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tkmd · Dec 3, 2007, 06:22 PM

So I figure I am going to purchase an iphone as a gift for my gf. So I figure I'll go to the ATT store put down the cash and walk out with the phone. Nope not that easy - first they want to do a credit check on me. I told them that this is a gift and I am not going to activating the phone. They still need to do it. "why " I ask respectfully. Because its our policy to deter people unlocking it. WTF? a credit check is going to do that? I am in the process of buying a house and I an not going to lose points on my credit score. So I left and went to another ATT store- they could fore go the credit check, but wanted a photo copy of my ID - um no.

Unbelievable - it may be easier drive an hour to the apple store and just buy one.

Kenneth · Dec 3, 2007, 06:32 PM

I think it's 'normal'. I bought a couple iPhones months ago as gifts at the Apple Store in cash and/or credit card, they never asked me any question. However, it may get tricky for now. Could you call the local Apple Store about that before heading down?

ort888 · Dec 3, 2007, 06:34 PM

I had to give a blood sample and let the salesguy measure my penis and enter it's length in a book.

It was worth it.

ajprice · Dec 3, 2007, 06:44 PM

You're entering a contract when you get an iPhone, even activating it at home, so no cash and a credit check is normal (in UK you need to bring a bill and a card for ID to buy a contract phone).

But if you want a guy to measure your penis, thats up to you.

tkmd · Dec 3, 2007, 06:50 PM

But I'm not the one going into the activation agreement with ATT - I'm just purchasing the phone.

turtle777 · Dec 3, 2007, 06:51 PM

Just steal it.
Obviously, I'm not serious. Geesh.
-t

mduell · Dec 3, 2007, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by tkmd

Unbelievable - it may be easier drive an hour to the apple store and just buy one.

Apple Stores only accept credit cards as payment for iPhones; no cash.

Nodnarb · Dec 3, 2007, 07:16 PM

Can't you just buy it from Apple online with no hassle?

tkmd · Dec 3, 2007, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by Nodnarb

Can't you just buy it from Apple online with no hassle?

Yes you can - with a credit card. I knew this day would come - when credit is preferred over legal tender.

::maroma:: · Dec 3, 2007, 07:33 PM

You can get one at the Apple Store without having to run a credit check or anything. The only stipulation with that is that you have to use a credit card. I'm glad I don't have to deal with AT&T stores, I am blessed with having 3 Apple Stores within 10 miles of me.

64stang06 · Dec 3, 2007, 11:18 PM

Buy a gift card at the Apple Store with cash then use it to buy the iPhone? Or, you could buy one of those pre-paid visa/mastercards and just use that...

HackManDan · Dec 3, 2007, 11:41 PM

Is it wise to buy a gift that comes with a monthly bill? Talk about a gift that keeps on giving...

JoshuaZ · Dec 4, 2007, 12:06 AM

I don't understand how they can refuse cash. Its legal tender. Kind of the same way I find it dumb that places won't take $100. Its legal tender guys!

Not that I would ever carry $100 in the US. I often use 10,000 yen ($90) notes to pay for things and no one bats an eye. Then again... trying to pay for something with a credit card is next to impossible most places and hell if I can find an ATM open past 7. But I digress.

James L · Dec 4, 2007, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

I had to give a blood sample and let the salesguy measure my penis and enter it's length in a book.

It was worth it.

The blood sample was legit, but the salesman took advantage of you on the penis thing.

Railroader · 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

I don't understand how they can refuse cash. Its legal tender. Kind of the same way I find it dumb that places won't take $100. Its legal tender guys!

Agreed! 100.01%

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

Not that I would ever carry $100 in the US.

HUH?!? Why not? I carry about $500+ at any given time. Now when I go to downtown Detroit I usually lower that to $200 and take out my debit card, but still... that's about the only place I do that. Even in downtown Indianapolis I have no fear like you are exhibiting.

You have that much fear of the people in the US?!? I often wonder why people who actually live hear don't have the kinds of fears that people who live outside the US.

Dakar the Fourth · Dec 4, 2007, 04:21 PM

My best answer would be Debit car... until I realized with taxes the total might be above the daily limit.

Ah, monetary transactions.

osiris · Dec 4, 2007, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

Not that I would ever carry $100 in the US. I often use 10,000 yen ($90) notes to pay for things and no one bats an eye. Then again... trying to pay for something with a credit card is next to impossible most places and hell if I can find an ATM open past 7. But I digress.

Ah, Japan. A wonderful trusting place where you can mail your bills with cash and not worry about the PO or mailroom stealing it. Night and day to the US - where people sometimes refuse $50 notes if you don't look right.

Railroader · Dec 4, 2007, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by osiris

Ah, Japan. A wonderful trusting place where you can mail your bills with cash and not worry about the PO or mailroom stealing it. Night and day to the US - where people sometimes refuse $50 notes if you don't look right.

My 80+ year old great aunt stills sends me cash through the mail. I just got a Christmas card with a c-note tucked into it. I'll agree that it's not the wisest thing to do, but really there is very little risk.

osiris · Dec 4, 2007, 04:59 PM

Nice gift! You're probably right about the risk though.

Say, what's your address again?

SSharon · Dec 4, 2007, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

I don't understand how they can refuse cash. Its legal tender. Kind of the same way I find it dumb that places won't take $100. Its legal tender guys!

this is a big misconception. it is legal tender for debts, not necessarily for purchases.

Legal tender - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

olePigeon · Dec 4, 2007, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by tkmd

Yes you can - with a credit card. I knew this day would come - when credit is preferred over legal tender.

My apartment refuses to take cash for my rent. I always wondered if that was legal, considering cash is "legal tender for all debts public and private."

nerd · Dec 4, 2007, 06:13 PM

A couple weeks I bought my friend an iPhone (he paid me back) and the manager at the store told me I could only by 2 iPhones, ever. Since I had already bough myself one a couple weeks before that I'm at my limit of 2 iPhones.

So now how do I get my girlfriend one for Christmas? I bet I can use another credit card and they won't show I've bought one but still, WTF.

Railroader · Dec 4, 2007, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by osiris

Nice gift! You're probably right about the risk though.

Yes it is, and I am very thankful.

Originally Posted by osiris

Say, what's your address again?

1060 West Addison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60613-4397

Railroader · Dec 4, 2007, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by SSharon

this is a big misconception. it is legal tender for debts, not necessarily for purchases.

Legal tender - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Are taxes a debt? Try paying your taxes with cash. Impossible.

I couldn't even pay for a traffic ticket with cash.

osiris · Dec 4, 2007, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by Railroader

1060 West Addison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60613-4397

drats, foiled again.

Railroader · Dec 4, 2007, 06:37 PM

"We're on a mission from God".

James L · Dec 4, 2007, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by Railroader

"We're on a mission from God".

Excellent movie!

talisker · Dec 5, 2007, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by SSharon

this is a big misconception. it is legal tender for debts, not necessarily for purchases.

Legal tender - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

And anyway, the shop is under no obligation to sell you anything at all, even if you have exactly the payment type they specify. Apple could say, "We're not going to sell you an iPhone because we just don't like you." and that would be that.

SirCastor · Dec 5, 2007, 10:34 AM

There's a little Cafe in DC that does not take cash. Period. They only take credit and debit cards. The lady who runs the place spent some time thinking about it, and decided it was a safer idea. She doesn't ever have to worry about getting robbed. She doesn't have to worry about leaving her store with her employees. She made a deal with her gateway (the processing folks) to knock a bit off the cost of the transaction, so she comes out ahead.

I would find someone you trust, and ask them to buy the phone for you, and pay them immediately in cash.