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Apple Cuts Prices for Educational Customers

Eharley writes "Over the weekend, Apple's online educational store lowered prices on its computers and upgrade components by 5-15%. Now the 12" Al PowerBook starts at $1399. If you have a computer on order that hasn't shipped you probably already received an email about the price drop and will have your account credited the difference. However, if you're like me and always seem to buy things the week before they have their prices reduced, you may still be eligible for a refund provided you act fast."

7 of 67 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Australian changes? by questamor · · Score: 2, Informative

    Last time I had a big whinge about the prices on the oz apple store not changing when the big price drop happened a month or so ago, I did so on slashdot... ...then the buggers went and updated their store!.

    It was perhaps a day later than the US one, but it did happen. I'll save my complaining for Wednesday night I think :)

  2. Only for Education Individuals by tbmaddux · · Score: 3, Informative

    Prices have not changed for educational institutional purchases, and the prices for individuals haved dropped to match the (formerly) lower institutional prices. At least, that's what I've found from checking on my recent institutional purchase of a 12" PowerBook.

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  3. The word directly from Apple by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Apple Education
    Education Price Consolidation 7/19/03

    Dear Campus Reseller,

    Effective July 19th, 2003, Apple will institute standard educational pricing for Apple hardware and AppleCare products for both institutional and individual purchases. Individuals who are officially affiliated with an educational institution can now purchase Apple hardware and AppleCare products for personal use at Apple's published institutional pricing. Apple is lowering its prices in response to campus requests for students to purchase at Apple's published institutional pricing.

    This pricing action supports Apple's efforts to:

    - Grow market share in individual purchases, especially with regard to student purchases.

    - Drive incremental business during the higher education peak selling season.

    - Make Apple products more price competitive.

    Now buying a Mac desktop or laptop computer is more affordable than ever. We encourage you to pass this significant savings along to your customers.

    With regards,

    Frances Himes
    Sr. Director
    Higher Education
    Apple Computer Inc.

    Campus Reseller FAQ:

    Q: What products are affected by this price change?

    The price change affects Apple hardware and AppleCare products. Apple software, memory and third party products are not affected.

    Q: When does this price change take affect?

    The price reduction is in effect as of July 19, 2003.

    Q: Will the prices change on the Apple Store for Education Individuals and my account's Custom Apple Store?

    The prices will change on July 19, 2003 on the Apple Store for Education. Any Custom Store with standard individual pricing will change automatically on July 19, 2003. If your institution has a Custom Store with special discounted pricing, please work with your Account Executive.

    Q: Why did Apple reduce education individual pricing?

    This pricing action supports Apple's efforts to grow market share among individual purchasers, especially students. Reducing prices of Apple hardware products will help Apple and its campus resellers increase the volume of orders and units sold, thus gaining greater penetration among individuals on campus and boosting overall revenue during the higher education peak buying season.

    Q: Will this price change affect the recently announced Back-to-School rebate bundle offer?

    The Back-to-School bundle rebate offer is still valid with the new lower individual pricing on eligible products. Now with this additional price reduction, individuals purchasing through their institution's campus reseller or the Apple Store for Education online will save up to $200 depending on which qualifying Mac laptop is purchased. This savings, in addition to the up to $300 rebate, will potentially increase the volume of orders received and the number of units sold by the campus resellers to individuals at their institutions. If your campus has a Custom Store that purchases at prices lower than Education Institution pricing, please contact your Account Executive to determine your eligibility to participate in the Back to School offer.

    Q: Will we receive price protection for products we have in inventory?

    No. As a campus reseller you currently purchase Apple inventory at Institutional pricing, so there is no need to offer price protection.

    Q: Who should I contact if I have questions regarding this price change?

    You can either contact your Apple Account Executive directly, or send an email to Apple's campus reseller program.

  4. Oops, I spoke too soon by truffle · · Score: 2, Informative


    http://www.apple.com/ca/higheredindividuals/

    $125 off for a 12" powerbook, I assume other items are discounted as well.

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  5. Re:Checking for proof by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Actually they do random checks for students. I bought a tower and I was not checked, 6 months later I bought an ibook and they requested i fax in a copy of my student id. I know several other people who have also bought with the educational discount, however only one other one of them had to submit proof of student status. Thus I have no firm proof but I belive that they check randomly.

  6. Re:Yay US Students by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative
    When there are international pricing differences, why is it everyone assumes it's Apple's fault? There could be lots of possible reasons. Tariffs and shipping costs that they don't include with the price. Local taxes. Fluctuation in currency rates which prevents easy savings translation.
    Here in the Netherlands, it has occured several times in the past that I could buy a ticket to the US and import a Powerbook on my own an still spend less than buying locally. Yes, this is including tax (I'd have to pay this through the local Apple store anyway) and tarifs (which is 0% for computer equipment). At the moment, Apple Europe is charging the same in euros as Apple US is in dollars (both sides excluding tax), but the euro is worth about 13% more. A few months ago, they charged more in euros than in dollars, even though the euro was worth 15-18% more!
  7. Re:Checking for proof by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative
    I have no firm proof but I belive that they check randomly.
    The fine print says they do.