Filed under: Apple Corporate, Retail, iPhone
Rumor: BestBuy, RadioShack to sell iPhone 3G
Boy Genius Report is reporting that Apple may allow sales of the iPhone at BestBuy and RadioShack retail stores in the U.S. This, of course, is in addition to it being sold at Apple and AT&T stores. This would be the first time since the iPhone's introduction that a third-party reseller would be able to sell the iPhone. These rumors are definitely unconfirmed at this point so we don't know if this will happen in time for the retail giants to get in on the July 11th introduction sale.
[via MacNN]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
babyfett said 6:34PM on 7-02-2008
This is slightly unrelated, but I just got confirmation from AT&T that corporate discounts apply to both the phone and the voice/data bundle. Sweeeet! Though, their discounted rates on the iPhone could mean off the unsubsidized price which would end up being more than the promotional price. But who cares, right, $199 for an iPhone and 20% discount on service for me -- whoo hoo!
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Roadmaster said 6:50PM on 7-02-2008
Well, here in Mexico the iPhone is slated to go on sale on the 11th as well. Telcel will have the distribution deal.
However, in addition to Telcel's own stores, iPhone will also sell at well-known nation-wide Sanborn's specialty and gift shop chain. Whether they qualify as third-party distributors is questionable, since the Sanborn's chain is owned by Carlos Slim, who also owns Telmex and Telcel. This information was given to us by a clerk at Sanborn's, so its accuracy could be disputed, however given the common corporate overlord Telcel and Sanborn's share, it's not too far-fetched a possibility.
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Kentzler said 8:46PM on 7-02-2008
I don't know of Sanborns, but Liverpool, a big retail store in Mexico, will be selling the iPhone 3G. I know this because my dad delivers the merchandise to Liverpool nationwide and he has 30K iPhones, waiting to be delivered. (Sorry, no pics or hands-on available).
Binarytales said 7:13PM on 7-02-2008
"This would be the first time since the iPhone's introduction that a third-party reseller would be able to sell the iPhone..." in the USA.
The iPhone 2G launched in the UK at third party store "The Carphone Warehouse" simultaneously with Apple and O2 stores.
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Josh said 7:22PM on 7-02-2008
Uhg! Don't we have enough lame rumor sites out there already? Is TUAW becoming one of them now as well?
At least put this in the Rumors category....
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Jeremy said 7:48PM on 7-02-2008
Hey babyfett what do you mean corporate discounts will apply? I asked ATT today also and they said apple has not given them financial responsibility or something like that yet so they can't discount it yet. Does this discount apply to the subsidized price or just the contract free? Are you sure this is accurate? Would be so awesome if discount applied would save me 10 bucks or so.
Thanks!
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ekinnee said 8:49PM on 7-02-2008
The AT&T rep I spoke to stated that FAN discounts apply to service only. YMMV
Jeremy said 10:35PM on 7-02-2008
So how come I was told this does not apply? Maybe I didn't clarify I will definately look into this!
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Josh said 10:35PM on 7-02-2008
Radio Shack and Best Buy are authorized retailers for AT&T so I am not surprised that they would sell the phone, but this would also mean that any AT&T store (not just company owned stores) would be able to sell the iPhone.
Interesting indeed.
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eric said 12:00AM on 7-03-2008
I work at a RadioShack as a sales rep, and though unconfirmed, I have heard the same rumor from a "higher up".
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P said 10:51AM on 7-03-2008
My mom was asking about the "new iPhone" Best Buy, and the employee said they didn't have them yet, but would on July 11th. I hate Best Buy, but the more venues to purchase the phone @ the smaller the lines....
JKT said 12:06AM on 7-03-2008
If we assume this is true, maybe we all should decide just who it is we want performing credit checks on us and activating our phones. Hmmm...
Me? I'll stick to the Apple and AT&T stores. I am not giving my SS# to anyone at Best Buy or Radio Shack. Sorry.
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Huh? said 6:07AM on 7-06-2008
Technically, you aren't giving your ssn to Best Buy. We use a program, provided by AT&T, that sends that information directly to them. Best Buy doesn't retain or use your ssn for any reason other than to run your credit as they do at the Apple and AT&T stores. Besides, what's the difference in giving your ssn to Apple and AT&T stores and not another store such as Best Buy or Radio Shack?
Spencer McManus said 1:03AM on 7-03-2008
Well, activation needs to take place in AT&T or Apple stores for the 3G version in order for them to work (no iTunes activation). How would this work if RadioShack or Best Buy sells them?
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Nathan said 2:51AM on 7-03-2008
Best buy seems plausible since they already sell macs at my nearby store. I think it would be a smart move.
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Jash Sayani said 5:42AM on 7-03-2008
Well, there is no 3G and GPS service in Inida so I'm happy with my current iPhone...
Just waiting for 2.0 firmware...
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Brian said 6:49AM on 7-03-2008
Mmmmm.... do you not have sky in India. I always thought that GPS was a sat system so could be used anywhere in the world.
* Nips off to check now as feels worried his smart ass reply isn't correct *
EMoShunz said 7:42AM on 7-03-2008
can anyone tell me, if i buy this at radio shack without a contract for $699 or whatever for the 16gb, will i still have access to the app store/etc via wifi only, and, to the gps?
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Clint said 3:20PM on 7-03-2008
I bought my first Mac several weeks ago. Shopped at BestBuy but was too crowded on the weekend. Went back during the week when things were quieter but nobody there could answer my questions about Mac. Fortunately, found an Apple store. Prices were the same but the staff there were great. Answered all my questions and of course, had the free workshops and tech help on the spot. Would never go back to BestBuy again to shop for Apple products.
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Josh Herrick said 1:19AM on 7-04-2008
Hi There,
I just got off the phone w/ Wal-Mart Connections, and they will also be launching the iPhone in Canada
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