Considering ording from MacMall? Read this!

[vm7118]

Jesus, what's up with trying to scam extras and discounts AFTER you have already bought the product?!

I can fully understand leveraging different salespeople against each other to get the best deal out of however many different stores, and then buy the best offer -- but seriously; threatening return of the goods for refund unless they kick a little extra your way after the fact is borderline psychotic.

I run a retail business, and this stuff never ceases to amaze me. And you're lucky you get a pushover rep on the other end, because I instruct all of my sales team to call the bluff and ask for the items returned for full refund. Then that person is blacklisted from future orders, because customers like that are high maintenance and are never worth the dollar to hassle ratio.

A special is a special. A sale is a sale. If you miss one by a day or so, then it's just bad luck. But keep in mind that you never handed over a cent more than you were willing to pay, otherwise you wouldn't have paid for it un the first place and would have waited for a sale!

Sorry for the rant, but the sense of entitlement these days is out of control. Everyone wants something for nothing and they want it yesterday.

really...? "scam"? retailers are the ones that scam people, day in and day out. going for $200 in credit is worth the hassle for the customer... if the customer thinks it's worth the hassle.

if i bought something from you, found it cheaper somewhere else, and called seeing if you could do anything for me, i think it would be a reasonable request. and then if you told me "i'm not worth the hassle" and that you're better off without me as a customer, then i will gladly return the product to you and buy it where it was cheaper. and make sure nobody i know gives you business.

oh, what's that you say? you don't actually tell the customer they're "not worth the hassle" to you? you just blacklist them silently? great sales tactics you have there, slick. i guess that's why your retail operation is not apple, or best buy, or walmart, or any other perfectly legitimate company that regularly engages in electronics price matching and after-sale guarantees.

apple charges twice market rates OR MORE for much of their stuff. i completely understand it, and i applaud them for the design and R&D of which the prohibitive costs must be folded into product pricing... but i expect them (and you, and other businesses) to in turn, completely understand when i try to protect myself.

if your company is ordering something from a supplier, then in a short time finds another supplier that's offering you more goods/services for less money, and in fact requesting that you do business with them, you wouldn't go to the first guy and ask for a better deal? that's just bad business, isn't it?

 

[mattb79]

really...? "scam"? retailers are the ones that scam people, day in and day out. going for $200 in credit is worth the hassle for the customer... if the customer thinks it's worth the hassle.

if i bought something from you, found it cheaper somewhere else, and called seeing if you could do anything for me, i think it would be a reasonable request. and then if you told me "i'm not worth the hassle" and that you're better off without me as a customer, then i will gladly return the product to you and buy it where it was cheaper. and make sure nobody i know gives you business.

oh, what's that you say? you don't actually tell the customer they're "not worth the hassle" to you? you just blacklist them silently? great sales tactics you have there, slick. i guess that's why your retail operation is not apple, or best buy, or walmart, or any other perfectly legitimate company that regularly engages in electronics price matching and after-sale guarantees.

apple charges twice market rates OR MORE for much of their stuff. i completely understand it, and i applaud them for the design and R&D of which the prohibitive costs must be folded into product pricing... but i expect them (and you, and other businesses) to in turn, completely understand when i try to protect myself.

if your company is ordering something from a supplier, then in a short time finds another supplier that's offering you more goods/services for less money, and in fact requesting that you do business with them, you wouldn't go to the first guy and ask for a better deal? that's just bad business, isn't it?

Oh, I see that you're one of those customers who is not happy until they have the product in their hands at a loss to the retailer.

Big bad businesses trying to make money off you. *sob, sob*

YOU are EXACTLY the customer I'm talking about. YOU are the person I have my sales staff slam the door on, because you cost us money with your incessant penny-pinching and whining.

And it's not just my business. MANY small-medium businesses are blacklisting problem buyers, who have been trained by the big stores to believe the customer is always right.

Well here's a wake-up call for you; the customer is NOT always right. And any business has the right to refuse service.

So you can feel free to carry on behaving like an entitled self-important little gnat, and you'll soon find yourself paying full retail prices after everyone has slammed their doors in your face.

 

[technopimp]

Oh, I see that you're one of those customers who is not happy until they have the product in their hands at a loss to the retailer.

Big bad businesses trying to make money off you. *sob, sob*

YOU are EXACTLY the customer I'm talking about. YOU are the person I have my sales staff slam the door on, because you cost us money with your incessant penny-pinching and whining.

And it's not just my business. MANY small-medium businesses are blacklisting problem buyers, who have been trained by the big stores to believe the customer is always right.

Well here's a wake-up call for you; the customer is NOT always right. And any business has the right to refuse service.

So you can feel free to carry on behaving like an entitled self-important little gnat, and you'll soon find yourself paying full retail prices after everyone has slammed their doors in your face.

I don't think that's necessarily fair. Maybe this was the case back in the good "old days" before the Internet and the ability to get virtually anything from anywhere, but these days I think you'll find that most consumers (especially the types who are going to buy the latest tech and then talk about it on a dedicated website) are EXACTLY the types who would be pounding the pavement looking for the best deal.

Electronics, computers, etc. are a commodity now-whether I buy from Macmall, Apple, Best Buy, Wal-mart, etc. doesn't affect what I'm getting in any way. So, why would I (as the consumer) NOT want to pay as little as I possibly could for it?

If this were the type of product where personalized attention/after sales service/relationship building/etc. was important, then yes-perhaps I would be willing to pay more in order to make up for it on the back end. But this is a piece of technology that someone is going to buy, use for some period of time, and then "discard" (you know what I mean). By trying to pay as little as possible, that actually frees up more of my hard-earned money to spend on other goods and services (such as those offered by your business, for example).

I don't think it's as much a sense of entitlement as it is just a sign of the times. But, just my $.02.

 

[runnin17]

Anyone else get apple to take $200 off their order. I am tempted to try. Ordered from macmall and they said they expect the shipment to come in on Nov 8th, but I really would rather order from apple since I know they will get the computer to me.

 

[Capt Crunch]

I ordered from MacMall and I got my computer within 2 days of ordering it.

 

[AppleGoddess]

Anyone else get apple to take $200 off their order. I am tempted to try. Ordered from macmall and they said they expect the shipment to come in on Nov 8th, but I really would rather order from apple since I know they will get the computer to me.

only 100.00 when it hits my CC will post a shot.

 

[kdoug]

Oh, I see that you're one of those customers who is not happy until they have the product in their hands at a loss to the retailer.

Big bad businesses trying to make money off you. *sob, sob*

YOU are EXACTLY the customer I'm talking about. YOU are the person I have my sales staff slam the door on, because you cost us money with your incessant penny-pinching and whining.

And it's not just my business. MANY small-medium businesses are blacklisting problem buyers, who have been trained by the big stores to believe the customer is always right.

Well here's a wake-up call for you; the customer is NOT always right. And any business has the right to refuse service.

So you can feel free to carry on behaving like an entitled self-important little gnat, and you'll soon find yourself paying full retail prices after everyone has slammed their doors in your face.

I'm in retail and i couldn't agree with you more. Best Buy about 10 years ago called them "Devil Customers" I believe. They decided they didn't want or need them. They track their customers purchases and returns.
Best Buy is still in business, Circuit City tanked big time.

 

[gan6660]

Oh, I see that you're one of those customers who is not happy until they have the product in their hands at a loss to the retailer.

Big bad businesses trying to make money off you. *sob, sob*

YOU are EXACTLY the customer I'm talking about. YOU are the person I have my sales staff slam the door on, because you cost us money with your incessant penny-pinching and whining.

And it's not just my business. MANY small-medium businesses are blacklisting problem buyers, who have been trained by the big stores to believe the customer is always right.

Well here's a wake-up call for you; the customer is NOT always right. And any business has the right to refuse service.

So you can feel free to carry on behaving like an entitled self-important little gnat, and you'll soon find yourself paying full retail prices after everyone has slammed their doors in your face.

I called apple about the macmall prices and they were happy to match it for me. I then asked if they still charged tax since macmall does not but I knew apple had to and they then said we do but I can discount the computer by 10% so with tax it comes to like $1150 compared to macmall's $1130 but the $20 extra is worth it to me to buy from apple. Anyway to touch on your point of the customer is always right, Apple only offered my the 10% discount after looking up my account and seeing that I have an iMac, MBP, iPhone, iPad, many iPods all purchased from them. So in their eyes giving $120 off to a repeat customer is worth it and they realize they will make much more money in the long run working like this, thats why the have $50 billion sitting in the bank.

 

[the1payday]

I called apple about the macmall prices and they were happy to match it for me. I then asked if they still charged tax since macmall does not but I knew apple had to and they then said we do but I can discount the computer by 10% so with tax it comes to like $1150 compared to macmall's $1130 but the $20 extra is worth it to me to buy from apple. Anyway to touch on your point of the customer is always right, Apple only offered my the 10% discount after looking up my account and seeing that I have an iMac, MBP, iPhone, iPad, many iPods all purchased from them. So in their eyes giving $120 off to a repeat customer is worth it and they realize they will make much more money in the long run working like this, thats why the have $50 billion sitting in the bank.

Never even thought about this for myself haha. My purchase history would have had a MacBook, MacBook Pro, all four iPhone models to date, and about 7 or 8 various accessories, Airports, etc. I'm sure the purchase history list might just be a factor as well haha.

 

[Croatian]

Never even thought about this for myself haha. My purchase history would have had a MacBook, MacBook Pro, all four iPhone models to date, and about 7 or 8 various accessories, Airports, etc. I'm sure the purchase history list might just be a factor as well haha.

If that was the case they should have done same for me ... considering I've got 2 MacBook Pros, MacBook, iMac 27", 3 iPhones, iPad, 2 AirPorts, 2 nanos, 3 shuffles, 1 touch, all in past 3 years

they guy said all i can do is price match what your asking, can't give you anything less and then he said you've bough enough computers why do you need more if i am asking to get a deal ..

 

[runnin17]

Just called Apple directly. They can't price match for custom models.

They can for base models, but it is a somewhat complicated process. You have to email them all the details of the store with the price they are matching and it has to be approved. Best bet if you want to order from Apple directly is to use the education discount.

 

[gan6660]

Just called Apple directly. They can't price match for custom models.

They can for base models, but it is a somewhat complicated process. You have to email them all the details of the store with the price they are matching and it has to be approved. Best bet if you want to order from Apple directly is to use the education discount.

It just has to be the exact same model and the rep can look the store up online and check the prices.

 

[runnin17]

It just has to be the exact same model and the rep can look the store up online and check the prices.

It doesn't matter if they can look up the store online or not. They won't price match the "custom" models. They can with the base models, but not the maxxed out versions according to the CSR I was talking to. Also, they can't just look it up online. IT HAS TO BE APPROVED!!!!

Stop spreading FUD people. If you got apple to price match post a pic of your receipt and then I might believe you.

 

[Croatian]

+1

 

[runnin17]

To be honest, I think all the people that are trying to say they got apple to price match are trying to scare people away from Macmall. This could be due to the fact they don't like macmall

OR

they could be trying to get people to cancel their macmall orders so that when macmall gets their new stock in they are more likely to actually get their new MBA's on time.

Just my .02~

 

[gan6660]

It doesn't matter if they can look up the store online or not. They won't price match the "custom" models. They can with the base models, but not the maxxed out versions according to the CSR I was talking to. Also, they can't just look it up online. IT HAS TO BE APPROVED!!!!

Stop spreading FUD people. If you got apple to price match post a pic of your receipt and then I might believe you.

The rep I talked to was able to approve it by looking at macmall on their computer and were able to confirm the price I said. I plan to order mine as soon as I sell my MBP so Ill post my receipt then. I even got her contact info for when Im ready to order.

To be honest, I think all the people that are trying to say they got apple to price match are trying to scare people away from Macmall. This could be due to the fact they don't like macmall

OR

they could be trying to get people to cancel their macmall orders so that when macmall gets their new stock in they are more likely to actually get their new MBA's on time.

Just my .02~

Or so people know that they can get the same price from Apple themselves and are able to get their computer quickly with education discount (if available) and a free printer if wanted.

 

[egghead]

I actually placed an order (with apple) last night and called Apple this morning to price match Macmall (maxed out BTO 13") and was successful. I told them about AppleInsider ad price ($1696.53), and she matched it for me. I tried to get an additional discount, but she wouldn't budge. I ended up canceling my order because I found out Discover card is running holiday promo (double the cashback on all online purchases) starting Nov 15th. So I figured I wait for black friday and pick out my deal then. Thanks OP for the post though....never knew Apple do price match...

 

[acadavid]

got my discount on my MBA

First I called MacMall and they only had the 2MB version in stock, the others were supposed to start shipping second week of november. I couldn't wait that long so I called Apple. As always amazing customer service, I was asked for the site with a better price, showed them macmall and they did not give me the 200 discount but I got 85 dollars discount, still macmall was 66 dollars cheaper after all, but I wanted faster so I completed the order at apple. I say to those that didn't get a nice CS Rep: keep trying.

 

[bamf]

Just to add to this:

I ordered a Base 13 with the 4GB RAM upgrade. It arrived exactly as I had ordered it - and it arrived 5 days sooner than promised. I saved $250 over buying it from Apple by doing this, so I'm very happy.

 

[ender21]

Oh, I see that you're one of those customers who is not happy until they have the product in their hands at a loss to the retailer.

Big bad businesses trying to make money off you. *sob, sob*

YOU are EXACTLY the customer I'm talking about. YOU are the person I have my sales staff slam the door on, because you cost us money with your incessant penny-pinching and whining.

And it's not just my business. MANY small-medium businesses are blacklisting problem buyers, who have been trained by the big stores to believe the customer is always right.

Well here's a wake-up call for you; the customer is NOT always right. And any business has the right to refuse service.

So you can feel free to carry on behaving like an entitled self-important little gnat, and you'll soon find yourself paying full retail prices after everyone has slammed their doors in your face.

Equally amazing is the sense of entitlement some business owners have for keeping above market profit margins. Oh, but they're the poor business owner trying to protect themselves, while castigating consumers (whom they rely on) for doing the consumer equivalent of exactly the same thing.

And guess what - BOTH are "entitled" to do that. It's called business. If you wish to defend your right to alienate potential customers by being an ******, that's your right just as much as it is any consumer's right to ask for a better deal. Don't like it, go somewhere else or make a career change.

 

[hcho3]

Just to add to this:

I ordered a Base 13 with the 4GB RAM upgrade. It arrived exactly as I had ordered it - and it arrived 5 days sooner than promised. I saved $250 over buying it from Apple by doing this, so I'm very happy.

So can you tell me how much paid and how you did this? Possibly post a screenshot of your customer order? Please!? So, I can get apple to do the same. PLEASE!

 

[hcho3]

I actually placed an order (with apple) last night and called Apple this morning to price match Macmall (maxed out BTO 13") and was successful. I told them about AppleInsider ad price ($1696.53), and she matched it for me. I tried to get an additional discount, but she wouldn't budge. I ended up canceling my order because I found out Discover card is running holiday promo (double the cashback on all online purchases) starting Nov 15th. So I figured I wait for black friday and pick out my deal then. Thanks OP for the post though....never knew Apple do price match...

I also have discover card, but double cash back is a news for me. Where did you hear that info?

 

[drvelocity]

I just placed an order through Macmall, my credit card wouldn't go through on the site so I had to place my order via phone. At first the phone salesperson wouldn't give me the 3% discount from appleinsider.com, saying "that discount is for online purchases". "Well I'd buy it online if I could" I quipped back. "One moment please".. the sales person puts me on hold. Meanwhile I look on appleinsider again and notice they have an actual coupon code available. I give them the code and it works fine - great! Order placed!

I get the invoice via email, and these bastards charged me $20+ for ground shipping when it was clearly free for any computer purchased online. I emailed them immediately about this and was told "it's a glitch, I'll make sure to take it off before it ships." Right.. it's supposed to ship in December. Mr. salesperson thinks I won't remember.

Shady salespeople for sure - still worth the savings to me since I can't get home until December anyway, but be careful!

 

[AppleGoddess]

I was looking for a credit on my debit card for the 100.00 credit but since i used gift cards for most of my MBA just got this in the email works this way too.

UPdate just called apple, because of the date will not deliver till Dec 3rd, the girl said the also on Nov 2, issued a credit to my debit card and sent me the 100.00 gift card, I love apple.
will post the credit when it hits my CC.

 

[hcho3]

Oh, I see that you're one of those customers who is not happy until they have the product in their hands at a loss to the retailer.

Big bad businesses trying to make money off you. *sob, sob*

YOU are EXACTLY the customer I'm talking about. YOU are the person I have my sales staff slam the door on, because you cost us money with your incessant penny-pinching and whining.

And it's not just my business. MANY small-medium businesses are blacklisting problem buyers, who have been trained by the big stores to believe the customer is always right.

Well here's a wake-up call for you; the customer is NOT always right. And any business has the right to refuse service.

So you can feel free to carry on behaving like an entitled self-important little gnat, and you'll soon find yourself paying full retail prices after everyone has slammed their doors in your face.

I feel your pain. I worked in retail stores before and I have always seen these customers. After dealing with these customers for few years, I left my job and I work for myself and I am a contractor with independent companies and government. Long story short, I have also become one of those annoying customers because I realized that I was being naive compare to other folks who are taking some nice discounts.

However, I think you are taking things little bit too far here. Times are tough and people will always look for a way to save some money.