How I saved 19% off the purchase of my brand new Late 2015 iMac!

[aerove]

another thing to try:

Student discount (should be around $100 not sure) + movers coupon at best buy 10% off + ((5%cashback +10 % bonus )*2) ... That makes a hell of a deal!!!

Well spoke too soon.. no 5% a BB

 

[aerove]

Is there any way to get this discount online, or any way to order from a real store by phone to get the discount? I want this discount but my nearest store is a 3 hour drive away!

might be worth the drive.. its time vs money

 

[squaredeux]

another thing to try:

Student discount (should be around $100 not sure) + movers coupon at best buy 10% off + ((5%cashback +10 % bonus )*2) ... That makes a hell of a deal!!!

been looking into this idea as well but can't be BTO, so only the 2299 one makes sense (cuz of the 2TB fusion drive).

 

[squaredeux]

another thing to try:

Student discount (should be around $100 not sure) + movers coupon at best buy 10% off + ((5%cashback +10 % bonus )*2) ... That makes a hell of a deal!!!

Well spoke too soon.. no 5% a BB

also student discount is only $50 right now, and new movers coupons don't work on computers. so you gotta find an old mover's coupon (ebay?) AND wait till at least mid november to maybe get a $100 student coupon AND be cool with the 2299 configuration.

if thats cool with you and all the coupons and discounts stack.

original cost: 2299
-student discount: 2199
-10% movers coupon: 1979.1
(assuming no fees and tax)
-22% discover cashback (apple pay 10% + 1% * 2): 1543
~$40 in Best Buy rewards

total cost (no fees/tax) with Best Buy rewards factored is about $1503 which is basically a 33% discount.

there's a number of "ifs" though.

 

[squaredeux]

OP, were you successful in picking up the computer with the EDU price, 'returning it' and then rebuying it with the same EDU price?

 

[jomirrivera]

Unless Apple has changed the rules recently, you can get the edu discount instore just by showing your student ID.

No need to go the online store route, just to get educational pricing.

Yeah, but given that he was ordering a BTO machine, that is not instore.

 

[macs4nw]

Yeah, but given that he was ordering a BTO machine, that is not instore.

You are correct. However I have found many stores have certain upgrade tiers in stock, but maybe not the config the OP was intending to buy. For the significant Discover Card cash-back promo, it wouldn't hurt to find out though.

I'm actually more surprised, and perhaps a tad skeptical that the OP was able to return those Gift Cards especially after they had been 'used and reloaded'.

 

[jomirrivera]

You are correct. However I have found many stores have certain upgrade tiers in stock, but maybe not the config the OP was intending to buy. For the significant Discover Card cash-back promo, it wouldn't hurt to find out though.

I'm actually more surprised, and perhaps a tad skeptical that the OP was able to return those Gift Cards especially after they had been 'used and reloaded'.

Yup, a lot of back and forth. But if he get that price, it sure is a nice deal.

 

[Tymbo]

OP, were you successful in picking up the computer with the EDU price, 'returning it' and then rebuying it with the same EDU price?

It was BTO, so it won't get shipped to my home until next Thursday or Friday. I'm just wondering if I need to bring my computer with me to the Apple Store if I'm just going to be buying it back. If I don't have to bring it with me, I wonder if I could just return it before it ships. If so, what stops me from returning and repurchasing right now? hmmm...

 

[Tymbo]

You are correct. However I have found many stores have certain upgrade tiers in stock, but maybe not the config the OP was intending to buy. For the significant Discover Card cash-back promo, it wouldn't hurt to find out though.

I'm actually more surprised, and perhaps a tad skeptical that the OP was able to return those Gift Cards especially after they had been 'used and reloaded'.

To clarify, I haven't returned the gift cards yet. I have to return the computer first. I purchased the gift cards in store thinking I was getting 10% through that transaction, but I discovered during the ride home that gift cards don't count. So yeah, once I return the computer, I'll return the gift cards, which both Apple and the store said I have 14 days to do (return gift cards, that is). Since I purchased the gift cards, I have the right to return them. At this point, I am back to square 1 and the store is stuck with a BTO by their feet (in their possession). They'll certainly want to get rid of it, right? Well, I've got my phone and I want it, so charge me via Apple Pay, please.

Hope that helps clarify the plan of action.

 

[Aspekt]

To add to this thread:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cre...ple-pay-offers-10-percent-bonus-limited-time/

So, until the end of year, paying with Apple Pay offers 10% cash back. In addition, with the "Double Cash Back promotion," we are looking at 20% cash back bonus.

As for educational discount, Yes, you or your parents with proper proof of eligibility can purchased items at educational discount in store. Information can be found at: http://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/browse/open/salespolicies/edu

 

[Aspekt]

To add to this thread:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cre...ple-pay-offers-10-percent-bonus-limited-time/

So, until the end of year, paying with Apple Pay offers 10% cash back. In addition, with the "Double Cash Back promotion," we are looking at 20% cash back bonus.

As for educational discount, Yes, you or your parents with proper proof of eligibility can purchased items at educational discount in store. Information can be found at: http://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/browse/open/salespolicies/edu

To add to my own post:

I have also order the new iMac, but this was before I heard about the bonus Discover offered. So I went ahead and applied for the card and was approved. Now, I plan to follow OP and others' suggestion to see if I will be able to return the computer in store once it arrives and immediately repurchase it back.

Also, I actually purchased two iMac, the first one with EDU(about 11%) discount and the second one with employee discount (15%). I will update to let everyone know if the discount will still work IF the return and repurchase method works.

 

[unixphone]

Okay, I have a student ID (it does not have an exp date)
Can i use that in store and use apple pay? They dont need an student email right?

 

[MoreAwesomeDanU]

can one of the folks who are planning to do BTO, return it on the spot in the store, and repurchasing please report back if this is possible?

 

[Aspekt]

Hmm, come to think of it, you can use Apple Pay without being at the store, but I am not sure how and where you can apply for EDU or employee discount.

But, you can buy it on your iPhone via the Apple Store App, it will count your purchase as via Apple Pay. With this method, you will be able to have a BTO option and will still count as Apple Pay.

I guess this is something to consider IF we are not able to return and repurchase.

 

[macs4nw]

To clarify, I haven't returned the gift cards yet. I have to return the computer first. I purchased the gift cards in store thinking I was getting 10% through that transaction, but I discovered during the ride home that gift cards don't count. So yeah, once I return the computer, I'll return the gift cards, which both Apple and the store said I have 14 days to do (return gift cards, that is). Since I purchased the gift cards, I have the right to return them. At this point, I am back to square 1 and the store is stuck with a BTO by their feet (in their possession). They'll certainly want to get rid of it, right? Well, I've got my phone and I want it, so charge me via Apple Pay, please.

Hope that helps clarify the plan of action.

I hope all that works out for you. Best of Luck!

 

[squaredeux]

Hmm, come to think of it, you can use Apple Pay without being at the store, but I am not sure how and where you can apply for EDU or employee discount.

But, you can buy it on your iPhone via the Apple Store App, it will count your purchase as via Apple Pay. With this method, you will be able to have a BTO option and will still count as Apple Pay.

I guess this is something to consider IF we are not able to return and repurchase.

you cannot do that. MUST BE IN STORE. contact payment only

 

[squaredeux]

To clarify, I haven't returned the gift cards yet. I have to return the computer first. I purchased the gift cards in store thinking I was getting 10% through that transaction, but I discovered during the ride home that gift cards don't count. So yeah, once I return the computer, I'll return the gift cards, which both Apple and the store said I have 14 days to do (return gift cards, that is). Since I purchased the gift cards, I have the right to return them. At this point, I am back to square 1 and the store is stuck with a BTO by their feet (in their possession). They'll certainly want to get rid of it, right? Well, I've got my phone and I want it, so charge me via Apple Pay, please.

Hope that helps clarify the plan of action.

so when are you picking up the computer?

 

[squaredeux]

To clarify, I haven't returned the gift cards yet. I have to return the computer first. I purchased the gift cards in store thinking I was getting 10% through that transaction, but I discovered during the ride home that gift cards don't count. So yeah, once I return the computer, I'll return the gift cards, which both Apple and the store said I have 14 days to do (return gift cards, that is). Since I purchased the gift cards, I have the right to return them. At this point, I am back to square 1 and the store is stuck with a BTO by their feet (in their possession). They'll certainly want to get rid of it, right? Well, I've got my phone and I want it, so charge me via Apple Pay, please.

Hope that helps clarify the plan of action.

talked to apple online (chat) and they said you need to call the store because that is the point of return. i called my local store and they said that I CANNOT DO THAT. that is, return it and then rebuy it on the spot. the guy was basically saying that he didn't have a problem selling it to me but that he literally COULD NOT because it would have have the right SKU/Serial Number and that their system would simply not let them sell it.

im not sure who OP talked to but i am having doubts now.

 

[Tymbo]

so when are you picking up the computer?

I won't be picking it up. Since I purchased it online [at the store] with gift cards purchased at the store, it will be shipped to my home. I plan to take Friday off work so I can enjoy a three day weekend with my new "toy". Current estimated delivery is between Tuesday and Thursday of next week. After a night of doing some QA, I will take it to the store the next day to return it, get money back onto my gift cards, return my gift cards (which I purchased at store) and then repurchase with Apple Pay in-store.

 

[squaredeux]

I won't be picking it up. Since I purchased it online [at the store] with gift cards purchased at the store, it will be shipped to my home. I plan to take Friday off work so I can enjoy a three day weekend with my new "toy". Current estimated delivery is between Tuesday and Thursday of next week. After a night of doing some QA, I will take it to the store the next day to return it, get money back onto my gift cards, return my gift cards (which I purchased at store) and then repurchase with Apple Pay in-store.

you sure you can do that? my store explicitly said they won't do that exact scenario.

 

[Tymbo]

talked to apple online (chat) and they said you need to call the store because that is the point of return. i called my local store and they said that I CANNOT DO THAT. that is, return it and then rebuy it on the spot. the guy was basically saying that he didn't have a problem selling it to me but that he literally COULD NOT because it would have have the right SKU/Serial Number and that their system would simply not let them sell it.

im not sure who OP talked to but i am having doubts now.

And that's how I'm 5% paranoid about the whole thing. However, I spoke with Apple over the phone, as well as called the store. I repeated several questions to make sure things were crystal clear. They were aware of the Discover 10% cash back via Apple Pay promotion, what I was trying to do, and confirmed that I could return the gift cards.

Perhaps if you talk to a different person, they will say something different. I understand you redoubt, but I still feel 95% confident about this. Time shall tell.

 

[Tymbo]

you sure you can do that? my store explicitly said they won't do that exact scenario.

Maybe it's store-by-store, but my store said yes. I was skeptical after speaking with the guy not eh phone, so I called the store to ensure peace of mind. The store confirmed it was possible. Somehow when I return the computer, the store should take ownership of the computer and be able to sell it back to me. The "SKU" could be the order number.

 

[squaredeux]

And that's how I'm 5% paranoid about the whole thing. However, I spoke with Apple over the phone, as well as called the store. I repeated several questions to make sure things were crystal clear. They were aware of the Discover 10% cash back via Apple Pay promotion, what I was trying to do, and confirmed that I could return the gift cards.

Perhaps if you talk to a different person, they will say something different. I understand you redoubt, but I still feel 95% confident about this. Time shall tell.

the gift cards is one thing. i dont really care about that situation. the situation i want to know is - can you repurchase an online order you bought?

 

[squaredeux]

Maybe it's store-by-store, but my store said yes. I was skeptical after speaking with the guy not eh phone, so I called the store to ensure peace of mind. The store confirmed it was possible. Somehow when I return the computer, the store should take ownership of the computer and be able to sell it back to me. The "SKU" could be the order number.

ok, keep us apprised!