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Exclusive: Best Buy playbook for iPad leaked, quantities to be extremely limited

by Michael Rose Mar 27th 2010 at 1:45PM

Planning to skip the Apple Store crowds and sneak over to one of the 670+ Best Buy stores that will be selling the iPad on launch day? Better get there early, as each store will be limited to 15 iPads in stock, and those WiFi-only iPads will be evenly distributed among the three price points.

Our tipster iSecretApples tracked down the Best Buy sales playbook for the iPad, and we've got the screenshots below. (The playbook is so fresh, iSA reports, that Best Buy district managers and store managers don't have it yet.)

Other worthwhile tidbits gleaned from the playbook:
  • The fourth SKU rumored for the Best Buy lineup is indeed the demonstration/not for resale unit.
  • Best Buy's April 11 ad insert will feature the iPad on the front cover, even though not all Best Buy locations will stock the iPad.
  • Stores are expected to receive another 15 iPads for sale on 4/11, but if supplies are constrained they may have to hold some of the initial inventory back. This implies that Apple will be able to tell Best Buy prior to 4/3 whether or not the second round of deliveries will be coming.
  • iPads will not be sold via Best Buy's website, consistent with the original rumor.
  • iPad accessories will also be stocked at Best Buy
15 iPads per store may not last long, but since we're also hearing that in-store reservations at Apple Stores have now been closed -- tipster Travis reports being told by an Apple Store employee that the leftovers will be released 3pm on Saturday, when any reservations that haven't been picked up will be allocated for general sales -- Best Buy may be your best bet for an iPad purchase during the first week.

Update: Our amigo Josh T. at Engadget also has some spy shots of the playbook, including a wider view listing the available accessories.




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Planning to skip the Apple Store crowds and sneak over to one of the 670+ Best Buy stores that will be selling the iPad on launch day?...
 

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joseclarkk

As long as Best Buy has inventory and they have at least 11 of them in a Cerritos store, I'm happy.

The threads of BB not having them at all on launch was scaring me a bit. But yes, it is going to be hectic. I've been to a couple Black Fridays, but the last launch I attended was the one for the PS3 in 2006. I never pre-ordered and didn't get one, but it was crazy. Basically camp-outs with random people, but it was still pretty cool because I met some cool folks to talk to. The HYPE and hysteria for this phone is getting higher and higher as we get closer to launch, and by the time I drive into the parking lot, I pretty expect lines around the building. Lots of pissed and happy people all at the same time. Very stressful for ones who didn't pre-order, but want it on launch day.
http://twitter.com/somihraick

June 20 2010 at 11:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chris Giddings

I highly doubt they'll sell the demo units. Apple is constraining supply to anyone who isn't their own stores. I'm pretty sure your BestBuy will hold on to the demo units and ask people to wait for later shipments.

March 31 2010 at 9:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bigdaddy_ga

I visited the closest Best Buy to me (50 miles) on Saturday and the Apple specialist told me they would have 15 iPads for sale and 2 for "demo". I would guess the demo models could be sold after the 15 are gone. He said he had to be at the store at 10:30pm Friday nite to set everything up. I didn't think to ask him about accessories because I am waiting for the 3G model. Wifi is too spotty or restricted for me. I'll use the data plan as I need it. Will be worth it to be able to connect on the go. Wifi isn't everywhere.

March 29 2010 at 12:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jarmar

Works for me I work at Best Buy so I can get my case on my discount that's if we have the Incase Cases..

March 28 2010 at 4:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SIP

The downside for us in the UK is that we're going to see all these news reports of all you fine-standing US citizens queueing and fighting for iPads, and then we're either going to have to out-do you lot, or get smacked for not following your example.

Roll-on May 2010.

March 27 2010 at 10:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SkoT

my local Reseller Connecting Point will have the iPad.

March 27 2010 at 9:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nick

So Apple/BB are taking marketing cues from those clubs in Hollywood that are empty inside but only let in, like, 1 person per hour.

March 27 2010 at 4:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Nick's comment
bigdaddy_ga

So you would prefer a mosh pit experience when you buy a product? If you don't like the way Apple does thing don't buy their products. You can buy a PC from WalMart and the only line you have to stand in is at the cash register. You will be much happier following the main stream. Kind of like those monochrome people in Apple's "1984" ad....

March 29 2010 at 1:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
socritic

i wouldn't buy an ipad at best buy if they gave me one for free. seriously.

March 27 2010 at 3:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to socritic's comment
chris

I Buy all my apple stuff at bestbuy... and we have an apple store 3 miles away.. i get my reward points and its the same price. why stand in line like an idiot for hours (iphone 3gs) when i can walk right in and get my product.

March 28 2010 at 1:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chris Giddings

If they gave you one free, you wouldn't be buying it. So you're right on not buying one if they gave it to you free.

Also, getting new gadgets free of charge is almost every geeks wet dream. Why would you pass that up just because they're going to try to sell you some protection plan you don't want? Take the gadget and run!

March 31 2010 at 9:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Alexander Andujar

With not everyone living near an Apple Store this might be the best for some people. I do have one question that wasn't answered in the article. It mentions that the iPad accessories will be available at Best Buy, but what about the supply constraints for the case and the docks? Will Best Buy have those even though they don't ship until after the release? If they do, I am cancelling my order for the accessories immediately and just heading over the the store.

March 27 2010 at 2:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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