Just curious if people see any advantage of buying at the Apple Store. The gift card at Best Buy is better than nothing so unless there is a reason was planning to buy there. Any thoughts?
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Any Advantage Buying at the Apple Store vs. Best Buy?
- Thread starter BearDown37
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I don't see any reason why it would be better to buy at the Apple Store vs Best Buy. It will come with the same manufacturer warranty and have the option to add AppleCare on it. If Best Buy is offering a gift card with the purchase, go for it.
I have bought many Apple products from various retailers, they have all had the same return period and since the products were brand new I've never had any issues.
I have bought many Apple products from various retailers, they have all had the same return period and since the products were brand new I've never had any issues.
Less of a hassle during purchase experience (prepare to be asked for extended warranty, open BB account, and Geek Squad membership). Also, if in 3 weeks you decide you'd really rather have a model with different specs, the Apple Store is more likely to let you return your purchase.
That's all I can think of for Apple. On the flip side, if you have a BB card, then you can pay it off over 18 months without interest or get a 5% discount if you plan to pay it off in one billing cycle. The 18 months no interest thing is probably the biggest differentiator, IMHO.
That's all I can think of for Apple. On the flip side, if you have a BB card, then you can pay it off over 18 months without interest or get a 5% discount if you plan to pay it off in one billing cycle. The 18 months no interest thing is probably the biggest differentiator, IMHO.
If you are part of the rewards program at Best Buy you earn points for your purchase which gives you modest discounts on future purchases. If you earn enough they also extend your return period which is nice.
The buying experience at Apple tends to be nicer but it's the same product so who cares.
The buying experience at Apple tends to be nicer but it's the same product so who cares.
The Best Buy GC promotion I believe is over, it was for pre-ordering. It doesn’t show up anymore for me on the site. Also, if you are an elite/elite plus member you get 30 or 45 day return period respectecfully. Now if you don’t have any of those program features you get the same 14 day period as the Apple Store. The Apple store experience may be a bit better in the sense that I have never been able to walk into a BB (and I am a huge BB advocate) and get the accessories I want that day, namely Smart covers, sleeves, what have you.
I usually get stuff from the Apple Store because there is one relatively close and something I ran into at Best Buy. I buy stuff for work and personal use at Best Buy (and a lot of other places) but they use The Retail Equation to track returns.
When I got my 13" MBP I had them do a price match. The customer service person admitted she didn't know how to do a price match so she returned it and resold it to me. That counted as a strike against me with TRE and the next thing I returned, which was a $10 adapter, flagged me and they told me I might be refused future returns. The manager told me it "probably wouldn't be a problem" but it's easier to just go to the Apple Store for future purchases.
So I'd say not fearing a refused return is an advantage of the Apple Store over BB. Of course, that is if you've previously returned something within whatever window they use.
When I got my 13" MBP I had them do a price match. The customer service person admitted she didn't know how to do a price match so she returned it and resold it to me. That counted as a strike against me with TRE and the next thing I returned, which was a $10 adapter, flagged me and they told me I might be refused future returns. The manager told me it "probably wouldn't be a problem" but it's easier to just go to the Apple Store for future purchases.
So I'd say not fearing a refused return is an advantage of the Apple Store over BB. Of course, that is if you've previously returned something within whatever window they use.
I purchased mine from BB. The $25 GC (or $50 for the 12.9) isn't much, but better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Looks like some stores are already getting some stock on the 10.5.
Can anyone else confirm that this promotion for the GC is over at BB? I don’t see it on the web.
I always buy Best Buy when I can... rewards points and 45 day return period for my silver status level.
Apple is far more reliable and does less shady business practices (example: geek squad v AppleCare.) Best Buy can be amazing at times, but generally I'd say they're not as reliable as they could be.
-Best Buy will occasionally put Apple products on sale. Other than their refurb store, Apple has almost no sales other than the educational discount.
-14 day return period + price match if item goes on sale (Elite Members get 30 days and Elite Plus get a 45 day return policy).
-Reward zone points that can further discount purchases.
Now that they sell AppleCare, you can pretty much do everything in the store.
-14 day return period + price match if item goes on sale (Elite Members get 30 days and Elite Plus get a 45 day return policy).
-Reward zone points that can further discount purchases.
Now that they sell AppleCare, you can pretty much do everything in the store.
Best Buy rep told me I would get a 10% discount if I signed up for their credit card.
I walked out while he was checking stock for a 12.9 256 GB. (I thanked him, but had a meeting and couldn't wait)
Is this real? That would be a $89 gift card if he was right... not a bad deal.
I walked out while he was checking stock for a 12.9 256 GB. (I thanked him, but had a meeting and couldn't wait)
Is this real? That would be a $89 gift card if he was right... not a bad deal.
Yes, that was a preorder special
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Yes, you get 10% back in rewards on your first purchase. Not sure if they expire though