Where did you buy and why?

[olindacat]

I ought to know but am asking anyway. Where and why?

Specifically, I'm asking about the MBP 15". I feel like the sucker at the poker table who doesn't know he's the sucker! Many threads here about BH's return policy, Best Buy, Amazon, etc., but I wonder: why would Apple let me buy their own product for less than they sell the same product for in their own store?

On the surface, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seems like current new units on eBay, at BH, are to be had for roughly $300 less than Apple.com. I've returned stuff to BH and they track you closely for returns but quickly forget your purchases.

Apple's no questions return policy is pretty good. The whole store scene is pretty brutal IMHO, but necessary unfortunately (for me, everyone's mileage varies, right? .

Anyway: perhaps others ready to buy are also just curious if there is one great, killer place to get a better-than-Apple.com deal on a MacBook Pro and not get hosed, gray market, no AppleCare, whatever. Just checking to make sure I'm not an idiot if I walk to the Apple Store and buy direct. Thanks.

 

[a2jack]

I ought to know but am asking anyway. Where and why?

Specifically, I'm asking about the MBP 15". I feel like the sucker at the poker table who doesn't know he's the sucker! Many threads here about BH's return policy, Best Buy, Amazon, etc., but I wonder: why would Apple let me buy their own product for less than they sell the same product for in their own store?

On the surface, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seems like current new units on eBay, at BH, are to be had for roughly $300 less than Apple.com. I've returned stuff to BH and they track you closely for returns but quickly forget your purchases.

Apple's no questions return policy is pretty good. The whole store scene is pretty brutal IMHO, but necessary unfortunately (for me, everyone's mileage varies, right? .

Anyway: perhaps others ready to buy are also just curious if there is one great, killer place to get a better-than-Apple.com deal on a MacBook Pro and not get hosed, gray market, no AppleCare, whatever. Just checking to make sure I'm not an idiot if I walk to the Apple Store and buy direct. Thanks.

[doublepost=1546985167][/doublepost]I too have this question.

7 mac family here, mix of mostly oldies, 09's to 2012's, but getting ready for big pop new (modular,LOL) Mac PRO.

I can beat the state sales tax by buying from a vendor with no physical presence in my state, but who are these guys, and can I really buy current Apple products from them at a discount ?

 

[jmiddel]

Just bought a Mac Mini from eBay with 15% coupon. No problems with the transaction

 

[Nbd1790]

I typically prefer to purchase Macs from a well known company that has been in business for a while. Sometimes, this fact alone is worth the premium it may be over another retailer (although, most large companies will price match). B&H is great because they carry brand new models from the previous model year at a VERY generous discount. All of those models are also still eligible for Applecare.

The only downside, is their return policy. There's no "buyers remorse" return to exchange for another model. They'll exchange the computer if its defective, but not if you're looking to exchange for another model. Apple, Best Buy, B&H and Adorama are the best places to buy. Apple and Best Buy will offer you the most lenient return policy.

 

[akidd]

I typically prefer to purchase Macs from a well known company that has been in business for a while. Sometimes, this fact alone is worth the premium it may be over another retailer (although, most large companies will price match). B&H is great because they carry brand new models from the previous model year at a VERY generous discount. All of those models are also still eligible for Applecare.

The only downside, is their return policy. There's no "buyers remorse" return to exchange for another model. They'll exchange the computer if its defective, but not if you're looking to exchange for another model. Apple, Best Buy, B&H and Adorama are the best places to buy. Apple and Best Buy will offer you the most lenient return policy.

Not US but in UK John Lewis as it usually has three year guarantee. Apple UK’s is two years.

 

[jackietreeh0rn]

I too had the same questions and finally ended up buying a 13" 2018 MBP from the Apple store. Got it delivered yesterday.

 

[ZMacintosh]

Straight from Apple or Amazon with rewards/discounts. I stopped purchasing from B&H, seems like they must have a lot of bad customer transactions they are really limiting certain returns or exchanges.

 

[olindacat]

Ya. I used to buy my camera gear from B&H. Spent a huge amount with them and returned a D750 and they made such a stink about it I was shocked. The camera was cheap compared to the other backs I owned so it just seemed like a nickel and dime experience. I will probably go Apple but see an i7 512SsD 15” 32GB ram with AppleCare + for 3200. U opened box. Tempting as I think the Apple.com price is higher. Of course, peace of mind has value too. Thanks for the input.

 

[ZStech]

I ought to know but am asking anyway. Where and why?

Specifically, I'm asking about the MBP 15". I feel like the sucker at the poker table who doesn't know he's the sucker! Many threads here about BH's return policy, Best Buy, Amazon, etc., but I wonder: why would Apple let me buy their own product for less than they sell the same product for in their own store?

On the surface, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seems like current new units on eBay, at BH, are to be had for roughly $300 less than Apple.com. I've returned stuff to BH and they track you closely for returns but quickly forget your purchases.

Apple's no questions return policy is pretty good. The whole store scene is pretty brutal IMHO, but necessary unfortunately (for me, everyone's mileage varies, right? .

Anyway: perhaps others ready to buy are also just curious if there is one great, killer place to get a better-than-Apple.com deal on a MacBook Pro and not get hosed, gray market, no AppleCare, whatever. Just checking to make sure I'm not an idiot if I walk to the Apple Store and buy direct. Thanks.

I never buy on eBay again. I'm having troubles returning my money. That's why

 

[BlandUsername]

I ought to know but am asking anyway. Where and why?

Specifically, I'm asking about the MBP 15". I feel like the sucker at the poker table who doesn't know he's the sucker! Many threads here about BH's return policy, Best Buy, Amazon, etc., but I wonder: why would Apple let me buy their own product for less than they sell the same product for in their own store?

On the surface, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seems like current new units on eBay, at BH, are to be had for roughly $300 less than Apple.com. I've returned stuff to BH and they track you closely for returns but quickly forget your purchases.

Apple's no questions return policy is pretty good. The whole store scene is pretty brutal IMHO, but necessary unfortunately (for me, everyone's mileage varies, right? .

Anyway: perhaps others ready to buy are also just curious if there is one great, killer place to get a better-than-Apple.com deal on a MacBook Pro and not get hosed, gray market, no AppleCare, whatever. Just checking to make sure I'm not an idiot if I walk to the Apple Store and buy direct. Thanks.

Go to Best buy, they price match all the majors,sell apple care, no crowds.

 

[olindacat]

Go to Best buy, they price match all the majors,sell apple care, no crowds.

I just picked up a used MBP 2015 on eBay for just a few $s under $1100. It was a good purchase experience. The machine was bought buy the seller in April, he got the AC, so it is covered though 2021. 16GB, 256 i7. I don't know why, but he was too lazy to wipe it down. I sterilized it anyway. He did make his own box, which was a bit weird, and packed it well. Also made an effort to "transfer" the AC, which I don't think is even doable but it was nice of him.

I am still going to either replace my long-in-the-tooth iMac, or get a zippy MBP as a replacement for that. The mobility and power is enticing, but the clam (is that the right term) mode of attaching keyboard and mouse and tethering to a screen is a consideration. I am also getting the spinning wheel. Can that be impregnated say by. virus and be why this guy sold to me? I figure the AC ought to protect me, but given how support there seems to be hit or miss, I wonder. No other place to go, really.

So... for now... eBay or fleabay... is still not horrid and I buy my golf clubs there. Never really have been ripped off by that site. Paying retail is the pits.

 

[Cayenne1]

I bought my loaded iMac at B&H as well as Nikon cameras and lenses over the years. Principally, because of price, free shipping and product availability. I've never had an issue with them.

However, we did buy my wife's iMac and iPhones at the local Apple store. We've also bought TVs and other higher priced items at Best Buy. We get items tax free from B&H in our state, but it's not the principle driver.

Product/model availability often directs the purchase. At B&H, you can get you iMac or MB built the way you want it. Locally, items are WYSIWYG.

Vendor of last resort is Amazon. It's a great site to read reviews of what your interested in and buy elsewhere. I don't mind trying to protect local businesses from the Borg of retail. I also feel they should keep their a-- out of politics.

Finally, eBay has been problematic for me. I was selling my old camera gear on eBay years ago and my account was hacked because of a PayPal breach. Some entity then tried to empty my PayPal associated bank account. I caught it in time closed the eBay / PayPal account and would never, ever trust them again.

Summary, I purchase locally at the Apple store or Best Buy if they have what I want in stock. I next purchase from B&H if they have what I want. I last buy from Amazon begrudgingly. I never buy from eBay.

 

[olindacat]

B&H is a good store.

Amazons return policy, for Prime, has been stellar for me. Kinda like a mail order Costco.

Best Buy is good too, but a little car salesy vibe going on in some of their showrooms.

eBay is hit or miss from what I glean here. I've been lucky, most of the time....

 

[SDColorado]

I purchased mine through the Apples Veterans and Military Store Front for the 10% discount. In store pickup at my local store.

 

[G5isAlive]

B&H is a good store.

Amazons return policy, for Prime, has been stellar for me. Kinda like a mail order Costco.

Best Buy is good too, but a little car salesy vibe going on in some of their showrooms.

eBay is hit or miss from what I glean here. I've been lucky, most of the time....

I buy from Best Buy whenever I can. I don't get the car salesy vibe, nor would I let that get in my way of buying the right machine at the right price from the right vendor. Best Buy runs good sales, as has been mentioned is pretty liberal at price matching, gives me 6% cashback on my credit card (that I always pay off), and is really really good with returns. Never had a problem. so for me Best Buy is the best combination of low price and peace of mind.

I have bought from e-bay before, but nothing substantial. I would not buy anything close to a new machine there. But I value peace of mind highly.

I only buy from Apple when I don't mind paying more for the convenience of having it right now. For example, I bought my AW4 from them.

 

[s15119]

I have always bought Apple goods at the Apple Store. I just bought a mini and some peripherals. Bought at the On Line store to pick up at my Local store. Worked great, was sure I had what I wanted, had my few questions answered. I have nothing against buying elsewhere, but I always enjoy a visit to the Apple Store and I don't mind paying a little more to get it from the source.

 

[olindacat]

I buy from Best Buy whenever I can. I don't get the car salesy vibe, nor would I let that get in my way of buying the right machine at the right price from the right vendor.

Hmmm. Ya, not my intention to infer anything negative about Best Buy. I have them to thank for all of my air. conditioning, dual duel range, fridge, and other major/minor appliances.

Is Best Buy typically cheaper than the Apple Store? I confess the myriad options can get a bit confusing, but the return policy at Apple is pretty killer. I have bought tons directly from their 5th Ave store in the past.

The 2015, however, has been unavailable at Apple for some time. So... I went with the Bay. NO regrets. Typing on it right now.

 

[hdrummon]

I ought to know but am asking anyway. Where and why?

Specifically, I'm asking about the MBP 15". I feel like the sucker at the poker table who doesn't know he's the sucker! Many threads here about BH's return policy, Best Buy, Amazon, etc., but I wonder: why would Apple let me buy their own product for less than they sell the same product for in their own store?

On the surface, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seems like current new units on eBay, at BH, are to be had for roughly $300 less than Apple.com. I've returned stuff to BH and they track you closely for returns but quickly forget your purchases.

Apple's no questions return policy is pretty good. The whole store scene is pretty brutal IMHO, but necessary unfortunately (for me, everyone's mileage varies, right? .

Anyway: perhaps others ready to buy are also just curious if there is one great, killer place to get a better-than-Apple.com deal on a MacBook Pro and not get hosed, gray market, no AppleCare, whatever. Just checking to make sure I'm not an idiot if I walk to the Apple Store and buy direct. Thanks.

I buy direct from Apple Store Military Store on the web or the Education Store on Apple's website. Substantial discounts on both stores. If you use certain credit cards like American Express that double the warranty then that is a deal.

 

[SDColorado]

I buy direct from Apple Store Military Store on the web or the Education Store on Apple's website. Substantial discounts on both stores. If you use certain credit cards like American Express that double the warranty then that is a deal.

I too have been buying from the Apple Military Store since it launched. 2018 MBP and a couple of Apple Watches for my wife and I.