Umm.. why engrave?

[only]

There's something on the forums that makes me laugh every time I read it and it's when people throw out 'free engraving' as an incentive to buy an iPod from the Apple Store at a significantly higher price than one would pay at a regular big box retailer.

Granted, iPods occupy the higher, if not highest, tiers in available consumer media players available to the public and you'll pay top dollar for it wherever you purchase it relative to other brands. But in the end it's still a pretty utilitarian appliance, with a utilitarian function no matter how pretty you think it looks.

In my mind, an iPod doesn't really equate in the same way to jewelery, watches, other body adornments or mementos that you'd find proudly displayed in a case somewhere. Getting an iPod engraved almost seems as silly as getting a refrigerator, television or vacuum cleaner done. It looks tacky, ghetto and slightly hoodrich.

So why do people engrave their iPods when chances are it'll be covered up by a case anyways and a card and perhaps a nice bow would equally suffice if it were a gift? Is it an outlet for people's sense of self importance and shallowness? ty.

[Ivan P]

There's something on the forums that makes me laugh every time I read it and it's when people throw out 'free engraving' as an incentive to buy an iPod from the Apple Store at a significantly higher price than one would pay at a regular big box retailer.

Every iPod I've seen on the online Apple Store (well, the Australian one, as that's where I live) has been the exact same price they've been in stores...

[only]

Every iPod I've seen on the online Apple Store (well, the Australian one, as that's where I live) has been the exact same price they've been in stores...

Hummm... so far it's the same in the US, but I think that changes as the year progresses. I remember the 1g IPT at big box retailers were a lot cheaper than at the Apple Store. And it seems to be the case in Canada right now, $30+ CAD more from Apple relative to a regular retailer.

[dubhe]

Every iPod I've seen on the online Apple Store (well, the Australian one, as that's where I live) has been the exact same price they've been in stores...

I agree, I think apple fixes the price.

[chilipie]

Hummm... so far it's the same in the US, but I think that changes as the year progresses. I remember the 1g IPT at big box retailers were a lot cheaper than at the Apple Store. And it seems to be the case in Canada right now, $30+ CAD more from Apple relative to a regular retailer.

In the UK, I've yet to see iPods being sold cheaper than at the Apple store (give or take a few pence). I don't think it looks tacky at all - and how is it like getting a television or vacuum cleaner done? You're unlikely to have two identical models of TVs in the same place and get them confused, and you're even less likely to lose your TV and get it back because your name was engraved on it.

[only]

I agree, I think apple fixes the price.

They don't.

In the UK, I've yet to see iPods being sold cheaper than at the Apple store (give or take a few pence). I don't think it looks tacky at all - and how is it like getting a television or vacuum cleaner done? You're unlikely to have two identical models of TVs in the same place and get them confused, and you're even less likely to lose your TV and get it back because your name was engraved on it.

Well, in North America they typically are sold for less. And if you live with people that also happen to have the same model, make, colour iPods you can still distinguish them at the very least by content. And as far as misplacing it goes, it depends on the circumstances, if it was stolen outright you aren't going to get it back no matter what you engrave on it. In either case, be more careful. Engraving your ID on it is overkill and as fruity as penning your ID on the labels of all of your clothes.

So, no I'm still not convinced that 'ohhh engraving' is worth paying the higher premium when purchasing from Apple.

And yes it looks tacky.

[wordmunger]

The main reason to get engraving is to show that the iPod is yours in case it gets lost/stolen.

Lots of people have iPods, so it's an easy way of delineating whose is whose.

It discourages casual theft, like among "friends" at school, where everyone will see your iPod.

It also makes the iPod harder to sell, though, which some people may not appreciate.

[only]

The main reason to get engraving is to show that the iPod is yours in case it gets lost/stolen.

Lots of people have iPods, so it's an easy way of delineating whose is whose.

It discourages casual theft, like among "friends" at school, where everyone will see your iPod.

It also makes the iPod harder to sell, though, which some people may not appreciate.

Do many people permanently etch their contact info onto their purses, laptops, bikes and cellphones for the same reasons?

And from what I've seen, it's only a fraction of people that do engrave for a pragmatic purpose. Judging from what most people do get engraved I think Apple has successfully marketed to consumer vanity.

[wordmunger]

Do many people permanently etch their contact info onto their purses, laptops, bikes and cellphones for the same reasons

No, but there are also many more than four different models of purse, laptop, bike, and cellphone. IPods are so interchangable and portable that they are much easier to lose, and more tempting to steal.

[only]

No, but there are also many more than four different models of purse, laptop, bike, and cellphone. IPods are so interchangable and portable that they are much easier to lose, and more tempting to steal.

Yet all those things get stolen just as often, probably more.

And honestly, even if you do find yourself in a situation with people who own identical models you can still distinguish between them by content and whatever personalization they make in the OS. It isn't that hard, at least hard enough to make me want to pay the Apple Store more money for something I could get significantly cheaper.

[wordmunger]

Yet all those things get stolen just as often, probably more.

And honestly, even if you do find yourself in a situation with people who own identical models you can still distinguish between them by content and whatever personalization they make in the OS. It isn't that hard, at least hard enough to make me want to pay the Apple Store more money for something I could get significantly cheaper.

I'm just explaining why people I know got theirs engraved. If you don't want to, you don't have to. All those other things cost money to get engraved; iPods are free. I imagine if you could get your purse/cellphone/bike personalized for free, more people would do that. And I disagree with you that those things get stolen more often.

[epicwelshman]

I think there are two issues here, which people seem to be confusing.

Firstly, the OP doesn't like the idea of engraving in general. That's his opinion, some agree, some disagree, whatever.

Secondly, the OP can't see the justification of paying additional money for engraving from the Apple store (i.e., an iPod being $275 at Best Buy and $300 at Apple, but people paying the extra $25 simply to get it engraved, for example).

[JBazz]

They don't.
Yes, they do.


Secondly, the OP can't see the justification of paying additional money for engraving from the Apple store (i.e., an iPod being $275 at Best Buy and $300 at Apple, but people paying the extra $25 simply to get it engraved, for example).

You are not going to find an new, current generation iPod for $25 less at any store. In order to be an Apple retailer, you sign a contract to stick within their pricing. If they find you discounting their iPods $25, you wont be selling iPods anymore. Which is why you will see the freebies instead of money discounts. Frys offers non-Apple accessories for iPods instead of discounting the iPod. Apple offers engraving. I have seen others offer download cards for music.

[only]

I'm just explaining why people I know got theirs engraved. If you don't want to, you don't have to. All those other things cost money to get engraved; iPods are free. I imagine if you could get your purse/cellphone/bike personalized for free, more people would do that. And I disagree with you that those things get stolen more often.

You aren't doing a lot by replying to the thread title alone.

I think there are two issues here, which people seem to be confusing.

Firstly, the OP doesn't like the idea of engraving in general. That's his opinion, some agree, some disagree, whatever.

Secondly, the OP can't see the justification of paying additional money for engraving from the Apple store (i.e., an iPod being $275 at Best Buy and $300 at Apple, but people paying the extra $25 simply to get it engraved, for example).

Thank you, seriously.

You seem to be the only one so far who read and correctly processed the OP regardless the opinion.

Yes, they do.

So why do people ask which retailers sell at the lowest price?


You are not going to find an new, current generation iPod for $25 less at any store. In order to be an Apple retailer, you sign a contract to stick within their pricing. If they find you discounting their iPods $25, you wont be selling iPods anymore. Which is why you will see the freebies instead of money discounts. Frys offers non-Apple accessories for iPods instead of discounting the iPod. Apple offers engraving. I have seen others offer download cards for music.

http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/shop_ipod/family/ipod_touch?mco=MTE2NTg

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/subclass.asp?logon=&langid=EN&catid=25653

The latter is a sister company of Best Buy, and WalMart Canada has the same discounted price. They're even cheaper at Costco, and if I remember right US big box retailers typically follow suit after Christmas.

Some independents already have:

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/families/new~family~ipod~dp~7661972.asp


umm yeah about that contract..

[JBazz]

So why do people ask which retailers sell at the lowest price?

Because they dont know any better? First time I went looking to buy a mac, I did the same. Then the Apple respresentative at CompUSA told me about the price fixing.

You can on occasion find open box, returned or refurbished iPods at discounts (as I got a returned one at Best Buy). But you will not find current generation, new iPods for any significant discount. Just the way it is.

[bananabar]

If I asked Apple to engrave my ipod with some disgusting phrase littered with swear words, would they do it?

[only]

Because they dont know any better? First time I went looking to buy a mac, I did the same. Then the Apple respresentative at CompUSA told me about the price fixing.

You can on occasion find open box, returned or refurbished iPods at discounts (as I got a returned one at Best Buy). But you will not find current generation, new iPods for any significant discount. Just the way it is.

You're right in part about the contracts, many retailers cannot put iPods/Apple products on 'sale' the same way other media players and computer peripherals are. But 3rd party retailers do have some latitude in how they regularly price them and you can buy brand new, current generation iPods for $20-$40 less.

[biikman]

There's something on the forums that makes me laugh every time I read it and it's when people throw out 'free engraving' as an incentive to buy an iPod from the Apple Store at a significantly higher price than one would pay at a regular big box retailer.

Granted, iPods occupy the higher, if not highest, tiers in available consumer media players available to the public and you'll pay top dollar for it wherever you purchase it relative to other brands. But in the end it's still a pretty utilitarian appliance, with a utilitarian function no matter how pretty you think it looks.

In my mind, an iPod doesn't really equate in the same way to jewelery, watches, other body adornments or mementos that you'd find proudly displayed in a case somewhere. Getting an iPod engraved almost seems as silly as getting a refrigerator, television or vacuum cleaner done. It looks tacky, ghetto and slightly hoodrich.

So why do people engrave their iPods when chances are it'll be covered up by a case anyways and a card and perhaps a nice bow would equally suffice if it were a gift? Is it an outlet for people's sense of self importance and shallowness? ty.


I agree, I think it's pointless to have it engraved as it will most likely be covered up anyway. Just my opinion, and others who differ that ok :)

I also can see why Apple promotes it. Once it is engraved, it is a guaranteed non return. (except for exchange/warranty).

[teleromeo]

I got mine engraved with my very personal email adress ( myname @ myfullname dot be) so if I lose it or it gets stolen the finder can contact me easily.

[only]

I agree, I think it's pointless to have it engraved as it will most likely be covered up anyway. Just my opinion, and others who differ that ok :)

I also can see why Apple promotes it. Once it is engraved, it is a guaranteed non return. (except for exchange/warranty).

Yep, I'm not crusading or anything to get people to stop getting their iPod's engraved. But, I do find the rationalizations and reasoning hilarious whenever I see it brought up and am baffled how so many people fall for such a gimmick if they have the alternative to buy one at a cheaper price.

[Foxtrot Oscar]

People buy stuff because they want too. It quite simple really. If they want something, but are willing to pi55 and whine about $20 - $30, then maybe they don't really want it that much and they need to adjust their priorities.

Engraving. It's a personal touch, that with the right words can add a real touch of class to a gift.

"Only you bore everyone so much, listen to this and keep quiet: there's a good chap"

Something like that.

[only]

People buy stuff because they want too. It quite simple really. If they want something, but are willing to pi55 and whine about $20 - $30, then maybe they don't really want it that much and they need to adjust their priorities.

Engraving. It's a personal touch, that with the right words can add a real touch of class to a gift.

"Only you bore everyone so much, listen to this and keep quiet: there's a good chap"

Something like that.

Apparently I hit a little too close to home, huh?

[juanster]

If I asked Apple to engrave my ipod with some disgusting phrase littered with swear words, would they do it?

no, i tried and they refused so i got it done at the engraving place at the mall

[wordmunger]

You aren't doing a lot by replying to the thread title alone.



Thank you, seriously.

You seem to be the only one so far who read and correctly processed the OP regardless the opinion.

I read your OP and tried to explain the reasoning people have for getting things engraved. As for the issue about cost, there are many people who buy from the Apple Store and DON'T get stuff engraved. In fact, I don't think free engraving is the primary reason people buy from the Apple Store. The real reason is service -- customers prefer to work with people they know and trust. Getting free engraving is just one of many perceived advantages. For a lot of people that trust and special treatment is worth it, even if they pay a little more.

Heck, if you're REALLY concerned about cost you shouldn't buy apple products to begin with. Get a cheap cell phone, a cheap no-name computer, and a Zune and you'll be all set, for MUCH less money!

[JBazz]

You're right in part about the contracts, many retailers cannot put iPods/Apple products on 'sale' the same way other media players and computer peripherals are. But 3rd party retailers do have some latitude in how they regularly price them and you can buy brand new, current generation iPods for $20-$40 less.
That doesnt go on in the US.

But thanks for the link, I sent it to Apple and asked for a partial refund on my new iPod.

[only]

I read your OP and tried to explain the reasoning people have for getting things engraved. As for the issue about cost, there are many people who buy from the Apple Store and DON'T get stuff engraved. In fact, I don't think free engraving is the primary reason people buy from the Apple Store. The real reason is service -- customers prefer to work with people they know and trust. Getting free engraving is just one of many perceived advantages. For a lot of people that trust and special treatment is worth it, even if they pay a little more.

Heck, if you're REALLY concerned about cost you shouldn't buy apple products to begin with. Get a cheap cell phone, a cheap no-name computer, and a Zune and you'll be all set, for MUCH less money!

I had gone over security and as means of distinguishing between similar iPods in this thread with you and others ad nauseam. If you can't speak to it I don't know what else to tell you.

And, if you think I started this thread because I have an issue with people who buy at the Apple Store or the price of Apple products in general you obviously still don't get it.

Someone on page 1 correctly and succinctly summarized my point, maybe you should go back and read that if it's easier for you?

That doesnt go on in the US.

But thanks for the link, I sent it to Apple and asked for a partial refund on my new iPod.

But it does, Macmall is a US retailer, and hey so is WalMart:

http://www.walmart.com/browse/Audio/MP3-Players/iPod-touch/_/N-8xcfZaq90Zaqce/Ne-2p4j?ic=48_0&ref=125875.416463&tab_value=5813_All&path=0%3A3944&tab_value=5813_All&catNavId=96469

How much longer are you going to insist prices for iPods are all uniform when they clearly aren't?

[840quadra]

I got mine engraved with my very personal email adress ( myname @ myfullname dot be) so if I lose it or it gets stolen the finder can contact me easily.

That is the only reason I can think of for me getting an iPod engraved. You can individualize and ID an iPod within it's software, however if someone that isn't iPod savvy finds it, they may not know how to find the owner within the device (especially if it is passcode locked). If that person can quickly and eaisly find an email address, or other contact info, they will likely attempt to return it, if they have good intentions.


http://forums.macrumors.com/image.php?u=47064&dateline=1165207334&type=profile

[mrkgoo]

In NZ, iPods are typically the very last item to be sold at a discount. We have no official Apple presence, so the online store is often easier and may have stock of models that aren't in for resellers.

There are many reasons to shop at the AppleStore beyond just wanting engraving, particularly when it is not priced higher.

And what about PRODUCT RED items? You can't get those outside of the Applestore. I think you can't just label those who buy at the Applestore as simply wanting engraving.

Besides, some people don't treat iPods as disposable - getting an iPod can be a huge deal, so having it engraved can add to that sentimental value. Not for me, but you have to realise other people have different tastes.

[acedew]

Well, in North America they typically are sold for less.

Typically? Not where I live. Best Buy, Circuit City, Walmart, Target, Radio Shack...they all sell the iPod for the same price as the Apple Store. Costco is the only exception I've seen, and I've checked, because I just bought mine. At Costco you can save $10 on an 8GB or $22 on a 32GB. But you have to pay at least $50 to join Costco, and not everyone has them nearby, so that's hardly a fair comparison. I would definitely say that "typically" I find other stores selling them for the same price as Apple.

And if you live with people that also happen to have the same model, make, colour iPods you can still distinguish them at the very least by content.

So I have to pick up the iPod, unlock it, and enter a passcode just to see if it's my iPod or not? Come on, if you don't use a case (like me), an engraving is a great way to distinguish the iPods.

And as far as misplacing it goes, it depends on the circumstances, if it was stolen outright you aren't going to get it back no matter what you engrave on it. In either case, be more careful.

My iPod is FAR more likely to be lost than stolen. In the event that I lose it at a party, at an event, playing sports, or even in someone's car, how is a person going to know it's mine? I have it passcode protected, so they can't tell by content. Your answer is just to be more careful, but I think having it engraved is a better answer.

There are valid reasons for wanting an engraving. Not everyone is out there to get the cheapest price. For those people, getting a "free" engraving from Apple is a distinguishing factor.

[Sdashiki]

The only reason you need against one isnt all this "its useless, its looks stupid, etc" bantering going on.

Its the simple, elegant truth:

An engraved iPod will NEVER sell for more than a non-engraved one.

So, basically, you rip yourself off when you want to upgrade and sell it.

[JBazz]

But it does, Macmall is a US retailer, and hey so is WalMart:

http://www.walmart.com/browse/Audio/MP3-Players/iPod-touch/_/N-8xcfZaq90Zaqce/Ne-2p4j?ic=48_0&ref=125875.416463&tab_value=5813_All&path=0%3A3944&tab_value=5813_All&catNavId=96469

How much longer are you going to insist prices for iPods are all uniform when they clearly aren't?

I will continue. The price difference is minimal at best. They are all very close in price, oustide of the super special magical land of Canada, of coarse.

Got the answer to my email complaint to Apple about the price difference and wanting a partial refund. They are looking into it. If they didnt set the prices, then they wouldnt "look into it". Get it? No I dont suppose you will cause you still grinding that axe of yours.

Oh yeah, I do need to add that I do get a discount thru Apple retailers and online. I have a portal thru my employers site and we get about 8% off laptops and more on iPods.

[liferules]

An engraved iPod will NEVER sell for more than a non-engraved one.


Never say never. What if it was Elvis' Ipod Touch? I bet it would fetch lots more money (and don't tell me Elvis is dead)...

[SnowLeopard2008]

Stop this bitching please. The price is the same, some retailers will cut a few dollars here and there to attract more customers. Not a difference, more like a margin.

Some people want to personalize their electronics. There's nothing wrong with that. I don't, but some of my friends do. Do I care? No. It's an option, just don't use it.

[NT1440]

are there honesly people complaining about engraving in this thread?


Seriously?

[chilipie]

Never say never. What if it was Elvis' Ipod Touch? I bet it would fetch lots more money (and don't tell me Elvis is dead)...

Added to the fact that most normal (ie. non MR users) don't end up selling their iPods - they just wait until they break or die then buy a new one.

That said, I'm not entirely sure if the OP is trying to achieve anything other than trolling.

[p0intblank]

The real question is, why not?

[teflon]

I'm constantly amazed at how much people want to be involved in others' business. It's a personal preference. Why do you even care if I want to spend $50, $500 or $5000 more buying from Apple to get an engraving? If you don't want it, buy it from the cheaper places, and let the people who want it buy it from Apple. If they think it's worth the extra money, who are you to say it isn't?

By the way, the reason that iPod cost less in Best Buy was because a little while back, Canadian dollar was on par/ more than American dollar. Therefore Bestbuy/Futureshop had a matching program where all the prices will be the same as their American counterpart. Now that they have lowered the prices, I suspect they didn't want to raise it back up, especially in this economy so the iPod prices just stayed that way. Never have they had cheaper price than the online Apple store before.

[j26]

Are you dissing my engraved vacuum cleaner? :mad:

[kyto]

Are you dissing my engraved vacuum cleaner? :mad:

I believe that would be a great idea. I don't know who in their right mind would dis such an idea.

[ChristopheJD]

I don't want to be mean or anything, but why debate such a topic? You're not paying for our engraving are you? So what if Apple is making more money off of us? Fine. Engraving is and always has been a touch of personalization in the sense that it's a part of a person. Sure an iPod may not hold sentimental value for some, but for others, it holds personality, interest, something that reflects upon a person; an individual. Also, if someone close to me engraved it with a gift message, I would probably hold it with sentimental value. Maybe it'll be covered with a case. Fine. It's covered. But it still adds some sort of self-knowing value knowing that your name is placed upon the item. Debate all you want, but in the end, engraving probably isn't "free" itself, but hey, it's available if you want it. That should be all there is to it.

Personally, I don't find it tacky as it is written in one place, and it is uniform and neat.

On a side note, I engraved my iPod because I knew I was going to keep it for as long as it lasts, and don't plan on selling it. I don't see myself as being shallow because of it.

Ah, good practice for History AP and English Honors essays.

EDIT: In addition, I really just want to say "stop complaining." Honestly, it seems that this is all you're doing; Complaining about the availability of engraving, and price difference of buying from Apple. You might as well just not buy an Apple product. Why? Because Apple has engraving available for iPods.

[archi17]

Stop this bitching please. The price is the same, some retailers will cut a few dollars here and there to attract more customers. Not a difference, more like a margin.

Some people want to personalize their electronics. There's nothing wrong with that. I don't, but some of my friends do. Do I care? No. It's an option, just don't use it.

You make the most sense in this forum, exactly my views! My Vote is for you for president!

[tammy418]

I had my 2g iPod touch engraved with my favorite quote for my favorite TV show. At the time the cheapest retailer selling the iPod I wanted was Amazon at $279 but they were quoting 8-9 weeks before they had them in stock, I didn't want to wait that long. Macmall also had them for around that price (I think) and you had to call to find out when they would be available. Bestbuy and Circuit City had them at the same price as Apple but none of them were available at my local store.

I chose to get my iPod engraved simply cause I wanted to. I liked the quote, thought it would be funny if it was on my iPod and the rest is history. Some people buy those colorful skins from decal girl with images of stuff. It's just way of personalizing your iPod. Considering there are only so many ways of making an iPod look unique.

I don't use a case on it, I just have a bodyguardz film on it to protect the back. I don't plan on selling it, if I do decide to get rid of it I will just give it to my little sister and she doesn't care if it's engraved.