Shopping at Bic Camera - How Do Points Work
Jun 20, 2025 | 9:51 pm
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: HNL
Posts: 1,161
I was at the Yurakucho Bic Camera today, and saw that instead of 10 BIC points, you can get 3 JAL Miles instead. I should have tried it, but didn't. This might be a good option for those buying stuff under the tax-free limit and who don't have / can't get a Bic account.
Jun 23, 2025 | 3:05 am
#17
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 47,144
If the Macbook air is on amazon, why not have it go to a amazon locker/counter (or a postal annex/ups store mailbox) in oregon (no sales tax)? Should be cheaper shipping down to cali than deleware if using the private mailbox. There are apple stores in beaverton at washington square mall or bridgeport village in tigard (I'd avoid the pioneer square downtown portland location).if you want to go to an apple store in oregon. There is also a best buy in medford if you're looking closer to cali border.
I abhor cali's excessive taxes for the dismal services it provides to actual tax payers, so I fully support this line of thinking
I abhor cali's excessive taxes for the dismal services it provides to actual tax payers, so I fully support this line of thinking
I can confirm that Bic Camera will not award points for tax free purchases - it's definitely one or the other.
I can also confirm that it's a good idea to check with Yodabashi Camera for small appliances and personal care items (or even Macbooks) when Bic Camera claims 'out of stock' - I went to get my toothbrush at Bic Camera in Sapporo only to be told out of stock and at least one month to restock, I almost left Japan without getting it, then it dawned on me to check Yodabashi - and voila, they had stock. Also same policy there - tax free or points/coupons.
Bic had a pretty sizeable coupon for the Macbook, but it was restricted to residents with a Japan drivers license or local ID.
Jun 23, 2025 | 10:10 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: SAS Eurobonus - Blue / Emirates Skywards - Blue
Posts: 637
Heres a data point if it helps.
Bought a new Mac Mini over the weekend due to Apple putting my 2018 mini on vintage list plus no Tahoe support ( used for work so need latest OS / repairable)
The points percentage on Apple products is 5% not 10% mainly because Apple fixes the price - 10% applies to products where its an "open" price and retailers can set whatever price they like.
In the end I got about 8,000 yen off the price of the mini plus applecare - 10% (1,540) discount on the apple care and 7,500 points roughly for the Mini that were put against the apple care bringing it down to like 7,300 yen
It seems like the 512/24GB model is quite popular - like very little stock...
Bought a new Mac Mini over the weekend due to Apple putting my 2018 mini on vintage list plus no Tahoe support ( used for work so need latest OS / repairable)
The points percentage on Apple products is 5% not 10% mainly because Apple fixes the price - 10% applies to products where its an "open" price and retailers can set whatever price they like.
In the end I got about 8,000 yen off the price of the mini plus applecare - 10% (1,540) discount on the apple care and 7,500 points roughly for the Mini that were put against the apple care bringing it down to like 7,300 yen
It seems like the 512/24GB model is quite popular - like very little stock...