Best Buy drops unactivated iPhones

RICHFIELD, Minn. -- Best Buy Co. said it stopped some sales of Apple Inc.'s iPhone X and iPhone 8 after consumers complained about the retailer charging a $100 premium on the already expensive smartphones.

The company, one of Apple's key retail partners, still sells all iPhone models via carrier installment plans that let customers pay for the devices over several months. The price of these payment programs are the same as the monthly plans offered directly by carriers like Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc., and are similar to offerings on Apple's website.

Last week, when users went to Best Buy's website to purchase an iPhone X at the full, upfront price, Best Buy charged $1,099 and $1,249 for the two configurations. Apple's pricing is $999 and $1,149.

"Although there was clearly demand for the unactivated iPhone X, selling it that way cost more money, causing some confusion with our customers and noise in the media," Best Buy spokesman Danielle Schumann said. "That's why we decided a few days ago to only sell the phone the traditional way, through installment billing plans."

Apple didn't comment on Best Buy's move when asked about it on Tuesday.

Business on 11/01/2017

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