Purchasing a new MacBook Pro from Amazon's official Apple section

I do not purchase any electronics from Amazon. I've had too many problems receiving damaged goods from them (due to cheap & improper packaging) that I don't trust them to package delicate items like a MBPro properly.

Even if you are seeing a slightly better price at Amazon I don't think it's worth the risk. I suggest purchasing directly from Apple or from a trustworthy vendor like B&H Photo Video.

I've never heard of an Amazon "care call" so I'd be somewhat suspicious about it being an attempt to upsell you on something.

At one time in the recent past there were advantages to purchasing a Mac from Amazon. For example, their "no questions asked" return policy had a longer duration than Apple's.

That is no longer the case. It makes no sense to purchase Apple devices from anywhere other than Apple. If you should experience any trouble whatsoever with your new Mac, Amazon will tell you to contact Apple. They will not get involved.

"We are asked ..."

By whom? It is normal and expected for Apple to contact you to ask if you would like personalized, one-on-one setup assistance with a new Mac, but lacking any additional detail no one can answer that question with absolute certainty. Contact Apple on your own by following the Support link on these pages. Use no other link, search result, etc.

I only purchase new Macs from Apple because I know that they are without any doubt new product with a 14-day return policy. I only purchase a refurbished Mac from Apple because I know it will arrive in new condition in new packaging with that same 14-day return policy. In either case, I have 90 day phone support, one year warranty, and the ability to purchase AppleCare+.

That bit about Amazon asking you to sign up for a "care call" makes me nervous that they are trying to sell you an unnecessary Amazon support package.

I have had no bad experience purchasing Apple products from Amazon per the first paragraph. Shopping by price isn't always the best deal in the long run.

A search on the subject of whether Amazon is an Authorized Reseller brings up this discussion [NOT official Apple advice] which raises the important point that ONLY items off the Amazon Apple Store page are authorized -- all others are third-party sellers, NOT authorized:

Is the Apple Store on Amazon affiliated A… - Apple Community

I also don't trust them for electronics. Only yesterday, after finding my 15-year of DSLR having a fit of "non working," I went to the Amazon "Nikon Store" and found several "packages" that Nikon does not offer that included non-Nikon accessories.

Also the description of what is shipped was suspect. I want only a DSLR body but need the usually accessories—battery and charger among others—that's what Nikon direct ships per their "what's in the box" web info. Yet on Amazon it shows "Camera only" under "What's included."

Go with Apple for peace of mind. Life has enough challenges without your having to worry about your computer's provenance. Apple shipping is free just like Amazon Prime. We've gone Apple-direct of our computer needs since 1999. No regrets.

Re: “… I only purchase new Macs from Apple …”

Wise words.

I no longer look for a good deal for anything because their is usually some hidden cost or "gotcha" that you will discover later on which will make you very unhappy with your purchase. It doesn't matter who is offering a better deal to me, I will only buy from a vendor whom I trust. I certainly don't trust Amazon with all the scams & cheap/dangerous products being sold on the Amazon marketplace. You cannot trust the reviews or ratings at all since they may be for a different product than currently being shown on that page. Amazon does not care about you, only about taking your $$$. Even Amazon returns are now more complicated these days. Unfortunately Amazon is not the only online vendor like this.

I'm not always a fan of Apple, but I can say I do trust Apple more than I do many other companies, at least for certain things.