Bad reseller in Romania - istyle

I'm Ovidiu Oprea, based in Brasov, Romania. Unlike some countries, Romania doesn't have an official Apple Store; however, we do have authorized Apple resellers, one of them being istyle.ro.

I've made numerous purchases from them, including iMac, iPhones, AirPods, and Apple Watch for both myself and my family. Today, on 06.02.2024, I visited their store in Brasov to replace my protective layer. While they offer Apple products, they also provide alternatives compatible with Apple.

Everything seemed fine initially, but I encountered an issue when attempting to purchase a compatible protective layer. To my surprise, I was required to buy a special package that included the layer, Apple ID configuration, find my phone activation option, and phone replacement during the repair service. This was even though Apple typically replaces products under warranty in the first year.

Expressing my dissatisfaction, I was informed that I could replace the protective layer at an additional cost. Unhappy with this approach, I walked just 20 meters away to another shop, where I found the same protective layer at a lower price and with free replacement.

Furthermore, when considering purchasing Apple accessories from istyle.ro, some items were out of stock, and they suggested compatible alternatives. This is frustrating, as I prefer genuine Apple accessories and their availability seemed misleading on their website. Another customer inquired about an external Apple battery for the iPhone 15, only to be told it was unavailable, with a proposal for a compatible option at the same price as a genuine Apple external battery.

This experience doesn't align with the typical Apple store spirit I've encountered in Europe. Despite displaying a prominent banner claiming to be an authorized Apple reseller, the service and product availability fall short.

I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in addressing these concerns with the istyle.ro store. Thank you and have a great day.

Best regards,

Ovidiu Oprea