I hate to say it, but look to the online discounters featured right here on AI as one of the reasons. The online marketplace is draining sales from bricks-and-mortar stores. So it goes.
Yep, I never heard of these guys until now. I got hosed supporting one of the so called "featured sponsors" of this site. While the machine was slightly less than ordering direct from Apple, I got the old bait and switch as my reward. There aren't any close "mom and pop" retailers around me that I'm aware of. I'm willing to pay full MSRP versus supporting the slime that online retailing has become.
Yep, I never heard of these guys until now. I got hosed supporting one of the so called "featured sponsors" of this site. While the machine was slightly less than ordering direct from Apple, I got the old bait and switch as my reward. There aren't any close "mom and pop" retailers around me that I'm aware of. I'm willing to pay full MSRP versus supporting the slime that online retailing has become.
Sorry to hear. I bought my wife a 20" Haswell iMac before Christmas from one of these guys at an excellent price and prompt free shipping.
I am all to familiar with Apple Resellers, family owned one for 26 years and it is still running under different owners these days. It's not hard to see why FirstTech is shutting their doors. First of all, 75 employees is outrageous, don't even know how that is possible.
They were also slaves to the hardware sales, which you cannot compete with Apple on that. I know for a fact they used to match Apple's education price on computers, and when they do that they would either make no money or lose a little bit of money. They focused too much on competing with Apple instead of differentiating themselves from Apple.
In the end, however, the small local shop was unable to compete with the five nearby Apple Stores, national big-box retailers and online sales companies.
Why would anybody shop there when there are five Apple stores nearby? Apple stores are a lot better than this place, which sells all different kinds of brands.
Why would anybody shop there when there are five Apple stores nearby? Apple stores are a lot better than this place, which sells all different kinds of brands.
Well, because (in my case)... sometimes you want to get the part, instead of having your laptop shipped off to Genius land.
my last trip to FirstTech was to get an Apple SuperDrive to install on my daughter's 2008 macbook. Went to MoA Apple Store and they couldn't give me the part to fix it, as the only option was depot repair and a week out and back and costy. FirstTech had the part, and while more costy, it was fixed by end of day (by me).
FirstTech died the day the Uptown Apple store opened (3 blocks away ). I'm sure the management realized it then, but their other business lines may have been thought to cushion the blow. The lived the longest, but there are none that I know of independent small PC/Office Automation stores in SoMpls. With OfficeMax and Target downtown, and all the 'Dales having Box stores, I'm trying to think if there are any independent tech stores of scale in Minneapolis Proper.
OMG no! I took the bus downtown just to visit them in the late 70's when I was in High School! Without giving my identity away, because it's so important ( :rolleyes: ), I grew up in the North Suburbs... that's all I'm going to say about that.... :smokey:
All good things come to an end sooner or later, and I hope that the employees all find a new rewarding job soon!
Yep, I never heard of these guys until now. I got hosed supporting one of the so called "featured sponsors" of this site. While the machine was slightly less than ordering direct from Apple, I got the old bait and switch as my reward. There aren't any close "mom and pop" retailers around me that I'm aware of. I'm willing to pay full MSRP versus supporting the slime that online retailing has become.
Why don't you name the vendor and say what happened? Specifics make a complaint more believable.
Too bad. I always like you reminiscent of your past.
Well, sorta' related ...
This used to be the oldest Apple Dealer in California -- it's where my dad bought his Apple ][ in 1978 (a month before I got mine). I suspect that they might have have assumed the title of the world's oldest Apple dealer:
For over thirty years, Di-No Computers has been helping its customers get the most out of their Apple Computers. Whether it is general-purpose home use or highly sophisticated business applications, Di-No Computers is the premier solution source for all of your digital lifestyle needs. Di-No Computers has one of the largest service facilities in Southern California, and has expert consultants offering a number of computer-related services including: training, network configuration & design, internet setup, data recovery, system configuration, and technical assistance.
Di-No Computers is your one-stop solution store with a wide assortment of Mac-specific hardware and software products. Di-No’s special order department can even track down those hard to find items.
Whether it is your first or fifteenth computer, home or office, Di-No Computers’ friendly sales staff looks forward to putting together a system that is best for you. We appreciate being your computer reseller of choice.
FWIW. There are several Apple Stores within a 10-mile radius. Di-No has managed to stay in business despite competition from the nearby Apple Stores and online resellers. They cultivate customers like CalTech/JPL and provide great service. D-No was founded by Sal Cordero as a sideline to his Hammond Organ dealership. It is named after his 2 daughters Diane and Noreen. Sal was an old friend of the family.
Comments
My first thought was,"What are the odds [@]Dick Applebaum[/@] has a story about this place?"
I hate to say it, but look to the online discounters featured right here on AI as one of the reasons. The online marketplace is draining sales from bricks-and-mortar stores. So it goes.
Yep, I never heard of these guys until now. I got hosed supporting one of the so called "featured sponsors" of this site. While the machine was slightly less than ordering direct from Apple, I got the old bait and switch as my reward. There aren't any close "mom and pop" retailers around me that I'm aware of. I'm willing to pay full MSRP versus supporting the slime that online retailing has become.
Yep. I added the last paragraph to my previous comment while you posted your response. Thanks.
I am all to familiar with Apple Resellers, family owned one for 26 years and it is still running under different owners these days. It's not hard to see why FirstTech is shutting their doors. First of all, 75 employees is outrageous, don't even know how that is possible.
They were also slaves to the hardware sales, which you cannot compete with Apple on that. I know for a fact they used to match Apple's education price on computers, and when they do that they would either make no money or lose a little bit of money. They focused too much on competing with Apple instead of differentiating themselves from Apple.
Sad to see them go but not surprised.
Why would anybody shop there when there are five Apple stores nearby? Apple stores are a lot better than this place, which sells all different kinds of brands.
73 years
37 years
Dyslexia runs rampant within the AI writer and editorial community!
37 years
Dyslexia runs rampant within the AI writer and editorial community!
Read the article. They’re both correct.
:???: I always thought it was "Fall Forward, Spring Back". :???:
Why would anybody shop there when there are five Apple stores nearby? Apple stores are a lot better than this place, which sells all different kinds of brands.
Well, because (in my case)... sometimes you want to get the part, instead of having your laptop shipped off to Genius land.
my last trip to FirstTech was to get an Apple SuperDrive to install on my daughter's 2008 macbook. Went to MoA Apple Store and they couldn't give me the part to fix it, as the only option was depot repair and a week out and back and costy. FirstTech had the part, and while more costy, it was fixed by end of day (by me).
FirstTech died the day the Uptown Apple store opened (3 blocks away ). I'm sure the management realized it then, but their other business lines may have been thought to cushion the blow. The lived the longest, but there are none that I know of independent small PC/Office Automation stores in SoMpls. With OfficeMax and Target downtown, and all the 'Dales having Box stores, I'm trying to think if there are any independent tech stores of scale in Minneapolis Proper.
My early years were in St. Louis Park 1939-1951.
Nope! No knowledge of this dealer.
Too bad. I always like you reminiscent of your past.
Why don't you name the vendor and say what happened? Specifics make a complaint more believable.
I thought it was, "I've fallen and can't get up!™"
Read the article. They’re both correct.
sigh... speed reading fails me.
Wasn't the first Apple retailer the Byte Shop in Silicon Valley? I mean they sort of funded the start of Apple Computer right?
Perhaps the headline should read "World's second Apple computer retailer to shutter operations on Mar. 30"?
Well, sorta' related ...
This used to be the oldest Apple Dealer in California -- it's where my dad bought his Apple ][ in 1978 (a month before I got mine). I suspect that they might have have assumed the title of the world's oldest Apple dealer:
http://di-no.com/2012/
FWIW. There are several Apple Stores within a 10-mile radius. Di-No has managed to stay in business despite competition from the nearby Apple Stores and online resellers. They cultivate customers like CalTech/JPL and provide great service. D-No was founded by Sal Cordero as a sideline to his Hammond Organ dealership. It is named after his 2 daughters Diane and Noreen. Sal was an old friend of the family.
Or maybe 57 employees? Hard to believe the numbers in this story…. (even given that 73 years and 37 years are both correct)