Controversy brews over Surface Duo price match 'debacle'

Yesterday Microsoft launched a massive $200 discount on the Surface Duo, which is, of course, great for new buyers, but left existing owners of the 6-week old handset seriously miffed.

Many of them have demanded Microsoft issue a refund to match the new price, but as Brad Groux discovered, Microsoft would rather you return the handset (which has a 60-day return window) and repurchase at the new lower price than simple credit you the difference.

Now the @MicrosoftStore chat team leader is basically admitting that they are running a #SurfaceDuo sales numbers inflation racket… https://t.co/bU04lyBNdy pic.twitter.com/LVBoy3F2KZ

— Brad Groux (@BradGroux) October 24, 2020

In the end, it seems Brad did win out, and managed to get Microsoft to issue a credit.

Microsoft’s policy is both wasteful of the buyer’s time and resources, and generally wasteful in that it results in a second-hand device which will need to be refurbished.

The reasons are unclear, but hopefully, the ruckus will cause Microsoft to change their practice in the near term.