Panther TECH

Came here to checkout the new MacBook, there was only one person attending the entire store. She was busy and kept us waiting. The prices were covered by a paper, I don’t know if it was more expensive or less expensive who knows. I kept waiting till I left. Atleast say hello or acknowledge my existence when I seem interested in buying something.

Over 20 minutes to process a simple return on unopened items. It literally felt like they were making me wait for wanting to return. One previous customer, the person helping me had to get someone else which she failed to do while she was helping the previous customer. The person that finally processed the return was condescending and reprimanding. Very unpleasant and certainly unprofessional, not impressed.

Panther TECH is conveniently located in the FIU Graham Center (GC) on the MMC campus. It is an all-​in-​one electronics shop which carries laptops, tablets, accessories, software, computer repairs, and upgrades at competitive prices.
Since this store is affiliated with an educational institution, the education discounts (i.e. 5−10% on Apple products) automatically apply to all electronics as per manufacturer guidelines — this is something you typically have to ask for or be ‘in-​the-​know’ about when shopping at normal retailers like Best Buy, etc.
I have visited this store multiple times over the past few months to shop around options for a laptop purchase for personal and business use. Being an employee and alumnus of FIU, I spend a lot of time on campus and having a technology store proved to be very beneficial in my quest of hands-​on, product research… in addition to ConsumerReports, of course. Panther TECH carries a variety of brands: Dell, HP, Sony, and Apple products. Everything is shown neatly on display similar to what you would encounter at either an Apple Store or Microsoft Store.
My first visit was for a MacBook diagnostic which cost $ 30. I left the computer for about one week and received a follow-​up email from the IT associate letting me know of the update. He took care of minor issues and it was returned to me as a high-​functioning computer later that week. The most recent time, I opted to purchase a MacBook Pro from the shop and utilized an AWESOME FIU EMPLOYEE perk of the godsend, payroll deduction! Be sure to submit the form first to get approval and then come in guns a’ blazing to make that mega-​purchase! (min. $ 500). I came back two days later and made my decision. The overall process went smooth and check-​out lasted about an hour. I walked out of the store elated beyond belief! What an easy shopping experience!
All the store associates are extremely friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this store to anyone looking for a courteous and no-​pressure experience when shopping for electronics!
Closest parking is metered in Lot #33 and for those with a decal, best parking spot is the Gold Parking Garage.