Some Apple Retail Stores Start Price Matching iPad Air and iPhone 5c [Updated]

[MacRumors]

Multiple Apple Stores in the United States have started price matching the iPhone 5c and the iPad Air, reports 9to5Mac. On those particular devices, some Apple Stores will match the prices of brick and mortar retailers that have been selling the products below retail price.

Walmart, for example, sells the entry-level 16 GB iPad Air for $479, a $20 discount off of the standard retail price Apple offers. MacRumors heard conflicting reports of Apple Stores price matching discounts over Black Friday, but following the major shopping holiday, it appears retail employees may have been given more flexibility when it comes to price matching options.

Released in September and October respectively, both the iPhone 5c and the iPad Air have been widely available since the launch, while supplies of the iPhone 5s and the Retina iPad mini have been far more constrained, which explains why Apple is not offering price matching on those particular products at this time.

Apple's price matching policies vary from store to store, and some stores may opt out of price matching all together. Price matching only applies to physical stores and is limited to a 10 percent total discount, which means customers can still find a better deal elsewhere in some cases, especially when it comes to the deep discounts offered on the iPhone 5c.

Update: According to a retail employee, Apple now has an official policy on price matching, which allows specialists to price match iPhones, iPads, and Macs, giving up to 10 percent off on products without authorization. Specialists are also allowed to give business customers up to 20% off a non-Apple accessory when purchased with an Apple product via special order.

Currently, the iPhone 5s and the Retina iPad mini are excluded from price matching.

Article Link: Some Apple Retail Stores Start Price Matching iPad Air and iPhone 5c [Updated]

 

[osx11]

this seems un-Apple like....

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Price matched an Air the other day to Micro Center. But the rMini is still "off limits".

Policy is very uneven though. On other items I've had one store refuse to PM & another one 5 miles away happy to do it.

 

[musika]

When I was at the Apple Store the other day, I overheard a specialist saying to a customer that "this is Apple, we don't do discounts".

 

[osaga]

I called my local Apple store on Saturday to see if they would price match Best Buy's deal on an iMac ($200 discount). They said they would do it if they could confirm that best buy had them in stock.

 

[codyc815]

When I was at the Apple Store the other day, I overheard a specialist saying to a customer that "this is Apple, we don't do discounts".

According to an ex Apple employee, they never use the phrase "discount" as it cheapens the brand. For example, it's not an education discount, it's special education pricing.

 

[scottsjack]

Some Apple Magic is gone. Now their products have to compete with other brands and other retailers. It is good to see that happening.

 

[iapplelove]

Looks like they're trying to get those stock to move.

I always said the iPad Air is not light enough. Definitely not worthy of the Air name.

You do realize it's almost as light as the iPad mini with retina?

 

[204353]

Looks like they're trying to get those stock to move.

I always said the iPad Air is not light enough. Definitely not worthy of the Air name.

Compared to an iPad 3 or 4, I'd definitely say it's worthy of the name. It's way more comfortable to hold than those models.

I just hope it's the obvious iPad Pro giveaway I want it to be.

 

[BornAgainApple]

Price-matching...otherwise known as "haggling"

 

[PsychoLogicXen]

According to an ex Apple employee, they never use the phrase "discount" as it cheapens the brand. For example, it's not an education discount, it's special education pricing.

Not sure if "special education pricing" is the best way to put it...

 

[MajinPooZ]

Apple Retail absolutely has a price match policy. Started about 3 years ago. Has to be a brick and mortar store, can't be an online only sale.

 

[KPOM]

Price-matching...otherwise known as "haggling"

True. This is nothing new. They just don't advertise that they do this.

----------

Looks like they're trying to get those stock to move.

I always said the iPad Air is not light enough. Definitely not worthy of the Air name.

Doubt it. The products are still selling well. This is nothing new. It's just enterprising store staff and managers closing sales. If a $20 discount closes a sale it is still a win for them. I wouldn't be surprised if more than a few iPad, iPhone and Mac sales are closed by throwing in an accessory, as well.

In my case, a Genius won my favor by giving me a gratis repair for liquid damage on a MacBook Air. I didn't even ask for it.

 

[TrentS]

Looks like they're trying to get those stock to move.

I always said the iPad Air is not light enough. Definitely not worthy of the Air name.

"iPad Feather" perhaps!?

 

[yanksrock100]

this seems un-Apple like....

Apple price matched a Macbook for me in 2008. Its not "un-apple"...its just a nice policy to have.

 

[macs4nw]

A slippery slope for Apple, but good for us, and especially for those looking forward to being able to get a discounted iPadAir or a SIM-free 5C from the Apple store.

 

[Constable Odo]

Looks like they're trying to get those stock to move.

I always said the iPad Air is not light enough. Definitely not worthy of the Air name.

May I suggest getting some weights or spending a little time at the gym if you find some light-weight tablet too heavy to lift. Your body will thank you for it. Honestly, I've seen little kids hold the iPad Air suspended without very much effort.

 

[Glassed Silver]

Well, if they do have the goal to get a larger piece of the sales pie, then they better get a little more flexible on pricing.

That's the right direction if you ask me.

Now be a little more consumer-friendly to those who want a specific model of a hot product on launch day (hey, loyalty should be rewarded with convenience methinks) and we're getting there.

Glassed Silver:mac

 

[FearThySelf]

I know Apple Stores has matched for awhile, but they'll never advertise it anywhere.
I can see getting a match on an iOS device, but I didn't think anyone paid full price for Macs anyways?

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Some Apple Magic is gone. Now their products have to compete with other brands and other retailers. It is good to see that happening.

Bit of a stretch. If a the Apple magic was no more the stores would not still be the busiest place in any mall. By comparison, Microsoft and Sony stores in the same malls at the same time are often ghost towns. Don't conflate having to compete with having a less desirable product.

 

[the-oz-man]

this seems un-Apple like....

It must be a cold day in Hell, MI.

 

[Nahaz]

I know our local shop is always $10 under Apple's retail store price. In most cases it's not worth price matching Apple stuff as I find they never go lower than the $10 or $20. Might be worth it if you live close to a major city though that's only 10 minutes away.

Now when you can price match $50-$200 off an item, then it's far worth it, which I have done on other phones.

I managed to get a Nokia Lumia at launch date for $650 (RRP was $829 at launch) I've also picked up a Samsung Galaxy S4 for $702 down from the RRP of $899

I could never get savings like that on an iPhone which is unfortunate. At least I can Lay-By (Layaway) their products now.

 

[osaga]

I thought it worth mentioning that "Price Matching" is somewhat of a scam. The logic being that if every retailer will sell something for the same price as every other retailer, there is no incentive to lower prices. I'm surprised gas stations don't get together and do it, although it'd probably be illegal.

 

[Rogifan]

So if this is nothing new, why is it worthy of a story on 9to5Mac (that they know will get picked up elsewhere and treated as something new or D&G for Apple)?

 

[dampfnudel]

Bit of a stretch. If a the Apple magic was no more the stores would not still be the busiest place in any mall. By comparison, Microsoft and Sony stores in the same malls at the same time are often ghost towns. Don't conflate having to compete with having a less desirable product.

No, Apple products are still very desirable and will continue to be for some time to come. However, this could be another sign that Apple may have lost a little leverage in a maturing market with increasing competition (as ineffective as that competition may be in the eyes of some).