I think that some of this is anecdotal, the more devices you ship the larger the number of returns due in part to sheer volume. With Android smartphones, shipping in larger volumes globally than the iPhone it would make more sense to some extent to see more returns on Android devices. TechCrunch reports that some sources are claiming that the return rate on some Android smartphones is many times that of the iPhone.
TechCrunch pegs the return rate of the iPhone 4 at 1.7% counting the issues with the antenna. The return rate for some Android smartphones is pegged at as much as 30-40% according to sources familiar with the return rates for several manufacturers. The exact handsets or even the brands are not noted.
I could see the return rate for some Android devices being quite high, especially some of the lower-end devices that people new to the platform might buy first and then find the device can’t do what they wanted it to do. I would like to know what devices have such a high return rate.
[via TechCrunch]
Sorry Shane, but the reason this stat is skewed has nothing to do with volume of units shipped. Percentages are an inherently equal measure across varying quantities.
You DID however hit on exactly what I believe is the skewing factor, and that is the fact that Android is present on many low quality hand sets. I’d like to see what the return rate is on something like the EVO 4G or similar top end device.
I hope when he says by volume of units shipped he means TYPES of units shipped… I really hope he meant types…
I suspect return rates on quality, high-end Android devices is on par with the iPhone.
Reason I didn’t go with the iPhone was because of the return policy that the AT&T store had which included a VERY hefty re-stock charge that I didn’t want to get stuck with. Pretty much, if I had gotten the iPhone, I would have had to have kept the iPhone. When I asked the AT&T store rep why the re-stock charge was so hefty, her reply: “It’s Apple. They’re special.”
How can you spread this crap article even wider?
Common, “some sources”, “some devices”… yes, sure. The used-item eBay seller might have that return rate for sure… So it’s not a lie, but it’s completely irresponsible from Techcrunch. Wait… Wei don’t know that it is full of Anti-Android articles to get clicks.
Now they got more, because of you guys spreading this.
Sad, sad, sad.
There’s also the fact that many of the returns are due to the sheer number of great phones to choose from, people (especially techies) but one, try it out, return it to try another, then a different one… Or else you buy one phone and the following week the next best thing is released so you return yours to buy that one. It’s all our fault for reading these tech blog sites! Thanks a lot. 🙂
There’s also the fact that many of the returns are due to the sheer number of great phones to choose from, people (especially techies) but one, try it out, return it to try another, then a different one… Or else you buy one phone and the following week the next best thing is released so you return yours to buy that one. It’s all our fault for reading these tech blog sites! Thanks a lot. 🙂
I have difficulty to believe such figures, except maybe that “some” devices could just be a most crappy poor quality devices that have ever been made. But even poorly crafted devices will not incur a return rate of 30-40%.
Other than that, I find it odd to throw such a statistic into a general Android blog. One could easily think that the number could reflect returns on Quality devices such as Xoom, Galaxy Tab, Transformer, Iconia and Flyer. For these devices, I would never believe that a return rate could even remotely approach the 5% rate.
So, let’s forget crap-statistics and fill this board with useful editorials, such as news on the upcoming Honeycomb update for the Flyer …
I have difficulty to believe such figures, except maybe that “some” devices could just be a most crappy poor quality devices that have ever been made. But even poorly crafted devices will not incur a return rate of 30-40%.
Other than that, I find it odd to throw such a statistic into a general Android blog. One could easily think that the number could reflect returns on Quality devices such as Xoom, Galaxy Tab, Transformer, Iconia and Flyer. For these devices, I would never believe that a return rate could even remotely approach the 5% rate.
So, let’s forget crap-statistics and fill this board with useful editorials, such as news on the upcoming Honeycomb update for the Flyer …
Good god, can’t believe you actually use the article from that idiot John Biggs as your source … Stating some random sources to write that crap piece of article he wrote was bad, writing an article based on his article, that just beyond believe.
A completely bogus story. Anyone can pull “sources” and “facts and figures” out of where the sun don’t shine.
The quoted article offers no verifiable sources for their information. It is wrong for anyone to even link to the original article without at least attempting to find some facts to back up the story.
No business would stay in business long with a 40% return rate – for any reason.
A completely bogus story. Anyone can pull “sources” and “facts and figures” out of where the sun don’t shine.
The quoted article offers no verifiable sources for their information. It is wrong for anyone to even link to the original article without at least attempting to find some facts to back up the story.
No business would stay in business long with a 40% return rate – for any reason.
I actually believe this, I nearly returned my G2 when it kept random rebooting. Turned out to be the backup setting.. but if I wasn’t able to find the solution myself like I assume most consumers, I would have returned it. How do they let issues like that go out the door?
I actually believe this, I nearly returned my G2 when it kept random rebooting. Turned out to be the backup setting.. but if I wasn’t able to find the solution myself like I assume most consumers, I would have returned it. How do they let issues like that go out the door?
My sources tell me that iPhone returns rates are as high as 90%….. But yet I can’t give you any proof. But regardless, its still correct.
I agree with others. It was a failure of this website to continue to spread this FUD. Techcrunch is working its way lower and lower down my list of website to read.
In a 6 month period, i had to return 5 DROID X phones, due to random reboots, loss of speaker phone, touchscreen issues etc. Most of this has to due with the hardware vendors inability to produce quality hardware….at least on Motorola’s case. I think 30-40% across the board is seems quite high, but the hardware issue do exist. I am now on an iPhone, no issues since i bought it.