Apple should never let Best Buy sell their products

[JML42691]

I do not think that it is a bad issue at all, the more places that you sell something/have it on display, the more sales you are going to get. It is a smart business move by Apple. But you are correct in that Best Buy is horrible in some ways, particularly with "Geek Squad."

The local news investigative team here in Boston went to 3 local computer repair stores all with the same exact issue (they disabled the hard drive). Best Buy's "Geek Squad" was of the three stores that they took it to and the guy was certain that it was a hard-drive failure and that the user would have to buy a new hard drive and that they lost all their information. That is the conclusion that he came to when all that they had to do was launch the computer, hit one of the function keys at launch, and they enable the hard drive, the guy was horrible.

And so what if Best Buy isn't cheaper, it is still another location for somebody to purchase it at, and for people who do not have an Apple or AT&T store near them, this will make getting an iPhone much more convenient and easier. And if you don't want to get your Apple products at Best Buy, then don't, nobody is forcing you. Apple is just giving you more options, you get to pick where you actually want to buy it. And of course they would tell you to call Apple with any concerns, because they are not authorized to service the iPhone, AT&T would say the same thing, Apple is the only place that can service your iPhone.

So in the end it comes down to your choice, nobody is forcing you to buy from them, so there isn't all that much to complain about.

 

[ckhris]

Ok...I'm not sure if you're like perfectionist or not, but I am. So I actually refused to let them open my iPhone 3G box in store (I bought it in an Apple store). I was able to activate my phone at home myself. Just to let you know you can do so if you don't want some Best Buy idiot to manly handle your phone.

You got to be kidding me. I think it's a phobia not a perfectionist.

 

[aphexii]

So because you personally hate Best Buy, the company as a whole should be denied access to Apple products? C'Mon Now.

Our two local Best Buy's here in Sarasota, FL are just superb. Friendly knowledgeable staff, generally good prices, good clearance deals. We even have the mini Apple store inside our Best Buy, and the employees are helpful with that as well. In fact, many of the times I'm there, I hear the employees talking about how great the Apple products are compared to many of the other offerings. They seem to be quite objective as well, saying that Apple's aren't for everyone, but for those they work well for, there is nothing better.

The point I am trying to make is that while there is bound to be a crappy store here and there with every company, to bash the company as a whole due to the incompetence of one or two stores is just childish and immature.

 

[Mindflux]

I *LIKE* the fact I can go down the road to one of my best buy's carrying Apple stuff and pick up something. In fact, my dad just bought an iMac from Best Buy!

FWIW Best Buy used to carry Apple computers in the mid 90's when I worked there. It's not like this is the first time.

 

[Small White Car]

Do you guys really want to see your precious new iPhone being careless handled by some dumb associates who would probably tell you to call Apple if you have any concern?

And this is different from the AT&T stores...how, exactly?

iPhones at Best Buy = More sales to people who only buy electronics at Best Buy.

Duh, right? If they're going to BB and buying a cell phone, there is 0% chance they'll buy an iPhone today. After this, that percentage goes up to some non-zero amount.

How can anyone complain about that?

 

[BLACK MAC]

I think it's a smart move on Apple's part. It will allow the iPhone to be bought more easily which means more sales. I wonder if this will lead Apple to not renew it's contract with AT&T come 2010 and allow Verizon & Sprint to support the iPhone. Of course that would mean a CDMA iPhone or a LTE by then?

 

[ssajous]

I personally really hate Best Buy. Their associates are just terrible, not even mention the Geek Squad. They're just as careless and clueless as it gets. Besides, Best Buy is not exactly cheaper anyway. In fact, they are more expensive then most other electronics stores.
Now I saw this news that Best Buy will be selling iPhone 3G. OMG...this is ridiculous. I would never want to get my Apple products at Best Buy. Do you guys really want to see your precious new iPhone being careless handled by some dumb associates who would probably tell you to call Apple if you have any concern?

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10015661-37.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10014633-37.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

If any of what is in these articles is true, apple has other more serious problems than selling their phones at BB.

If it can be proven that there is a chip issue -- I live in the DC area and I can testify to the fact that I get dropped calls, no service all of the sudden, no 3G and all the other problems mentioned in there -- there is no way it can be fixed with a firmware fix. That is if there is a fix possible.

Imagine having to replace of those phones that are sold already. Imagine having to stand in line to get those replacements -- I won't! I will sell mine and get a blackberry if that happens -- Imagine the BB stores announcing that they are no longer selling the iPhone because it has issues. Imagine the same footage of release week showing people in line in front of apple stores, except that it is not excitement on their faces, but genuine annoyance and just plain old faces.

It will be hard to recover from that, apple will have to have a new chip and to boost manufacturing to produce replacement and new phones, plus the bad press will be awful.

Also, knowing the European market, their governments will plainly tell apple that they can no longer sell phones there, as will the Japanese, and even worse the Chinese with whom no deal has been secured yet.

As 2 time iPhone owner, I really hope this does not happen, but do a quick search on the Internet for the iPhone issues and you will realize that there are issues for sure, and people are thinking more and more that it is the phone rather than the coverage.

*SIGH*

 

[ddd269]

Pretty ignorant thread. There's good and bad employees anywhere. I don't think your stereotype is appropriate here. Typically when we complain about others, we have something we can work on ourselves.

Thank you for saying that... I was about to post the same thing.

I would hate to see him buy a house.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Stores like Best Buy run the gambit of quality. Some are good and others seem very lacking.

This gets the phones out in places where there are no ATT or Apple stores nearby, so that is good.

In Japan, the Apple stores have plenty of demo iPhones, but you must go to a SoftBank store to get an iPhone. At least in the states you have an option.

Agreed. I really don't have a problem with this at all. It is just more exposure for the iPhone.

 

[Small White Car]

Also, knowing the European market, their governments will plainly tell apple that they can no longer sell phones there, as will the Japanese, and even worse the Chinese with whom no deal has been secured yet.

Based on what? Like, maybe that time all the Sony laptop batteries had to be recalled? And then countries stopped letting Sony sell in their country?

Oh, well, that didn't happen. So I guess that's a bad example.

Surely you have a good example,though, since you brought it up. Care to share?

 

[sushi]

It is just more exposure for the iPhone.

And that is good for Apple.

 

[uamwf]

I really don't think that it matters if Best Buy sells Apple products because Apple has special associates which they send to best buy. When I went there recently I was looking at the Macbook pro and what I thought was one of the best buy associates came up to me and asked if I had any questions. When I started asking him question after question and he answered, quite well and seemed very knowledgeable. I asked him if he worked for Best Buy and he said no, he worked for apple! So the people handling your apple products at the store are not fumbling, Best Buy employees but rather Apple employees. So, they are just as good as the people ion the Apple Stores.

 

[jrbdmb]

I'ver been at half-decent Best Buy stores and not-so-good best Buy stores. Sometimes you get a knowlegable salesperson, and just as often you know more than they do. This is pretty much in common with most large American retail stores.

My only issue with BB is the PSP (extended warranty) they constantly push. Sometimes you're lucky and they only push it a little bit, and other time they will almost refuse to sell you an item without it. Several years ago I had to argue for 10 minutes with a salesperson before I could buy a $700 camcorder without also getting the $250 PSP.

Which brings up this question - will BB sell AppleCare for the iPhone, or instead push their own PSP? And will repairs on BB-purchased iPhones have to be done thru the Geek Squad?

 

[ssajous]

Do I have to point out the difference between a laptop and a cell phone to you?

Based on what? Like, maybe that time all the Sony laptop batteries had to be recalled? And then countries stopped letting Sony sell in their country?

Oh, well, that didn't happen. So I guess that's a bad example.

Surely you have a good example,though, since you brought it up. Care to share?

Or can you google it?

 

[ssajous]

The EU is not the US

Based on what? Like, maybe that time all the Sony laptop batteries had to be recalled? And then countries stopped letting Sony sell in their country?

Oh, well, that didn't happen. So I guess that's a bad example.

Surely you have a good example,though, since you brought it up. Care to share?

The EU has compliance laws that they pass every once in a while to push products out. Apple once had an issue with that, granted it had to do with chemicals in their products. If there is enough outrage, they can and they will think about intervening.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/06/06/21/apple_to_halt_sale_of_some_products_in_europe.html

 

[hexonxonx]

I don't mind BestBuy selling Apple either. I've purchased an iMac and my 23" ACD there. The Apple reps are pretty good people. It's the BestBuy people that are horrible. Hopefully, Apple will require the phone be sold by the Apple reps like the computers.

 

[wreckshop]

Best Buy is shady. They advertise that they will match their web price in store, but they'll try and trick you first. I saw a DVD player advertised on their website for $59, and when I went instore it was $69. I asked an associate to match the website price, so he fired up a web browser and directed me to the DVD player's product page, where it was listed at $69. I knew that wasn't the right price since I looked at the page 10 minutes ago. Turns out the page he showed me was from their intranet, which looks exactly like their internet web page, except for a different price. When I called him on it he just looked at me and said he forgot they're not the same. SURE.

 

[FJR]

I love this for no other reason than the fact that I can now buy official apple accessories for the iPhone.

But yeah, if nothing else it will bring down lines for the iPhone at apple stores.

 

[nfg315]

best buy is fine, it really just depends on your local store/employees. some are idiots, some probably know more about tech than you ever will in your life...as with all retailers it's hit or miss

its great that they sell the products because it makes access easier...i would just personally not buy the warranties from anyone but apple.

 

[silverblack]

Stop whining about Bestbuy...

I don't hate or love Bestbuy. But if you don't like them, don't go there. IMO, it's always a good sign having more authorized dealers selling Apple products. That mean Apple is doing well, they are selling more units, making more money, and so better products will be out in the future market.

I would be most happy when they start selling iPhone in supermarkets or vending machines.

 

[ratbatblue]

...The local news investigative team here in Boston went to 3 local computer repair stores all with the same exact issue (they disabled the hard drive). Best Buy's "Geek Squad" was of the three stores that they took it to and the guy was certain that it was a hard-drive failure and that the user would have to buy a new hard drive and that they lost all their information. That is the conclusion that he came to when all that they had to do was launch the computer, hit one of the function keys at launch, and they enable the hard drive, the guy was horrible....

Now, this is interesting. Just exactly what did they do to disable the HDD that could be fixed by "hitting one of the function keys at launch"? I've been working on PCs for awhile, and this mystifies me.

 

[Small White Car]

Or can you google it?

The EU has compliance laws that they pass every once in a while to push products out. Apple once had an issue with that, granted it had to do with chemicals in their products. If there is enough outrage, they can and they will think about intervening.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/06/06/21/apple_to_halt_sale_of_some_products_in_europe.html

Well, seeing as how your example has nothing to do with your original point, I find it funny that you want me to just "google it."

You couldn't find an example either!

And just to be clear, the example we're looking for is this: A product has a defective part that doesn't work, which causes the company to issue a recall and replace the product with one that works. Because of this, the EU bans that company (company, mind you, not a specific product) from operating in their countries. I find that unlikely, but you're the one who brought it up. You seem to think it's easy to find examples of this, but you've yet to do so yourself.

What you linked to here has to do with safety concerns of a specific product. Hardly the same thing at all.

 

[ssajous]

Well, seeing as how your example has nothing to do with your original point, I find it funny that you want me to just "google it."

You couldn't find an example either!

(And just to be clear, the example we're looking for is this: A product has a defective part, which causes the company to issue a recall and replace the product with one that works. Because fo this, the EU bans that company from opperating in their countries.)

What you linked to here has to do with safety concerns. Hardly the same thing at all.

Well, I use apple products, but I am not part of the cult, and you reacting like we are talking about a family member you are a member. I know enough to know that Jobs can do no wrong in your eyes.

So I take it back, if the chip has a problem, things will be GREAT and everyone will be happy and apple will get accolades for it.

As a matter if fact, that was part of Job's plan the whole time!!!

 

[Small White Car]

Well, I use apple products, but I am not part of the cult, and you reacting like we are talking about a family member you are a member. I know enough to know that Jobs can do no wrong in your eyes.

What the heck are you talking about?

I've been talking about the EU the entire time in my responses. Nothing about Apple or Jobs.

Are you reading someone else's posts and confusing them with mine?

 

[Excellerator]

I think Bestbuy will be good for the iPhone. Remember the more sold, then the more developers want to make games and apps for them!!! And hardware companies want to make items for them. Besides they have sold tons of the Samsung Instinct for Sprint. So it can't hurt.

What REALLY surprises me is that Sony out of all companies makes stereos with Ipod docks. I would have never thought Sony would play ball with anyone other than Sony.