Where Should You Buy Your Next Mac?

A question I’m often asked is “Do you sell computers?”

The answer is “no” – because becoming an Apple Authorized Reseller entails a number of hoops to jump through, an area I certainly don’t want to enter, including having a brick-and-mortar business, becoming an Apple Authorized Service Provider, which means having the staff and ability to provide repairs, keeping “service parts” in stock, etc. etc.

One thing about Apple – it keeps its prices pretty much the same across the board – meaning what’s priced on the website is the same as you would pay in the store. For the most part. There are some exceptions, discounts on stock of older models when a new one is introduced, maybe a few bucks saved when buying at a warehouse club or buying “refurbished” from Apple or a third-party retailer.

Important note: As of press time, there is a shortage of RAM and other components that is affecting the availably of some models.

So here is a quick primer where you can buy your next Mac or other Apple product:

• Directly from Apple: Either in the store or at its website. You’ll be paying the same either way, the cost of the product plus state tax (and local tax, if applicable). One of the benefits of ordering online is that you can get it delivered to your home or office for free. Or if you’re in a hurry, sometimes you can opt for same-day delivery, which includes a small fee.

• Big box electronics store: Stores like Best Buy, P.C. Richards, B&H Photo, etc. are Apple Authorized Resellers. Typically, retailers like this stick to the Apple playbook as far as pricing goes, but again, there are discounts at times.

• Warehouse clubs: Costco sells a few Mac models (MacBook, iMac) along with accessories (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, among others), while BJ’s and Sam’s Club offer only some Apple products, not Macs. I only belong to Costco, as there really isn’t a BJ’s or Sam’s Club too close to me.

Of course, there are the “used” dealers, including Apple Certified Refurbished (which comes with Apple’s standard warranty), but there are other sites, including Mac of All Trades, OWC, Back Market, Swappa, among others. Most of these are reputable outlets, so they’re generally safe. I’ve tried the “open box” sales at Best Buy, but there never seemed to be any vetting of what was sold as “open box,” so I would recommend skipping that option.

👉🏻 Helpful hint: Crossing the state line from New York to Connecticut will save you a few bucks on sales tax, but only if it’s convenient.