Just another mindless rumor. If BB turns a customer away, they're not likely to buy something else - they'll just shop around until they find one - which is a lost sale for Best Buy. There is absolutely no reason to turn a customer away today and hope that they'll come back tomorrow if you have the item in stock.
They don't turn them away, they sell them a Kindle. I've seen it. It's wrong to assume customers all leave and buy somewhere else. I see MANY clueless older people wandering around, who want a computer/tablet etc, came to look at Apple models but are happy to have a salesperson take them by the hand and explain the confusing world of computers to them.
Best Buy's business practices aside, I'm surprised no one is questioning the "Apple is therefore freezing sales through BB" part of the story. Which strikes me as pretty implausible.
When I read the article title it did seem implausible but 1) seem to recall Apple busting Best Buy?s balls before with the Mac sales, and 2) it will sell all iPads it shifts from Best Buy to other outlets so there is no potential loss at this point.
I haven't looked, I'm merely asking out of curiosity. I also currently live in a very small town that doesn't have a large electronics store - lol, this little place was excited to get a Super Walmart 3 years ago. That's all we have
Besides wireless providers and Apple Stores, where else is the iPad available? I mean is it available at all large electronics stores like Frys, CompUSA, etc, etc?
If it is, then no big loss on BB. If it isn't sold at all major electronic outlets, then I think that may have been a bad move on Apple's part. I'm not interested in a tablet, but if I were I wouldn't go to a wireless provider to get one, and Apple Stores are few and far between in my state (I think the closest is a 3 hour drive from here).
I guess if I really wanted one I could order online, but I think the benefit of a store like BB is that you can go in and 'play' with the device before you buy one to make sure it fits your needs (wants).
I haven't looked, I'm merely asking out of curiosity. I also currently live in a very small town that doesn't have a large electronics store - lol, this little place was excited to get a Super Walmart 3 years ago. That's all we have
Besides wireless providers and Apple Stores, where else is the iPad available? I mean is it available at all large electronics stores like Frys, CompUSA, etc, etc?
If it is, then no big loss on BB. If it isn't sold at all major electronic outlets, then I think that may have been a bad move on Apple's part. I'm not interested in a tablet, but if I were I wouldn't go to a wireless provider to get one, and Apple Stores are few and far between in my state (I think the closest is a 3 hour drive from here).
I guess if I really wanted one I could order online, but I think the benefit of a store like BB is that you can go in and 'play' with the device before you buy one to make sure it fits your needs (wants).
You can play with the device at Apple Store as well.
I work at a Best Buy and they did pre-orders on the iPads. When we got stock, they went through the pre-orders, called the customer's who pre-ordered them and gave them 48 hours to pick up the iPad 2 before it was put on the floor to sell. Any units we got in that were not pre-orders were sent to the floor and sold. I have been directly involved in this process as part of my job. If Apple is involved, then something must be going on... Interesting...
Sounds fair and logical.
I was surprised that Apple would be doing a Steve Balmer over Best Buy. It's like "aren't they selling enough hotcakes already?" Why micromanage unless they are still stewing over the pulled duct tape ad or they anticipate heavy competition around the corner.
When I read the article title it did seem implausible but 1) seem to recall Apple busting Best Buy?s balls before with the Mac sales, and 2) it will sell all iPads it shifts from Best Buy to other outlets so there is no potential loss at this point.
True enough, but we're about to see the first wave of at least price competitive Android tablets and I wouldn't think Apple would want a major retailer selling those uncontested. A lot of people buy their consumer electronics at Best Buy, if they go looking for a "tablet" and Android is all that's available, that's going to unnecessarily inflate sales of those devices.
"Acer America today announced the Acer Iconia Tab A500 which is the company?s first 10.1-inch tablet running Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) in the new Acer Iconia family of tablets for North America. It is available for pre-order online exclusively from Best Buy."
I've heard many a bad thing said about Apple by both Best Buy staff and Target staff. I just happened to be passing by as they spewed their anti-Apple 'sound bytes'. It is a tough call to know if they do more harm than good even being allowed to carry Apple when they often hire folks who would rather try to switch sell. ...
This is the same underhanded tactics that "Futureshop" (a "Best Buy for electronics" kind of place in Canada), engages in.
A lot of electronic retailers do this because the staff basically work for a commission based on the dollar value of their sales and also have daily quotas of product to sell. The managers of the stores sometimes even decide how much of *which* product each sales person is supposed to push each day, based on what can only be called kickbacks from the suppliers. The sales staff job depends on hitting the quotas. The managers kickback depends on selling x amount of product y.
The "extended warranty" in these situations is basically a scam. The product prices are often set by the suppliers and the margins are thin, so they can only *lower* the price to increase sales. This results in a low sales volume (by dollar value), so the sales person has to push the extended warranty to keep the value of their sales (and thus their commission) high. Selling the warranty is the goal because it's all gravy as far as they are concerned.
This is also why Best Buy may have been holding back stock from customers. If they have a quota of four sales a day and they have eight iPad2's in the back, why sell all eight today and hit *over* your quota when tomorrow you might not have stock and may not hit the quota at all. It's also why they favour "up-sells" of all kinds like mice, keyboards, cases, etc. They make more money on that junk than on the sale itself.
Given that Apple doesn't engage in these kind of shady practices, it's also why the sales staff get more value out of pushing the Windows/Android product than they do the Apple stuff. Most people are aware that Apple products have a free warranty for the first year and that AppleCare is a great and eminently fair deal offered straight from Apple, so the sales staff can't sell as many of the lucrative "extended warranties" if they focus on the Apple stuff. They can make much more commission if they manage to sell you on Android or Windows.
The whole set-up is inherently deceptive and the sales people are forced to use the "hard sell," mostly on unsuspecting older women or kids as they are the least likely to be aware of technology and the fact that the product already has the best warranty in the business (or at least that's what the sales person thinks).
MelGross, so the story has been confirmed? Apple has stopped shipments/sales to BB due to stock hold-backs?
What are you talking about? Why would you even think to ask that? We're discussing a rumor as you well know. It it turns out to be true, it's not good. If it isn't true, it makes you wonder who these several sources are, and where they're hearing this.
This had nothing to do with "bonuses" or some plot to help the competition. This was solely about Best Buy trying to re-manage the supply based on their own internal practices.
From Apple's perspective, you get 'em, you sell 'em. They just recently enacted a policy of holding them to go on sale the next morning.
But from Best Buy's perspective, this isn't the best way of doing it. Keep in mind, Best Buy doesn't have unlimited supply available to order, and what little they receive, they're going to sell out of entirely.
So Best Buy could on day 1, blow their wad, and then tell customers not to come back for weeks, or go elsewhere.
Or Best Buy could control their inventory so that every day they sold a few, and adjust the amount they sell based on what comes in.
In the end, they'll sell the exact same amount. The difference is that every day they get customers coming back into their store.
Further, Best Buy allowed for pre-orders and holds. As a result, some orders that were placed, but never picked up were set aside and then sold after the customer never came back.
Not all of this was done at all Best Buys, but enough was done to be noticed by Apple, and apparently objected to.
This had nothing to do with "bonuses" or some plot to help the competition. This was solely about Best Buy trying to re-manage the supply based on their own internal practices.
From Apple's perspective, you get 'em, you sell 'em. They just recently enacted a policy of holding them to go on sale the next morning.
But from Best Buy's perspective, this isn't the best way of doing it. Keep in mind, Best Buy doesn't have unlimited supply available to order, and what little they receive, they're going to sell out of entirely.
So Best Buy could on day 1, blow their wad, and then tell customers not to come back for weeks, or go elsewhere.
Or Best Buy could control their inventory so that every day they sold a few, and adjust the amount they sell based on what comes in.
In the end, they'll sell the exact same amount. ...
The big flaw in your argument highlighted for my amusement.
You are making the faulty assumption that the supply of iPads is like a tap with a steady stream that doesn't change based on sales. In fact sales typically determine how many are subsequently shipped to each location. By holding back product they are artificially reducing sales.
Years ago I liked Best Buy for their selection and frankly, prices. I started hating them as well. My experience came from trying to buy a TV as a wedding "thank you" gift for my in-laws. I found their sales tactics to be highly deceptive. They displayed models that didn't come with stands, or boxes, or what not. They were high enough on the wall that they looked like regular unopened merchandise. We ended up going to Sears instead and got a great price and good experience. I'm done with Best Buy.
Every time I've ventured into a Best Buy, almost everything in the store was selling at list price. Stores like Best Buy have a reputation for low prices, due to occasional sales on limited merchandise, but based on my experience, the prices are absurd. I think you'll find that in most cases, independent merchants, such as J&R and BH Photo Video, sell for less than Best Buy, although not on Apple products, since most Apple products sell for list (or within $5 of list) everywhere.
Given that Apple doesn't engage in these kind of shady practices, it's also why the sales staff get more value out of pushing the Windows/Android product than they do the Apple stuff. Most people are aware that Apple products have a free warranty for the first year and that AppleCare is a great and eminently fair deal offered straight from Apple, so the sales staff can't sell as many of the lucrative "extended warranties" if they focus on the Apple stuff. They can make much more commission if they manage to sell you on Android or Windows.
The whole set-up is inherently deceptive and the sales people are forced to use the "hard sell," mostly on unsuspecting older women or kids as they are the least likely to be aware of technology and the fact that the product already has the best warranty in the business (or at least that's what the sales person thinks).
and what do you call applecare, one on one, the removal of boxed software and all the other accessories you see in the apple store? apple care is better than the best buy warranty but i bet apple makes all it's money from the add ons as well. and not the actual products
Yes Apple is likely pissed about that ad and would be pissed even without the text of it cause they were likely not asked about using their IP in it as they should have been
Yes Apple could be investigating questionable practices by their 3rd party channels.
But did they freeze out anyone over any of it. Very likely not. Unless that kind of freeze out is in the contract as what will happen if there's even a rumor of any thing uncool.
More likely they are just running out of stock and have to redistribute it
Best Buy doesn't get a constant flow of units from Apple. Neither does ATT etc. They do massive buys which go to their warehouses and then out to stores. The real truth is that they probably tried to do a buy and were told that Apple either couldn't fill it or it would be X weeks before they could get it because ATT etc got their orders in first.
So now Best Buy has a potential PR nightmare on their hands cause they did those pre-orders. So they send out word to all stores to stop selling any units that aren't on a pre-order and pull everything off the floor right away to avoid customer issues with the "it's right there" stuff. ANd they were likely told to stop talking pre-orders. Every store is likely having to set aside only what is needed for their current orders and send everything else back to the warehouse to be sent to stores that needed for their orders. And so on.
Sales folks at big stores like that are rarely told more than they need to know which would be 'don't do any more pre-orders and regardless of what the computer says we are out of walk in units'.
I think apple needs to be careful here. They may not like how best buy operates, but best buy's business is best buy's business. Apple wouldn't appreciate their suppliers telling them how to do business. (music/movie industry) Unless the situation becomes untenable, voice your concerns and leave it at that. There may be a time when apple needs best buy. Besides, nationwide best buy probably will sell several hundred thousand iPads. Some of these customers will go elsewhere to buy iPads, but lots will buy a competing product. Not all consumers are educated in these things and rely on the salesperson's 'expertise'. My advice, for what it's worth, is don't burn your bridges.
The manager came back with an iPad 2 and I mentioned the preorders to him. He said he didn't care, we were right there right then. I decided not to buy it.
That sort of sitch is exactly why Apple isn't doing reservations. They tried doing it 100% reserves and the walk in folks got pissed and stores were reporting only like 50-60% of folks were coming back to pick up their hold (unpaid). Then they tried doing a 70/30 type split and folks that had reserves got pissed that someone could walk in and get one while they were still waiting. So given all the extra prep work it took to do the whole thing, they said screw it
Quote:
Originally Posted by OllieWallieWhiskers
that's exactly what i use best buy for. window shopping. if i want to test out a tv, camera, etc... i go to best buy. figure out which one i like, then order it online (usually from amazon).
I will shop around and if Best Buy has the best price I order online for in store pick up. Then I don't get the sales person BS
Quote:
Originally Posted by macslut
From Apple's perspective, you get 'em, you sell 'em. They just recently enacted a policy of holding them to go on sale the next morning.
Nope. They started the policy on launch day. The rule was whatever you received on Friday you did not open for launch but held for Saturday morning processing and so on. And has stayed that way.
I think apple needs to be careful here. They may not like how best buy operates, but best buy's business is best buy's business. Apple wouldn't appreciate their suppliers telling them how to do business. (music/movie industry) Unless the situation becomes untenable, voice your concerns and leave it at that. There may be a time when apple needs best buy. Besides, nationwide best buy probably will sell several hundred thousand iPads. Some of these customers will go elsewhere to buy iPads, but lots will buy a competing product. Not all consumers are educated in these things and rely on the salesperson's 'expertise'. My advice, for what it's worth, is don't burn your bridges.
In my opinion this is one bridge worth burning. Three strikes and you're out. Twice before Apple and Best Buy have parted company because of BB's total lack of commitment in selling Apple products, relegating them to obscure corners of their stores, sales clerks actively leading potential customers away from Apple to PC. Apple tried specially trained Apple reps, nothing worked and Apple pulled out.
Like another poster stated I don't make major purchases at Best Buy anymore. I go to look at the product, try it out, compare with others, and then buy my choice usually online. It's worth the shipping charge to avoid Best Buy and their shenanigans. Local customer service is irrelevant because there is no such thing at Best Buy stores.
Unambitious, loser Best Buy managers resorting to shady tricks, lies and deception inorder to fill their "internal quota"?
And what was up with that dumb Best Buy ad with the iPad wrapped in tape VS the Xoom? Why would they be dissing their best selling tablet?
Clearly, there are a bunch of morons with shit for brains in charge of Best Buy. Apple needs to wack them around a little bit and make them understand how ethical businesses operate. Otherwise, Apple should just pull all of their stock out from Best Buy and ban all Apple products from Best Buy stores permanently if they are not willing to comply or if they are unable to comply.
Apple doesn't need Best Buy.
My conversion to Apple years ago is one of the reasons I stopped going to BB. For one thing, I stopped shopping there for PC stuff, and iTunes has completely stopped me from buying physical CDs. And since their Blu-Ray prices are so inanely high, I only order BD movies from Amazon. Seriously. Their shitty table full of MacBooks doesn't give Apple enough retail floor space. As far as I'm concerned, BB can shove it.
Comments
Just another mindless rumor. If BB turns a customer away, they're not likely to buy something else - they'll just shop around until they find one - which is a lost sale for Best Buy. There is absolutely no reason to turn a customer away today and hope that they'll come back tomorrow if you have the item in stock.
They don't turn them away, they sell them a Kindle. I've seen it. It's wrong to assume customers all leave and buy somewhere else. I see MANY clueless older people wandering around, who want a computer/tablet etc, came to look at Apple models but are happy to have a salesperson take them by the hand and explain the confusing world of computers to them.
Best Buy's business practices aside, I'm surprised no one is questioning the "Apple is therefore freezing sales through BB" part of the story. Which strikes me as pretty implausible.
When I read the article title it did seem implausible but 1) seem to recall Apple busting Best Buy?s balls before with the Mac sales, and 2) it will sell all iPads it shifts from Best Buy to other outlets so there is no potential loss at this point.
Besides wireless providers and Apple Stores, where else is the iPad available? I mean is it available at all large electronics stores like Frys, CompUSA, etc, etc?
If it is, then no big loss on BB. If it isn't sold at all major electronic outlets, then I think that may have been a bad move on Apple's part. I'm not interested in a tablet, but if I were I wouldn't go to a wireless provider to get one, and Apple Stores are few and far between in my state (I think the closest is a 3 hour drive from here).
I guess if I really wanted one I could order online, but I think the benefit of a store like BB is that you can go in and 'play' with the device before you buy one to make sure it fits your needs (wants).
I haven't looked, I'm merely asking out of curiosity. I also currently live in a very small town that doesn't have a large electronics store - lol, this little place was excited to get a Super Walmart 3 years ago. That's all we have
Besides wireless providers and Apple Stores, where else is the iPad available? I mean is it available at all large electronics stores like Frys, CompUSA, etc, etc?
If it is, then no big loss on BB. If it isn't sold at all major electronic outlets, then I think that may have been a bad move on Apple's part. I'm not interested in a tablet, but if I were I wouldn't go to a wireless provider to get one, and Apple Stores are few and far between in my state (I think the closest is a 3 hour drive from here).
I guess if I really wanted one I could order online, but I think the benefit of a store like BB is that you can go in and 'play' with the device before you buy one to make sure it fits your needs (wants).
You can play with the device at Apple Store as well.
I work at a Best Buy and they did pre-orders on the iPads. When we got stock, they went through the pre-orders, called the customer's who pre-ordered them and gave them 48 hours to pick up the iPad 2 before it was put on the floor to sell. Any units we got in that were not pre-orders were sent to the floor and sold. I have been directly involved in this process as part of my job. If Apple is involved, then something must be going on... Interesting...
Sounds fair and logical.
I was surprised that Apple would be doing a Steve Balmer over Best Buy. It's like "aren't they selling enough hotcakes already?" Why micromanage unless they are still stewing over the pulled duct tape ad or they anticipate heavy competition around the corner.
When I read the article title it did seem implausible but 1) seem to recall Apple busting Best Buy?s balls before with the Mac sales, and 2) it will sell all iPads it shifts from Best Buy to other outlets so there is no potential loss at this point.
True enough, but we're about to see the first wave of at least price competitive Android tablets and I wouldn't think Apple would want a major retailer selling those uncontested. A lot of people buy their consumer electronics at Best Buy, if they go looking for a "tablet" and Android is all that's available, that's going to unnecessarily inflate sales of those devices.
At any rate, as I say, we'll know soon enough.
"Acer America today announced the Acer Iconia Tab A500 which is the company?s first 10.1-inch tablet running Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) in the new Acer Iconia family of tablets for North America. It is available for pre-order online exclusively from Best Buy."
I've heard many a bad thing said about Apple by both Best Buy staff and Target staff. I just happened to be passing by as they spewed their anti-Apple 'sound bytes'. It is a tough call to know if they do more harm than good even being allowed to carry Apple when they often hire folks who would rather try to switch sell. ...
This is the same underhanded tactics that "Futureshop" (a "Best Buy for electronics" kind of place in Canada), engages in.
A lot of electronic retailers do this because the staff basically work for a commission based on the dollar value of their sales and also have daily quotas of product to sell. The managers of the stores sometimes even decide how much of *which* product each sales person is supposed to push each day, based on what can only be called kickbacks from the suppliers. The sales staff job depends on hitting the quotas. The managers kickback depends on selling x amount of product y.
The "extended warranty" in these situations is basically a scam. The product prices are often set by the suppliers and the margins are thin, so they can only *lower* the price to increase sales. This results in a low sales volume (by dollar value), so the sales person has to push the extended warranty to keep the value of their sales (and thus their commission) high. Selling the warranty is the goal because it's all gravy as far as they are concerned.
This is also why Best Buy may have been holding back stock from customers. If they have a quota of four sales a day and they have eight iPad2's in the back, why sell all eight today and hit *over* your quota when tomorrow you might not have stock and may not hit the quota at all. It's also why they favour "up-sells" of all kinds like mice, keyboards, cases, etc. They make more money on that junk than on the sale itself.
Given that Apple doesn't engage in these kind of shady practices, it's also why the sales staff get more value out of pushing the Windows/Android product than they do the Apple stuff. Most people are aware that Apple products have a free warranty for the first year and that AppleCare is a great and eminently fair deal offered straight from Apple, so the sales staff can't sell as many of the lucrative "extended warranties" if they focus on the Apple stuff. They can make much more commission if they manage to sell you on Android or Windows.
The whole set-up is inherently deceptive and the sales people are forced to use the "hard sell," mostly on unsuspecting older women or kids as they are the least likely to be aware of technology and the fact that the product already has the best warranty in the business (or at least that's what the sales person thinks).
MelGross, so the story has been confirmed? Apple has stopped shipments/sales to BB due to stock hold-backs?
What are you talking about? Why would you even think to ask that? We're discussing a rumor as you well know. It it turns out to be true, it's not good. If it isn't true, it makes you wonder who these several sources are, and where they're hearing this.
From Apple's perspective, you get 'em, you sell 'em. They just recently enacted a policy of holding them to go on sale the next morning.
But from Best Buy's perspective, this isn't the best way of doing it. Keep in mind, Best Buy doesn't have unlimited supply available to order, and what little they receive, they're going to sell out of entirely.
So Best Buy could on day 1, blow their wad, and then tell customers not to come back for weeks, or go elsewhere.
Or Best Buy could control their inventory so that every day they sold a few, and adjust the amount they sell based on what comes in.
In the end, they'll sell the exact same amount. The difference is that every day they get customers coming back into their store.
Further, Best Buy allowed for pre-orders and holds. As a result, some orders that were placed, but never picked up were set aside and then sold after the customer never came back.
Not all of this was done at all Best Buys, but enough was done to be noticed by Apple, and apparently objected to.
http://www.electronista.com/articles...y.constraints/
This had nothing to do with "bonuses" or some plot to help the competition. This was solely about Best Buy trying to re-manage the supply based on their own internal practices.
From Apple's perspective, you get 'em, you sell 'em. They just recently enacted a policy of holding them to go on sale the next morning.
But from Best Buy's perspective, this isn't the best way of doing it. Keep in mind, Best Buy doesn't have unlimited supply available to order, and what little they receive, they're going to sell out of entirely.
So Best Buy could on day 1, blow their wad, and then tell customers not to come back for weeks, or go elsewhere.
Or Best Buy could control their inventory so that every day they sold a few, and adjust the amount they sell based on what comes in.
In the end, they'll sell the exact same amount. ...
The big flaw in your argument highlighted for my amusement.
You are making the faulty assumption that the supply of iPads is like a tap with a steady stream that doesn't change based on sales. In fact sales typically determine how many are subsequently shipped to each location. By holding back product they are artificially reducing sales.
Years ago I liked Best Buy for their selection and frankly, prices. I started hating them as well. My experience came from trying to buy a TV as a wedding "thank you" gift for my in-laws. I found their sales tactics to be highly deceptive. They displayed models that didn't come with stands, or boxes, or what not. They were high enough on the wall that they looked like regular unopened merchandise. We ended up going to Sears instead and got a great price and good experience. I'm done with Best Buy.
Every time I've ventured into a Best Buy, almost everything in the store was selling at list price. Stores like Best Buy have a reputation for low prices, due to occasional sales on limited merchandise, but based on my experience, the prices are absurd. I think you'll find that in most cases, independent merchants, such as J&R and BH Photo Video, sell for less than Best Buy, although not on Apple products, since most Apple products sell for list (or within $5 of list) everywhere.
Given that Apple doesn't engage in these kind of shady practices, it's also why the sales staff get more value out of pushing the Windows/Android product than they do the Apple stuff. Most people are aware that Apple products have a free warranty for the first year and that AppleCare is a great and eminently fair deal offered straight from Apple, so the sales staff can't sell as many of the lucrative "extended warranties" if they focus on the Apple stuff. They can make much more commission if they manage to sell you on Android or Windows.
The whole set-up is inherently deceptive and the sales people are forced to use the "hard sell," mostly on unsuspecting older women or kids as they are the least likely to be aware of technology and the fact that the product already has the best warranty in the business (or at least that's what the sales person thinks).
and what do you call applecare, one on one, the removal of boxed software and all the other accessories you see in the apple store? apple care is better than the best buy warranty but i bet apple makes all it's money from the add ons as well. and not the actual products
Yes Apple is likely pissed about that ad and would be pissed even without the text of it cause they were likely not asked about using their IP in it as they should have been
Yes Apple could be investigating questionable practices by their 3rd party channels.
But did they freeze out anyone over any of it. Very likely not. Unless that kind of freeze out is in the contract as what will happen if there's even a rumor of any thing uncool.
More likely they are just running out of stock and have to redistribute it
Best Buy doesn't get a constant flow of units from Apple. Neither does ATT etc. They do massive buys which go to their warehouses and then out to stores. The real truth is that they probably tried to do a buy and were told that Apple either couldn't fill it or it would be X weeks before they could get it because ATT etc got their orders in first.
So now Best Buy has a potential PR nightmare on their hands cause they did those pre-orders. So they send out word to all stores to stop selling any units that aren't on a pre-order and pull everything off the floor right away to avoid customer issues with the "it's right there" stuff. ANd they were likely told to stop talking pre-orders. Every store is likely having to set aside only what is needed for their current orders and send everything else back to the warehouse to be sent to stores that needed for their orders. And so on.
Sales folks at big stores like that are rarely told more than they need to know which would be 'don't do any more pre-orders and regardless of what the computer says we are out of walk in units'.
The manager came back with an iPad 2 and I mentioned the preorders to him. He said he didn't care, we were right there right then. I decided not to buy it.
That sort of sitch is exactly why Apple isn't doing reservations. They tried doing it 100% reserves and the walk in folks got pissed and stores were reporting only like 50-60% of folks were coming back to pick up their hold (unpaid). Then they tried doing a 70/30 type split and folks that had reserves got pissed that someone could walk in and get one while they were still waiting. So given all the extra prep work it took to do the whole thing, they said screw it
that's exactly what i use best buy for. window shopping. if i want to test out a tv, camera, etc... i go to best buy. figure out which one i like, then order it online (usually from amazon).
I will shop around and if Best Buy has the best price I order online for in store pick up. Then I don't get the sales person BS
From Apple's perspective, you get 'em, you sell 'em. They just recently enacted a policy of holding them to go on sale the next morning.
Nope. They started the policy on launch day. The rule was whatever you received on Friday you did not open for launch but held for Saturday morning processing and so on. And has stayed that way.
I think apple needs to be careful here. They may not like how best buy operates, but best buy's business is best buy's business. Apple wouldn't appreciate their suppliers telling them how to do business. (music/movie industry) Unless the situation becomes untenable, voice your concerns and leave it at that. There may be a time when apple needs best buy. Besides, nationwide best buy probably will sell several hundred thousand iPads. Some of these customers will go elsewhere to buy iPads, but lots will buy a competing product. Not all consumers are educated in these things and rely on the salesperson's 'expertise'. My advice, for what it's worth, is don't burn your bridges.
In my opinion this is one bridge worth burning. Three strikes and you're out. Twice before Apple and Best Buy have parted company because of BB's total lack of commitment in selling Apple products, relegating them to obscure corners of their stores, sales clerks actively leading potential customers away from Apple to PC. Apple tried specially trained Apple reps, nothing worked and Apple pulled out.
Like another poster stated I don't make major purchases at Best Buy anymore. I go to look at the product, try it out, compare with others, and then buy my choice usually online. It's worth the shipping charge to avoid Best Buy and their shenanigans. Local customer service is irrelevant because there is no such thing at Best Buy stores.
Unambitious, loser Best Buy managers resorting to shady tricks, lies and deception inorder to fill their "internal quota"?
And what was up with that dumb Best Buy ad with the iPad wrapped in tape VS the Xoom? Why would they be dissing their best selling tablet?
Clearly, there are a bunch of morons with shit for brains in charge of Best Buy. Apple needs to wack them around a little bit and make them understand how ethical businesses operate. Otherwise, Apple should just pull all of their stock out from Best Buy and ban all Apple products from Best Buy stores permanently if they are not willing to comply or if they are unable to comply.
Apple doesn't need Best Buy.
My conversion to Apple years ago is one of the reasons I stopped going to BB. For one thing, I stopped shopping there for PC stuff, and iTunes has completely stopped me from buying physical CDs. And since their Blu-Ray prices are so inanely high, I only order BD movies from Amazon. Seriously. Their shitty table full of MacBooks doesn't give Apple enough retail floor space. As far as I'm concerned, BB can shove it.