Someone else's education discount

[The Black Rock]

Is there any way I can use someone else's edcation discount at the Apple store?

My plan basically is to take the student down to the Apple store, have them flash their ID, and I'll pay and keep the computer.

Is this possible?

Will the Mac be in my name or in theirs?

Will that matter?

It doesn't sound like something that could be done, but there's no harm in asking, especially when there's so much potential savings.

I finally have enough for that iMac, I need to find the best way to go about purchasing it. I've decided that there are no advantages whatsoever to ordering online. Anything else I should know?

 

[Blue Velvet]

So basically, you're asking us if it's OK to defraud Apple?

 

[The Black Rock]

No, not if it's okay, more "is it possible"? I don't really want to commit any malfeasance, that's why I didn't just click student on the Apple.com website and order. I've seen people do it, and I've read posts of people doing it. Almost all of them include the phrase "Apple doesn't check on these things", I thought that was just wrong.

So what I decided to do was somewhere inbetween There would be an actual student there, eligible for the discount and everything. Just they wouldn't actually own the computer or use it.

Since I will be paying for it with my card, won't that mean that all payment stubs come back to me? Or will it mean that the student's name will be attached to the item, complicating things for me when it comes to AppleCare et al.?

Maybe I should just buy it from the student and use them as a 3rd party in this. They'll get a fee...

 

[brap]

You probably won't get any words of sympathy here. If it works for you, do it; if your conscience says no, don't. Nothing you've mentioned so far sounds impossible.

 

[wrc fan]

this is the agreement you have to make to buy it online... I'm sure a similar "policy" applies for in store purchases. Basically, the student is supposed to use it themselves, not resell it.

 

[The Black Rock]

You probably won't get any words of sympathy here. If it works for you, do it; if your conscience says no, don't. Nothing you've mentioned so far sounds impossible.

Thank you for the honest answer brap. I probably won't end up doing it, I thought that it'd be good to know just what's what.

this is the agreement you have to make to buy it online... I'm sure a similar "policy" applies for in store purchases. Basically, the student is supposed to use it themselves, not resell it.{IMG}

Thank you for that. Let it be pointed out that Apple makes no explicit prohibitions on reselling in that agreement. No conditions for length of ownership, no conditions for notification, no conditions for AppleCare, and no conditions for profit. Unless this is not the final agreement notice, this can be very loose.

 

[mariahlullaby]

Well, anytime I've been at the Apple store amd asked about the discount to purchase for myself, they've asked if I'm in college. I tell them no, but my brother in Boston is (which is true), and they that's fine.

 

[The Black Rock]

Well, anytime I've been at the Apple store amd asked about the discount to purchase for myself, they've asked if I'm in college. I tell them no, but my brother in Boston is (which is true), and they that's fine.

Really? Well that is interesting. Do they ask for your brother's name and/or contact info? Have you ever gotten AppleCare when doing that?

 

[mariahlullaby]

Well, I've never actually bought anything in the store using his discount, but they said I need to bring a copy of his ID and student ID/schedule of classes/etc.

 

[26139]

WTF?

I despise people like you. The student discount exists to give low income students a chance to buy an apple computer to further their educational goals. Defrauding the system is exactly why Apple does not offer software educational discounts in their stores.
Bottom line, it's wrong. You have a job, pay full price; don't circumvent the system and possibly make it harder for actual students to save some money.

 

[mariahlullaby]

Well, I AM a student, just not a college student (one in high school); I definitely don't have the means to pay full price. Anyways, since it's going on my parents' credit card, why can't I use my mom's teacher discount (or in another case, my brother's)?

 

[26139]

Sorry

Well, I AM a student, just not a college student (one in high school); I definitely don't have the means to pay full price. Anyways, since it's going on my parents' credit card, why can't I use my mom's teacher discount (or in another case, my brother's)?

I meant the original person who started this thread. Family member discounts, I believe, are entirely different. Just have your mom buy it and register it under your name. I would say you have an entirely different case here, as you are a student and the line kinda grays there.
I was referring to people out of school or those who apparently want to pull some student off the street to buy something for them. My apologies to you.

 

[nightdweller25]

Me too....

When I got my iBook last year I used my sisters student discount at the store, we told them it was for me but that my sister was in college, and they asked us why don't we just use the student discount. So we did, and we did the same thing recently when I got my new PowerBook . I mean, if the employees encourage it, I'm sure it's fine. They even put the computer to my name.

 

[GoCubsGo]

You said that you were upset when you saw people buy Apple's products using a student discount online while they boasted about Apple never checking. You said that was wrong. You then mentioned that you wanted to try something in the middle of that. Let me tell you this. Fraud is like being pregnant, you either are or you are not. There is no such thing as 1/2 illegal. While I joke about it if I roll thru a stop sign and say it's only 1/2 illegal because I had my seatbelt on, truth is...it is 100% against the law.

Either you are about to defraud Apple or you aren't. Simple as that. If you are a student and your mom is a teacher then yes, I believe there is a discount for educators. I would say that if she bought an Apple knowing she was going to give it to you and used her discount that was fine. It is called a gift. But if you were going to randomly choose some kid to stand there while you buy it, then I consider that to be a form of misrepresentation.

You see, it all comes down to you. No one here will ever rat you out. I mean what the hell good would that do, and really your discount means nothing to us. But like Apple and the whole ipod dock/ear buds replacement...eventually they'll stop being so easy on us and rip the discounts down for good. Much like they are making it a little harder to get a replacement dock out of them if your dock breaks.

If you're really struggling, you need to ask yourself is demoralizing yourself for 10 minutes worth the discount. Google Utilitarian ethics. What value will the consequences have? And if you say Apple won't catch you--you're probably right. But when you're done, look up the word moral.

There are lessons in life you have to learn on your own. Trust me, I've encountered more moral lessons then I wish to ever reveal. Some of the consequences weren't worth it. Others were. I'd be lying if I said I've never done anything illegal.

 

[admanimal]

I have to say I'm pretty amazed at how lax Apple is about checking who they give educational discounts to. I'm a PhD student so I'm legitimately eligible for the discount, but last week I had to use my mom's account to order my new iMac, since my debit card's charge limit was too low for me to order it myself. I ordered it from the EDU store online, and they didn't do anything to check that it was really being ordered for a student. Similarly, any old schmuck off the street can walk into my university's campus book store and buy Apple software at the EDU price.

I feel like Apple is being so generous with the discount now that I would feel too badly if I ever abused it in the future when I am no longer actually eligible. (Of course with any luck I'll never have to leave academia and give up the discount muahaha).

 

[The Black Rock]

I despise people like you.

Like I give a flying **** what you think or believe. And I equally despise people like you, ooh scary! Instead of responding with "I think that's wrong" or "You really shouldn't do that" you try to give the the most abrasive reply you can to someone you don't know, might never meet in a dark alley, and who is asking theoreticals. Perhaps if you weren't just some random post on the faceless inter-web I might be bothered by what you had to say. But I will respond to it...

The student discount exists to give low income students a chance to buy an apple computer to further their educational goals.

So it's entirely discriminatory against the great majority of people who are not in school. What about low income non-students, who want to further their non-education goals? Well, says you "F' them!"

Defrauding the system is exactly why Apple does not offer software educational discounts in their stores.
Bottom line, it's wrong. You have a job, pay full price; don't circumvent the system and possibly make it harder for actual students to save some money.

Honestly, I don't think this would be circumventing the system, because there would be a student, rather than a pretender like online. A student will be getting it, just not for very long. The student probably wouldn't be some random person, but someone I know and most likely a close relative. If a student wishes to make money from selling a computer they'll never use but they were offered a discount on, who are you to say anything? It's not like I'm stealing someone else's ID, and surreptitously gaining the discount, this will all be done with full knowledge and permission.

I'm guessing you haven't read my responses above which include:

No, not if it's okay, more "is it possible"? I don't really want to commit any malfeasance...

I probably won't end up doing it, I thought that it'd be good to know just what's what.

Maybe that's not enough for you, I really don't care. But for everyone else out there, I understand why there are student discounts, I understand that it can be abused, please understand that I'm not trying to commit any crimes here, half-way or full-on.

And Appleretailguy if you respond, try to respond in such a way that I won't end up ignoring you. I don't want any beef with any of you, if I offend I apologize in advance. That post just got me flustered, I usually don't respond like that to anyone. That whole "despise" bs, just got to me. Not becasue of any internal moral issues mind you, but because he deigns to judge me for my thoughts/ideas. About two steps away from a book burning, or CD steamrolling.

To mariahlullaby, thank you very much for responding with a timely answer. I'll make sure I remember that.

To nightdweller25, that was a most enlightening response. The Apple retail guys asked you "why don't you use the student discount?" I imagine something similar might happen to me if I go down there with this student, and actually talk to one of them. That they put it in your name is all the more fascinating. Did you get AppleCare?

 

[The Black Rock]

You said that you were upset when you saw people buy Apple's products using a student discount online while they boasted about Apple never checking. You said that was wrong. You then mentioned that you wanted to try something in the middle of that. Let me tell you this. Fraud is like being pregnant, you either are or you are not. There is no such thing as 1/2 illegal. While I joke about it if I roll thru a stop sign and say it's only 1/2 illegal because I had my seatbelt on, truth is...it is 100% against the law.

Either you are about to defraud Apple or you aren't. Simple as that. If you are a student and your mom is a teacher then yes, I believe there is a discount for educators. I would say that if she bought an Apple knowing she was going to give it to you and used her discount that was fine. It is called a gift. But if you were going to randomly choose some kid to stand there while you buy it, then I consider that to be a form of misrepresentation.

You see, it all comes down to you. No one here will ever rat you out. I mean what the hell good would that do, and really your discount means nothing to us. But like Apple and the whole ipod dock/ear buds replacement...eventually they'll stop being so easy on us and rip the discounts down for good. Much like they are making it a little harder to get a replacement dock out of them if your dock breaks.

If you're really struggling, you need to ask yourself is demoralizing yourself for 10 minutes worth the discount. Google Utilitarian ethics. What value will the consequences have? And if you say Apple won't catch you--you're probably right. But when you're done, look up the word moral.

There are lessons in life you have to learn on your own. Trust me, I've encountered more moral lessons then I wish to ever reveal. Some of the consequences weren't worth it. Others were. I'd be lying if I said I've never done anything illegal.

Thank you for responding with an honest, compassionate answer jessica. If that other poster had responded the same way, I probably wouldn't have blown up on him like that. I wish I hadn't now. It's pretty uncharacteristic of me. My apologies again.

In forthrightness I'll say I agree, something is either legal or illegal, permitted or prohibited. I don't think there is anything fruadulent about a student using the student discount to get a computer. After it is theirs they are free to do with it as they wish, keep it or sell it or give it away. Make money or take a loss. Even before the computer belongs to them, the student discount belongs to them, and it equally is up to them what they do with that. I think all I'm doing is providing a way to make money doing it. I can't hold a gun to ther head and force them into the Apple store. Everything has to be done willingly.

Despite the fact that I really don't see anything wrong with this, I probably won't do it, simply for the potential headache it might cause with AppleCare. I probably shouldn't have used the phrase "inbetween" (despite the emoticon), because I don't see anything wrong here. I don't think doing this (individually or en masse) will change very much since either way (student or not) Apple sells a computer, and makes a profit. Worst case scenario they lower the amount of the discounts for students (but keep the extended payment plans), since they know they can never drop support for education markets.

Thanks again for your welcome answer.

 

[MacManTexas56]

Really? Well that is interesting. Do they ask for your brother's name and/or contact info? Have you ever gotten AppleCare when doing that?

dude just give it up and spend the extra $100.....i don't see why you are going to so much damn trouble.....you've gotta pay tax on the student discount regardless so if you're getting the base imac with tax it's like $3 cheaper than ifyou ordered from an online store that has no tax and no shipping fee. I never thought the student discounts were worth much anyways when you have to add tax to it....just order from like macmall or something and quit trying to defraud apple just for a few dollars....

 

[mannybianco]

If you have the opportunity to make money/save money by going against the spirit of the law, rather than the letter, go ahead. It is your god given right.

You people need to realise that Apple is just another company. If they saw a similar opportunity, youd be a damn fool to think they wouldnt take it. Maybe a very good company, but there job is to maximise profits, just as our job as consumers is to get the best deal we can. If they were selling product at a loss to the academics, more fool them.

I have a friend in the academic community , and fully intend to use his discount in the next purchases i make, which are likely to be many and hefty.

I like Apple, I have reccommended them to my friends, which has resulted in purchases on their part. But i dont beleive in this doe-eyed devotion, you want religion, go find it....dont worship a [expletive deleted] corporation.

 

[TheMonarch]

dude just give it up and spend the extra $100.....i don't see why you are going to so much damn trouble.....you've gotta pay tax on the student discount regardless so if you're getting the base imac with tax it's like $3 cheaper than ifyou ordered from an online store that has no tax and no shipping fee. I never thought the student discounts were worth much anyways when you have to add tax to it....just order from like macmall or something and quit trying to defraud apple just for a few dollars....

There is no tax at apple.com? I have never bought anything from their online store, so I really don't know. That is very inteesting... Now I really need a credit card

Can anyone else confirm this?

 

[bousozoku]

I would ask that everyone take a deep breath and edit carefully before posting anything else in this thread. It doesn't seem like things are too friendly right now.

 

[Sun Baked]

I would ask that everyone take a deep breath and edit carefully before posting anything else in this thread. It doesn't seem like things are too friendly right now.

Nope, sure doesn't look like a happy thread right now.

 

[MacManTexas56]

There is no tax at apple.com? I have never bought anything from their online store, so I really don't know. That is very inteesting... Now I really need a credit card

Can anyone else confirm this?

i never said apple store wasn't a NO tax store.....i said you HAVE to pay tax on the student discount, meaning there is tax. i meant an online store such as MACMALL.COM where @least since i live in Texas i don't have to pay a tax on my order so it's alot better deal for someone like me eventhough i have the student discount to order from macmall bc it actually ends up being cheaper. check out places like macmall.com, jr.com, and macconnection they usually don't have tax or shipping charges which makes it a whole lot better deal than ordering from apple.

i'm glad my previous post was edited for no reason. why don't you edit the thread starter since he is trying to do an iillegal act then a guy just stating his opinion that wasn't even bad language or anything. ridiculous. guess you have nothing better to do.

 

[Pluckie]

If you're afraid of using the student discount because you feel it would be dishonest, you might as well buy from Amazon. They have some rebates for Apple computers right now (I know the PB is $150) and with the free shipping and no tax, I'm pretty sure it would end up being a better deal than buying form apple. The only problem is you can't customize your computer, they're just the standard setups. I bought my iBook G4 from amazon because it was cheaper and everything worked out fine. And it's 100% legal!

 

[skubish]

Similarly, any old schmuck off the street can walk into my university's campus book store and buy Apple software at the EDU price.

Really?

My University book store you have to have a valid ID to purchase anything. Regarding software you are only allowed 1 copy and they actually check your records.