Problem buying refurbished MacBook Pro from US Apple Store (EU customer)

EKW_88 wrote:

Has anyone found a workaround for this?

If your friend is a U.S. resident, send them the money and have them process the transaction.

EKW_88 wrote:

he is not, he is staying in Vegas for few days, then returning home. So no way to place the order without residency?

maybe have them visit an Apple Store in Vegas, and purchase it there. and if there is the same restriction to use a U.S. based credit card, have them pay cash?

OWC refurbished can be very good, but are NOT the same as Apple refurnished.

Apple refurbished goods are PRISTINE, and have been returned to showroom condition, including NEW battery, and all standard accessories, if appropriate.

Apple refurbished are eligible for same warranty coverage as new and are AppleCare PLUS-eligible.

But: if dead-on-arrival, Apple refurbished can NOT be exchanged at an Apple store for NEW. They must be returned to the selling address for possible replacement or refund.

I just noticed "refurbished". depending on where you are I Europe, I would look into OWC resellers international and see if you could buy a refurb model from them.

yeah, I get all that. I'm just thinking that depending on the OP's location, and that they want a refurb, OWC resellers might be their only option.

EKW_88 wrote:

Hi everyone,

Is it really impossible to place an order from outside the US, even if the pickup is done by someone locally in the States?

Thank you!

Yes. As you found you need a US issued payment method and a US address to purchase from the US online store.

Remember that prices listed in the in the US do NOT include State and Local Sales taxes, which is NEVER refunded. Depending on the delivery address, you will need to add somewhere between 6 and 9 percent to the listed prices, and it is not optional.

Also, in some jurisdictions, importing a computer may incur duties as you import the computer.

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

<< yeah, I get all that. >>

but you did not SAY all that.

So I felt obligated to say all that.

for sure. your reply was definitely helpful. it indeed was I that neglected to "say all that".

sorry, this duplicated IdrisSeabright's reply.

Apple refurbished goods are available through the refurbished depot, only.

It may require some TIME to ship-to-store.

<< yeah, I get all that. >>

but you did not SAY all that.

So I felt obligated to say all that.