Best Buy selling Apple Products [Archive]

simX

Jul 26, 2003, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by Powerbook G5
I remember Best Buy and Sears both used to sell iMacs when they first came out, whatever happened to that? Is this any different?

Well, Apple let Best Buy manage the selling of Apple's products, which was a disaster. Even CompUSA managed to sell the iMac like hotcakes, but Best Buy managed to not make it sell well at all. Initially, they panicked and slashed the price to $999 for the original iMac, even though they weren't supposed to go the MSRP of $1299. Needless to say, it didn't work that well.

Here's to hoping that the CompUSA store within a store idea works out for Best Buy, but I'm not holding my breath.

Powerbook G5

Jul 27, 2003, 12:04 AM

I hope it works better than CompUSA...when I go to the Apple section at the CompUSA in Jacksonville it basically goes as follows: "Uh...where is the Apple tech? I have a question" "Umm...I don't know, he should be there" "I've been waiting for him for 35 minutes, he's been paged 3 times, do you know where he could be?" "Uh...I don't know, what do you need? "I need help with a question on using this printer with OS X" "Um...I don't know...you should really ask the Apple tech guy that, he'd know" "I know, that's why I have been waiting for 40 minutes for him" "Oh...we'll page him then..."

MacGuy283

Jul 27, 2003, 12:09 AM

The best buy i went to is in the chicagoland area, dont wanna say the city would feel bad if anyone got in trouble, but its near an apple store and he said that they would be getting them in.

cuneglasus

Jul 27, 2003, 12:17 AM

So what will they carry? The same out of date consumer items the Apple store has?:(

MacGuy283

Jul 27, 2003, 12:20 AM

Originally posted by cuneglasus
So what will they carry? The same out of date consumer items the Apple store has?:(

He said pretty much everything including software and acc, he didnt tell me exactlly what.

MrMacMan

Jul 27, 2003, 12:43 AM

Wow decent news because the more places have apple products the greater the chance for people to buy them... :)

dguisinger

Jul 27, 2003, 12:44 AM

Hopefully it will include the minneapolis area. Best Buy HQ is in Bloomington, MN (largest suburb), and Maple Grove (another suburb) where I am is the Best Buy test store for the area. They just recently remodled, setting up mini home theaters (couches and everything), plus the computer section was reorginized with more high end items (24-inch lcds, etc), on small round tables setup to demo systems and accessories. They even have a table setup for video editing demonstration.

Mudbug

Jul 27, 2003, 12:45 AM

so does anyone have a listing of candidate /pilot stores? I'd like to see their rollout plan, seeing as how this could cost quite a bit of $$ to implement, not to mention time to setup a store-within-a-store setup like CompUSA, if that's how they'll do it.

moshingkow

Jul 27, 2003, 12:49 AM

yess! ive been waiting for this for a long while.

the reason you ask?

price matching.
I bought my ipod at best buy and i brought with me the educational price lists (the pdfs) for the ipod from apples website and they matched it for me, so i got like 30 bucks off, and i had the opportunity to get theyre 4 year product replacement plan, which will let you upgrade to the better ipods when they are released.

so now im just gonna go to bestbuy and show them the newly cheapened price lists for the 12" g4 alumbook and get 200 bucks off, and get a 4 year service plan. (the only downside is tax, but you cant win em all...)

netboy

Jul 27, 2003, 12:49 AM

Mudbug

Jul 27, 2003, 01:12 AM

what I'm hoping for more than anything is a mac software section. Right now the offerings for software off the shelf from anywhere near me is quite slim - usually cross-platform titles by companies nice enough to do that...

And not even Photoshop and Quark on the shelf (although that would be nice) but to have regular consumer-level mac apps for sale would be great. It would at least make my wife happy...

elo

Jul 27, 2003, 01:16 AM

BenRoethig

Jul 27, 2003, 01:26 AM

Originally posted by Mudbug
so does anyone have a listing of candidate /pilot stores? I'd like to see their rollout plan, seeing as how this could cost quite a bit of $$ to implement, not to mention time to setup a store-within-a-store setup like CompUSA, if that's how they'll do it.

I hope our Best Buy (which will be open by September) is one of them.

wsteineker

Jul 27, 2003, 01:40 AM

Originally posted by moshingkow
yess! ive been waiting for this for a long while.

the reason you ask?

price matching.
I bought my ipod at best buy and i brought with me the educational price lists (the pdfs) for the ipod from apples website and they matched it for me, so i got like 30 bucks off, and i had the opportunity to get theyre 4 year product replacement plan, which will let you upgrade to the better ipods when they are released.
I didn't know Best Buy matched online pricing. That's interesting. But yeah, I think this is a great idea. It's nice to think that Best Buy (which is, by the way, easily the largest electronics retailer in the country) will have not only Apple hardware, but Mac compatible software available soon. I wonder when (or if) the company wide rollout will occur, as there's a brand new Best Buy near my house and I'd love to be able to play with the new toys before I buy them. It really sucks having to drive three hours to the nearest Apple store, so this would be like a gift from heaven. :)

twinturbo

Jul 27, 2003, 01:48 AM

I love my CompUSA also. We have a great rep, and it's really neat to go over and play with the latest toys, especially since the closest Apple store is over in Tyson's Corner, VA, which is around 3 hours from here.

iJon

Jul 27, 2003, 02:25 AM

best buy will not be carrying everything. i highly doubt they will carry powermacs, they may carry powerbooks. i would take a look at the futureshops, probably a good example of what you will see at these.

iJon

SiliconAddict

Jul 27, 2003, 03:39 AM

Hmmm interesting. I live in Minnesota.
Best Buy's corp HQ is about 2 minutes away from where I work. They have a Best Buy store right next door to it. One would think they would get preferential treatment.
HOWEVER. There are 2 apple stores not even 15 minutes away going east or west. (This store is smack dab in between the two.) So that begs the question who has auth to say which stores get their fruit fix? Best Buy or Apple?

PS- For those praising CompUSA. CompUSA sucks. Badly. I'm not kidding on this. I will NEVER walk into a CompUSA ever again. Give me a free iPod I still would never go into one again. IMNSHO they are the worst retail tech store chain that has ever existed. I've gone to two stores in my area. The CSR's ignore you unless you are dressed in a suit. (I kid you NOT on this I tried it out.) You CAN'T call them up to ask if your computer is ready to be picked up after being repaired because they don't answer the phone. (Both stores I let it ring for 5 minutes. Nothing.) It took me 3 months (Again NOT kidding.) to get my laptop repaired after they hassled me about it. You see CompUSA bought Computer City and the warrantee transferred to them. They gave me crap for close to 2 months before I got pissed enough to contact the district manager. When I got my laptop after 70+/- days they handed me it and guess what? The cover on the dang CD-ROM drive was missing! That took another few weeks to order another CD cover. Did they call me about it? Nope? I had to drive in and ask if it was there because they don't answer their phones. Guess what happened? They sent the part back because they didn't know where the part was suppose to be associated with. So they ended up taking a CD-ROM faceplate off of a floor model and attaching it to my laptop. To date the dang faceplate continues to fall off if I mess with it enough. I made one exception to not going into a CompUSA again. When looking at Macs I went into one. But that was before I found out there are 2 Apple stores in my area so I guess I no longer have ANY excuse to go into one again. Ahh that was therapeutic. :D Sorry for the rant. :o

bootlegben

Jul 27, 2003, 03:48 AM

Heres the deal guys...I am a Best Buy insider...I run the computer department @ certain best buy that will not be revealed for my job security :) The story is that Apple is going on test pilot for best buy in bout 20-35 stores the chicagoland area , phoenix Az area , and I believe houston texas area are going up first.. the product selection will cover all macs (ibooks imacs powerbooks and powermacs) not for sure on the G5 yet but pretty sure its gonna be there. Software wise I can confirm Apple brand big titles like OSX , Final Cut, iLife, etc... as for the rest its a toss up. Employees @ these selected stores go up for training soon and the Expected drop date is 8.3.03 anything sooner is just bits and pieces. Best Buy will provide the interest free fiancing and also the service plans..which mean we will repair or replace instore (thank god i personally got burned by Apple !!! ) so look out and check your local best buy between now and 8.3.03

sacrilicious

Jul 27, 2003, 05:55 AM

Cool, I guess, but I'm buying through an Apple employee for a nice discount. What's the use of retail for me? :D

Dont Hurt Me

Jul 27, 2003, 07:40 AM

Apple has to get the product to the market, having mac stuff in only apple stores is not getting the job done. They need to sell at least the consumer line in Sears,Wal-Mart,Best Buy and etc. This is the core of apple's problems.What the hell is apple thinking?? As long as you walk into these stores and see no apple stuff how the heck can apple ever increase market & sales??? They have to have a common presence everywhere and they dont. Walk into a staples and its a joke, they dont even know what a mac is. If apple is ever to get back to 10 per cent or more they HAVE to have shelf space in all major stores. Well they dont so i guess they are very happy with that 3% market share. Probably the same clowns that came up with the switch campaign. pretty hard to switch when you dont see the product.

Jerry Spoon

Jul 27, 2003, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
I will NEVER walk into a CompUSA ever again. Give me a free iPod I still would never go into one again.
Anyone want to give me a free iPod to go into a CompUSA. I'll stay as long as you want! ;)

alfonsog

Jul 27, 2003, 08:16 AM

I remember when Macs were in Sears and Best Buy and Circuit City but they were not selling well at all. I wouldn't have bought one at the time, but they were running and you could play with them (at least around here.) However this was pre-OSX, and the OS just seemed dated. If I had seen OSX on them I probably would have bought one. (I never used OS9, even now.) Apple really needs to stress OSX and how good it is. I first bought a Mac when I visited the Apple store in Tampa and got to use OSX. (I don't know anyone with a Mac around here.)

Another thing; I work all day at my family's restaurant, and they watch tv in the kitchen. I swear I've seen the G5 commercial 50 times the past 3 day. (And about 25 buymusic crap commercials as well.) My brother who is completely computer illiterate keeps on asking me about an iPod, he wants one (I did tell him he needs a computer first, so he points out the G5 commercial.) They need those in BestBuy with all this advertising. Apple also seems to advertise like crazy during southpark, which my brother watches all the time. I think they are really trying to go after the non-computer type people in their advertising, which in my brother's case is working. However he thinks buymusiccrap is Apple too because of the copycat commercial.

DGFan

Jul 27, 2003, 08:26 AM

I am assuming they won't, for instance, put an Apple sales team in a best buy across the street from a mall or CompUSA where Apple products are sold.

But branching out is good! There was a best buy where I used to live that carried Mac software (don't know if they still do). That, to me, is the big benefit. Right now I can only buy Mac software online. It would be nice to be able to walk into a store and buy some!

NoVi

Jul 27, 2003, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by Powerbook G5
I hope it works better than CompUSA...when I go to the Apple section at the CompUSA in Jacksonville it basically goes as follows: "Uh...where is the Apple tech? I have a question" "Umm...I don't know, he should be there" "I've been waiting for him for 35 minutes, he's been paged 3 times, do you know where he could be?" "Uh...I don't know, what do you need? "I need help with a question on using this printer with OS X" "Um...I don't know...you should really ask the Apple tech guy that, he'd know" "I know, that's why I have been waiting for 40 minutes for him" "Oh...we'll page him then..."
That's why I gave up "computer shopping" a long time ago.:o

The only time you see me in a compu store is, when it's absolutely impossible to buy a product through the web.

fixyourthinking

Jul 27, 2003, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by P-Worm
I wonder if my Best Buy will get them. The cosest Apple store to me is about a 6 hour drive. :eek:

P-Worm

But you have lots of great resellers near you. Expercom said they are about to open a really cool store near you.

This is a given, market source reps have already been hired for our local Best Buy for the tax free holiday coming up soon AND they have several displays sitting in the back ... a friend of a friend is a stockboy there.

Trekkie

Jul 27, 2003, 09:44 AM

I just hope they get the same agressive financing options that the PCs get. Buying a $5000 G5 (with 23" Monitor of coruse) for 12, 18, or 24 mo no interest would be perfect.

jzieske

Jul 27, 2003, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by adzoox
...tax free holiday coming up soon...

What?

Capt Underpants

Jul 27, 2003, 10:01 AM

yay! This is an exciting day. Apple needs to get their products in as many retail electronics branches as they can. I sure hope that my best buy will be selling Apple products on Monday. I'll have to call and ask. Hopefully this time Apple and Best Buy will have a lasting relationship, or atleast get along for a while. Anyways, I wonder if the previous rumors were true about them not having the 17" Powerbook or the G5 Powermac. If they don't, that would still be okay, but I sure hope they do.

Trekkie

Jul 27, 2003, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by jzieske
What?

Some states like here in NC have a 'tax free' weekend for buyin school releated items.

johnpaul191

Jul 27, 2003, 10:06 AM

Originally posted by jzieske
What?

some states pick holiday weekends, or just some random week, a few times a year and eliminate tax for new computers and any accessories bought at the same time.

they do it here in PA. this has to help in the Philadelphia regional area since we are so close to Delaware (the land of tax free shopping).

fstmtsngs

Jul 27, 2003, 10:45 AM

I just don't know if this is a good idea. I work at a Costco Wholesale (in the electronics), and everytime I go to BestBuy and ask them questions, I get uneducated answers. Don't even get me started on my digital camera purchase there. They've got a bunch of college kids working for them, that only seem to know about big/loud car stereos. I can just see someone buying a Mac there, and coming back with questions that no one can answer. This is what Apple does not need. The nice thing about Apple stores, and the local guys to, is that they are Mac enthusiasts as well... So they are more inclined to know the product.

Hell, I have members that I send to TD Curran (our local Mac store) just because I know the only reason they're looking at a PC is because Joe Blow has one.

I really wish Apple would sell to Costco... I'd have those things flying out the door!

Capt Underpants

Jul 27, 2003, 10:54 AM

Well.... I hope Apple will be stocking Best Buy with their employees, they should know something about Apple products. They shouldn't train PC lovers to talk good stuff about macs. That would be bad.

SiliconAddict

Jul 27, 2003, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by fstmtsngs
I just don't know if this is a good idea. I work at a Costco Wholesale (in the electronics), and everytime I go to BestBuy and ask them questions, I get uneducated answers.
Hell, I have members that I send to TD Curran (our local Mac store) just because I know the only reason they're looking at a PC is because Joe Blow has one.

I really wish Apple would sell to Costco... I'd have those things flying out the door!

We went through this before in another thread. Actually I'm the one who got b-slapped about it :o Apple is providing the CSRs. In which case this should work well.

docpsycho

Jul 27, 2003, 12:08 PM

I work at best buy to pay for college. Soooo, YES they are, from what i heard 2 towers ( G5 and iMac, and 23 laptops, gee I wonder) whould be seeing them instore around 8-2:D :D :D

I sure hope to hell the have a killer accomidation program, since the "student" pricing is a joke.

bwintx

Jul 27, 2003, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
Apple is providing the CSRs. In which case this should work well.

Yes, that's absolutely critical. The store employees will spend most of their time worrying about selling whatever they're getting spiffs on, and -- although one must learn never to say "Never," because who of us realistically thought Macs would return to Best Buy? -- that's not likely to be Apple.

(And if any Best Buy employees respond with "We don't sell according to spiffs," I'd have to say that this policy obviously hasn't yet reached the Dallas area.)

For a look back at how spiffs affected Mac sales in the bad old Performa days :), see:
http://www.tidbits.com/tb-issues/TidBITS-367.html#lnk2

nagromme

Jul 27, 2003, 02:23 PM

I hear reports of bad CompUSA experiences, and I don't know if people are just remembering things that happened years ago or if certain stores need to be reported to Apple, but...

MY CompUSA experience has always been great. The non-Apple employees all know right where the Apple stuff is and are up on the latest events--presumable because the Apple reps keep the other informed in some simple way. Weekly memo?

More importantly, the Apple section itself is well-staffed, and LOADED with the latest Macs running the latest stuff. All screens are busy doing something cool--but you are encouraged to stop the demo and play around. They' quietly re-start the demo (or DVD or whatever) after you leave.

They also have a good selection of third-party stuff.

I certainly have no complaint about the many times I have been to CompUSA for Mac stuff.

Now do the same for Best Buy! (I see iPods are already there.)

LimeiBook86

Jul 27, 2003, 03:13 PM

Well this makes me happy, I would love to work at BestBuy and be an Apple Guy, that would be pure fun! :) Since the nearest Bust Buy is like 5 minutes away from me and the Apple Store is like 45 minutes away from me I would liek to work at best buy. I would help people buy thier macs, that would make me happy. I hope they have chairs at Best Buy, the apple employees always seem to be standing, I couldn't do that all day :eek:

Well, we'll see what happens, I hope to work at a Apple Store or some other computer store when I get my new PowerBook, discounts baby! whoo! :rolleyes: :cool: :D

edenwaith

Jul 27, 2003, 03:21 PM

Originally posted by P-Worm
I wonder if my Best Buy will get them. The closest Apple store to me is about a 6 hour drive. :eek:

P-Worm

So, SLC doesn't have an Apple Store yet? I'm all for the Apple Stores, but they really need to distribute them a little better than shoving several in a few select, large cities. The Chicago are now has 3 stores. For me to get to any of them would still take about the same amount of time. I used to live in Montana, and I think the closest Apple Store was in Denver, which was at least a 12 hour drive. Not something meant for an afternoon trip. But if one lives in SF or LA, there are quite a few stores one can go to.

edenwaith

Jul 27, 2003, 03:25 PM

Originally posted by nagromme

MY CompUSA experience has always been great. The non-Apple employees all know right where the Apple stuff is and are up on the latest events--presumable because the Apple reps keep the other informed in some simple way. Weekly memo?

I would recommend to anyone, that if they are having such great experiences, to let the managers of the store know that you appreciate how well they are doing.

But if you are getting no decent support, also let the managers know that they need to clean up their act. I don't know if it will help, but if you don't voice your opinion, how will they know if something is wrong? But still, even if you do submit a complaint, it may not help. I once was at a Staples, and they had a nice, dusty copy of OS 10.0 (10.1 was already out). I kindly took the box to the front and indicated to them that they should get an updated version of the OS on the shelves since no one should be stuck buying OS 10.0. However, that was the last time I saw a Mac product on the shelves (that wasn't a hybrid disk, at least).

MacFan25

Jul 27, 2003, 03:36 PM

I think its good that consumers are going to be seeing more of Apple's products around.

This could definitley get more switchers, since most of Best Buy's customers are probably PC users.

sagaces

Jul 27, 2003, 04:02 PM

About a year ago I went into a Best Buy store to buy a digital camera, a photo quality printer, and some relevant supplies. The total amount came to $1200 which I was prepared to pay with cash. As the clerk was entering information into his computer he started to describe a "protection plan." I stated that I was not interested in such. He started over with the descriptiion. Again I stated that I was not interested as I had my own insurance program and that my experience had been that the manufacturer's warranties on such products were sufficient for my needs. He then stated that he couldn't complete the sale until he had completed his presentation about the plan. I again stated that I was not interested and that if he proceeded I would cancel the purchase. Yet again he started into the presentation and I put my money back in my billfold and started to leave the store. Before I was able to reach the exit I was approached by both the salesperson and the store manager who started blathering about how beneficial the protection plan was and that I was foolish to not buy it. I responded by stating that although I had made numerous purchases at Best Buy stores that this was the first time that I was so treated and that it would likely be a long time before I again purchased anything at Best Buy. After leaving the store I drove the short distance to Circuit City where I was able to complete my purchase (actually somewhat of a better buy as a free carrying case for the printer was thrown in) without any hassle regarding a protection plan.

sacrilicious

Jul 27, 2003, 04:11 PM

They always ask for your phone number and your address, too, to which my dad responds everytime "you don't need that."

bertagert

Jul 27, 2003, 04:15 PM

Everyone listen up.

Best Buy, CompUSA and Circuit City are all the same. They're all Nation Wide stores that buy in huge quantities and sell at low margins. They hire young sales people to sell the products because turn around is so high. This is because the employees go onto bigger and better things and because the margins are so low that they can't afford to hire knowledgable staff. When you get bad service its not the store, its the every revolving employees that have no way of knowing everything about everything in the store. Its just impossible to do.

There is no possible way one store is better than the other. Plus, if you have a bad experience, it was probably a new employee. Go back now and see if that same person is there. If so, I bet they have more answers for you.

One person said, They've got a bunch of college kids working for them, that only seem to know about big/loud car stereos. I can just see someone buying a Mac there, and coming back with questions that no one can answer. .

They also sell HP and Sony Computers there and are doing quite well. I don't think have Apple in there will be a problem. Just need a Apple guy in there for questions. Thats a big plus as well. If someone gets their question answered correctly, that customer will tell friends. You can't tell me the Best buy computer sales associates have more knowledge about HP and Sony than the Apple guy does about Apple's.

<End of grip>

Back to topic:

Putting Apple product in Best Buy is a good thing. More exposure overall plus there are more Best Buy's around then the others. It will make it easier for people to buy (like myself).

montegoblue

Jul 27, 2003, 04:30 PM

I think this is great, currently I have to drive an hour or so to get to a retailer that sells Apple products, and if Apple is going to provide Best Buy with knowledgeable employees that's even better. My question is where would you apply for a job selling Macs at a Best Buy? Through Apple or at a Best Buy store, I haven't noticed anything new on the Apple job postings?

jacka55

Jul 27, 2003, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by docpsycho
the "student" pricing is a joke.
So, $200 off the G5s and PowerBooks isn't good enough? $100 off the iMac? Half-price software? Last time I checked, Apple's education price on the iPod, for example, was the same as Best Buy's cost.

I've never understood the argument that Apple's student pricing is a joke — it's among the best offered by computer makers. Try comparing it to Dell's education pricing sometime.

Powerbook G5

Jul 27, 2003, 05:45 PM

If you call their education price a joke, just take a look at something like Microsoft Office...regular price is $499 while student price is $149. Who would laugh at that deal? I sure wouldn't be laughing. Not to mention you can get a G5 for the same price or less than an iMac, basically, between the student pricing and knocking out the superdrive.

sacrilicious

Jul 27, 2003, 06:20 PM

But who is going to get rid of the SuperDrive? I plan on paying for my RAM upgrade with a bunch of burned DVDs, both of the commercial movie variety and the piles of downloaded n0rp variety.

I'm half serious.

arn

Jul 27, 2003, 06:42 PM

Update:

Initial stores to carry Apple's Product line are focused in California and Illinois, with scattered stores in other states (AZ, VA, NY, MD, MN).

Products to be carried include the eMac, iMac (15" and 17"), PowerMac (G4), iBook (12"), PowerBook (12" and 15"), iPod, as well as selection of accompanying accessories and software titles.

Powerbook G5

Jul 27, 2003, 06:43 PM

I wouldn't want to ditch it, either. But just look at the price, it's absolutely insane that you can actually get a 1.6 GHz G5 for less than a 17" iMac so easily.

Flowbee

Jul 27, 2003, 07:01 PM

But you can't get a 1.6 GHz G5 *plus* a 17" flat panel display for less than a 17" iMac.

mustang_dvs

Jul 27, 2003, 07:13 PM

Originally posted by sagaces
About a year ago I went into a Best Buy store to buy a digital camera, a photo quality printer, and some relevant supplies....

Sagaces, I had a similar experience at the local Best Buy here in Pentagon City, VA. I went in, having decided that I wanted to pick up a Gameboy Advance SP, after I could not find it for under $120 online. I found the shelf with the SPs, bent over to pick up one, and lingered for about 10 seconds while deciding between silver and blue. WOOSH In swoops sales associate number one.

"I see you're looking at the Gameboy Advance SP. You'll want to get the extended protection plan with that and you'll want to get this [$30] accessory pack, because it doesn't come with a charger."

"It doesn't?" I look at the back of the box. (AC charger-adapter included.) "It says here it does."

"Oh, well, that is optional, that one doesn't come with it. You'll have to buy this, too."

"Okay, thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

He walks away. I hesitate for another 10 seconds, still considering color. WOOSH In swoops sales associate number two.

"Would you like me to set you up with the extended protection plan? Oh, and you're going to need an AC adapter with that -- it doesn't use AA batteries."

"No thanks, not interested."

He looks at me, and sulks away. I make a break for the registers. WOOSH Directly into my path swoops sales associate number three.

"Did you want to get the extended plan for that, while you're here? You know it will guarantee you a replacement for eighteen --"

"NO."

"Did you get all the accessories you need? You know it doesn't inclu--"

"Yes, thanks. I'm all set."

I continue past. And finally reach the cashier.

"So, would you like the extended protection --"

"No thanks."

"-- Well, the plan guarantees a replacement of --"

"Nah."

"-- for eighteen months--"

"I'm not interested, I just want to pay and leave, thank you."

She gives up. I pay, leave and get home. Lo, and behold, inside the package, an AC adapter-charger and integrated rechargable batteries.

Yep, those were the literal conversations. Aside from the occasional DVD, I will never buy anything from Best Buy again.

Powerbook G5

Jul 27, 2003, 08:04 PM

If you think that is bad...when I bought an Xbox from Best Buy, they tried to sell me an extended service plan on my *controller*. Now why would I pay for a plan on a $40 video game controller? And they refuse to leave you alone. I get the rundown when I am picking it up, then get it again at the register, then again as I am walking out the door by the guy that always stands by the exit to check your bag. Where is the logic in this madness?

DakotaGuy

Jul 27, 2003, 08:40 PM

Originally posted by Powerbook G5
I wouldn't want to ditch it, either. But just look at the price, it's absolutely insane that you can actually get a 1.6 GHz G5 for less than a 17" iMac so easily.

Um...if you need a monitor too...the iMac is a much better deal.

Powerbook G5

Jul 27, 2003, 09:08 PM

I didn't mean to step on any toes on the subject, I just figured that by this time, most people already had monitors lying around. I have a bunch in the closet along with spare parts from years of previously owned PCs, repairs, upgrades, etc. With everyone talking about how bad they want a headless Mac for cheap, it seemed like a logical assumption that someone looking for a cheap and powerful alternative to an iMac could look at the 1.6 as a pretty good deal.

macman426

Jul 27, 2003, 09:14 PM

:mad: I work in a Staples store in the same mall as a Bestbuy and I can tell you that their sales associates know NOTHING! about computers, now the macs come in! I personally believe that Apple branded products should NOT be sold in large retail chains. Compusa is bad enough with their high prices and stupid employees. BestBuy isn't going to be any better with their PC brained sales associates saying that Macs suck. I will not settle for this crap. If there is going to be a trained onsite apple rep in the stores, I suppose that is okay, but those idiotic bestbuy employees better not lay a hand on any Apple product!

cb911

Jul 27, 2003, 09:26 PM

i guess that this will be good for Apple and the consumers having more places to buy a Mac. if only something like this would happen in Australia. :rolleyes: :(

there shouldn't be any problems with the staff trying to sell people Macs either. won't Apple have their own employees selling the Macs?

bertagert

Jul 27, 2003, 09:56 PM

Originally posted by macman426
:mad: I work in a Staples store in the same mall as a Bestbuy and I can tell you that their sales associates know NOTHING! about computers

I can say that about Staples employees as well.

You guys are way to generalized about your comments. Maybe a few people don't know the goods about stuff at a certain store, but that should not include everyone. I bet macman426 couldn't tell me everything about every product Staples sells. Give Best Buy a break. This is a plus for Apple. Let them get in as many stores as they can. Half the people in the U.S haven't even touched an Apple computer. Now they will.

Powerbook G5

Jul 27, 2003, 10:34 PM

If you want to expose people to Apple computers, then why expose them to older PoweMac G4s and not the new G5s that those same people are seeing commercials for? Or the beauty of the 17" PowerBook? It just doesn't make much sense to go this far and just fall short on big ticket items such as these that will really hit home on just what kind of products make Apple the computer company worth investing in.

Mudbug

Jul 27, 2003, 11:05 PM

Originally posted by Powerbook G5
If you want to expose people to Apple computers, then why expose them to older PoweMac G4s and not the new G5s that those same people are seeing commercials for? Or the beauty of the 17" PowerBook? It just doesn't make much sense to go this far and just fall short on big ticket items such as these that will really hit home on just what kind of products make Apple the computer company worth investing in.

in simple terms, the supply of G5's is not one that will meet the possible massive demand placed on it by BestBuy. I'll be they'll be there in time, but not yet. Maybe by Christmas, but I doubt before then.

Is there any information regarding a further rollout to other stores at a later date? I'd like to see my local Best Buy get this (just like most of the folks that have posted in this thread) but never saw us as being on the initial list. Maybe round 2 or 3, although we have a pretty-much brand-new store here.

wsteineker

Jul 27, 2003, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by bertagert
I can say that about Staples employees as well.

You guys are way to generalized about your comments. Maybe a few people don't know the goods about stuff at a certain store, but that should not include everyone. I bet macman426 couldn't tell me everything about every product Staples sells. Give Best Buy a break. This is a plus for Apple. Let them get in as many stores as they can. Half the people in the U.S haven't even touched an Apple computer. Now they will.
Absolutely right here! I mean, everyone is acting like the Best Buy employees that they're all referring to as brainless chimps are also insidious enough to intentionally steer people away from Apple products. And the reasoning behind that can't even seem to be agreed upon, as half of the crowd thinks it'd be because BB employees absolutely hate anything Apple related and have a deep and longstanding love affair with the Wintel crowd, whereas the other half just seem to think that BB employees are just too damn stupid to even make it to work at all, much less to learn their product.

Can't we all just agree to be THRILLED that Apple will be getting a vastly increased mindshare and then just wait and see how it all pans out? Seems to me that with the increased interest in the Mac the best thing for Apple would be to get the product onto as many shelves as possible. Combine that with the Apple trained and certified CSRs, and this is MUCH more likely to be a good thing than it is to be the doomsday that most of the posters in this thread are predicting. :rolleyes:

alset

Jul 28, 2003, 12:03 AM

I'll report on the Emmeryville Best Buy (only half a block from the Bay St Apple Store). Here's hoping.

Dan

wsteineker

Jul 28, 2003, 12:44 AM

Originally posted by alset
I'll report on the Emmeryville Best Buy (only half a block from the Bay St Apple Store). Here's hoping.

Dan
Good stuff, man. Let us know how it goes. I know we're all hoping that this move works out well. God knows we'd all love to see Apple steal some market share. And thanks for not passing judgement before you actually see what's going on for yourself. :)

jade

Jul 28, 2003, 12:59 AM

look at the apple website, i saw some job opportunities called "apple solution consultants" maybe that is this program and will hint to the locations (check the retail box when you search)

LinuxGigolo

Jul 28, 2003, 07:35 AM

Why is this going to occur first in California and Illinois? The 2 states have a combined 17 Apple Stores. Why not hire apple consultants to work in stores in areas that don't have access to apple-staffed Apple Stores? It seems like pushing your people out into the electronics supermarkets would be a nice way to hold those places over until they can get an Apple Store with a competent staff. Instead, it looks like Cali will just end up with more good places to buy macs and places like PA (population-wise, ... the 6th or 7th biggest state) will end up with only 1. In King of Prussia. 300 miles away from Pittsburgh. *grumble* OK... maybe it's just jealousy, but it makes sense.

proglife

Jul 28, 2003, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by sagaces
About a year ago I went into a Best Buy store to buy a digital camera, a photo quality printer, and some relevant supplies. The total amount came to $1200 which I was prepared to pay with cash. As the clerk was entering information into his computer he started to describe a "protection plan."....

I had cash in hand to buy a 2000 dollar Sony Digital TV, and the guy told me he "wouldn't even buy it" without the protection plan. That sounded more like "I won't get any commission without the protection plan".

I bought a digital camera at Best Buy, and this pack-rat of sales low lifes said, "You're going to want to get the card reader with that. It's going to take a lot of time to download those pictures (it doesn't)." I said "I have the time." They looked stumped.

Still, I might actually pick up a new powerbook if I can get it at 0% for 2 years. Otherwise, I'd be stuck with my Sawtooth.

aikomhoch

Jul 28, 2003, 08:40 AM

A Best Buy just opened up in the parking lot of the Walt Whitman Mall. Inside the mall is a new apple store. I was in the Best Buy last week, and they had iPods and iPod accesories. I didn't think to look in the computer area to see if any computer were there. It's interesting, of course, that Apple is letting Best Buy sell Apple stuff just outside of an Apple Store.

MacFan25

Jul 28, 2003, 09:05 AM

I wonder if they will start to sell the G5 when they come in or not. :confused:

Cappy

Jul 28, 2003, 09:31 AM

I hope when people make statements that this is going to be focused in California and Illinois that they don't just mean Chicago area Best Buys. I'm one of those guys further south that gets tired of Chicago essentially being consider Illinois. :rolleyes:

One comment I'll make is that I think Apple has a great idea in getting into Best Buy but it can't possibly be due to their computer line. Why do I say that? Well why now? The iMac doesn't stack up well to the PC's they sell and the G5 costs too much when compared.

Best Buy is only interested in getting people in the door and out with products. They're not truly concerned with the user experience. That might upset those employees who work there that hang out on these forums but that is the general perception.

My guess is(could be right, could be wrong) is that it's the itunes store that is garnering the interest. Has any of the employees uncovered if Apple might have some sort of kiosk setup in or near the music section?

This might also go hand-in-hand with the rumors that Apple is working on a "low-cost" ipod. Such a device would fit perfectly with Best Buy sales.

For what it's worth if this really is due to built up hype and demand of the G5 then don't expect Apple to remain in BB for even a year. :(

SilentPanda

Jul 28, 2003, 09:37 AM

Originally posted by LinuxGigolo
Why is this going to occur first in California and Illinois? The 2 states have a combined 17 Apple Stores.

I couldn't agree with you more... I know in Chicago alone there are 3 Apple stores now... they're the closest Apple store to where I live (Iowa)... the thought of all the Best Buys in Chicago selling Apple products too makes me sick to my stomach when I think of the Best Buy that is a 10 minute drive from my place in Iowa... I would assume that Apple would "use" the Best Buy spaces until they could put up their own stores in more places... I actually don't even get why there are 3 Apple stores in Chicago either... but I'm not marketing type person either I suppose... I would just think one Apple store would suffice...

Thresher

Jul 28, 2003, 09:45 AM

I'm also in Downstate Illinois. I really hope the BB here in Bloomington begins selling Macs. The local Mac vendor is fantastic, I've bought an iMac and a few other odds and ends from him, but he doesn't carry much software or accessories. It would be nice to have a place to look at Powerbook cases before I plunk down 100bux on one.

As for bad BB experiences, I guess I've been lucky. The one here in town is fantastic. These guys pretty much know me by name, I'm in there at least once a week buying movies, games, or stuff for my PCs (yeah, still have one for gaming and another as a cheap server, but it runs Linux).

They do try to sell the warranties, but I've never had them become annoyingly aggressive about it.

It makes me miss Florida. In Florida, most extended service warranties are illegal and those that aren't are heavily regulated.

raeingoth

Jul 28, 2003, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by bwintx
(And if any Best Buy employees respond with "We don't sell according to spiffs," I'd have to say that this policy obviously hasn't yet reached the Dallas area.)

I'd just like to make a clarification to a number of posts in this forum, as a Best Buy employee myself. Best Buy employees do NOT receive any kind of commission or "spiffs" for selling certain items or selling you Service plans or anything else that they may offer. I believe that Best Buy years and years ago when first starting up were commissioned based, but it hasn't been that way for at least a decade.

And I'd like to point out that, yes, plenty of Best Buy employees do not know the ins and outs of each product, admittedly quite a few people in the company know absolutely nothing about what they sell. I myself end up doing quite a bit of research on my products in my off hours because there is not always sufficient training. But like someone posted earlier, Best Buy is not meant to be a place where the high-end user can get all of their answers, Best Buy is geared towards the general consumer. You want specific detailed knowledge about certain components that don't interest the general consumer, go to a high-end store. I am not saying that you shouldn't be able to find out this information at a Best Buy, because I believe you should. I do my best to know everything I can about each product I sell, but then again I started in high-end specialty sales long before Best Buy so perhaps I just have a different mindset than a lot of BB employees do.
But then again, put this into perspective. You go to a high-end store, you learn everything you need to know, you pay full retail. You go to a Best Buy or similar store, you might learn some, but you pay quite a bit less. And in doing so, the store pays their employees a lot less. An average Best Buy employee does not get paid that much higher than minimum wage, especially considering the amount of work that's needed to do their job [and yes, please, I know there's slackers, but they don't last long on average either].

And getting tired of hearing about Service plans and MSN and everything else in sales presentations? Please, talk to a manager. Let them know that you do not care to hear any of this. Goodness knows I just like to discuss the product, not everything else on earth. Managers make BB employees push these extras to basically keep their jobs and in turn (The managers) end up getting the paybacks for selling those. Not us. And just to clarify further, not even managers get spiffs for selling certain products so that is completely a non-issue. I was never informed nor anyone else I know of at Best Buy to sell a certain product over the other.

bwintx

Jul 28, 2003, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by raeingoth
I'd just like to make a clarification to a number of posts in this forum, as a Best Buy employee myself. Best Buy employees do NOT receive any kind of commission or "spiffs" for selling certain items or selling you Service plans or anything else that they may offer. I believe that Best Buy years and years ago when first starting up were commissioned based, but it hasn't been that way for at least a decade.

I'm sure you mean that sincerely, but it's kinda like when the local police say repeatedly, "Nah, we don't have speeding ticket quotas" but you surely do see 'em hiding in the bushes a WHOLE lot more in the last seven days of the month. :)

Specifically: when, at the height of the Christmas season (2001 -- certainly not a decade ago), one sees three BB employees hanging around a specific set of products and clearly pushing them much harder than seeming equivalents -- e.g., Epson printers over competitors' makes -- one may be forgiven for thinking spiffs are alive and well at Best Buy.

OTOH, perhaps they were Epson employees wearing the BB uniform with BB's approval. (Seriously. After all, one assumes the Apple-specific rep will wear normal BB clothing, too.) There are a number of possible explanations, admittedly.

jzieske

Jul 28, 2003, 03:35 PM

Originally posted by bwintx
After all, one assumes the Apple-specific rep will wear normal BB clothing, too.

I doubt they will, I am not sure about other parts of the country but in MN at the CompUSA I go to the Apple Rep is alwyas wearing a black Apple Polo shirt, nothing like the CompUSA uniforms.

wsteineker

Jul 28, 2003, 03:42 PM

raeingoth

Jul 28, 2003, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by bwintx
I'm sure you mean that sincerely, but it's kinda like when the local police say repeatedly, "Nah, we don't have speeding ticket quotas" but you surely do see 'em hiding in the bushes a WHOLE lot more in the last seven days of the month. :)

And as my post stated we are required to push these things to keep our jobs, there are quotas that the managers demand, but the non-manager BB employee does not get anything for selling you a service plan or whatever.

Specifically: when, at the height of the Christmas season (2001 -- certainly not a decade ago), one sees three BB employees hanging around a specific set of products and clearly pushing them much harder than seeming equivalents -- e.g., Epson printers over competitors' makes -- one may be forgiven for thinking spiffs are alive and well at Best Buy.

Certainly most employees have brand preferences, why anyone would ever have a brand preference for Epson is completely beyond me though. Now I have never worked in the computer department but every once in a while they may have a company-wide contest though I've never seen one to push a specific brand.

OTOH, perhaps they were Epson employees wearing the BB uniform with BB's approval. (Seriously. After all, one assumes the Apple-specific rep will wear normal BB clothing, too.) There are a number of possible explanations, admittedly.

Outside reps never dress in BB uniform, they are required to wear their own respective company's uniform. Regardless, the Epson rep at your store may be in good with the General Manager, I do not deny that there are corrupt stores in the company.

bwintx

Jul 28, 2003, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by raeingoth
And as my post stated we are required to push these things to keep our jobs, there are quotas that the managers demand, but the non-manager BB employee does not get anything for selling you a service plan or whatever.

Certainly most employees have brand preferences, why anyone would ever have a brand preference for Epson is completely beyond me though. Now I have never worked in the computer department but every once in a while they may have a company-wide contest though I've never seen one to push a specific brand.

Outside reps never dress in BB uniform, they are required to wear their own respective company's uniform. Regardless, the Epson rep at your store may be in good with the General Manager, I do not deny that there are corrupt stores in the company.

All duly noted, and definitely food for thought. Thanks again. And, please be assured that I didn't intend to impugn your personal integrity; however, if it seemed as if I were doing so, I apologize. I particularly appreciate your NOT stooping to childish namecalling, as did the "demi-god." (If that's what "demi-gods" are allowed to do here on this moderated forum, I clearly have wasted my time in the last year at what, until today, I had found to be an enlightening and usually civilized Web site. I'll miss it.)

Mudbug

Jul 28, 2003, 04:16 PM

<edit> post deleted, cause I'm an idiot. </edit>

sacrilicious

Jul 28, 2003, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by Mudbug
<edit> post deleted, cause I'm an idiot. </edit>

I guess that invalidates my post, too.

raeingoth

Jul 28, 2003, 04:37 PM

Originally posted by bwintx
All duly noted, and definitely food for thought. Thanks again. And, please be assured that I didn't intend to impugn your personal integrity; however, if it seemed as if I were doing so, I apologize.

You're welcome, and no worries I didn't see it as any sort of offense. I just wanted to clear up some misconceptions that are out there. Regardless I do not love my company or plan to stay with them for any long length of time, but where I do not have a chance to clear up certain misconceptions I get all the time while at work, I can at least hope to clear some up in an open forum like this.

lbotez

Jul 28, 2003, 04:53 PM

Extended Warranties or Replacement Plans pretty much make or break a retail store's profits these days.

Employees are required to inform the customer about them. If a manager happens to overhear a closing sale and it isn't mentioned, that employee risks losing his job.

I know it's annoying when you are a customer, especially if it's on a cheaper item, but you would be amazed how many customers want these warranties (mainly due to the shoddy goods that are produced these days)! So just politely listen and say you aren't interested. It's just the way things are these days. In retail, money is made on things like cables, warranties and small items that you purchase and don't realize how much they are actually marked up. These stores have huge overhead costs, and somehow they have to be able to pay rent, employees salaries and shrinkage costs (among a lot of other things) just to keep the doors open.

I work as an Epson rep and I don't mind offering these plans to customers because when something goes wrong with the printer, they can get it fixed or replaced with no hassle. That means a lot less complaining about Epson and it's products for me. I usually buy these plans myself for products I buy where things can go wrong. I try to think of these plans as part of the cost of ownership. Not everybody feels this way, but I respect a person when they indicate they aren't interested.

Some of the young people they hire at these stores aren't as good at detecting when they've pushed a customer too far in regard to warranty extensions. But if you wanted a good selling experience, go to a more expensive store!

Everyone wants to pay the cheapest price for everything, so this is what we, the customers, have chosen: not too great service and really really cheap prices. As the saying goes: you get what you pay for (and service is part of that).

Also, for the person who mentioned this: Epson provides us with shirts with the Epson logo on them. We would never wear a Best Buy shirt, so I don't know what the person above is talking about.... any ASC (apple rep) will be provided with some kind of polo shirt that will identify them as Apple Employees.

wsteineker

Jul 28, 2003, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by bwintx
All duly noted, and definitely food for thought. Thanks again. And, please be assured that I didn't intend to impugn your personal integrity; however, if it seemed as if I were doing so, I apologize. I particularly appreciate your NOT stooping to childish namecalling, as did the "demi-god." (If that's what "demi-gods" are allowed to do here on this moderated forum, I clearly have wasted my time in the last year at what, until today, I had found to be an enlightening and usually civilized Web site. I'll miss it.)
Whoa. Slow the train down for a second. While I understand that you're probably more than a little upset at being called out, I don't understand how you can possibly feel as though I was out of line in my pointing out that you were not listening to what the other poster said. It's not like anything written in that particular post shows that you went out of your way to give even a shred of consideration to what was said before you decided to disagree. And please don't pretend for a moment that your faulty attempt at supporting logic (the whole speeding ticket analogy) is in any capacity a justification for abjectly bad argument. Finally, would you please point out the exact passage from my previous post that you took to be a personal attack. While I did go out of my way to rebuke your poorly constructed logic, I never said anything disparaging about you personally. Maybe you'll learn to tell the difference when you get a few more posts under your belt. In the mean time try not to piss in everyone else's corn flakes.

bwintx

Jul 28, 2003, 07:42 PM

Originally posted by wsteineker
While I understand that you're probably more than a little upset at being called out, I don't understand how you can possibly feel as though I was out of line in my pointing out that you were not listening to what the other poster said. It's not like anything written in that particular post shows that you went out of your way to give even a shred of consideration to what was said before you decided to disagree. And please don't pretend for a moment that your faulty attempt at supporting logic (the whole speeding ticket analogy) is in any capacity a justification for abjectly bad argument. Finally, would you please point out the exact passage from my previous post that you took to be a personal attack.

A reasonable request. Specifically, you said:

That is among the more assinine and childish assumptions I've ever heard made here. Why are we supposed to listen to a word you say when you've obviously got no intention of doing the same for anyone else?

... and, before Arn edited it out, you added, "A$$." (Except without the dollar signs. :)) But, hey, I've been called worse things and will be again. (I am a married man, after all.)

As you have since seen, even the Best Buy person to whom I was responding recognized that I was talking about the company, not about him/her personally. Speaking of which...

While I did go out of my way to rebuke your poorly constructed logic, I never said anything disparaging about you personally.

Again: before Arn cleaned it up, you did. Unless you don't consider that a personally disparaging remark. I do, and apparently the moderator did, too. Finally...

Maybe you'll learn to tell the difference when you get a few more posts under your belt. In the mean time try not to piss in everyone else's corn flakes.

("Piss in everyone else's corn flakes"?!? Oh, well...) FWIW (and it probably won't be much), I've been using the Internet and Usenet for nearly eight years, so I'm hardly a newbie to posts -- just a newbie to this particular forum, in which I've lurked for a year.

Sorry, folks. This has absolutely nothing to do with Macs being sold at Best Buy, so I'll step aside and let you all move on to the good stuff. I just thought the person was entitled to an answer to his/her request.

MacGuy283

Jul 28, 2003, 10:33 PM

I went in to Best Buy today and the Apples where there!!!!!, they had everything but the 17" powerbook as for what i could see. And I asked the guy about the service plan and he said they are selling apples protection plan not best buys. This best buy too is less than 20 min from an apple store too and a compusa, its the store in bloomingdale IL, they werent on the shelf yet but the boxes where on top.

jade

Jul 28, 2003, 10:37 PM

where do you live?

MacGuy283

Jul 28, 2003, 10:39 PM

look above just edited

jgivens12

Jul 28, 2003, 11:21 PM

Just wanted to let you guys know that the Best Buy in San Carlos, CA (San Francisco Bay Area) has a few Macs on display. Currently it seemed like they had the eMac, iMac, and the Powermac with the 17'' display. That is all I saw. It was actually a very unimpressive display. The computers were just sitting there on a shelf like any other desktop computers. No special Apple section or anything. I didn't see any sign of an Apple employee or an Apple software but I am sure the store is still in the process of setting everything up as the products had no specs and the prices were handwritten.

cast128

Jul 29, 2003, 12:56 AM

I really hope this all works out and is true because guess who just got hired to sell computers at best buy. You got it! ME I hope the employee discount applies to apples as well. I will let you guys know how it goes

docpsycho

Jul 29, 2003, 01:14 AM

Originally posted by bwintx

The store employees will spend most of their time worrying about selling whatever they're getting spiffs on, (And if any Best Buy employees respond with "We don't sell according to spiffs," I'd have to say that this policy obviously hasn't yet reached the Dallas area.)

\

this is to funny....I work for best buy and sure as hell would like to see a spiff on my paycheck!!!!!

the only "spiffs" goto 2 people... the general manager and the sales manager.... if the whole store performs...

the current scuttlebut (rumoritus) is that the machines are not being sold with any profit. Anal APPLE is testing the waters... and BB is not making any thing on them.:mad:

MisterG5

Jul 29, 2003, 01:22 AM

I just checked jobs on Apple and they are looking for a bunch of Apple Solutions Consultants. These must be the best buy people!

tntoak

Jul 30, 2003, 05:06 PM

I think people should just take the time to refrain from making comments that could be construed as insulting to someone who works for one of these companies. For every horror story from Best Buy, I guarantee you there's a corresponding one from Circuit City and CompUSA (where they do get commission).

Every electronics store has some employees that don't know jack about the products they are supposed to be selling. If the employees don't or won't learn about them, then they should be removed, plain and simple. The local Best Buy does have quite a few teenagers working there - in the checkout lanes. There might be one or two working elsewhere, but the vast majority are cashiers.

The local CompUSA doesn't have any teenagers working there, but they have more than enough people who would sell you swampland in Arizona. I won't even get into a rant about that store, because I don't think people want to read a 12 paragraph post. :)

BUt at the same time, I can't take my experiences here and apply them to every single Best Buy or CompUSA in the nation, because I haven't been there. One store does not necessarily indicate the norm within a chain.

On a side note note, the LAST thing Apple needs to do is sell Apples through Wal-Mart. You're not going to get a lot of people who can afford the upper-end Apples walking into Wal-Mart's electronics section to buy an iBook or Powerbook. If your local Wal-Mart carries projection TVs, I bet they've sat there for months and months because they just don't sell well there.

docpsycho

Jul 30, 2003, 05:46 PM

[i]"I guarantee you there's a corresponding one from Circuit City and CompUSA (where they do get commission)."

"The local CompUSA doesn't have any teenagers working there"
"BUt at the same time, I can't take my experiences here and apply them to every single Best Buy or CompUSA in the nation, because I haven't been there. One store does not necessarily indicate the norm within a chain."

On a side note note, the LAST thing Apple needs to do is sell Apples through Wal-Mart.
If your local Wal-Mart carries projection TVs, I bet they've sat there for months and months because they just don't sell well there. [/B]

True I will admit there are variences across the nation. noting the one I'm quoting from is from Alaska, But in California it is invasion of the pimple coated freaks.

Also if anyone remembers the recent coup de'ta at Circut City, they also are a non commision enviroment. firing(technical--layoff) all commission and replaced by untrained hourly types.

3rd note wal mart does good on projections typs in the midwest where there is a shortage of CC & BB.
Steve jobs will not lowerhimself to those standards, besides Steve like the position of control, and if you look at wallyland they push thier suppliers around, Stevie baby ain't goin' there!!!

katatak

Mar 8, 2004, 12:58 PM

More reports indicate that previous rumors (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/06/20030629002807.shtml) of Apple sales at Best Buy will materialize soon.

BestBuy will utilize fulltime Apple Reps to provide sales support for Apple items. The current plan is to deploy this plan to a select number of Best Buys, so not every store will carry the Apple products initially.

While the official launch date remains in August, some stores may start to sell Apple items as early as Monday.

Best Buy recently bought the Canadian Big Box Electronics retailer Future Shop. Future Shop is a long standing Apple dealer obtained when they bought out one the earilest Apple Dealerships (they sold Apple II's) in Vancouver, Canada. Is this the source of their dealership agreement with Apple?

Opteron

Mar 8, 2004, 05:25 PM

Apple has pretty strict Minimum prices requirements of resellers. So, I don't think you're going to be seeing lower retail prices.

However given the right non-english speaking sales rep, cash works wonders.

tntoak

Mar 8, 2004, 06:41 PM

Best Buy recently bought the Canadian Big Box Electronics retailer Future Shop. Future Shop is a long standing Apple dealer obtained when they bought out one the earilest Apple Dealerships (they sold Apple II's) in Vancouver, Canada. Is this the source of their dealership agreement with Apple?

Actually, Best Buy has owned Future Shop since at least 2001. Best Buy did carry Apple for a while when the iMac first hit big, but they ended that program after Apple wanted what BBY felt was too much control over their sales floor. From what I have seen and read, the decision to reintroduce Apple has nothing to do with Future Shop as much as BBYs push towards convergenge in electronics (what Apple has been doing with iLife for years)

xy14

Mar 9, 2004, 08:27 PM

tntoak

Mar 9, 2004, 11:15 PM

The reason I heard that Best Buy quit selling Macs is bacause when they were colored, everyone wanted different colors that were in stock so no one ever bought them and Best Buy decided to quit. This time in the contract, it said that Apple can not sell any multi-colored or similar items and that is what they did with the iPod Mini, so that is why this new deal with Best Buy is going to go down the drain.

Also, I think that if Apple gets rid of the iPod Mini or makes it just one color and Best Buy doesn't terminate the deal, Apple should start negotiating with larger businesses (Wal-Mart, Circuit City, CompUSA, even Target) and then everyone will buy Macs and then Microsoft will get small and then they will know what it's like to have 3% of the market and then Apple will start letting its OS be used on Intel and then Apple can get rid of it's own computers and Mac OS will prosper and Microsoft will have to go out of business. MAHAHAHAHA!

Actually, considering how many iPods Best Buy sells, I'd be surprised if they would be willing to lose that revenue stream by terminating the contract with Apple. As far as the notion of letting Wal-Mart, CompUSA, Circuit City, etc. sell Macs, CompUSA already sells them, Wal-Mart would want too much control over the sales and distribution fronts (this has already been addressed in this thread), and Circuit City either was approached by or approached Apple themselves about carrying Macs, but the two parties couldn't come to terms on an agreement.

You also have to remember that the reason Apple pulled out of most retailers was because of the way Macs had been relegated to the back corners of the stores. The only way Apple will go into a store is under their terms, because the do not want to see a return to the old days when the PC section was large and clean, and the macs hadn't been moved, let alone dusted, in weeks.

merman637

Mar 10, 2004, 02:10 PM

First time poster, w00t! :-D

Anyways, this idea of BestBuy selling Apple products is kinda cool. I mean, alot of the stuck up Windows people would never set foot in a Mac store of some kind, so maybe they might stumble across the Apple section at their local BestBuy while looking for the latest Windows product.

Also, maybe this will be the break us young Mac users need to get jobs selling the machines we love! I don't know what your feelings are, but CompUSA has really given me the shaft; I guess it's expected from them! :-P

--/--
Netboy

I feel your pain man...compusa is the ONLYplace nearby that sells apple, and they think they are GOD'S gift to computer stores...however the mac guy at this store IS pretty knowledgable...even if they did try to sell me a broken laptop for $100 less than retail....Sheesh...
anyway...good to see an okie in here...
MERman -moore ok

merman637

Mar 10, 2004, 02:12 PM

Actually, considering how many iPods Best Buy sells, I'd be surprised if they would be willing to lose that revenue stream by terminating the contract with Apple. As far as the notion of letting Wal-Mart, CompUSA, Circuit City, etc. sell Macs, CompUSA already sells them, Wal-Mart would want too much control over the sales and distribution fronts (this has already been addressed in this thread), and Circuit City either was approached by or approached Apple themselves about carrying Macs, but the two parties couldn't come to terms on an agreement.

You also have to remember that the reason Apple pulled out of most retailers was because of the way Macs had been relegated to the back corners of the stores. The only way Apple will go into a store is under their terms, because the do not want to see a return to the old days when the PC section was large and clean, and the macs hadn't been moved, let alone dusted, in weeks.

Not to mention the haedaches of selling on consignment like Wal-Mart, and the returns!!! who would let their company take that abuse???!!!
MERman

itsa

Jan 30, 2005, 09:20 PM

My CompUSA is wonderful. They've been good on a number of occasions in various ways. As an aside, I was once browsing Windows notebook computers. The rep came up, asked me what I did and what I needed the machine for, then suggested that I might be happier with an Apple notebook. This employee was *not* the store's Apple representative, so his appraisal was honest, not self-serving.

Needless to say, I went back to that same store when I was ready to buy.

elo

I've sold about 10 Mac's at CompUSA and I don't even work there... (never have). I know it sounds like I'm a nerd but, when I lived in St Louis I would go into CompUSA and just stand around until someone asked the people that worked there something about Macs... and I would jump in and correct them. I got a kick out of helping people make the right buy... and even bigger kick making the Comp guys look like idiots.

wdlove

Jan 31, 2005, 11:33 AM

I've sold about 10 Mac's at CompUSA and I don't even work there... (never have). I know it sounds like I'm a nerd but, when I lived in St Louis I would go into CompUSA and just stand around until someone asked the people that worked there something about Macs... and I would jump in and correct them. I got a kick out of helping people make the right buy... and even bigger kick making the Comp guys look like idiots.

I enjoy helping people myself. So I realize what a good feeling that felt. What kind of reaction did you get from the CompUSA person?