Multiple Apple Stores in the United States have started price matching the iPhone 5c and the iPad Air, reports 9to5Mac . On those particular devices, some Apple Stores will match the prices of brick and mortar retailers that have been selling the products below retail price.Walmart, for example, sells the entry-level 16 GB iPad Air for $479, a $20 discount off of the standard retail price Apple offers. MacRumors heard conflicting reports of Apple Stores price matching discounts over Black Friday, but following the major shopping holiday, it appears retail employees may have been given more flexibility when it comes to price matching options.
Released in September and October respectively, both the iPhone 5c and the iPad Air have been widely available since the launch, while supplies of the iPhone 5s and the Retina iPad mini have been far more constrained, which explains why Apple is not offering price matching on those particular products at this time.
Apple's price matching policies vary from store to store, and some stores may opt out of price matching all together. Price matching only applies to physical stores and is limited to a 10 percent total discount, which means customers can still find a better deal elsewhere in some cases, especially when it comes to the deep discounts offered on the iPhone 5c.
Update: According to a retail employee, Apple now has an official policy on price matching, which allows specialists to price match iPhones, iPads, and Macs, giving up to 10 percent off on products without authorization. Specialists are also allowed to give business customers up to 20% off a non-Apple accessory when purchased with an Apple product via special order.
Currently, the iPhone 5s and the Retina iPad mini are excluded from price matching.
According to an ex Apple employee, they never use the phrase "discount" as it cheapens the brand. For example, it's not an education discount, it's special education pricing.
Not sure if "special education pricing" is the best way to put it... ;)
Looks like they're trying to get those stock to move.
I always said the iPad Air is not light enough. Definitely not worthy of the Air name.
You do realize it's almost as light as the iPad mini with retina?
Some Apple Magic is gone. Now their products have to compete with other brands and other retailers. It is good to see that happening.
Bit of a stretch. If a the Apple magic was no more the stores would not still be the busiest place in any mall. By comparison, Microsoft and Sony stores in the same malls at the same time are often ghost towns. Don't conflate having to compete with having a less desirable product.
When I was at the Apple Store the other day, I overheard a specialist saying to a customer that "this is Apple, we don't do discounts".
According to an ex Apple employee, they never use the phrase "discount" as it cheapens the brand. For example, it's not an education discount, it's special education pricing.
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Price is not always the deciding factor when a purchase is made. People are willing to go to an Apple store and pay more, because of the service they get. Knowledgeable salespeople, genius bar, and so on. Others may go because of the atmosphere of the store.
Actually, you can purchase an Apple product at Best Buy or Walmart and get the same great service in an Apple Store. I bought my Mac Mini and MBP at Best Buy but went with Apple Care. Even if you purchase an Apple product at BB or Walmart you still get the same 90 day phone support and 1 year Genius Bar support.
I went to the Sony store in New York City, so excited. And I was massively disappointed. The legendary store I've heard of was selling Sony iPod knockoffs, I think some of them branded as Walkmans, hugely overpriced PCs, and really bad smartphones. Some cool cameras and TVs, but a big letdown. Sony used to be cool :(
Sony used to be legend with their Walkman. And maybe, just maybe a decade from now Apple could end up the same? Used to be a huge tech company but grow up old and tired and by then you come to the store you'll see the same old iPod, iPhone, iPad. Again .. and again .. and again.
Some would really be boring with iOS 20 which is not that much of a difference as today. They keep using IPS display on the phone while everyone else already using hologram display. . A few cool vintage Macbook but overall a big letdown :D
Some of Apple products is already old and overpriced. Hint: Old MacPro. Not knowing when the new one will be released, that thing still stand for sale, nobody buy it, and you know what? It's still at $2500 with same old hardware, collecting dust in some of the Apple Store. Which sane tech company would do that?
No, Apple products are still very desirable and will continue to be for some time to come. However, this could be another sign that Apple may have lost a little leverage in a maturing market with increasing competition (as ineffective as that competition may be in the eyes of some).
Are you talking about competition between different stores? Or competition between other brands of phones?
A person sees the iPhone 5C on sale at Walmart... and they want that same price at the Apple Store.
The point is... they were always interested in the iPhone 5C... not another phone. That's a point in Apple's favor!
Bit of a stretch. If a the Apple magic was no more the stores would not still be the busiest place in any mall. By comparison, Microsoft and Sony stores in the same malls at the same time are often ghost towns. Don't conflate having to compete with having a less desirable product.
No, Apple products are still very desirable and will continue to be for some time to come. However, this could be another sign that Apple may have lost a little leverage in a maturing market with increasing competition (as ineffective as that competition may be in the eyes of some).
via apple - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEUoTAmu0p6I3tnhZOvqwzREKZ_NQ&url=http://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/03/some-apple-retail-stores-start-price-matching-ipad-air-and-iphone-5c/
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