Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Benefits buying through Apple?

Legendts

Legendts

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 3, 2012
220
120
Victoria Australia
What, if any, are the benefits of buying online through Apple. A concern for me would be any issues that need to be resolved as I am nowhere near an Apple Store. In the past have tended to use retail outlets for that reason so would be interested to hear from those that have used the online Apple Store purchase route.
 
I'm not anywhere near an Apple Store either and always buy directly from Apple online. Even if there were a conveniently located Apple Store, I'd purchase online anyway.

For me personally, the main advantage is the ability to customize (BTO). It all depends on your personal needs.

Support is the same no matter whether you purchase online or at an Apple Store. With AppleCare support in the past I've always called Apple and they sent a courier with a specially designed container to transport the iMac to Tokyo for service. It was always very quick and reliable. Recently, Apple opened an authorized service center in my city which I've yet to have the need to visit. I imagine things work similarly in Oz considering the size of the country compared to the number of Apple Stores. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: statik13, fig and Legendts
SaSaSushi said:
I'm not anywhere near an Apple Store either and always buy directly from Apple online. Even if there were a conveniently located Apple Store, I'd purchase online anyway.

For me personally, the main advantage is the ability to customize (BTO). It all depends on your personal needs.

Support is the same no matter whether you purchase online or at an Apple Store. With AppleCare support in the past I've always called Apple and they sent a courier with a specially designed container to transport the iMac to Tokyo for service. It was always very quick and reliable. Recently, Apple opened an authorized service center in my city which I've yet to have the need to visit. I imagine things work similarly in Oz considering the size of the country compared to the number of Apple Stores. :)
Click to expand...

Many thanks for your input. I'll do some checking through the online store here to see how they handle potential issues.
 
If your only notion of "support" or "resolving an issue" is face-to-face contact with another person, then buying online (or mail order), regardless of what the goods may be, is not for you.

Is there a "benefit" to buying online from Apple rather than a local dealer? Not necessarily. Apple can't tilt the playing field too sharply in the favor of its company-owned retail outlets without losing the loyalty and good services of their authorized dealer network.

The goal of online sales is shop-at-home convenience, but there's sometimes no substitute for an in-person experience (just how good does that Retina display look?). The Apple warranty and tech support are the same, regardless of where you buy. The goods are the same (with the exception of build-to-order options that are available only online). A local Apple Authorized Service Provider (which may be one and the same as your local Apple dealer) will honor Apple's warranty and service your goods, regardless of where they were purchased (including the Apple online store).

Apple runs a huge, worldwide organization called AppleCare that's pretty well-known for the quality of its tech support. If all you've ever done is run back to the dealer when you have an issue, you're missing out on a good thing.

Anyway, here's Apple Australia's Shopping Help web page - it's a good start to seeing what the experience can be: https://www.apple.com/au/shop/help There's a phone number near the bottom of that page if you have further questions, or if you'd like to speak to a person while placing your order.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Legendts
I usually buy from apple, just for the sake of simplicity and ease. I do look for deals and if I find one, say at best buy, or MicroCenter then head off to them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Legendts
I have made purchases from Best Buy, online, whoever had the better deal for the same piece of hardware at the time.
If it broke will still take it to Apple and they still repair it if it falls under the original warranty or an extended AppleCare warranty and they've done this with everything I've purchased over the last 10+ years.

I have bought MacBook Pros from BB, the USB slots went out, I took it to Apple and they made the repair under warranty.
My wife's watch from BB and the back of the watch fell off. Apple gave me a new (refurb) watch not sure which but they handled it right away.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Legendts
Legendts said:
What, if any, are the benefits of buying online through Apple. A concern for me would be any issues that need to be resolved as I am nowhere near an Apple Store. In the past have tended to use retail outlets for that reason so would be interested to hear from those that have used the online Apple Store purchase route.
Click to expand...

Free shipping :D express replacements of iPhone and Mac laptops, if u ask them nicely. I never once visited an Apple store. Best deals are Not at Apple in all cases unless u buy refurbs
 
  • Like
Reactions: Legendts
Thank you all for your input, it's appreciated.

Looking at replacing my iPad with the 10.5" and as I have never purchased online with Apple previously I was interested in others experiences. In Australia I have never been able to get a "deal" on an Apple product anywhere. Purchasing complimentary items such as covers and/or screen protectors they will discount those items for you but, even then, ebay has way better options and prices on them.
 
I think what's being said here is that no matter where you buy your Apple, they have a well thought of, and well established, service and support organization. You may buy online for convenience or customizability, or from a retailer such as BB that offers a deal, but either way support is still the same. In my experience, Apple rarely is ever offer purchase deals, but retailers do offer discounts on both product and Apple Care (which is still fulfilled by Apple).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Legendts
I mostly buy from stores where their store card offers 12 months no interest (Amazon, Best Buy, etc.. in the states).

The only "benefit" I can think of is that the product automatically registers to your iCloud before shipping if I remember correctly. But the moment you sign in on the device it does it also, so it's not a big deal. Or maybe things like Apple Care are automatically processed on the device compared to uploading receipts if done through another store.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Legendts
There are a sprinkling of little niceties to doing so, but I wouldn't call any of them major – especially if you're frugal and find an alternative authorized retailer who charges less or no sales tax if laws comport. (If buying new, avoid online "marketplace" or eBay sellers to ensure Apple's warranty is honoured.)

Off the top of my head, here are minor benefits to buying from Apple's online store:

• The Apple Store app is convenient, associates your account with your device in some cases
• Apple handles all products sold as refurbished – stringent refurbishment and full warranty
• Customization when ordering new Macs
• Free quick shipping on many orders
• Pre-sign online for shipments requiring a signature
 
Legendts said:
What, if any, are the benefits of buying online through Apple. A concern for me would be any issues that need to be resolved as I am nowhere near an Apple Store. In the past have tended to use retail outlets for that reason so would be interested to hear from those that have used the online Apple Store purchase route.
Click to expand...

If customization is desired or required it is the ONLY source. Convenience, ease of use and you only have to travel to the front door.
 
Legendts said:
Thank you all for your input, it's appreciated.

Looking at replacing my iPad with the 10.5" and as I have never purchased online with Apple previously I was interested in others experiences. In Australia I have never been able to get a "deal" on an Apple product anywhere. Purchasing complimentary items such as covers and/or screen protectors they will discount those items for you but, even then, ebay has way better options and prices on them.
Click to expand...

As I understand, PB Tech has an aussie online store. They usually have some of the popular CTO models available.
You may find that also applies to some of the local retail stores in Melbourne if you want to flick them an email or call them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Legendts
kiwipeso1 said:
As I understand, PB Tech has an aussie online store. They usually have some of the popular CTO models available.
You may find that also applies to some of the local retail stores in Melbourne if you want to flick them an email or call them.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Have tried quite a few local and interstate stores but none are any better than the other as far as price or service goes. Obviously closer is better in some respects. Checked PB Tech and while they show Apple the search functions show no products. I will probably hold off buying until September, or at least that's the plan at the moment.
 
Canuck wrote:
"If customization is desired or required it is the ONLY source. Convenience, ease of use and you only have to travel to the front door."

No, it isn't.

There are several authorized Apple resellers here (at least in the USA) that will permit the buyer to "custom configure" their order. These are built-to-order by Apple, just as if you ordered from store.apple.com. They even offer a [slight] discount from MSRP on the finished product, as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Legendts
Fishrrman said:
Canuck wrote:
"If customization is desired or required it is the ONLY source. Convenience, ease of use and you only have to travel to the front door."

No, it isn't.

There are several authorized Apple resellers here (at least in the USA) that will permit the buyer to "custom configure" their order. These are built-to-order by Apple, just as if you ordered from store.apple.com. They even offer a [slight] discount from MSRP on the finished product, as well.
Click to expand...

Limited customization at best. Point me to a reseller offering the 4.2GHz i7 with the Radeon Pro 580. Oh, and I want my [slight] discount too since you mentioned it.
 
SaSa wrote:
"Limited customization at best. Point me to a reseller offering the 4.2GHz i7 with the Radeon Pro 580. Oh, and I want my [slight] discount too since you mentioned it."

Well, OK.

First, a disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the link below, other than being a satisfied customer after having purchased from them. Two friends have purchased from them as well, with good outcomes:
https://apple.portableone.com/Custo...k-Retina-i5-8GB-2TB-Fusion-Configure-CTO-Z0TR

How's dat? ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back