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U2Rules!
Jul 7, 2004, 08:39 AM
So much for Apple earning a long time customer. I order a PB Monday and today I see an offer for $200 of an Ipod with the purchase of a PB. I call and am told that I don't qualify for the offer and I can't return my PB because I had an 80 GB HD added. What BS! :mad:



BakedBeans
Jul 7, 2004, 08:43 AM
So much for Apple earning a long time customer. I order a PB Monday and today I see an offer for $200 of an Ipod with the purchase of a PB. I call and am told that I don't qualify for the offer and I can't return my PB because I had an 80 GB HD added. What BS! :mad:
have you recieved your pb yet?????

U2Rules!
Jul 7, 2004, 08:46 AM
No, It was just shipped this a.m.

atszyman
Jul 7, 2004, 09:12 AM
I may be completely wrong about this but aren't they supposed to wait until they ship to charge your credit card? If so then the purchase was made today since it shipped today and you should be eligible for the offer.

If not look at it this way, you probably saved more money because you didn't end up spending an extra $70-$270 on an ipod and you'll get your PB before everyone else. You can also laugh at the rest of us when the iPods get updated in Sept/Oct and do everything the rest of us wanted and are now stuck with the iPods we got now.

I have been waiting for this offer since I remembered it form last year and the thread rumor of it has been here for a week. I really didn't need it and could afford to wait until next Tuesday if they took that long especially since I have a mid-term on Monday and don't need the distraction of a new toy to interfere with studying.

I have also long ago resigned myself to the fact that the minute I make a computer purchase there will be price cuts and spectacular rebate offers that I am not eligible for, it's more certain than Moore's Law.

U2Rules!
Jul 7, 2004, 09:20 AM
You're probably correct. It's just frustrating to talk to someone from Apple and they're so non-chalant, "Sorry, it needed to be purchased today, I know you bought it 2 days ago, and it just shipped 5 minutes ago, nothing we can do." I asked about returning it and was told I couldn't????? something about me adding an 80 Gb HD, can't return special orders. This was all news to me.

PlaceofDis
Jul 7, 2004, 09:27 AM
i dont see why you would not be able to return a BTO powerbook. They would have to let you do that, but simply returning it and then repurchasing it to gain access to the sale would be wrong and is not allowed

caveman_uk
Jul 7, 2004, 09:36 AM
My recollection was that you've never been able to return build-to-order machines unless there's actually something wrong with them. Sadly finding a better deal a couple of days later isn't included in that...

U2Rules!
Jul 7, 2004, 09:37 AM
i dont see why you would not be able to return a BTO powerbook. They would have to let you do that, but simply returning it and then repurchasing it to gain access to the sale would be wrong and is not allowed

How about if I returned my newly ordered 12in. PB and upgraded to the 15in. PB and became eligible for the Ipod discount? Would that be allowed?

atszyman
Jul 7, 2004, 09:37 AM
From Apples sales and refund pollicy site
http://store.apple.com/1-800-780-5009/WebObjects/EducationIndividual.woa/70501/wo/h12elrbgghoY2eQmGsWkg54vPnC/4.3.0.6.5.0.1.3.1.1.0?85,15

Please note that Apple does not permit the return of or offer refunds for the following products:
1. Product that is custom configured to your specifications
2. Opened memory
3. Opened software
4. Electronic software downloads

zoetropeuk
Jul 7, 2004, 09:44 AM
If you bought it in the UK you would be allowed to return it under the distance selling regulations as long as it was purchased online and shipped to you. You are allowed to return ANY item within seven days if it's not satisfactory in any way.

It doesn't matter if Apple has a notice on their site telling you that you can't return BTO products. Apple doesn't make the law but it's enough to scare people off. Too many people simply believe what they read.

atszyman
Jul 7, 2004, 09:50 AM
The policy quoted does not apply to defective products, if there is something legitimately wrong Apple will take it back, however if you order a stock computer from Apple you have 10 days in which you can return it for any reason you see fit even if there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

PlaceofDis
Jul 7, 2004, 09:53 AM
thanks for clarifying that for me....

BakedBeans
Jul 7, 2004, 10:37 AM
if i were you i would phone up and tell them that you are not taking delivery of it and that your willing to pay a restoking fee (if you are of course")

dont let them bully you

the future
Jul 7, 2004, 10:41 AM
If you bought it in the UK you would be allowed to return it under the distance selling regulations as long as it was purchased online and shipped to you. You are allowed to return ANY item within seven days if it's not satisfactory in any way.

It doesn't matter if Apple has a notice on their site telling you that you can't return BTO products. Apple doesn't make the law but it's enough to scare people off. Too many people simply believe what they read.

I don't think that's true. AFAIK BTO products are specifically mentioned in those regulations as products that cannot be returned so easily.

abhishekit
Jul 7, 2004, 10:46 AM
Where is that offer?? I don't see anything on the US website :confused:

Horrortaxi
Jul 7, 2004, 10:58 AM
It's unfortunate that they came out with a better deal right after you bought you PowerBook. That happens sometimes and there isn't anything you can do about it. Everytime some product goes on sale or has its price dropped, somebody paid full price for it the day before. Sucks. Personally, I stop reading ads for a few weeks after I make a big purchase.

What concerns me is that you didn't know you couldn't return a BTO PowerBook. They make it pretty clear. Didn't you read the agreement?

And why don't you qualify for the iPod promotion? You're not a student? If you don't qualify you don't qualify.

Try not to hold a grudge against your PowerBook when you get it.

Grimace
Jul 7, 2004, 11:05 AM
Where is that offer?? I don't see anything on the US website :confused:
You have to go to the Apple EDU website - here is the offer
http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/579/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/cp_top_cramjam_ipp_0704.gif

U2Rules!
Jul 7, 2004, 11:06 AM
I ordered by phone, no one ever told me about the no return of BTO. I am a graduate student, but since I ordered mine 48 hours before the deal started, I'm screwed. Very Microsoft like of Apple.

I won't hold it against my Powerbook though, just Apple.

MacRy
Jul 7, 2004, 11:14 AM
I ordered by phone, no one ever told me about the no return of BTO. I am a graduate student, but since I ordered mine 48 hours before the deal started, I'm screwed. Very Microsoft like of Apple.

I won't hold it against my Powerbook though, just Apple.

How's that very Microsoft like of Apple?

Dude if you missed the deal you missed the deal - tough! You can't bitch about it just because you ordered before it came out. It's just bad timing that's all. I brought a 17" iMac the day before they released updated specs but I didn't automatically think "Oh dear god Apple are evil money grabbing corporate a-holes! Poor me, I must make them take my iMac back and swap it"

crap freakboy
Jul 7, 2004, 11:18 AM
Win Blows

Sorry, couldn't resist it.

Tough break about missing the offer, perhaps if you bug them enough (politely) they may give in.

flyfish29
Jul 7, 2004, 11:23 AM
I ordered by phone, no one ever told me about the no return of BTO. I am a graduate student, but since I ordered mine 48 hours before the deal started, I'm screwed. Very Microsoft like of Apple.

I won't hold it against my Powerbook though, just Apple.

This is common in all retail. Unfortunately they have to draw the line someplace. when I got my iMac I was just past the 30 days in order to get the free upgrade to Panther. It sucked that I couldn't get it and I tried many times but to no avail. For that they did offer a 30 day window for buyers, but with this it is a "sale" for all intents and purposes. But what about the people at day 31 and longer. where does one draw the line? It is a hard decision for retailers to make as the industry is very tight right now. Yes, there are many stores that offer a discount for 30 days after purchase if it goes cheaper, but Apple doesn't do that. They don't make tons of money off these things when you consider how much software and hardware development they do these days. I know how tight money is in grad school as I am too. Just enjoy the powerbook and I would rec. trying at least two more times with Apple to argue your point. Be nice and they will probably do something for you if you try a couple of times. they have some flexibilitywith the system and maybe they can do something. Good luck.

U2Rules!
Jul 7, 2004, 11:30 AM
I've emailed Apple very politely and explained my situation. They responded that since my PB was shipped, thus I was billed, before the sale started that I have no recourse. Guess what time my PB was shipped and me billed???? 11:56 p.m. on July 6th. Planned on their part ya think? 5 minutes later and I'm eligible. :mad:

DGFan
Jul 7, 2004, 11:36 AM
If you bought it in the UK you would be allowed to return it under the distance selling regulations as long as it was purchased online and shipped to you. You are allowed to return ANY item within seven days if it's not satisfactory in any way.


And people wonder why things cost more from Apple in the UK....

viper1701
Jul 7, 2004, 11:36 AM
I feel for you U2RULES- don't listen to these assholes saying "tough luck." My brother bought a 15" PB Monday of last week and I specifically asked at the Apple Store about iPod deals and they said, of course, sorry that promotion ended last year. The sales reps didn't know any better at the time. But I am still pissed that I could have had a new iPod and now I don't because of one lowsy week. In my opinon, and I am a dihard apple fan, that is really ****ty of them. Especially in your case- 5 minutes should not matter.

You could try going to an Apple store. It might be harder for them to reject you in person, especially if you are loud so other customers feel bad for you.

Good luck, man
-Jeff

abhishekit
Jul 7, 2004, 11:38 AM
I've emailed Apple very politely and explained my situation. They responded that since my PB was shipped, thus I was billed, before the sale started that I have no recourse. Guess what time my PB was shipped and me billed???? 11:56 p.m. on July 6th. Planned on their part ya think? 5 minutes later and I'm eligible. :mad:

oh man , that sucks. I bought a pb 2-3 weeks back. And I sold my iPod and iBook for that :rolleyes:. I just called apple, just for fun. And told them that sice they have 'reduced' prices within a month i am eligible for the new deal. :D , he din't take that ofcourse. Asked me if I wanted to buy a new pb today..
:D
anyways, this makes it certain that new iPods are coming in september. so that's some consolation.

cheers

x86isslow
Jul 7, 2004, 11:42 AM
I've emailed Apple very politely and explained my situation. They responded that since my PB was shipped, thus I was billed, before the sale started that I have no recourse. Guess what time my PB was shipped and me billed???? 11:56 p.m. on July 6th. Planned on their part ya think? 5 minutes later and I'm eligible. :mad:

you know, you aren't the only one getting apple stuff for college, so if someone already has an iPod, and is getting a powerbook, just pay them to get you the iPod and you're set.

jxyama
Jul 7, 2004, 11:42 AM
I feel for you U2RULES- don't listen to these assholes saying "tough luck." My brother bought a 15" PB Monday of last week and I specifically asked at the Apple Store about iPod deals and they said, of course, sorry that promotion ended last year. The sales reps didn't know any better at the time. But I am still pissed that I could have had a new iPod and now I don't because of one lowsy week. In my opinon, and I am a dihard apple fan, that is really ****ty of them. Especially in your case- 5 minutes should not matter.

You could try going to an Apple store. It might be harder for them to reject you in person, especially if you are loud so other customers feel bad for you.

Good luck, man
-Jeff

give me a break. :rolleyes:

it sucks, but don't make it sound like apple personally tried to screwed you or your brother.

go ahead and make an arse out of yourself at the store. that's really mature. you are essentially asking apple to do you a favor. act like you are asking for one instead of being "entitled" to one just because timing was slightly off.

netytan
Jul 7, 2004, 11:50 AM
Planned no, most companies dispatch at the same time every day. It makes no difference if thats 5 min or 23 hours before the offer started. It hadn't started when you placed your order so its just something you'll have to deal with sorry. Though i agree, its a bummer!

Enjoy the PowerBook,

Mark.

netytan
Jul 7, 2004, 12:05 PM
This guys sounds like he could solve your problems:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=78613

porovaara
Jul 7, 2004, 12:09 PM
Uh. So you missed the offer during your order process and you are complaining? Too bad, suck it up and deal; you are already getting a discount on the machine if you are buying it from the educational site. At any rate you are getting exactly what you paid for, so how does the make "Apple Suck"?

Grimace
Jul 7, 2004, 12:20 PM
You may be able to find someone who is buying a new Powerbook that can add on an iPod to sell to you. People here are nice! :p

pcharles
Jul 7, 2004, 10:02 PM
And people wonder why things cost more from Apple in the UK....

I'm just back from the UK visiting my parents and I have to say that Apple products are not the only things to cost more over there. It is not clear to me why many items cost about 50% more than in America. This cannot be accounted for by VAT alone.

Apples pricing of the eMac, for example, at $599 for the basic model places it at about $1100 given the current exchange rate. This may seem a lot, but compared to other things we saw there, it is quite reasonable. On a motorway service station we saw a Big Mac meal for £5.99, which is about $11 and that is with a 10 ounce drink and no free refills.

Crazy!

Muzukun
Jul 7, 2004, 11:27 PM
this is one of those things I really find myself hating about apple... I know other stores offer some stupid deal where if a sale comes up X days after you buy it they'll let you have that sale... I asked apple and this when I was there talking to them about it and nupe, nothing of the sort... somehow that really puts off my idea of getting the PB... especially since there seems to be this magical new imac coming out... could be one step closer to a G5 powerbook or something -.-

Vlade
Jul 7, 2004, 11:39 PM
I see these messages way to often on this forum, people complaining because something new and better arrived. Its the way things work people, companies constantly improve their products and services all the time, remember that as soon as you order your computer it is allready outdated.

Sun Baked
Jul 8, 2004, 12:15 AM
So much for Apple earning a long time customer. I order a PB Monday and today I see an offer for $200 of an Ipod with the purchase of a PB. I call and am told that I don't qualify for the offer and I can't return my PB because I had an 80 GB HD added. What BS! :mad:It's still the consumer's responsibility to read the fine print and make sure they know about the return policy before they spend thousands of their dollars.

You got nailed by the fine print on a BTO system, it's that is not Apple's fault. And most car sales contracts are much worse than this.

Of course if you ever sell your soul to the devil you'd better read the contract. ;)

smharmon
Jul 8, 2004, 06:14 AM
Um, I hate to say it, but you need to make a good habit of reading these threads before making a purchase. I know for a fact the rumor of this ipod deal was started before you made the purchase, and as I recall, the informant said it would be just one week, and if it didn't happen, move on. I always check for stuff like that, especially before a major purchase...

bigsteve
Jul 8, 2004, 04:54 PM
Nearly the same thing just happened to me!! Well, with one difference, my PB was a standard configuration and not a BTO. I called Apple and they told me that there was nothing that they could do, then I asked what would happen if I refused delivery of the PB and then reordered. The lady said that I would get my money back for the original purchase and then the second purchase would qualify for the promotion.

So what I'm wondering is what happens if you refuse delivery of a BTO machine, instead of simply returning it, could you get your money back that way?