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Benefits of buying In Store vs. Online?

D

drpotter2807

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 10, 2011
20
0
I am going to be purchasing the 27"iMac (as soon as I decide which model). I am new to Apple and their customer service. Is there any hidden benefit to buying in an Apple Store vs. Apple online vs. Apple online reseller (amazon, maccconnection, etc)

Should I just find the best price and go with that or do apple store customers get better service at the genius bar?

I am a member of PPA and eligble for the teacher discount. Pretty sure I won't be able to use those in conjunction, though

Thanks for any advice!
 
If you want a custom iMac, you don't have a choice but to buy it online.
Some exceptions may occur in some stores though.
 
If you go to the store you may be able to talk them out of a trackpad. I ordered online and now must figure out how to go in and try to pick one up/switch it out for the mouse.

By going somewhere like Amazon you may avoid tax but you won't have the Apple discount. I think you just need to open a bunch of tabs in your browser and compare all possibilities.
 
I guess my main question wasn't coming across in my jabbering . :)


Is the quality of your in store service - after the sale (genius bar) better if you purchase in store or does it not matter?
 
drpotter2807 said:
Is the quality of your in store service - after the sale (genius bar) better if you purchase in store or does it not matter?
Click to expand...

Does not matter, at all. You can always go into Apple and have your problems taken care of. Buying it in the store only results in someone asking you a bunch of times if you want to add software, like they did with my mom, when I was standing there denying every offer saying I could buy it cheaper elsewhere.
 
I would avoid that apple store. Early into a release they are likely running low on stock. Even if they have stock, they'll hassle you about the better model and bto options that you 'need'. (*cough*, expensive ram, *cough*).

With the online store there is no bargaining, no hassle, just a small wait for delivery.
 
Buying IN STORE has one major benefit over ordering online.

IN STORE - you can fire up and test out the iMac before taking it home. If there is an issue it is found before you take it home and they bring out another machine.

ONLINE - Well if it comes to you with a problem you have to pack it up and ship it back -OR- take it to an Apple Store for repair/exchange.
 
Don't forget to support your local Apple Specialist Store as well. Even though these are independent retailers they are trained and held to the same standards as Apple owned stores! They might also have more pricing flexibility whilst still enabling you to build interpersonal relationships with Apple certified professionals.

Nothing like face to face purchasing and relationship building when it comes time for asking for that extra favor, like when your Mac needs help, close to or at deadline time!

Apple Specialist stores have a tougher go at remaining in business and can't compete solely on price with the online discount stores, so they find creative ways to add value to your purchase.

Support your store!
 
Sadly Online is really the only option for me.... Besides a Best Buy that is about 45mins away the next closest option is around 2 hours or so away, which is just not a fun trip to make in my opinion.
 
scoobydiesel said:
Sadly Online is really the only option for me.... Besides a Best Buy that is about 45mins away the next closest option is around 2 hours or so away, which is just not a fun trip to make in my opinion.
Click to expand...

I feel for ya, really do. We are blessed to have a couple choices between Apple Specialsts and Apple Stores within 10-45 minutes. I prefer the Specialists store, they know me by name and never fail to amaze me with their memory/knowledge of equipment in my house. Even the stuff I bought elsewhere. :)

I like to support local independents whenever, wherever I can, even if the initial cost seems higher. I rely on locals to put food on my table and Apples on my desk! We buy all our produce from local farmers!
 
Treeman574 said:
I would avoid that apple store. Early into a release they are likely running low on stock. Even if they have stock, they'll hassle you about the better model and bto options that you 'need'. (*cough*, expensive ram, *cough*).

With the online store there is no bargaining, no hassle, just a small wait for delivery.
Click to expand...

In over 7 years of buying Apple Computers from Apple Stores not once have I been hassled about anything, options or otherwise.

This includes the Apple Stores in ....

Towson, Maryland
Christiana, Delaware
New York City, New York
Washington, DC

In those stores I had ....

NO Hassles
NO Bargaining
NO WAIT - select/pay/take home on same day
 
There really is no difference. I live 30 minutes from three Apple stores, and I bought my iPod Shuffle online. Of course, an iMac is different (which I bought at the store), but if I had to do it over again, I would buy it online. I just like the convenience ordering my computer quietly with no pressure. When you go to the store, there's always a bunch of customers and the whole thing feels uncomfortable, especially if the Apple store is in a mall and you have to bring it outside to the car.

Just buy it online, they usually ship it a few hours later (which was the case with my iPod Shuffle). You will have to wait about 2-3 days, but to me the convenience is worth it.
 
In my own experience, apple retailer gives you excellent customer satisfaction. I hate brick and mortars, fry's being the worst, but apple is a different beast.
 
Cheaper taxes online, while you do pay the state tax.
You don't pay any city,county taxes.

I know for me its about 3% less.
 
drpotter2807 said:
I guess my main question wasn't coming across in my jabbering . :)


Is the quality of your in store service - after the sale (genius bar) better if you purchase in store or does it not matter?
Click to expand...

Only if you buy a lot of them at the same store for a few years in a row. Of course if you buy a lot of them from the online store for a few years in a row you will get better service. This is a voice of experience Having purchased more then 20 mac minis for 3 years in a row from apple online store.
 
philipma1957 said:
Only if you buy a lot of them at the same store for a few years in a row. Of course if you buy a lot of them from the online store for a few years in a row you will get better service. This is a voice of experience Having purchased more then 20 mac minis for 3 years in a row from apple online store.
Click to expand...

I agree - I have been buying for a few years from the local Apple store. Even the BTO units (they configure these for me at the store, but counts as a sale of the store). I know people in sales there and the managers - they strive to give extra good care. I started doing this when years ago I purchased a MBP from an authorized online retailer that arrived with a defect. Went to the Apple store and asked for a replacement - initially they insisted I deal with the online retailer but the manager then agreed to replace on the spot. Ever since I but at that store
 
most likely if you need costum build you need to order online.

But if you dont, just go into the store and buy it, then you'll have it pretty quickly :)
 
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