Apple Stores now selling iPad gift cards
Apple has begun selling their signature silver gift cards inside "iPad Gift Card" packaging just in time for the holiday rush. iLounge says that although the cards themselves aren't anything different than the ones I normally get from family as Christmas gifts, they can now be used to purchase an iPad. When I bought my current iPhone I tried to use gift cards and wasn't allowed to do so -- Apple mandated that customers had to use a debit or a credit card -- but I guess this is a change in company policy.I would much rather unwrap an actual iPad on Christmas morning rather than just a gift card, but beggars can't be choosers, can they? If you are traveling to see me for the holidays, I completely understand it would be a lot easier to pack a gift card than an iPad. So you're more than welcome to bring me one if you absolutely have to. I won't mind!
[via MacStories]
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Apple has begun selling their signature silver gift cards inside "iPad Gift Card" packaging just in time for the holiday rush. iLounge says...
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Ipads are sweet. eGift cards are cooler. Good move for Apple so closer to the Holidays.
For those of us who cannot afford the gem that is the iPad, http:/check out /www.giftzip.com to send or print eGift cards from the comfort of home. Over 200 retailers. Free to use. Win win win.
Mal
If accompany sells a gift card it should be possible to spend it on everything the company sells - or else why not just send a cheque with the added attraction of freedom to purchase anything, anywhere.
What is even more peculiar is the two year expiry on gift cards; yet another reason not to buy them
Except that legally they don't have to follow that rule, which is why you can only buy one full price iPhone with cash and for a while during the summer you couldn't do that or pay cash for iPads.
With the phones apparently they updated their software to require an id like a drivers license be inputted and it verifies that you aren't buying crazy numbers of phones.
The original reason Apple mandated credit/debit cards for purchasing of hardware (iPhone etc) was to prevent scalpers from buying up all the stock and selling on eBay for a profit.
The credit/debit card requirement was there so they could enforce the limit per customer rules for the devices.
Apple changed the policy and now you can use any payment method but you have to provide all your details so they can use those details and enforce the limit per customer to prevent the scalpers.
Apple gift cards are being accepted for the iPhone. Well at least an iPhone gift card. I was given one specifically for the iPhone. It covered the tax and everything.
December 06 2010 at 11:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyKeep in mind; not all buyers know what model iPad would be ideal for their family/friends. By providing a gift card, it allows people to potentially use to gift card towards the purchase of a higher model iPad.
This circumvents the potential supply issues as well as the "let down" of buying a model that doesn't fit the recipients' needs.
i think its a great idea since the new ipads are supposed to be coming out relatively soon. i'd rather get a gift card and wait a little while for the newest/ biggest/ best thing than get an older model.
December 06 2010 at 8:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI'm definitely waiting for the new one. My parents offered to get me one for Christmas but I said gift cards would be better. Anyone who knows anything about Apple and their product release schedules should know that there will be a new one within the next 2-3 months. FaceTime is a foregone conclusion, probably a higher-res display and a slightly revised form factor...not based on rumors, just based on common sense. I want it now!!!
December 07 2010 at 8:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYou are a good sport David.
Your willingness to accept a gift card in lieu of an iPad is nothing short of magnanimous!
I hope your wish comes true!
It seems they are anticipating that demand will exceed supply but they still want to make the sale for multiple obvious reasons. Sell the card and the person will have an iPad once they get to a store that has their selected model in stock sometime after the Christmas holiday.
December 06 2010 at 8:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyiPhones have limitations in place to keep people from unlocking them and sending them overseas or selling them on the black market. That said, the iPad hasn't reached that kind of demand on 3g models since they aren't subsidized by contracts and are not locked.
December 06 2010 at 7:52 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDeals of the Day
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TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
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