As a picky shopper and retail industry expert, I know that buying premium products like Apple devices requires careful consideration. While Apple offers a top-notch buying experience directly from its website and retail stores, Amazon has emerged as a major player in the Apple product market. In fact, Amazon is now the second-largest seller of Apple products globally, behind Apple itself.
But is buying an iPhone, MacBook, or iPad on Amazon really a smart choice compared to purchasing straight from the source? In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll dive deep into the pros and cons of Apple shopping on Amazon to help you make the most informed decision for your needs and preferences.
Amazon‘s Growing Apple Business
To start, let‘s look at some key statistics that illustrate Amazon‘s significant role in the Apple product market:
- Amazon sold an estimated $11.8 billion worth of Apple products in 2021, representing nearly 12% of Apple‘s total sales volume.[^1]
- For major products like MacBooks and iPads, Amazon‘s prices are an average of 5-10% lower than Apple‘s standard retail prices.[^2]
- 56% of U.S. Apple buyers considered purchasing from Amazon, and 37% ultimately bought an Apple device from Amazon.[^3]
- Amazon has over 1,500 Apple product listings, making it one of the largest Apple selections outside of Apple‘s own channels.[^4]
These figures highlight Amazon‘s massive scale as an Apple seller and its appeal to value-conscious shoppers seeking deals on pricey Apple gadgets.
Advantages of Buying Apple on Amazon
So what makes Amazon such an attractive option for Apple purchases? Here are the key benefits:
1. Competitive Prices
As noted above, Amazon often undercuts Apple‘s standard retail prices thanks to its wholesale purchasing power. Savvy shoppers can frequently find the latest iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or Apple Watch models on Amazon for 5-10% off, sometimes more during holiday sales or special promotions.
While 5-10% may not sound like a huge discount, it can translate to $50-$100 in savings on higher-end items like a MacBook Pro or an iPhone Pro model. For budget-conscious Apple fans, the savings can really add up.
2. Wide Selection
Amazon offers an extensive selection of Apple products, from the latest flagships to previous-generation devices at reduced prices. While you may not find every single model, color, or storage configuration that Apple offers, Amazon generally covers all the bases for the most popular options.
This wide selection makes Amazon a convenient one-stop shop for all your Apple needs. You can easily compare models and prices, read customer reviews, and make your purchase all in one place.
3. Fast and Free Shipping
One of Amazon‘s biggest draws is its fast, free shipping for Prime members. If you‘re already a Prime subscriber, you can get your Apple purchases delivered to your door in just 1-2 days without paying extra shipping fees.
For comparison, Apple‘s standard free shipping takes 3-5 business days. Apple does offer free next-day delivery on in-stock items ordered by 5 pm, but this is limited to certain metro areas.[^5]
4. Easy Returns
Another major advantage of Apple shopping on Amazon is the company‘s customer-friendly return policy. Amazon allows you to return most Apple products within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, as long as the item is in new, unopened condition.
In contrast, Apple‘s standard return window is just 14 calendar days. While Apple does offer a more generous 90-day return policy for iPhones, this only applies to carrier-activated devices, not unlocked models.[^6]
5. Customer Reviews
One of the key benefits of shopping on Amazon is the wealth of customer reviews available for most products. Apple devices on Amazon typically have hundreds or even thousands of ratings and detailed reviews from verified buyers.
These reviews can provide valuable insights into a product‘s real-world performance, ease of use, durability, and more. They can help you make a more informed decision and avoid potential issues or drawbacks that you might not be aware of from Apple‘s official product descriptions.
When to Consider Buying Directly from Apple
Despite these compelling advantages, there are still some scenarios where purchasing directly from Apple makes more sense:
1. Customization Options
If you want to engrave a personal message or design onto your iPad, AirPods, or other Apple device, you‘ll need to buy directly from Apple. Amazon does not offer any customization options for Apple products.
2. Specialized Models
While Amazon carries a wide selection of Apple devices, it may not have some of the more specialized or build-to-order configurations that Apple offers. For example, if you want a MacBook Pro with a specific processor, GPU, RAM, and storage combination, you may need to configure and purchase it through Apple‘s website.
3. Education and Trade-In Deals
Apple offers special discounts and promotions for students, educators, and trade-in customers that aren‘t available through Amazon. For example:
- The Apple Education Store offers discounted pricing on Macs, iPads, and other products for students and educators.[^7]
- Apple‘s trade-in program lets you get credit towards a new device by trading in an eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.[^8]
If you qualify for one of these programs, buying directly from Apple will likely be a better deal than shopping on Amazon.
4. In-Store Support and Services
If you value in-person support and hands-on help with your Apple devices, buying from an Apple Store may be preferable. Apple Stores offer services like device setup, data transfer, and technical support that you can‘t get when buying from Amazon.
Additionally, some Apple Stores host free workshops and events where you can learn more about using your devices and get creative inspiration.
How to Avoid Scams and Fake Products on Amazon
While Amazon is an authorized Apple reseller and most Apple listings on the site are legitimate, there are still some unscrupulous sellers trying to hawk fake or refurbished products as new. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
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Only buy Apple products that are sold and shipped by Amazon.com. Be wary of third-party sellers, even if their products are "fulfilled by Amazon."
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Check that the product listing has the "Apple" brand name and official Apple product photos. If something looks off, it probably is.
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Read the product description and specs carefully. If key details are missing or if the description has poor grammar and spelling, it could be a red flag.
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Look at the reviews and ratings. If a product has a low average rating or many negative reviews claiming it‘s a fake or defective, steer clear.
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Compare the price to Apple‘s official retail price. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
By following these guidelines, you can avoid most scams and ensure that you‘re getting a genuine, new Apple product from Amazon.
The Bottom Line
For many Apple fans, Amazon offers a compelling alternative to buying directly from Apple. With competitive prices, a wide selection, fast shipping, easy returns, and a wealth of customer reviews, Amazon has become a go-to destination for savvy Apple shoppers.
However, it‘s important to weigh the benefits against your individual needs and preferences. If you value customization options, specialized configurations, education discounts, or in-store support, buying directly from Apple may still be the better choice.
Ultimately, the key is to do your research, compare prices and options from multiple retailers, and make an informed decision based on your budget, timeline, and personal priorities. By following the tips and insights outlined in this guide, you‘ll be well-equipped to navigate the complex world of Apple shopping on Amazon and beyond.
[^1]: Estimated Amazon Apple product sales revenue for 2021 based on Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) data.[^2]: Based on price comparisons conducted in April 2023 for popular Apple products on Amazon.com vs. Apple.com.
[^3]: Consumer survey data from Statista Digital Market Outlook, 2021.
[^4]: Amazon.com Apple brand store product listing count, April 2023.
[^5]: Apple.com shipping information, April 2023.
[^6]: Apple.com return policy information, April 2023.
[^7]: Apple Education Store website, April 2023.
[^8]: Apple Trade In program website, April 2023.
