It’s easier to do everything online these days. From purchasing groceries to having medicine delivered to welcoming a package of hair supplies at your front door, there’s rarely a need to venture out to stores, scour shelves, and wait on long lines. But that doesn’t mean that all online purchases are equal, especially when it comes to investing in an expensive device like your iPhone. Mika Kujapelto, CEO and Founder of LaptopUnboxed, spoke to SHEFinds.com about the real reason you should never buy an iPhone online. If you’re considering making this purchase, read this before ruling out a trip to the Apple store.
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Put simply, if you purchase your iPhone online through your cell carrier, you might be losing out on some benefits that buying directly from Apple has. “With carriers no longer subsidizing smartphone prices, buying your phone from Apple directly is becoming more advantageous with their trade-in program that allows you to get an extra $70 to $450, depending on your old model and its condition,” Kujapelto says. “You're also not stuck with a particular cell carrier to get the best price on your phone since getting a phone through Apple means it will be unlocked.”
You can also find a phone at a store like Walmart with a lower price on the phone you want, and Apple will often give you 10%, Kujapelto reminds us. “It's not an exact match and discount, but it can save you some money,” he says. “Apple can also get you another special deal for government employees, which might only get you a 2% discount.”
If scoring the latest and greatest iPhone model is a big consideration for you, you will have much better luck with an in-person purchase.
“If you’re buying from Amazon, you’re less likely to get the most updated version of Apple smartphones,” Kujapelto says. “You should also make sure you’re buying from a reputable source since a lot of counterfeiting has occurred on Amazon. You might use Amazon or other cheaper online avenues to get a smartphone when you’re on a budget, but you should do your research and read reviews to grasp any counterfeiting or odd behaviors from the seller.”
And one final point to keep in mind: protecting your investment is a lot easier and more affordable when you go to the source for your iPhone purchase.
“You can also get a cheaper deal on insurance on your phone devices when you purchase it through Apple,” Kujapelto says.
If and when possible, it’s always a better idea to strap on a pair of sneakers and get out to a store to snag your new iPhone.
