Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sargx]

I just placed an order for a Macbook on the Korean site. So I checked the Order Status and it said:

출고 예정일 2008/11/24
배송 예정일: 2008/11/28

Is it really going to take a month? I leave Korea on 11/30, so you can see my problem with the delay. Is this normal? I thought Mac was all about the 'fast' delivery and 'supa' service.

[ulmaeri]

That may be due in part to the supply of new macbooks in Korea. None of the stores have the new macbooks in stock. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple Korea was placing special orders with the factory. Apple USA seems to have a faster shipping speed than here. Unless you were shooting for getting your VAT refund, it may be better to wait until you get home.

[sargx]

Actually, I didn't know anything about VAT tax refunds. The tax I was charged was: 243,000 KRW. How do I reclaim this? Just show my invoice to the customs official on the way out?

With the way the won is it's cheaper to buy it here and bring it home than to convert my money to USD and buy it.

[ulsanchris]

isn't hte new pricing on macbooks completely out of whack with prices in the US and elsewhere. Check the price wherever you are going to and buy where it is cheaper.

[ulmaeri]

@sargx
When I got my VAT refund on my macbook white, I had to set it up at COEX. There was a form that they did for me that I had to present to a booth at the airport.
I don't know if this will work for purchases over the internet.
@ulsanchris
I agree that the prices are ridiculous, but right now the MBP is only about 300 to 400k won more than in the US. That is taking into account the current exchange rate. Factor in tax and shipping fees and it doesn't look too bad. If the economy flips and won to dollar evened out, I would purchase mine from the US. I am hoping that COEX gets their shipment in and still does the VAT refund. Or I may have to go the education discount route.

[mrscarlett]

Hey Sarg,

I ordered the new ipod 4th gen online when it first came out, was intially told that it would take a month to deliver but it came in 3 weeks and it was actually in the shops before i got it.

So maybe you could expect to see you macbook sonner than you think.

Any updates on your delivery status for your macbook?

[ParanoidAndroid]

I bought a Macbook in the US. It took about 3-4 weeks for it to be delivered. I was surprised but i guess that 3-4 weeks is pretty standard. It was a long wait.

[ciccone_youth]

Is it really that long?

I'm planning to order a Macbook as soon as I go back to Canada in February. Should I order it in January to make sure it arrives when I do?

[bassexpander]

[sargx]

yeah, it was a mistype, i ordered it in October. I actually cancelled it, figured I could just pick it up in the states if I still wanted one. It was an impulse buy anyway.

[mrscarlett]

Ordered the macbook on apple korea last Tuesday due to be delivered today or tomorrow.

[jlb]

Have you checked auction.co.kr or gmarket or some of those other sites? I bought my Macbook from auction and it was 100 000 cheaper than the Apple Store and arrived at my house the next day.

[JBomb]

mac is terribly slow at shipping things. 1 month is normal.