Apple computers

jon25b

I have been looking for a MacBook Pro and become interested in the astonishing similarity of pricing through a wide variety of outlets - both web and retail. One retailer told me that Apple set prices and will not supply dealers who offer discounts. It seems unlikely that this could be true, since I believe it would be illegal, but the consistency of pricing seems surprising within a field (i.e. electronics / computers) where it is otherwise often possible to obtain special offers or negotiate reductions on manufacturers' prices.

I contacted Apple's head office where a customer relations person refused to comment on pricing policy with respect to dealers, but did confirm that a transaction between a dealer and customer is private and nothing to do with Apple. Given that there seems to be no shortage of supply of these machines though, it seems difficult to believe that demand is so strong and consistent that there is really no incentive for anyone to offer any discount on the suggested retail price. Interested to know if anyone has any experiences or thoughts to offer on this.

brazilianwax

Apple are superior. You have to pay for quality.

End of.

Claire (obsessive about Apple)

ajbaker

I am equally as supportive of Apple hardware and software, and would thoroughly recommend one for whoever it would appropriate (most people!)

I am however surprised that they manage to maintain such tight control over the sale price of their hardware. I know they are careful as to who they authorise to resell their products (purchasing is part of the experience) so that will explain why there are limited resellers. However how they manage to restrict the sale price is beyond me. I have no doubt it is legal though since they have done it for years, and won several court cases regarding this issue. I believe they offer limited stock to resellers and could easily limit stock availability for anyone offering a 'sale'.

While I am always keen to spend the least on a product, I do quite like the simplicity of purchasing hardware from Apple - I know that I am unlikely to find it cheaper elsewhere!

If it helps at all, use rpoints when you purchase from the Apple Store online. That way you get a few % cash back on the purchase. Netted me a £25 Amazon voucher if nothing else.

Enjoy your new Mac.

Nile

Hello jon25b

Welcome to the MSE site.:wave:

I think that you'll get more views and responses in the 'Techie Stuff' board, so I'll move your thread across.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile

love2save

I have just ordered a macbook today. I have ordered via Quidco (8%) and John Lewis though as they give a 2 year guarantee with theirs....there is a £15 off voucher available through here too: http://www.hotukdeals.com/main.html

TeaBoy_2

brazilianwax wrote:

Apple are superior. You have to pay for quality.

End of.

Claire (obsessive about Apple)

they look nice. that is the one and only reason anyone would want to buy an apple. end of.

Omertron

Pure quality:
http://ibloggedthis.com/2006/06/12/apple-macbook-discoloration-issues/
http://www.macbookrandomshutdown.com/
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/09/23/ipod_nano_scratching/

Don't pay for overpriced, overhyped hardware when you can get the same performance elsewhere for less.

Moneymaker

Apple holds its prices quite rigidly. My brother works for an Apple dealer and tells me that the profit margins are so small that they make more on the carriage charge than on the computer. So there's simply no room for discount.

However, I never buy a computer from the "first production run". They always end up with problems. I wait a year until the next model is about to be released and buy at a big discount (which by then is available because the dealers want rid of the "old" model.)

Although you won't get much/any discount on a new Apple computer, you can push for software and other hardware to be added at no - or little - cost. Maybe a shop-soiled mighty mouse or a memory stick or even a printer. Don't be afraid to ask what they can "bundle" with the Mac. Also, push for maximum memory and Hard Drive - you can never have too much.

TheFlyingGerbil

A bit of topic but do you have to have .mac (yearly subscription thing) account with a mac?

Joe

misskool

apple do an 8% student discount if you know someone in full time education.

Educators (ie teachers) also get similar discounts I think.
Apple control the supply of the hardware to be bundled with their os so the prices are unlikely to vary by much.

If you are planning to visit the states, they are slightly cheaper there as well.

misskool

TheFlyingGerbil wrote:

A bit of topic but do you have to have .mac (yearly subscription thing) account with a mac?

Joe

No, it is optional. you can get something similar with your broadband provider, email accounts and storage space.