaired
2. Do not pay the $1000 and take it to another repair shop
3. Do not pay the $1000 and get a new computer

FWIW, I would opt for option 3.