Hey all,
I am wondering if I purchase a MBP 14" at the apple aoc pricing by using apple gift cards (20x flybuy pts offer @ Coles), will I still be able to claim GST under TRS scheme when I go overseas next month?
I have ordered a MBP that has already been shipped but then I saw the gift card offer so I can always just return it if all of the above works..
thanks for your reply. My main concern was if I order with the gift cards would the invoice still have GST component?
All Apple invoices should have the GST listed, regardless of payment type. You're still paying GST, you're just paying with a GC.
Is it possible to purchase a macbook with only gift cards? I noticed it was only max 8 cards.
my first rodeo as well but I read on OzB that people use 4-5 $500 GCs
You can always add Apple gift cards to your Apple Account Associated Balance first. The maximum balance for an Australian Apple account is currently $4,999.
You can redeem up to 8 Apple gift cards in one Apple Online Store transaction, and this can be in conjunction with the Apple Account Associated Balance (if you choose to redeem it in a transaction).
If you live near a physical Apple Store, you can apparently ask staff to consolidate multiple Apple gift cards into one (with a maximum of $3,000 loaded onto one Apple gift card). You may want to check with your local physical Apple Store first if they are happy to consolidate multiple Apple gift cards into one, as well as the maximum denomination.
If you manage to string all these together, you can redeem up to $28,999 in gift cards and account balance in one online transaction.
You can add the gift cards to your account balance and then use it. I think maximum balance is 5,000 AUD
So if I get 10% off $100 apple gift cards from Woolies, I can add maximum $800 to my apple balance in one go.
Repeat 3x to get Apple balance of $2,400 - then I can purchase through AOC using that balance?
You can buy the variable amount gc then load 500$ on it. I just bought 5 from my local Coles they had heaps available.
They will allow you to only buy 5 at a time. the girl at the checkout told me I might be getting scammed, she doesn’t know I am true blue Ozbargainer
Is the 10% available right now?
Yes. I am doing exactly this. There’s nothing on the APC receipt which says you used gift cards or uni discount. It just lists GST amount which there no reason why you wouldn’t be able to claim TRS.
From the ABF website:
gift cards and vouchers; goods purchased with gift cards or vouchers are eligible for a refund subject to all other TRS requirements being met
Also the reciept shows nothing of the payment method anyway. It actually says terms: "Credit Card" on it when you pay with Apple account balance
Smart thinking OP
Just don’t bring the laptop back when you return.
They check now and have for a while especially if you claim on portable items.
oh they do now? Worst comes to worse I will have to pay the gst back right?
If you don't declare it and they find it you may be liable for a fine
You can legally bring it back.
Say you claimed trs for a MacBook worth 2500 and you are travelling with your wife and 2 kids.
Then you can bring back a total of 900X2+450X2=$2700 worth of goods, free of tax.
Travel companions’ thresholds can be combined on a single item.
Could you alternatively pass the MacBook to a family member to take through customs? Surely they won't check that thoroughly…
Border Force staff very touchy on this… sent us away first to “make sure we wanted to claim” and we would “probably have to pay it back”.
No problem in the end, but a bit of “let me check with my supervisor”
Don’t see why not?
You’re still paying GST via AOC so should be able to get it refunded using TRS