Buy from a reseller
Get extra savings on a Mac from third-party retailers
While Apple offers discounts from time to time, you’ll often get more money off from third-party resellers.
But before you get started, it’s a good idea to buy from an authorised reseller or service provider; that way, you’re buying from Apple-approved companies. Moreover, any repairs at an Authorised Service Provider are done using genuine parts by people trained by Apple.
Many of these resellers offer deep discounts around Black Friday, so if you’re not in a huge hurry it’s a good idea to wait until then. For example, last year KRCS offered 10% off all Macs, and in 2015 and 2016 you could get 12% off. That also included build-toorder (BTO) models where you specify your own specs; not all resellers reduce their prices for BTO Macs, so ensure you shop around before you settle on a place to order from.
If you don’t mind buying kit that isn’t brand-new, some shops sell ex-display units. Make sure you read the product description and, if possible, test out the unit before buying so you know exactly what condition it will be in. It’s a good idea to test things like battery cycle count to make sure no parts are worn out. You also need to be fast if you see any ex-display units on sale – naturally, they’re usually limited in supply, so if you’ve already decided what Mac you want and you see it on sale, go for it while you can.
Bargain hunting
On the other hand, if you want to buy a brand-new Mac but don’t mind if it isn’t the latest model, the best time to buy is just after new models come out. At that time, many resellers will reduce their prices in order to shift old stock and free up space for newer Macs. As a result, you can pick up a bargain for yourself. Check out page 72 for more information on this.
If you want to buy from a reseller, consider how that might affect your support and AppleCare options. Make sure you keep your receipt and AppleCare Proof of Coverage (if that applies), as Apple might ask to see them if you need it to service your Mac. Many resellers also offer their own support services in addition to those from Apple.
If you aren’t sure where your nearest authorised reseller is, head over to locate.apple.com, select a service and enter your details. You can look up numerous resellers, service providers, training centres and consultants, all approved and authorised by Apple.