Wal-Mart, T-Mobile G1 Debate Continues

"5 Reasons Against Wal-Mart Selling The T-Mobile G1,"

Over at Wired, Charles Sorrel calls out all of the "whiners," me included, who he claims are "incensed" by the national discount chain carrying the T-Mobile G1 for $31.11 cheaper than in T-Mobile stores -- $148.88 at Wal-Mart compared to $179.99 at T-Mobile.

To claim that I'm incensed is a bit strong. But, hey, in a tough economy Sorrel gets it right when he says "thirty bucks is thirty bucks."

But I think my point may have been missed. I'm all for folks being able to save a few greenbacks, especially right now and with the holidays approaching. I'm not condemning Wal-Mart or its discount strategy and I am in no way saying that the lower price is a bad thing.

My sticking point is the timing. One week. Seven days. Half a fortnight. That's all it took for T-Mobile to turn around and drop the price tag. For consumers that's a real slap in the face, even if we early adopters can be considered "nerds." Are folks who buy the T-Mobile G1 at Wal-Mart today also not early adopters? They still get it within the first week or so of availability. How early is early?

Also, since Sorrel brought Apple and its iPhone pricing flap into the mix, I'd like to offer my kudos to Steve Jobs and company for offering angered consumers a little something extra after it pulled the rug out from under them. A $100 store credit was a fair solution to a $200 problem. But even Apple waited two months before dropping the iPhone price from $599 to $399. Had T-Mobile waited, it would've been an easier pill to swallow.

Granted, T-Mobile likely won't offer a $30 rebate, because "thirty bucks is thirty bucks, right?" But I wouldn't mind finding a rebate check or voucher in my mailbox. It's only fair. Most major retailers offer similar incentives, allowing consumers to bring in their receipts for a refund of the difference if the price drops within 30 days of purchase, or honoring the price of a competitor if both stores stock the same item.

I've still received no response to my note to T-Mobile about whether they will offer any type of discount or rebate to folks who shelled out full price for a G1 a week before it hits Wal-Mart shelves.

I'm sticking to my guns on reason No. 5. It is Wal-Mart that is selling the device. Yes, Wal-Mart offers myriad products, but it is not my first stop for electronics, regardless of price. Mr. Sorrel can chuckle all he wants, but I'd be interested to learn how many smart phones he's purchased from Wal-Mart over the years and if he buys any other sort of computer or electronic equipment from Wal-Mart.

"What is Wal-Mart supposed to do? Stifle sales by keeping its price artificially high, just to avoid the complaints of a few nerds?" Mr. Sorrel asks. The onus is not on Wal-Mart, it's on T-Mobile to make good in this situation. T-Mobile authorized the discounted sale of the G1 at Wal-Mart.

Also, I don't really consider myself "price-sensitive," though if I can save some cash, I try to. And I have had a free Motorola RAZR, and let's just say you get what you pay for.