Can't buy gift certificates

Why is this still not working and what is the problem? This is seriously bothering me. I tried at work and at home. One time it actually worked, and then I tried to buy another one and it immedietly didn't work again... it's so random.... Someone please help~~~~

AS you can see from my chat with the Apple Store rep, Apple is working on it, it is a known glitch and there is nothing to be done about it at this time other than use or create a new account.

So be it.

Just to ask here, I tried to buy a certificate through the iTunes app using Paypal, and it stated my credit card wasn't accepted. Not using one; using PP balance. Changed to CC in order to buy the certificate, and it also failed. All payment methods, and all items that are gift related are failing.
Another hiccup, or is it something I'm missing?

FYI: tried phone support, live chat and email and got nowhere at all. I was passed from person to person (7 in all), and they all claimed it was the next guy's thing to handle.

Message was edited by: wbear

This is dumb. Apple can you please fix. Seems like a lot of people are having this issues.

This is an ongoing problem as is (Cr)apple's lack of skill and ability to resolve the problem.
I have often proposed that as they appear to lack the skills required perhaps they should call in a technology company who can, perhaps Microsoft would be happy to assist? Then they could continue to do what they appear to do best, keep the seats of their chairs warm.
FYI the way that they are working on the problem appears to be to sit and do nothing, they are after all 'cool', so they do not have to care.
Richard

July 5th!

Same problem.

I made a new account and it CAN buy music, etc. but NOT Gift Certificates.
The error message is "Credit Card Declined"... but of course, the card is fine (and works for music). I've tried four different cards, both Visa and MasterCard and PAY PAL and nothing works.

And of course, support doesn't mention that they are aware of a backend problem. This would at least be an answer... and would have saved me some number of hours.

TSK!

-Scott

Same here credit card declined. I like using gift cards because I can't stand my bank account being filled with ".99" "1.99" etc I really hope they fix this soon. I read somewhere it has something to do with fraudulent activity in Japan? Using stolen credit cards on iTunes then buying e gift cards. If that is the case why do we have to suffer?

Here's my saga start to unfinished. Way to go Apple!!


This is the same or almost the same email you sent the first time.

Another rousing endorsement for Apple support. Geez!!!
Bruce

-----Original Message-----
From: iTunes Store [mailto:iTunesStoreSupport@apple.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 05, 2009 6:44 PM
To: bvwol@charter.net
Subject: RE: Authorization; Follow-up: 77681230

Dear Bruce,

Thank you for your email. I understand that you have been unable to purchase iTunes Gift Certificates with your "bvwol@charter.net" account.

I am very sorry, but this account is not currently eligible for iTunes Gift Certificate purchases. You can, however, buy songs, albums, videos, and audiobooks and send them to anyone who has a valid email address. iTunes delivers your gift by email to either just one person or a group of people.

If this interests you and you want to send someone an iTunes gift, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes first. You can download it free of charge from the iTunes website:

http://www.itunes.com/download

Next, follow the instructions in this article to send your gift:

Sending an iTunes gift in the iTunes Store
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2687

Your iTunes gift will be sent to your recipient via email, so make sure you carefully check the recipient's email address. Your recipient will need to have a computer capable of using iTunes 7 or later and an iTunes account in the same country as you.

The iTunes gift will be charged to your account. If you do not have a payment form listed on your account, you will be unable to purchase an iTunes Gift. Store credit cannot be used to purchase a gift.

Thank you for your commitment to iTunes, If you have any further questions please let me know. Have a great day.

Sincerely,

JR
iTunes Store Customer Support

Please Note: I work Sunday - Wednesday, 11 a.m - 8 p.m Central Time

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assist you.


You didn't answer my questions. Go back and reread the correspondence.
Apple is a crock. I'm looking for alternatives. Poorest customer service and I'm a Windows person. No wonder there's so many disgruntled people posting on the numerous "problem" forums.

So now you are just going to close our discussion. Thought that would be after my issue was resolved. I'll be posting this response and yours to other apple support and the forums.

This is bad!!!
Bruce

-----Original Message-----
From: iTunes Store [mailto:iTunesStoreSupport@apple.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 05, 2009 5:27 PM
To: bvwol@charter.net
Subject: RE: Authorization; Follow-up: 77681230

Dear Bruce,

Hello this is JR again. I hope my email reaches you in good spirits. I sincerely hope I have addressed this issue to your satisfaction. Thank you so much for your email and please know that your business is greatly appreciated to the iTunes Store. It has been more than a pleasure assisting you Bruce. I wanted to mention that I will be closing our email discussion shortly, and thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

JR
iTunes Store Customer Support

Please Note: I work Sunday - Wednesday, 11 a.m - 8 p.m Central Time

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assist you.


Web Order # :
Support Subject : Authorization
Sub Issue : I can't authorize my system to play purchases iTunes Account Name : bvwol@charter.net Platform : Windows XPSP2+ Country : United States (English)
Comments: Category choices did not provide proper sub category so I picked the authorization category. My issue is the following error message when
trying to purchase a gift card for my account: "account not eligible to
purchase gift certificates".

I made a huge in investment in Apple (IPOD classic, docking station) and now looks like I have to buy a card online and wait for delivery as opposed to what Itunes says it offers (email or print) at the Itunes store. Read alot of Apple support comments and came away feeling somewhat disappointed in Apple responses to the same issue I have. A number of unhappy customers

Don't mean to be negative but you don't even provide a telephone # to call.
Please restore my faiith in switch to Apple.
Bruce

TrackID: 8065339

I just got off phone with apple customer support.

*_Official answer from Apple Support:_*

*The webpages have not been changed yet but Apple has Temporarily disabled the ability to purchase EMAIL type gift certificates over the internet and/or over the phone until further notice.*

O..M..G!!!!!

I have been so frustrated with this!! Three days ago I WASTED my whole afternoon (4 hours) because the message says that my credit card was declined. So that is a completely false message??!?? I have been looking through support docs, and back and forth between Apple chat and my CC company, uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes 9, reinstalling and uninstalling iTunes 8 (now my library is full of exclamation points).... And Apple chat person didn't know, and I think all they do is look up KB articles which is something I can do myself!

The whole thing could have been solved quickly if someone had thought that maybe only the gift certificates had this problem. Actually I did think of it, but at that time we were in the middle of trying to check things (the CC) plus I didn't want to buy something just to test it. Then I forgot that I should've tested it because I felt like I knew more about the iTunes store than the Apple chat person! I can't believe I didn't see this post earlier either!

aaarrghh

Still unresolved...I spent all day trying to purchase an audiobook for my daughter 3000 mil.es away for her birthday which is today. I too, wish I would have checked this forum 1st. Received the same generic answer from Itunes email support. What a waste of time! What deception...no it's downright dishonesty on Apple's part!