Third-Party Retailers
Apple and mobile carriers aren’t the only locations where you can get Apple items. Actually, due in part to how many individuals think this is fact, these are the stores that are quite busy during the holiday shopping season. However, there are many other amazing places to pick up your Apple items. First off, if you are looking into purchasing iPhones for the holiday season, you are in for a greater savings. First off, let’s look at all of the retailers you can choose from. There is the Apple Store, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Target. Two choices I would immediately rule out would be Wal-Mart and Target. While they are great for you other needs, in terms of iPhones, I would not say so. They don’t provide the option to purchase iPhones in all of their locations. In my area alone, I would have to drive an extra 20 miles to the closest Target and about 15 miles to the closest Wal-Mart providing this option. I would be passing one other Target and two Wal-Marts doing this, yes I looked! Also, Target doesn’t have a financial incentive in purchasing their way, unlike Wal-Mart who is cutting around $10 to $15 off the average price. So then we have Best Buy and Apple. In terms of guaranteed amazing customer service, available options, and expert knowledge, Apple would be the obvious way to go. So, why would I recommend Best Buy over Apple this year? Their deals! Best Buy is offering all iPhones at $50 off. That’s the lowest price, ever! iPhone 4S will go for $49.99, iPhone 5 for $149.99. That’s just amazing and will save you more money for other things, like cases and Lightning adapters!
Don’t Pass Up Refurbished
If you haven’t heard, Apple is selling Macbook Air laptops for $719 and even Mac Minis for under $800. No, these aren’t back alley deals, the only catch is that they are refurbished. Don’t scroll to the next bullet just yet. Refurbished products seemed to have always gotten a bad wrap, causing it to be developed as a shameful word. However, this isn’t rightfully so. Apple has always offered high quality refurbished items since the program debuted. While they aren’t offering refurbished iPhones, amazing deals for Macs, iPods, and especially iPads have always been there. So why exactly should you go refurbished this holiday season? First off, Apple inspects all refurbished items before putting them for sell. We always expect Apple to provide the highest integrity in their items, refurbished is no different. Refurbished items range any from formerly dropped items that have been factory repaired to some that were just returned for a different color. One thing both items share is that they come out looking perfect and they always get a new battery and outer shell, regardless of the condition. Lastly, you always get a one year warranty, so if you find an issue, Apple gives you a new device. Apple brings new hope to the title, refurbished.
Make Use of Trade-Ins
If you are still a bit freaked out by purchasing refurbished but still can’t afford to give the gift of Apple, you still have a couple of options. One option is to make use of trade-ins. If you have old iPhones just lying around the house, why not give them new life and trade them in for cash. Gazelle is a wonderful option for trade-ins. In general, most trade-in services work the same. Just go on their respective websites, answer a couple of questions regarding the item’s condition and what you have with it (chargers, etc). Then, you are given an amount that they will pay you. Then, receive an email with your item list and shipping label, and send it off. You only make money with these services, so they shouldn’t charge you for shipping. Also, due to the fact that they must receive your item before you receive your money, it’s important to only work with a reputable trader. Glyde is also another great choice, allowing you to not only trade-in your item, but also purchase an item through Glyde at a low price. As you’ve just learned, it is quite easy to spend less on the Apple gadgets you are purchasing this holiday season. If you are willing to venture out to other retailers like Best Buy, you can garner a huge discount. We also learned that the largest deal comes when purchasing refurbished. Trade-ins from websites like Glyde and Gazelle are also great ways to save a penny or two. Which option are you doing this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below. Featured photo credit: BOLOGNA, ITALY – AUGUST 6 via Shutterstock
