Apple store:
- sells only new devices. Does not sell refurbished devices
- 16GB Iphone 4s with taxes costs approximately $255 in california. even though the advertised price is $199. Taxes are always calculated on the original price of the phone but not the discounted retail price
- apple has a no strings attached return policy within 30days of purchase
- apple is not responsible for cancelling the contract with the carrier. A new purchase is locked in catract only after 30days. So make sure you call the carrier to cancel the contract if you purchase and return a new phone through apple
ATT store
- sells both new and refurbished devices. Refurbs are slighly cheaper ofcourse
- 16GB Iphone 4s with taxes costs approx $255
- ATT has 30day return policy but charges $35 restocking fees. There is no restocking fees with apple. Restocking fees is applicable even if the device is not taken out of the box with ATT.
- ATT takes care of cancelling the contract if the phone is returned with in 30days
Best Buy
- Sells both new and refubs. Refurbs are cheaper
- 16GB Iphone 4s with taxes costs approx $255
- Best buy charges no restocking fees within 30days
- They also have a buy back program
- if the device is returned between 2-4 months they pay approx $340
- between 4-12 months they pay approx $250
- between 12-18 months they pay approx $140
- best buy claims that the buy back rates are applicable as long as the device is working and nrmal daily wear and tear is ok
- let us say the iphone 5 is released next summer and some one who just bought iphone 4s in november wants to get iphone 5, he can return iphone 4s at best buy for $340 and get the iphone 5 from best buy. But the carrier will charge early upgrade fees of $250
