What Is The Cheapest Method to Buy The iPhone 12 / Pro / Pro Max Outright at Launch?

Laayushapatel on 15/10/2020 - 09:49

I am looking at getting an iphone 12 pro max outright on launch and was wondering how I could squeeze a little bit of discount on the $1849 AUD bill (and pay for my 30W power adapter and magsafe case haha)
I thought you guys would be the best to answer this min-max question.

Off the top of my head I can think of potentially getting 5% discount on JB/Officeworks/TGG gift cards +/- Cashrewards.

Grey-stock is also an alternative but 1. warranty claim issues 2. still difficult to find as much of a discount on grey stock iPhones vs androids and 3. kinda have to wait 3-4 months for a good deal to coincide with an ebay sale.

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 15/10/2020 - 10:06
    +1

    Pony up like everyone else if you want it next Friday, or wait till they hit gumtree with people upgrading contracts and off loading the phones.

    • ldawg on 15/10/2020 - 13:23

      Way less of this these days :-( most carriers structure their plans so it’s just plan price + cost of phone/length of contract

      • sauce2k on 21/10/2020 - 18:05

        I always wonder is it safe to buy second hand iPhones? Can the seller be a (profanity) and lock the iPhone after selling it?

    • modsec802 on 15/10/2020 - 20:19

      Pro Max is mid November

  • 87percent on 15/10/2020 - 10:06
    +4

    Buy gift cards from members at a discounted price (usually 10-15%).

    But the best tip is not to buy it on launch

    • aayushapatel on 15/10/2020 - 12:24

      which members? and for giftcards for what?

      • 87percent on 15/10/2020 - 13:04

        Buy discounted gift cards for whatever store you want. Check the for sale section. People sell their unwanted gift cards.

        Eg: I bought a $100 rebel giftcard for $80 from a member. Also bought a $80 good Guys giftcard for $60

    • apoy98 on 15/10/2020 - 17:12
      +1

      that's a great idea!
      GC's you can get from Facebook/Gumtree.. just bargain them to death!

  • MS Paint on 15/10/2020 - 10:26
    +22

    Sleep outside your favourite store. Stand in line for 6 hours. Have friend film you opening box. Drop new phone on ground. Go viral on reddit and 'the project'. Wait for apple to give you free phone out of sympathy. Sell smashed phone on Gumtree for $500. Bam. $500 discount right there.

    • megaalc on 15/10/2020 - 11:45

      really good imagination.. are you an actor ?

    • tamerg on 15/10/2020 - 13:40

      Speaking from experience? ;)

  • User210686 on 15/10/2020 - 10:30

    I’m thinking about preordering from the US site and have family/friends send it to me. Price difference is AUD350 for some pro max models before international shipping. US pro max and pro model has more bandwidth, so that can be used here.

    • gamerkonks on 15/10/2020 - 10:38
      +1

      Would you get charged extra at customs for >$1000 import value?

      • User210686 on 16/10/2020 - 08:30

        That I need to check. I was under the impression that iPhone was duty free but GST might be imposed.

    • verio on 15/10/2020 - 11:06
      +2

      US pro max and pro model has more bandwidth, so that can be used here.

      Are you referring to mmWave? It is not going to work here with US models, differents bands will be used by Telstra/Optus anyway.

      • User210686 on 22/10/2020 - 08:06

        Mmwave bands are useless outside the US but I’d rather have a higher spec phone for when I sell it on eBay in 1-2 years. US buyers will less likely to buy the models without mmwave bands. Also the price of the largest capacity pro max (512gb) sold in the US is the same as that of 256gb sold in Australia.

        I also normally spend a lot of time in the US.

    • Fredfloresjr on 15/10/2020 - 11:36
      +1

      Do it. So u ended up paying more. lol

    • jimbobaus on 15/10/2020 - 12:29
      +2

      Check a few things before doing that
      The 5g bands on the us model are different from the Australian models.

      https://www.apple.com/iphone/cellular/

    • kongkee on 16/10/2020 - 11:51

      Did this when I was travelling in the US. The saving was great. But 2 years in, the phone started having issues. Took it to the Apple store and was told not covered. If I bought it in Aus, it would have been covered. So after that, I just buy local. Something to think about.

      • User210686 on 17/10/2020 - 08:01

        That’s strange. In my experience apple has been pretty good. Over the years I took my US model iPhones to apple stores in Sydney, tokyo, London for repair/exchange. But the last time I had an issue with my phone was over 2 years ago.

        • kongkee on 19/10/2020 - 10:10

          Yes Apple is very good with warranties. Although my iPhone was bought in the US and only comes with 1 year warranty. My phone was having issues after 1 year and was not covered by Australian Consumer warranty which is 2 years. So after that I just buy local and have a peace of mind that I'm covered at least 2 years.

          • asrey1975 on 12/11/2020 - 04:38

            @kongkee: Pretty dumb how a product comes out of the same factory but due to geography, sorry we cannot help you….

      • try2bhelpful on 17/10/2020 - 08:20
        +1

        “Two years in”; the Apple warranty was 12 months. The reason it would’ve be covered, in Australia, is the ACCC ruling on warranties being commensurate with costs. I seem to be getting contradictory answers on if the current Apple warranty is 1 or 2 years and how that works Internationally. Certainly something to confirm prior to purchase.

        • kongkee on 19/10/2020 - 10:11

          Yes, that's my point. Just buy local and be covered for 2 years instead of buying it cheap overseas and not covered by Australian Consumer warranty.

  • jackinyourbox on 15/10/2020 - 10:55
    +1

    There’s always stories of a scalper getting ripped off gumtree for the top of the line model ! Every year there’s ads about it LOL

    • Ghost47 on 15/10/2020 - 17:38

      How does a scalper get ripped off? As in some douche thinking they could make a quick buck bought it to resell it for more than RRP but it doesn’t sell?

      • jackinyourbox on 15/10/2020 - 18:01
        +1

        Seller gets thugged and looses iphone

  • Melb69 on 15/10/2020 - 11:00
    +6

    Get yourself a CC with price protection, so we don't get the same thread as the other poster yesterday.

    • zeno on 18/10/2020 - 12:48

      I do this. I have two CC with price protection, 28 Degrees and Coles Mastercard. It’s always a dilemma for me which cc to use for Apple products. 28 Degrees has 1yr period but allows price drops in any store. Coles has 2yr period but price drop has to be from the store where you purchased.

  • jv on 15/10/2020 - 11:35
    +1

    What Is The Cheapest Method to Buy The iPhone 12 / Pro/ Pro Max Outright at Launch? ($1849 AUD)

    Buy in the USA. ($1099 USD)

    ($1,099 US Dollar —> $1531.589 AUD)

    • aayushapatel on 15/10/2020 - 12:26
      +1

      But… import tax/VAT because >1000USD

      • jv on 15/10/2020 - 12:50

        Use it first…

        • killingtime on 17/10/2020 - 11:22

          Wheres the exemption that says no gst for used?

      • User210686 on 19/10/2020 - 08:28

        I know this comment will get flagged but you can always declare the value under $1k. When I purchase something that costs over 1k, I ask my family to declare a lower value. The only caveat is that you can only insure up to the declared value.

  • try2bhelpful on 15/10/2020 - 12:00
    +2

    Have a look at Costco. However you might need to wait a little while. Also there is the option of trading in old models through Apple or, even, selling your old phone.

    • aayushapatel on 15/10/2020 - 12:30

      costco is a good idea, any idea how long after release they typically get stock?

      • try2bhelpful on 15/10/2020 - 14:08

        Maybe a couple of weeks? It is, probably, worth asking at your local store, when they think they might get stock in. The other advantage is you have a 90 day return policy on electronics.

      • kongkee on 16/10/2020 - 11:58

        Sure you know already, but Costco has membership fee.

  • bdl on 15/10/2020 - 12:16

    To not buy it.

  • Drakesy on 15/10/2020 - 12:59
    +1

    From the sounds of it.
    Buy it off Ebay and ensure you use Paypal.
    receive item and then do a chargeback 2 months later. Follow the instructions as per https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/573513

    Congratulations you just got yourself a free Iphone 12!

  • Nutrino on 15/10/2020 - 13:02

    Be best friends Tim Cook.

  • CyberMurning on 15/10/2020 - 13:24

    camping 4 days in front of the store.
    you get TV apperances, but probably a corona V as well

  • tsunamisurfer on 15/10/2020 - 13:26
    -2

    Almost $2000 for a phone before required accessories.

    That is a lot of money.

    That is about 3 phones for me at 2 years per phone.

    • Ameowzon on 16/10/2020 - 00:15
      +1

      I'm still using my iPhone 7 Plus that I bought back in 2016. It's 4 years old now. It's running on the latest iOS 14, and it's great, fast, no issues with battery. I'm sure it can last another 2 more years. That's 1 phone for 6 years. No way any Android phone can do that.

      • pinnacle on 16/10/2020 - 08:19

        Same here. iPhone 6Plus bought in 2014 and still going strong. Prior to that had my iPhone 3GS for 5 Years. They last in my personal experience. Not sure of Android phones to make a switch now just for the cost factor.

      • xsacha on 07/11/2020 - 17:33

        I still have an iPhone 7 (work phone) that I barely ever use. I also have a Huawei P9 Plus that I use every day, which is even older (4.5 years old), runs better with better battery life and I find it much more useful than the iPhone. Am looking to upgrade soon though.
        Not sure you'll make it to 6 years.

      • asrey1975 on 12/11/2020 - 04:39

        The 12 looks like an iPhone 5. I may as well get a 2nd hand 5 from gumtree and stick at 12 on it, call it a day :P
        Ohhhh maayyyttteee….. 5 Geeee??? Yes, it cost me liek 5 G ($5000) with apple care and accessories..

      • ely on 20/11/2020 - 21:05

        My S6 is five years old as of October.

        Runs like crap and the battery is shot though.

  • MagicMushroom on 15/10/2020 - 13:41

    Buy with telestra plan on JB hifi then cancel the telestra plan. Saving probably around $100.

  • modsec802 on 15/10/2020 - 20:20

    Buying off Apple is the quickest/easiest way to get it and cash back is about your only discount option. Even then some cash back providers will exclude the new iPhones

  • Pricebeat on 16/10/2020 - 05:03

    HN Business is already taking pre-orders

  • MontyMacaw on 16/10/2020 - 08:15

    Buy 2 and rip some poor sap off on Gumtree for an extra $100+ like other people do. Many people - myself included once - are happy to pay $100 premium rather than wait for delayed delivery. Actually if you could buy about 20 you’d get yours for nothing.

    • freelife on 18/10/2020 - 00:38
      +2

      There's no supply issue though unlike when the iPhone X first launched. Many iPhone 12 Pro options still ready for pick-up on 24 Oct.

      • MontyMacaw on 18/10/2020 - 07:57

        I noticed that. I was looking at following my own advice.

  • OzHunterNSW on 16/10/2020 - 10:12
    -3

    Are you sure you want it? It will be superseded in 12 months. Only the American market has the "true" 5G version. Currently, the Au version has the slower 5G that will be obsolete in a matter of months.

  • iShibby on 16/10/2020 - 10:42

    I'm gonna hold off and hope there are some Big W eBay sales like last year for the iPhone 11. My wife got one last year 20% off in this deal - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/501095. Great discount!

  • kongkee on 16/10/2020 - 11:53
    +2

    Have a look with your employer if they do salary sacrifice. Where I work we get 40% discount.

  • DarthAntz on 16/10/2020 - 12:06

    Save the gorillas and buy mobile phones a lot less often.

    $1800 could be spent in a much more meaningful way than giving it to Apple, to use the same 3-4 apps you use on any phone.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/10/2020 - 18:13
      +3

      Haven't you learnt anything from planet of the apes?

    • freelife on 18/10/2020 - 08:23
      +1

      It's all relative. Some people spend that amount just on daily coffee annually. Others don't so they put money towards a phone with new capabilities instead which is far more useful in daily life… I def use more than 2-3 apps. Everything is on the phone now… banking, social, productivity, remote controls, travel apps, health, etc… short of humans becoming robots, phones are pretty critical for a highly effective life. That's super debatable and philosophical - as someone who never owns a smartphone can still live… but the convenience and accessibility of information and services would surely counter opportunity cost and inefficiencies. In some cases, even lifesaving.

      The universe was created without technology, and in billions of years is doomed to end with the Sun dying… but by then tech would have brought humans to other planets… The fascinating thing is that tech isn't something we found, it's something we created, from the mind. So owning a piece of tech is putting value on human intelligence. $1800 worth of it? Or $100K's over a lifetime? Yeah I'd put value on a smartphone helping me live effectively during the course of it's lifecycle… $1800 divided by say 2 yrs avg ownership is $75 p/mth or $2.50 p/day.

      • TrumpisKing on 23/10/2020 - 07:58

        Sorry but how is opening a stupid smartphone life saving?
        Are you missing out on liking a list on Facebook from your BFF and you're going to die if you don't? 😂

        • freelife on 23/10/2020 - 08:57
          +1

          If you're out hiking in a remote location and you trip and break your leg… you only have a limited amount of decibels to yell for help. You could of course send smoke signals while simultaneously starting a bushfire, that would be highly effective.

          • xsacha on 07/11/2020 - 17:34

            @freelife: You're right. If you're hiking you'll definitely want a dumbphone with huge battery life.. oh wait.

  • JoKing on 17/10/2020 - 10:12
    +1

    Might not be the best idea but I'm trying to buy giftcards from people for around 10% off. It's not much but I guess every bit counts. It might mean I can buy a charger (thanks Apple) and a case.

    Another option is to price match to OW and they beat by 5% if you can find somewhere reputable that is selling them cheaper.

  • Flowerbomb on 18/10/2020 - 20:44
    +1

    Is it possible to buy 10% off jbhifi GCs?

    Unfortunately I can only buy from Jbhifi as I have some vouchers from Citibank. my work offers 5% off jb gift cards, which is the best I can get.

    • aayushapatel on 19/10/2020 - 11:34

      Yeah mate, that's what I was thinking too. I can get 5% off officeworks/coles group vouchers through work (and once they had a 10% off offer, of which I only have about $700 left on card). Not sure if I will be able to buy the phone in store or whether i can use gift cards online…
      Can anyone else confirm?

      • Flowerbomb on 19/10/2020 - 11:43

        You can use your GC both in store or online.

        There’s currently 6.5% off jbhifi GC currently if you are so inclined.

  • O O on 21/10/2020 - 17:59

    If you can access to 10% discount on TCN's "The Home Card*, you can use them to buy iPhone at JB Hi-Fi or TGG.

    • keenshopper on 21/10/2020 - 23:58

      Can you stack the gift cards? i.e. buying 10x $100 Home GC and use them all for one transaction for iPhone 12?

      • O O on 22/10/2020 - 01:14
        +1

        Yes, you can.

  • wsqwin on 29/10/2020 - 12:12

    You can save up $1k from not buying iPhone 12, then use this saving to buy an iPhone 12.

    • freelife on 30/10/2020 - 05:51
      +1

      Instructions unclear, I put my $1k in shares now it's worth $10k

  • skido on 07/11/2020 - 00:42
    -2

    I got it for 23% off through discounted gift cards (~14%) and credit card cashback :D

    • gamerkonks on 10/11/2020 - 16:30

      Please provide more details / be more specific.

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