Buying an Apple IPod at a Big Box Store

Factual Questions
1

I’ve decided to take the plunge and buy an Apple Ipod. Unfortunately, the only Apple stores near me are very inconvenient to access.

Does anyone know the facts about purchasing a new Apple product from a store like Best Buy or Staples?

Are they like more expensive at the Apple store? Or less expensive?

Are there any other factors that could cause problems for me if I bought this IPod at a store like Best Buy or Staples?

Does anyone have any first hand experience with buying Apple products at stores like, Best Buy, Staples, Future Shop, Walmart, etc.?

2

I think the prices are either exactly the same, or slightly cheaper than buying from Apple.
Other than that, there is no difference.
(I bought my wife a MacBook Air at Best Buy after Thanksgiving, and saved $100 off of Apple’s price).

3

They’re usually the same price everywhere, although you can occasionally get small discounts at some places. I’ve bought Apple devices at Best Buy and I know people who’ve bought them at Costco.

Just like buying anything else. Go for it.

4

Apple has long had a “minimum advertised price” policy for third party retailers. At best, you’ll find their products for like $5 cheaper than Apple’s retail price. What third party retailers could do, is bundle or discount other products if purchased with an Apple product.

so, like the others have said, it doesn’t really matter where you buy it from.

5

If you’re looking to save money, you can a refurbished iPod from Apple online, usually saving about 20%. Obviously, you don’t get as many choices in color. Google “refurbished iPod”.

6

Not to beat a dead horse. but all the stores you mention have well established online stores and you can see exactly what they’re offering and for what price.

I bought an Ipod Touch at Costco and I think I got like $5 off the Apple advertised price. For me, it wasn’t about saving five bucks, it was about getting it right away and not having to wait for shipping.

7

One reason you might want to buy the iPod at the online Apple Store is if you want the thing custom engraved. They’ll do that for free. (On the other hand, custom engraving reduces its value in resale.)

8

One iPod Nano from OfficeMax in 2008, one from Best Buy last year. Last one bought while travelling stateside, price same or only very slightly less than Apple list. No issues either time. Buy, pay, take home and sync.

9

I’d never even heard of an “Apple Store” until at least 20 years after using Apple products, and buying them from general stores.

10

You can always go online and buy from the internet Apple store…

11

That’s because the Apple Stores didn’t exist prior to 2001.