Best Buy Introduces $149 iPhones
Best Buy Co. Inc. has started selling refurbished models of Apple’s iPhone 3G for $50 less than the original retail price of the mobile devices.
Customers can now own an 8 gigabyte model of the iPhone 3G for $149, compared to the original debut price of $199, and a 16 gigabyte model for $249 rather than $299.
Customers are required to sign on to a two-year service contract with AT&T Inc.
Best Buy said it will begin selling the refurbished phones in 350 of its store locations nationwide. The company plans to make the used phones available at all stores offering AT&T service by the end of the month.
"This is focusing on customers’ needs, trying to provide as wide a range of products and networks for our consumers," said Scott Moore, vice president of marketing for Best Buy Mobile.
Moore said AT&T, the exclusive wireless provider for the iPhone, offers refurbished iPhones online.
"The refreshed iPhone is a great example of the depth of our offering, and clear evidence of why Best Buy is the best place to purchase a mobile phone,” said Moore.
Refurbished phones are those that have been returned within 30 days of purchase.
Last week, Wal-Mart introduced the iPhone in its stores for $197. Other retailers include Apple’s own retail stores and AT&T stores.
The iPhone 3G was introduced on July 11, 2008 as the speedier predecessor to the original iPhone, which was introduced on June 29, 2007.
Moore said Best Buy’s move was not in response to other retailers’ actions.
Best Buy does not currently offer refurbished models of other mobile phones.
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