Apple Pulling iPad 2 from Best Buy?

[grayskies]

Apple doesn't have 300. There are alot of Bestbuy fanboys. Bestbuy sells millions of dollars of apple product every week to apple switchers. Some best buys aren't the best but wha do u expect from college kids that have no vested interest in the company. And the 18-24 year olds that live with mommy and playing WOW 8 hours a day that work there r the ones u r complaining about. It's plain and simple..... Retail is a sales world, the faster you sell something the faster you get more to sell tomorrow, Bestbuy is not trying to hold product to sell tomorrow. If your Bestbuy is doing something that....boo on them, but it is not a corporate thing, it's at that location. So until we find out what is going on and who is doing it, chill.

-makes sense to me but I was refused a D7000 that I was ready to purchase

I had no discussion about service plans and was told that it was being held for Sunday's flier (there was no sale the following Sunday, I checked) but was referred to another store to purchase there available unit which the BB website said was out of units (that's how I found the unit they wouldn't sell to me)

I understand it's on the people of each store but seems to happen often.

-

 

[shervieux]

Why would BB need to create demand for the iPad2? Demand for the new iPad still far exceeds supply so taking measures to create additional demand is pointless.

It's a game of perception. Why do you think some stores only keep one or two of something on the shelf. Not because of limited space. If a customer comes in and sees 30, then they say "hmm, not selling?" or "they got plenty I can wait".

But if a customer comes in and sees empty space in that products spot, with only 1 or 2 on the shelf - then it becomes "they don't have many left, I better get this now before I miss out"

Also why do you think, when you ask if there is anymore in the back; they say "what is out on the shelf is all we got". yet you come back in 1/2 hr there are more on the shelf; and no delivery truck in site.

Everything in life is a game; unfortunately.

 

[thunderclap]

Sources? Evidence? Easy to make cheap accusations, much harder to prove them.

It's not a cheap accusation. It was actually discussed here in the forum around the iPad 2 launch, but I didn't have time to search for it.

 

[dbales]

Best Buy has been doing this crap forever. They hold the stock in the back and unless they're sure the customer wants to purchase all kind of accessories, they tell them they're out of stock. I worked there when the Wii came out and we were instructed that we were "out" unless they wanted to buy controllers, extended warranty, etc...

Absolute FACT!

I was working at BB when the 360 originally came out. I heard our Sales Manager tell the supervisor of the "Media" dept (Media is where they sell games, DVDs, and music) that if a customer wasn't going to buy the PSP, an extra controller, and at least two games, to NOT SELL IT.

 

[nefan65]

Bestbuy sucks. It is good for Apple to stay away from Bestbuy. I never buy anything from Bestbuy. I use it as a showroom and buy stuff online. Their sales or whatever people working there have no basic knowledge about anything they are selling.

Same here. I saw a mouse online, and it looked good. Went to BB to check it out. Turns out it was plastic garbage, so they saved me some $ and time.

It's the Wal-Mart of electronics. Lowest price, but in the end you get the experience you pay for. If I buy a cable or cheap DVD, I don't need a $50 protection plan...I mean...really?

 

[01civicman]

Absolute FACT!

I was working at BB when the 360 originally came out. I heard our Sales Manager tell the supervisor of the "Media" dept (Media is where they sell games, DVDs, and music) that if a customer wasn't going to buy the PSP, an extra controller, and at least two games, to NOT SELL IT.

Thats not cool. I hope that guy (or gal) got ****** canned.

 

[applefan289]

Absolute FACT!

I was working at BB when the 360 originally came out. I heard our Sales Manager tell the supervisor of the "Media" dept (Media is where they sell games, DVDs, and music) that if a customer wasn't going to buy the PSP, an extra controller, and at least two games, to NOT SELL IT.

That would be completely fine as long as they had a sign that said that it's their policy.

Stores can do whatever they want - the unethical part is that Best Buy does not have an official rule about that and just hounds the employees to do unethical stuff. That was one of my pet peeves of working there. If there was a clear rule or a clear sign that said "we cannot sell this unless you get it optimized", then I could easily say it's the rule and show them the sign. But when there is no clear rule and the other employees, managers, and supervisors pressure you (without lifting a pinky themselves), that's when it becomes stressful and unethical.

When I was working at Best Buy, I used to come home from Best Buy trying to think about what I would tell the customer the next time I had a shift. I would go on and on thinking about comebacks if the customer said this or that.

It was a terrible time for me, thankfully I quit.

I was an ethical person in an unethical, unprofessional environment.

And I was working harder than what I was earning. The work I put forth at my particular Best Buy deserves $15 an hour or more.

 

[notjustjay]

Absolute FACT!

I was working at BB when the 360 originally came out. I heard our Sales Manager tell the supervisor of the "Media" dept (Media is where they sell games, DVDs, and music) that if a customer wasn't going to buy the PSP, an extra controller, and at least two games, to NOT SELL IT.

So how do they turn down a sale? Do they pretend it's not in stock? Do they flat out say "sorry, I can't sell this to you without a PSP"? I just don't see how they can say that without the customer seeing through their ploy.

 

[MacManTexas56]

I hate the new policy now where every computer/tablet etc has to be checked out ONLY through the Geeksquad area.

then they try to sell you every accessory and warranty they have. the process takes forever when i just wanna buy the dang thing and go home. Bought an ipad case last nite and as i'm leaving the guy stops to see my receipt and tells me that i should bring in my iPad so they can install it in the case, for a small fee of course.

Whatever happened to someone just going in the store and buying what they want and leave?

 

[applefan289]

I hate the new policy now where every computer/tablet etc has to be checked out ONLY through the Geeksquad area.

then they try to sell you every accessory and warranty they have. the process takes forever when i just wanna buy the dang thing and go home. Bought an ipad case last nite and as i'm leaving the guy stops to see my receipt and tells me that i should bring in my iPad so they can install it in the case, for a small fee of course.

Whatever happened to someone just going in the store and buying what they want and leave?

Don't even get me started on the Geek Squad.

The whole thing is a scam, and the people who work in the GS don't know crap. They're also really weird.

Whenever I think of Best Buy, it reminds me of the way Mr. Krabs does business.

 

[ericinboston]

Absolute FACT!

I was working at BB when the 360 originally came out. I heard our Sales Manager tell the supervisor of the "Media" dept (Media is where they sell games, DVDs, and music) that if a customer wasn't going to buy the PSP, an extra controller, and at least two games, to NOT SELL IT.

I am sure this happens a lot at BB...especially since/if there are no competitors.

If I went down to a BB that claimed they had the iPad or PS3 or whatever major cool item and they told me they were out, I would start complaining about the "bait and switch" policy/lawsuits of the 80s and demand they "find" me one at another store and have it in my hands within 3 days.

What they are doing is probably illegal but is certainly unethical...but is ALSO understandable from a pure Capitalism point of view. a)sell the most $$ you can per customer and b)if you have very low stock of something, it's best to sell that item with all the accessories rather than just the item...because it's probably unlikely folks are just going to come to your store for 1 accessory.

Overall I hate BB...they were pretty good back in 1994-ish in the Boston area...but once Circuit City went belly up, BB just sells at full retail price and has horrible return policies.

 

[space1nvaders]

Apple knows their game

BB wants to lure customers in the buy other products. If they tell customers come early tomorrow and we will have some, they create demand. Apple has to know the game and I don't blame them for teaching BB a lesson and pulling the products.

 

[MacManTexas56]

Don't even get me started on the Geek Squad.

The whole thing is a scam, and the people who work in the GS don't know crap. They're also really weird.

Whenever I think of Best Buy, it reminds me of the way Mr. Krabs does business.

yeah it's ridiculous. i was there getting our macbook air's back in november and guy brought in his ancient laptop to get checked out bc it wasn't working. they told it would be $100 JUST to look at it. guy was like uh ok i guess so. The dudes laptop wasn't even worth $50. Also saw another lady get a screen cover installed on iphone and they charged her $15. it's insane.

 

[kingtj]

Seriously?

Honestly, I don't think I've ever encountered a situation where I thought a store was lying to me about not having any more of a product "in the back" when I asked about it?

Usually, if I was asking, it was because I wanted to buy more of whatever it was than I saw out on display, and it'd be nothing but stupidity for them to claim they didn't have enough to sell me -- only to put more out after I left and have to wait for ANOTHER buyer to come along to get them!

I agree that there's the whole perception thing going on at times, where you purposely limit what's on display. But that's counter-productive if you're not going to bring out more of them when someone expresses an interest in buying more than you put out!

It's a game of perception. Why do you think some stores only keep one or two of something on the shelf. Not because of limited space. If a customer comes in and sees 30, then they say "hmm, not selling?" or "they got plenty I can wait".

But if a customer comes in and sees empty space in that products spot, with only 1 or 2 on the shelf - then it becomes "they don't have many left, I better get this now before I miss out"

Also why do you think, when you ask if there is anymore in the back; they say "what is out on the shelf is all we got". yet you come back in 1/2 hr there are more on the shelf; and no delivery truck in site.

Everything in life is a game; unfortunately.

 

[G5isAlive]

Read the article

CrunchGear reports that BestBuy may have stepped into some trouble with Apple due its handling of iPad 2 sales:According to CrunchGear, Tim Cook is involved in ongoing negotiations about the issue. Meanwhile TUAW posts a very similar account from another anonymous tipster:

Article Link: Apple Pulling iPad 2 from Best Buy?

Crunchgear is now recanting, saying this rumor is potentially busted.

all these notes screaming.. and its apparently old (wrong) news.

 

[doctor-don]

Just order on-line and wait for the order to be shipped in 2-3 weeks.

If you cannot delay gratification, then you are probably one of those Gen-Y peeuncles I see every day in so big a hurry you use the turn lane to pass the rest of us.

 

[brett33]

I also don't think brick and mortar stores are dying, just certain types that are easy to purchase same product online like movies, toys, known products that don't need to be checked out.

The average person buying a computer is still not that computer bright like the average Macrumors member.

And there will always be people looking to check out and play with new technology in person.

When Amazon can pull that rabbit out of a hat then I'll admit brick & mortar is done. So far brick and mortar is only done for content sales which can be checked out online and various new ways.

I don't think anybody's going to be buying a lawn tractor or big screen TV on Amazon anytime soon.

Hell, even my success rate buying computers on Ebay has always been sketchy even. About 30% of the time, the items showed up damaged in shipping due to poor packaging. That's why I believe most general consumers will always go brick and mortar for more expensive things that could easily be damaged in shipping.

While I agree that the average MR memeber isn't necessarily representative of the typical consumer, I do have to disagree that "I don't think anybody's going to be buying a lawn tractor or big screen TV from amazon anytime soon." I purchased a 40" LCD (which may not be considered that large anymore) from amazon and my parents bought one from sonystyle, and if I were in need of a larger one that's one of the first places I'd look. And while there is a BB in town I wouldn't even consider purchasing from them. The price would be higher, extended warranties would be pushed on me, and it would be a much longer transaction. I can wait a few days for delivery which is usually free.

 

[3282868]

Good!

Now pull their products out of Walmart, Target and other large corporations that have destroyed the millions of small businesses in the US.

Shop at small businesses. In NYC, "Tekserve" is a great store that specializes in Apple products and services. Check your local area for small stores, or shop online, there are small businesses that are great and need our patronage. Is saving a few pennies on a package of pens worth selling out? Screw BestBuy, Walmart, Target and the rest.*

*Yes, I know Apple is one of the thousands of big businesses that build the majority, if not all, of their products in Taiwan, China and Japan. Hopefully we can change that as unions and wages for workers are rising overseas and companies are re-evaluating production. BMW builds many of their vehicles in the US, and with tax incentives (such as the incentive Apple received for building their server farm in NC) we can bring businesses back to the US. Stop patronage to the businesses that forced companies such as Rubbermaid to produce their products overseas costing thousands of American's their jobs, or helped stomp out "CircuitCity," "CompUSA," and other electronics stores. AT&T's acquisition of t-Mobile is one step further to less competition and more control over us, consumers. Vote with your dollars!

 

[Walter.Sobchak]

I wonder if this is why when I use their stock locator on their site, and it shows it in stock, then when I show up to the store they tell me it's just the ones being held for customers that show up in stock. After hearing that crap, I just said I won't be shopping at best buy for an ipad.

 

[kingtj]

re: GeekSquad

Heh.... Well, if you looked at the salaries paid to GeekSquad employees, you'd quickly see why they "don't know crap". Anyone who knows what they're doing with technology should easily be able to find better pay than that!

Best Buy really screws over customers who use their services -- charging rates that make it appear you're hiring experts, yet pocketing way too much of the total earnings.

(I admit I'm biased, because I have my own small business doing on-site computer service and consulting work. But it's like I've always told people.... I'm glad GeekSquad exists, because they drive business my way without me having to spend advertising dollars to get it. I'd say a good 40% of or so my clients previously used GeekSquad at least once and were dissatisfied with the outcome. But it put the idea in their head that such on-site businesses do exist, and caused them to start asking around for alternatives -- whereupon they found me.)

Don't even get me started on the Geek Squad.

The whole thing is a scam, and the people who work in the GS don't know crap. They're also really weird.

Whenever I think of Best Buy, it reminds me of the way Mr. Krabs does business.

 

[angrylawyer]

The whole thing is a scam, and the people who work in the GS don't know crap. They're also really weird.

I had a GS guy asking me which antivirus I used. I told him I didn't use any, and I never have. They immediately assumed my computers were overflowing with viruses and started laughing at me. I tried to tell them I'm not downloading torrents and I realize when a popup comes up and tries to get me to download BestAntiVirus2011.exe it's an attempt on my machine. But they insisted that even viewing .jpgs and some advertisements on websites can automatically install this stuff.

I told them to find me a website that would do this, and I'd visit it in a heartbeat. Or at least show me some article that mentions the ability for .jpgs to install things without my knowledge or consent and I'd shutup about it.

They couldn't provide anything, and kept insisting I had all these viruses I didn't know about.

 

[notjustjay]

I had a GS guy asking me which antivirus I used. I told him I didn't use any, and I never have. They immediately assumed my computers were overflowing with viruses and started laughing at me. I tried to tell them I'm not downloading torrents and I realize when a popup comes up and tries to get me to download BestAntiVirus2011.exe it's an attempt on my machine. But they insisted that even viewing .jpgs and some advertisements on websites can automatically install this stuff.

They couldn't provide anything, and kept insisting I had all these viruses I didn't know about.

Uh... you might be surprised.

I'm not going to put your odds of having an infection at 100%, like the Best Buy guys... but I don't think it's a bad idea to occasionally scan your machine.

I felt the exact same way about my netbook when I bought it two years ago. "Never have, never will!" 3 weeks later, when my ISP shut off my internet because I had a virus infection, I scoffed. "I have a Mac! I can't possibly --- oh, wait..." I scanned the netbook, and BAM!, there it was.

Another time I popped a USB stick into my Mac and discovered a VBScript worm lurking there. Must have received it when I put my stick into someone else's machine. Had that been my PC, and not my Mac, I'd have been infected.

 

[nefan65]

Now pull their products out of Walmart, Target and other large corporations that have destroyed the millions of small businesses in the US.

Shop at small businesses. In NYC, "Tekserve" is a great store that specializes in Apple products and services. Check your local area for small stores, or shop online, there are small businesses that are great and need our patronage. Is saving a few pennies on a package of pens worth selling out? Screw BestBuy, Walmart, Target and the rest.*

*Yes, I know Apple is one of the thousands of big businesses that build the majority, if not all, of their products in Taiwan, China and Japan. Hopefully we can change that as unions and wages for workers are rising overseas and companies are re-evaluating production. BMW builds many of their vehicles in the US, and with tax incentives (such as the incentive Apple received for building their server farm in NC) we can bring businesses back to the US. Stop patronage to the businesses that forced companies such as Rubbermaid to produce their products overseas costing thousands of American's their jobs, or helped stomp out "CircuitCity," "CompUSA," and other electronics stores. AT&T's acquisition of t-Mobile is one step further to less competition and more control over us, consumers. Vote with your dollars!

I agree. There's a place near me called Mac Edge. Small, 3 - 4 man shop. Sell Apple products, do repairs, some software and accessories. Same price as the big places, but more friendly and LESS pushy.

 

[alent1234]

I had a GS guy asking me which antivirus I used. I told him I didn't use any, and I never have. They immediately assumed my computers were overflowing with viruses and started laughing at me. I tried to tell them I'm not downloading torrents and I realize when a popup comes up and tries to get me to download BestAntiVirus2011.exe it's an attempt on my machine. But they insisted that even viewing .jpgs and some advertisements on websites can automatically install this stuff.

I told them to find me a website that would do this, and I'd visit it in a heartbeat. Or at least show me some article that mentions the ability for .jpgs to install things without my knowledge or consent and I'd shutup about it.

They couldn't provide anything, and kept insisting I had all these viruses I didn't know about.

there have been jpg exploits where a virus has been planted in the image on a website. usually you find this stuff on small time sites run by individuals or very small companies who pay someone to develop and host the site

the jpeg standard is from the 1990's and predates the internet and most of the security issues of the last 10 years

 

[moetownslick]

Just order on-line and wait for the order to be shipped in 2-3 weeks.

If you cannot delay gratification, then you are probably one of those Gen-Y peeuncles I see every day in so big a hurry you use the turn lane to pass the rest of us.

This is exactly what i did. i went to a few BB's and they acted like they were doing me a favor by answering my questions about their ipad stock. seriously, it bordered on arrogance. so i thought about it and decided "screw it, i'll order from apple online and wait the 2-3 weeks."

the fact that i feel really good about my decision lets me know i did the right thing.