I am considering purchasing the new iMac, and live very close to a retail Apple store. Any advice as to advantages and disadvantages of purchasing online vs. at the retail store? Cost? Customization? Support differences? Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.
One major advantage to purchasing online is that you can forgo the sales tax of your state, which can be pretty hefty depending on the model you purchase. However, one distinct advantage to purchasing at an Apple Store is that you have a local "advocate" in case you have problems with your computer. Yes, any authorized dealer will help you deal with warranty issues (including the Apple Store); however, if you get a lemon, the Apple Store will probably give you a new one and they might be more inclined to help in general. The Apple Store will also take returns (minus a 10% restocking fee). Most mail order places won't take returns on Apple products.
So, the bottom line is that it might be cheaper to go with an online retailer, you might get better customer service by going with the Apple Store.
Well, given my recent experience, I'd say online is better.
I bought a 20-inch iMac on Oct. 4. (It's my first Mac; I've always had PCs.)
The store allows returns only within SEVEN days.
EIGHT days later, Oct. 12, Jobs announced the new, improved iMac for the same price as the old one.
This is my first experience with Apple (other than my iPod) and I feel like I got totally screwed. The store says it's not their fault and Apple says they can't do anything because I didn't buy it online. (Although whether they really would do anything I have no way of knowing.)
If you buy a new car you know there will be a new model along before the end of the year, and if you buy it close to the date the new models are going to be released, it will be reflected in the price. But Apple literally lets people buy something days before it's going to be outmoded and thus worth hundreds of dollars less, and has no problem about it at all.
So now I've got this nice new shiny computer I should be feeling great about, and instead I feel like a chump. Thanks, Apple.
Topper, there is a 14 day return policy. Same thing happened to me when the Rev B's came out 2 weeks after I bought the Rev A. The Apple Store offered me either a rebate ($400) or an exchange. I took the rebate. Go to the manager you are at least entitled to a credit.
Why would you feel like a chump? I have a revision A - 2 Revisions since I bought mine but I love my Imac and all the new bells and whistles WILL NOT DIMINISH my love for mine... Sure I'd like a better graphics card but the remote and the Isight is all fluff to me - I LOVE MY IMAC and will love it when the next 5 revisions come out - eventually I'll upgrade but not for a few years as I have a great machine that does everything I want and well too I might add!!
Every purchase I have made through Apple's on-line store has had sales tax added to it. Some other (non-Apple) on-line retailers may not add sales tax.
Yes, but at Amazon (who is currently charging shipping for Macs) does anyone pay sales tax, or does Amazon not have a state? someone should adopt them:-)
I want to throw in a postive comment in favor of buying at CompUSA.
Our local CompUSA has:
1. An Apple employee working there full time. He is very knowledgeable about the products.
2. He allowed us to inspect our iMac before we bought it. Out local Apple Store would not. As I wanted a display with zero defects, this ability to inspect before purchase was very important to me.
3. CompUSA will discount a small amount. We told them that we wanted them to match the $100 educational discount and they did.
4. Memory upgrades from CompUSA are way cheaper than Apple.
We own four Macs.
a. iBook purchased at local Apple Store.
b. PowerBook purchased at same.
c. iMac from CompUSA.
d. PowerMac from eBay.
I also had CompUSA hook up mine for inspection before I bought it - they were great - we have 2 Apple certified techs at our local store in the service department also.
Yes, my accountant told me of two or three of her clients recently getting billed by the state for state sales tax on online purchases that the seller didn't charge them for.
