Apple has begun offering China refurbished iPods and iMacs, but at prices higher than U.S. retail prices, according to reports Monday.
In one example, a 2.8 GHz iMac discounted by 12 percent to $2,059 is still priced higher than the U.S. pre-sales tax $1,799.
While only 0.25 percent of the huge China market, the Asian giant helped Apple increase third-quarter sales by 49 percent, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Apple’s slim market share in China is due to its high prices. Research firm IDC called China a “niche market” for Apple.
Apple opened its first retail outlet in China last year.
In related news, electronics retailer Best Buy launched a discount of up to $100 for ‘Reward Zone’ members. The discount, available through February 28, reduces the $199 8GB iPhone and 16GB iPhone version to $99 and $199, respectively. Regular Reward Zone members would receive a $50 discount on the handsets regularly priced at $199 and $249.
