Best Buy to Match Back to School Promo with $100 Store Gift Card

MacRumors · Jun 19, 2011, 10:20 AM

Readers who are disappointed with Apple's new Back to School promotion may be interested to hear that electronics retailer Best Buy is offering to match Apple's promotion with their own.

Apple recently launched their 2011 Back to School promotion. Instead of the typical iPod giveaway, Apple is now offering a $100 iTunes/App Store gift card instead. We've been told that Best Buy will be matching this promotion with a $100 Best Buy gift card for the same qualifying customers. This is an unadvertised promotion, so customers will have to ask for it specifically.

Apple's Back to School promotion is open to college students, students accepted to college, parents of college students or faculty/staff at any grade level. Qualifying computers include the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac Pro.

Article Link: Best Buy to Match Back to School Promo with $100 Store Gift Card

Apple Expert · Jun 19, 2011, 10:25 AM

Hopefully amazon is next.

campingsk8er · Jun 19, 2011, 10:26 AM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_7 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8E303 Safari/6533.18.5)

I think I'd rather have the apple gift card

deadlystriker · Jun 19, 2011, 10:27 AM

Glad I got the 2011 MBPs with the BTS free iPod touch earlier this year
(from AU).

Simplicated · Jun 19, 2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campingsk8er

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_7 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8E303 Safari/6533.18.5)

I think I'd rather have the apple gift card

I think I'd rather get the Best Buy one so I can buy some substantial stuff.

mattwolfmatt · Jun 19, 2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campingsk8er

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_7 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8E303 Safari/6533.18.5)

I think I'd rather have the apple gift card

You can use the Best buy gift card to buy the apple card. Also, if you're a reward zone member, you get 3-5% back of your purchase back, I think.

All else being equal, the Best Buy one is a better deal.

ten-oak-druid · Jun 19, 2011, 10:30 AM

Do you get an educational discount on a computer at Best Buy though?

The Apple store on-line or on campus gives $100 or more off the computer plus the $100 for buying apps or media (music, books or movies).

The benefit of the Best buy card is you can get DVD or CD and rip it instead of just the download.

darknite38 · Jun 19, 2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattwolfmatt

You can use the Best buy gift card to buy the apple card. Also, if you're a reward zone member, you get 3-5% back of your purchase back, I think.

All else being equal, the Best Buy one is a better deal.

You can't use gift cards to buy gift cards.

xdbuix · Jun 19, 2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darknite38

You can't use gift cards to buy gift cards.

that's wrong. I've done it so many times.

NinjaHERO · Jun 19, 2011, 10:43 AM

That's pretty cool. What a great way to steal some business from the Apple stores. Nice move.

xdbuix · Jun 19, 2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campingsk8er

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_7 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8E303 Safari/6533.18.5)

I think I'd rather have the apple gift card

btw the apple gift card is good for " Mac App Store, the App Store, the iTunes Store, and the iBookstore," which isnt as good as the best buy because it doesn't say you can buy at the apple store itself. My guess is they're tryign to push for online purchases esp with Lion coming up.

bigp9998 · Jun 19, 2011, 10:44 AM

Agree that the big question here is whether or not they will match the EDU price of Apple as well. The MacBook Airs have traditionally only gotten $50 off for education, so even if BB doesn't match them, it would still be a better deal for me. I'm also really hoping now that the new 13" Air comes with 4GB RAM standard, since you can't upgrade through BB, from what I understand.

ratzzo · Jun 19, 2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigp9998

Agree that the big question here is whether or not they will match the EDU price of Apple as well. The MacBook Airs have traditionally only gotten $50 off for education, so even if BB doesn't match them, it would still be a better deal for me.

When I purchased my MBP from Best Buy I asked if they had edu pricing and they said they didn't.. mm

Primejimbo · Jun 19, 2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darknite38

You can't use gift cards to buy gift cards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xdbuix

that's wrong. I've done it so many times.

Same here, then I get to go to the store I want. My favorite one was a Jewel gift card and got a Best Buy one form Jewel and got a Blu Ray player with it, I don't shop at Jewel, too expensive for my taste.

DTphonehome · Jun 19, 2011, 10:49 AM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8J2 Safari/6533.18.5)

So it's not open to parents of grade school children? I thought that it was. Kids are using computers at younger and younger ages now for school work.

robertcoogan · Jun 19, 2011, 10:50 AM

Wow. Of course the Best Buy card will come pre-installed with a "protection" software package provided by the Geek Squad. And when you go to get one, they won't have any in stock and will offer to sell you an upgraded card for a little extra. You will ask that the card not have the extra software installed on it, and they will at first say that they can't uninstall it, then a manager will come out and say that he or she will take care of it. You'll wait 45 min to an hour and a half (your boss will be pissed, of course), but you'll eventually walk away with your upgraded card which will of course not work when you get home.

Thanks, Best Buy!

ratzzo · Jun 19, 2011, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTphonehome

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8J2 Safari/6533.18.5)

So it's not open to parents of grade school children? I thought that it was. Kids are using computers at younger and younger ages now for school work.

I guess you could just have your children buy it for you

wordoflife · Jun 19, 2011, 10:56 AM

I'd definitely go with the Best Buy one given the option.

arcite · Jun 19, 2011, 10:57 AM

Here cometh the coupon arms race!

redshovel · Jun 19, 2011, 11:02 AM

Yes very good but do you get the 14% off the purchase price of a MBP at Best Buy too?

randomrazr · Jun 19, 2011, 11:05 AM

best buy card is the better deal. with 100$, u can buy more than just crap off the mac app store like a sleeve for ur macbook or put it towards apple care. actually, get best buy to match the education discount on apple care which i think knocks 100 off it, than use the best buy 100 card on it too, so u get apple care cheap for macbook pro XD

wordoflife · Jun 19, 2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshovel

Yes very good but do you get the 14% off the purchase price of a MBP at Best Buy too?

Wait a second! Good point.
Is BestBuy knocking the price of the computer down and providing this card -or- just giving the card with standard prices?

Wayfarer · Jun 19, 2011, 11:06 AM

I love Best Buy but no education discount = no sale.

Win, epic fail sauce or stalemate? You decide.

Macmaniac · Jun 19, 2011, 11:13 AM

Unless Best Buy is matching the $100 off the MBP for edu pricing then going with BB would be a silly idea. While some may not like the $100 iTunes card at least ur getting $100 off the computer as well. Oh and don't forget $66 off AppleCare on the 13 and $110 off AppleCare on the 15 when u buy through Apple! Oh and the $99 printer rebate as well, so check first or you could miss out on $300 worth of discounts and offers through Apple.

x-kid · Jun 19, 2011, 11:17 AM

i always use best buy gift cards to purchase amazon gift cards.

Jun 19, 2011, 10:20 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Best Buy to Match Back to School Promo with $100 Store Gift Card Readers who are disappointed with Apple's new Back to School promotion may be interested to hear that electronics retailer Best Buy is offering to match Apple's promotion with their own. Apple recently launched their 2011 Back to School promotion. Instead of the typical iPod giveaway, Apple is now offering a $100 iTunes/App Store gift card instead. We've been told that Best Buy will be matching this promotion with a $100 Best Buy gift card for the same qualifying customers. This is an unadvertised promotion, so customers will have to ask for it specifically. Apple's Back to School promotion is open to college students, students accepted to college, parents of college students or faculty/staff at any grade level. Qualifying computers include the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac Pro. Article Link: Best Buy to Match Back to School Promo with $100 Store Gift Card
	0

Jun 19, 2011, 10:25 AM	#2
Apple Expert macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2010	Hopefully amazon is next. __________________ 2011 13" MacBook Air \| iPhone 4S \| The New iPad \| Apple TV 3 \| Mine 2011 13" MacBook Air \| iPhone 4S \| The New iPad \| Hers
	0

Jun 19, 2011, 10:26 AM	#3
campingsk8er macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southern Maryland	Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_7 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8E303 Safari/6533.18.5) I think I'd rather have the apple gift card
	-3

Jun 19, 2011, 10:27 AM	#4
deadlystriker macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2011	Glad I got the 2011 MBPs with the BTS free iPod touch earlier this year (from AU). __________________ MacBook Pro 2011 15" 2.2 i7 / 8 GB RAM / 256 GB SSD / Hi-Res Anti Glare Apple Cinema HD Display 30" , MacBook Air 2010 Ultimate 11" SL 10.6.8 White iPhone 4 32GB,
	0

Jun 19, 2011, 10:30 AM	#7
ten-oak-druid macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jan 2010	Do you get an educational discount on a computer at Best Buy though? The Apple store on-line or on campus gives $100 or more off the computer plus the $100 for buying apps or media (music, books or movies). The benefit of the Best buy card is you can get DVD or CD and rip it instead of just the download. __________________ Sure Timothy Dolan looks nice in that flamboyant robe but he is just too intolerant to respect.
	3

Jun 19, 2011, 10:43 AM	#10
NinjaHERO macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: U S of A	That's pretty cool. What a great way to steal some business from the Apple stores. Nice move. __________________ MBP 13", Iphone 4S My book, G.H.O.S.T. Teams and my youtube series, Chronicles Of Zombia
	0

Jun 19, 2011, 10:44 AM	#12
bigp9998 macrumors regular Join Date: Dec 2007	Agree that the big question here is whether or not they will match the EDU price of Apple as well. The MacBook Airs have traditionally only gotten $50 off for education, so even if BB doesn't match them, it would still be a better deal for me. I'm also really hoping now that the new 13" Air comes with 4GB RAM standard, since you can't upgrade through BB, from what I understand.
	3

Jun 19, 2011, 10:49 AM	#15
DTphonehome macrumors 65816 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NYC	Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8J2 Safari/6533.18.5) So it's not open to parents of grade school children? I thought that it was. Kids are using computers at younger and younger ages now for school work.
	0

Jun 19, 2011, 10:50 AM	#16
robertcoogan macrumors member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Joshua Tree, CA	Best Buy...??? Wow. Of course the Best Buy card will come pre-installed with a "protection" software package provided by the Geek Squad. And when you go to get one, they won't have any in stock and will offer to sell you an upgraded card for a little extra. You will ask that the card not have the extra software installed on it, and they will at first say that they can't uninstall it, then a manager will come out and say that he or she will take care of it. You'll wait 45 min to an hour and a half (your boss will be pissed, of course), but you'll eventually walk away with your upgraded card which will of course not work when you get home. Thanks, Best Buy!
	-13

Jun 19, 2011, 10:56 AM	#18
wordoflife macrumors 604 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Republic City, URN.	I'd definitely go with the Best Buy one given the option. __________________ "When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change."
	4

Jun 19, 2011, 10:57 AM	#19
arcite macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cairo, trapped in a pyramid with my iphone	Here cometh the coupon arms race! __________________ Late 2010 13' Macbook Pro ---- iPad 3
	1

Jun 19, 2011, 11:02 AM	#20
redshovel macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2007	Yes very good but do you get the 14% off the purchase price of a MBP at Best Buy too? __________________ 2012 rMBP 2.6GHz/16GB/512GB iPhone 5 32GB Black iPad 3rd Gen 32GB WiFi iPod Nano 16Gb 4th Gen
	-2

Jun 19, 2011, 11:05 AM	#21
randomrazr Banned Join Date: Jan 2011	best buy card is the better deal. with 100$, u can buy more than just crap off the mac app store like a sleeve for ur macbook or put it towards apple care. actually, get best buy to match the education discount on apple care which i think knocks 100 off it, than use the best buy 100 card on it too, so u get apple care cheap for macbook pro XD
	0

Jun 19, 2011, 11:06 AM	#23
Wayfarer macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2007	I love Best Buy but no education discount = no sale. Win, epic fail sauce or stalemate? You decide.
	-1

Jun 19, 2011, 11:13 AM	#24
Macmaniac macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: A tiny spec in the "Garden State", 1 square mile in area, somewhere on the outskirts of town by the railroad tracks	Unless Best Buy is matching the $100 off the MBP for edu pricing then going with BB would be a silly idea. While some may not like the $100 iTunes card at least ur getting $100 off the computer as well. Oh and don't forget $66 off AppleCare on the 13 and $110 off AppleCare on the 15 when u buy through Apple! Oh and the $99 printer rebate as well, so check first or you could miss out on $300 worth of discounts and offers through Apple. __________________ The customer is NOT always right
	5

Jun 19, 2011, 11:17 AM	#25
x-kid macrumors newbie Join Date: Jun 2010	i always use best buy gift cards to purchase amazon gift cards. __________________ '11 Macbook Pro 13", i5, 8GB Ram, 240GB Vertex 3 SSD, WD Black 750GB HDD in optical bay.
	1

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Apple's Back to School Promo Launching Wednesday With $100 iTunes Gift Cards?	MacRumors	MacRumors.com News Discussion	553	Aug 21, 2011 10:07 AM
Back to Mac - Its working	Appleind	Mac OS X 10.7 Lion	2	Jul 24, 2011 01:46 PM
Updates to Macbook Pro during Back to School Promo?	afurry13	Buying Tips and Advice	25	Jun 1, 2009 06:06 PM
Apple's Back to School Promo Launching This Week? To include iPhone?	MacRumors	MacRumors.com News Discussion	98	May 27, 2009 10:52 AM