Buy at the online Apple Store or the local Apple Store?

[Morod]

I'll be buying a BTO iMac soon. I'm guessing that buying at the local Apple Store would be better if a problem arises as they would have been the ones who got my money.
I'm also hoping that maybe Apple offers a slight discount on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Is this true?
The BTO just consists of more RAM and an SSD.

 

[44267547]

I'll be buying a BTO iMac soon. I'm guessing that buying at the local Apple Store would be better if a problem arises as they would have been the ones who got my money.
I'm also hoping that maybe Apple offers a slight discount on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Is this true?
The BTO just consists of more RAM and an SSD.

They might have some sort of promotional discount for certain products for Black Friday, But not likely anything for cyber Monday. But typically iMacs usually don't have discounts associated. It's usually with the purchase of a MacBook Pro or iPad, associated with some sort a type of discount or gift card included.

 

[Fishrrman]

Disclaimer:
I have no connection to the following outfit other than being a satisfied customer.

If you live outside of California, and you're looking for build-to-order, try:
portableone.com

 

[pika2000]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think you can buy BTO from Apple stores, unless you order online and check pick up at store. The stores only sell the standard configs as far as I remember.

 

[HDFan]

It's simply a matter of convenience. Is it easier to get the item from the store (assuming they have your configuration), or have it sent to your home? If it is shipped you get the packing container, which can be useful if you decide to sell the iMac later. If you buy in-store you just get the iMac box.

I'm guessing that buying at the local Apple Store would be better if a problem arises as they would have been the ones who got my money.

Absolutely no difference. If you have a problem you either:

1. call Apple Support (if you have AppleCare) to diagnose the problem. The support person may be working anywhere in the country. If a repair is needed they will schedule an appointment at the Genius Bar at whatever store you choose. You'll likely have to wait a few days, depending upon the store you chose to do the repair.

2. If you don't have AppleCare then you just schedule the Genius appointment yourself from the Apple website. But then you have to haul the system into the store, and if it is a software problem ....

In my area even though I go to the Apple Store frequently I am always helped by different employees. It might be a little different in a smaller store where you know someone. Might be interesting to hear from others if they have had a better experience because they were known in the store.

 

[Morod]

Thanks everybody!
I'm just going to go ahead and order online. But I am going to wait and see what Black Friday and Cyber Monday have to offer, which is probably nothing.
I looked at portableone.com and bhphotovideo.com and while their prices are good I think I can do better. Where I work offers a 6% discount from Apple, and my credit card offers a 5% discount from Apple, so even with the sales tax added from Apple I still come out ahead ordering from them.

 

[michial]

Did the Apple Store give Apple or iTunes gift cards away last year at tiered levels for certain price points spent? I seemed to remember being surprised going into the store last year but I can’t remember. I’m thinking of getting AirPods today or waiting for Friday if I get a free gift card. My store has had them in stock every day for weeks.