Back to School to Start Tomorrow - $100 App Store Gift Card Confirmed

[Manual1986]

Just purchase a mac

I purchased 2 macs not even a week ago. Does any one know if I would be eligible for the promotion or do I actually have to go through the return process and buying them all over again?

 

[OllyW]

I purchased 2 macs not even a week ago. Does any one know if I would be eligible for the promotion or do I actually have to go through the return process and buying them all over again?

BTS 2011 runs between June 16, 2011, and September 20, 2011. Phone Apple and see if you can come to an arrangement.

 

[ratzzo]

I purchased 2 macs not even a week ago. Does any one know if I would be eligible for the promotion or do I actually have to go through the return process and buying them all over again?

I believe there is a 14 day window prior to the promotion when purchases are still valid/qualify. So you could just go to the store with your ticket and they might just give you the card.

 

[steadysignal]

For those of dramatic lore... Click Me, then Click the Blue button

For me, idiotic decision beyond anything. One word: Xbox_360!

yeah, PC makers are really liking that subsidy now...

 

[Gasu E.]

I suppose the minority of new Mac purchasers who were planning on a free iPod are disappointed, but frankly, this is better for the majority of customers. Not everyone needs a new iPod. Everyone who has an iPxx or a Mac can use this. It ties in much better with the underlying purchase of a new Mac. And unlike the previous promos, this is not restricted to Apple products.

 

[Burton8219]

I suppose one could make the argument that people should be disappointed in this, but its not a strong one. The more and more I read this thread the more it seems that people were planning on buying a machine based mostly on what they were going to get free (i.e. the "I'm not buying a Mac now because I only get a $100 Gift Card and not an iPod") and not based on their need for a new machine. Fact still stands that Apple and frankly any other company don't need to do this. You think no one buys Macs throughout the year because everyone is waiting until Summer so they can get their free iPod? No. This is a promotion... they do this to PROMOTE their brand and try and get people to switch. And chances are, if you have a Mac already, you're not going anywhere. Apple knows this.

Point is you can be disappointed, or upset, angry, whatever you want if you were deprived of something that was owed to you, but this isn't a mandatory thing. I personally need a new machine and did wait to see what they were going to offer for the B2S promotion, but you know what? If they didn't have the promotion I would still be getting a new machine because I need it. Not because I need a new iPod. So I'm personally happy I got something ON TOP of the discount they're already giving me for being a student. Beggars can't be choosers. Be happy you get something of value for free.

 

[patmalt]

I bought my mbp right after the refresh. I would really enjoy getting a $100

 

[diamond.g]

I suppose one could make the argument that people should be disappointed in this, but its not a strong one. The more and more I read this thread the more it seems that people were planning on buying a machine based mostly on what they were going to get free (i.e. the "I'm not buying a Mac now because I only get a $100 Gift Card and not an iPod") and not based on their need for a new machine. Fact still stands that Apple and frankly any other company don't need to do this. You think no one buys Macs throughout the year because everyone is waiting until Summer so they can get their free iPod? No. This is a promotion... they do this to PROMOTE their brand and try and get people to switch. And chances are, if you have a Mac already, you're not going anywhere. Apple knows this.

Point is you can be disappointed, or upset, angry, whatever you want if you were deprived of something that was owed to you, but this isn't a mandatory thing. I personally need a new machine and did wait to see what they were going to offer for the B2S promotion, but you know what? If they didn't have the promotion I would still be getting a new machine because I need it. Not because I need a new iPod. So I'm personally happy I got something ON TOP of the discount they're already giving me for being a student. Beggars can't be choosers. Be happy you get something of value for free.

It seems more people were upset that they can't turn around and sell the iPod to reduce the financial burden of buying a new Mac. The giftcard is only worth 100USD where as they could have possibly gotten more from an iPod sale.

 

[RuebixPenguin]

So you wanted to make $100 by selling something worth $100 to someone, and now that you're getting another item worth exactly $100 you don't want to buy a Mac based on some completely fabricated rumors that circled 5 months ago?

Did you not read my post? My hope was to upgrade my current iPod Touch (selling my old one to a family member for about $100 to offset cost) or use the discount on an iPad (based on rumors, true, but what's wrong with considering different scenarios?) - if either of those scenarios were true, I would be spending more and purchasing through the Apple Store. With the current offer of a $100 gift card, which I neither want or need, instead I am planning on purchasing my new MacBookPro directly through my school, which is offering a package deal for $1066 (instead of the $1099 through Apple). I was simply asking if anyone thought the specs were a good deal, or if there was something better out there. But I guess you answer is super cool, so thanks for your help. Maybe you can use your $100 to buy a reading app that will help you learn comprehension?

 

[hfg]

Apparently none of the whining "students" here are going to be business majors. Otherwise, they would realize that the promotion "freebies" are really just a means to get them to spend even MORE money.

The free Xbox is just a gimmick to get you to spend money on games for it. Those who already have the Xbox, how much have you spent on software for it vs. the price of the machine? They should GIVE these things away!

The free iPod is just a gimmick to get you to spend money on music and videos for it. It doesn't matter if you immediately sell it, the new owner will be buying music for it. How many songs do you have on your iPod? I probably have about 8500 on mine, and at $ .99 value each that is about $8500 worth of music on a $200 iPod ... where is the value here?

The free printer is also a gimmick to sell you overpriced ink while you own it. Often the second set of ink cartridges cost more than the printer did which came WITH a set of ink carts (although now they are including "starter" ink carts).

Think back to the iPhone upgrade fiasco where Apple finally "refunded" $200 to recent purchasers of the older model phone. I believe that was also a "gift card" which drew the customer back into the store to spend it on Apple products. I would imagine most spent much more than the $200 on that visit.

At least the free gift card can be used to purchase software to make your new computer more useful to you without spending more money right away. If you don't like it ... simply give it to someone else and be happy.


I also doubt many parents are too happy with sending little Jimmy off to college with his new Xbox after spending thousands of dollars on tuition. They would probably rather he study and socialize than flunk out the first semester because he spent all his time sitting in his dorm room playing games.

 

[kaiulani]

Apple back to school promo loses faithful customers

After more than 30 years of using exclusively Apple products and raising my family on them, we will have to be buying 3 pcs (yecch) instead of the 3 macbook pros we had been intending to buy when Apple did its normal ipod promo. We do not need or want anything form the app store so this promo is useless to us and the competition's back to school offer is just too great. If only we could use the $100 coupon towards ipods, Apple would not be losing 3 good lifetime customers. More actually, because we all like to be compatible on our platforms and the rest of us will be migrating eventually too.

 

[AppleScruff1]

This is a good way for Apple to save money and help keep their profits high which is what we all really want. The $100 gift card doesn't cost them over $70 max. Brilliant idea Apple, keep that cash cow going!!!!

 

[hfg]

After more than 30 years of using exclusively Apple products and raising my family on them, we will have to be buying 3 pcs (yecch) instead of the 3 macbook pros we had been intending to buy when Apple did its normal ipod promo. We do not need or want anything form the app store so this promo is useless to us and the competition's back to school offer is just too great. If only we could use the $100 coupon towards ipods, Apple would not be losing 3 good lifetime customers. More actually, because we all like to be compatible on our platforms and the rest of us will be migrating eventually too.

I don't know what the sales tax rate is where you live, but I would imagine if you purchased your 3 Macbook Pros from a "no tax" online store you would save more than enough to simply purchase the iPods (from that same source) instead of buying from the Apple Store to get the BTS promotion.

 

[gnasher729]

After more than 30 years of using exclusively Apple products and raising my family on them, we will have to be buying 3 pcs (yecch) instead of the 3 macbook pros we had been intending to buy when Apple did its normal ipod promo. We do not need or want anything form the app store so this promo is useless to us and the competition's back to school offer is just too great. If only we could use the $100 coupon towards ipods, Apple would not be losing 3 good lifetime customers. More actually, because we all like to be compatible on our platforms and the rest of us will be migrating eventually too.

So after 30 years of using exclusively Apple products, you created a new account to tell us that? So you wanted an iPod, and there is nothing you could do with a total of $300 gift cards that let you buy music that you are allowed to share within your household? Nothing at all? Like buying music? So you want the iPods, but you don't even want to buy music?

This is a good way for Apple to save money and help keep their profits high which is what we all really want. The $100 gift card doesn't cost them over $70 max. Brilliant idea Apple, keep that cash cow going!!!!

How much do you think an iPod costs Apple? More important, that money goes straight to app developers, so more apps get written, benefitting everyone. And of course if you use this to buy apps you wanted to buy anyway, then Apple _will_ have $100 less in the bank. -$70 instead of +$30 makes $100 difference (and running the app store is not free).

You know what I find insulting about this? (Yes, insulting, despite how privileged and petty this may seem).

They are offering UK student £65. So whilst they inflate the prices of devices to match one another overseas (yes, I realise this relates to VAT and import duty, but the fact is overseas Mac users still pay more) they do not also inflate the value of the discount. Seems cheeky to me.

I was holding out to buy a new MacBook Pro, but without the incentive of the opportunity to sell the iPod (which is a practice that seems widespread), I am not sure I will be able to. Especially when the iPhone 5 has not yet seen release, and I am due for an upgrade to this also (contract coming to an end).

You pay more because of VAT and because of the cost of additional warranty that you get because of stricter consumer protection laws. So while you pay more, Apple doesn't actually get more. On the other hand, £65 will buy you about the same applications on the UK App Store that $100 will on the US store.

 

[X3NIA]

I can't submit my claim online as it says it cannot be found... So I can't get an iTunes gift card?

Can I do it in the store when I go to pick up my Mac in ~2 hours?

 

[Burton8219]

It seems more people were upset that they can't turn around and sell the iPod to reduce the financial burden of buying a new Mac. The giftcard is only worth 100USD where as they could have possibly gotten more from an iPod sale.

For me, they shouldn't be upset about anything. I will reiterate my previous statement. Apple does not need to give their customers anything. People are just being greedy... and stupid if you ask me. Be happy with what you get... jeez.

After more than 30 years of using exclusively Apple products and raising my family on them, we will have to be buying 3 pcs (yecch) instead of the 3 macbook pros we had been intending to buy when Apple did its normal ipod promo. We do not need or want anything form the app store so this promo is useless to us and the competition's back to school offer is just too great. If only we could use the $100 coupon towards ipods, Apple would not be losing 3 good lifetime customers. More actually, because we all like to be compatible on our platforms and the rest of us will be migrating eventually too.

This is quite possibly the dumbest post/train of thought I've ever read. So you're telling me you have been a loyal customer of Apple's for 30 years and you are now going to leave them because they didn't give you free iPods with every computer you bought. How on Earth did you manage to keep buying from Apple 15 years ago when they didn't have the B2S promotion?! I'm going to use your tactic next time I buy a car... go to the dealer and say I'd like this car and if you don't give me a free navigation ON TOP of the discount you're already giving me I'm walking.

The more I read this thread it amazes me how stupid people are when it comes to making decisions and how ungrateful some people are. 100 dollars is still 100 dollars whether it's in the form of an iTunes gift card or just straight cash. Its not like you will NEVER find anything to spend this 100 dollars on. I can think of many albums I can buy with this. And unless you don't listen to music I'm sure you can find something you'd enjoy. And guess what... it's free for you because you got 100 dollars to spend for doing something you would have ultimately done anyway! Jesus, be gracious and accept a gift. I know it's hard to do.

 

[jlocrasto]

I waited for the BTS promotion.
I was hoping to get a free ipod.
Now I will purchase my iMAC at education pricing and buy myself a new iPOD.

The end

 

[ibruce2000]

oh well, I bought my macbook pro 3 months ago, just got the new ipad a couple weeks ago, and I have the newest ipod touch, and a 2nd gen ipod touch.

I need some deals on a magic mouse though, thing is expensive.

 

[bf2008]

Iwork suite
almost everything in the mac app store is sub $100

I meant a list that adds up to $100. iWork is much cheaper. My point is that the money won't actually be given good use.

 

[pistolero]

what did you expect?
apple is now one of the largest corporations in the world.

They now know that students will still buy their products at full price, without the free ipod. The only way to make them back down is if there is a substantial drop in mac sales... but I bet it wont happen.

 

[Fugue]

Microcenter ends up being cheaper if you are buying the 13" baseline model. $999 + 3.5% sales tax came out to $1034 for me.

 

[Hawkeye411]

You wanted to get a completely free iPod and then sell your old one to a family member??!! That's terrible!!

Did you not read my post? My hope was to upgrade my current iPod Touch (selling my old one to a family member for about $100 to offset cost) or use the discount on an iPad (based on rumors, true, but what's wrong with considering different scenarios?) - if either of those scenarios were true, I would be spending more and purchasing through the Apple Store. With the current offer of a $100 gift card, which I neither want or need, instead I am planning on purchasing my new MacBookPro directly through my school, which is offering a package deal for $1066 (instead of the $1099 through Apple). I was simply asking if anyone thought the specs were a good deal, or if there was something better out there. But I guess you answer is super cool, so thanks for your help. Maybe you can use your $100 to buy a reading app that will help you learn comprehension?

 

[JoeG4]

The more I read this thread it amazes me how stupid people are when it comes to making decisions and how ungrateful some people are.

*smirk* LOL. I agree, people here are so ungrateful towards Apple. Steve Jobs should just pull the promotion altogether, then nobody gets anything - rightfully deserved, especially in these hard times. I mean, it's the recession! We've got to lower our expectations.. and their taxes while we're at it. I mean... even if they're making record profits.



Seriously though, there is a form of expectation that apple will do this promo every year, I dunno.. I think people are rightfully upset, even if in a futile way. Maybe with the response (and the dump in sales compared to past quarters), Apple will change the promotion. Doubtful, of course.. but plausible.

The thing about free gifts and promotions is they suggest "Hey, customer, we appreciate your business." Admittedly, Apple is USUALLY pretty good about this anyway. The app store thing, again, better than nothing. Kinda cheap for a company making record profits, but better than nothing.

Still kinda cheap giving their record profits.

 

[alfonsog]

I regularly buy iTunes gift cards....
Everyone saying that they can get a $100 iTunes card for $70-80, can you point me out where (I'm not a member of Costco/BJ/Sams) because I've seen tiny discounts around the holidays but otherwise its full price everywhere I see, other than probably stolen auction ones.

I don't need an iPod (I just use my iPhone) or the hassle of selling one while paying for it up front and waiting for a rebate, which is why I never used the back to school offer before. This time the gift card it comes in the box so they are losing the chance that a rebate will be unredeemed.

I'm also taking a summer class so I'll get a new Air whenever they come out at educational price plus the $100 gift card

 

[tigress666]

I regularly buy iTunes gift cards....
Everyone saying that they can get a $100 iTunes card for $70-80, can you point me out where (I'm not a member of Costco/BJ/Sams) because I've seen tiny discounts around the holidays but otherwise its full price everywhere I see, other than probably stolen auction ones.

Me too. The only places I knew of that gave you discounted itunes cards were Costco (stopped carrying apple products ) and Best Buy (I refuse to give them a dime. ONly found out by them when I was trying to find somewhere else I could get a discounted card and from what I read it was a from time to time promotion).

So, yeah, for those saying they can get a 100 dollar itunes card for 70-80, I'd love to know (and it has to not be stolen!).