How can I make in-app purchases with volume purchase program?

Hi jhogan7,

Your question addresses a feature that we all want... the ability to bulk purchase and distribute in-app content for schools. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't have a way to do this.

However, I have been successful in contacting developers directly and most of them (probably 80%+) they work with me and make a "pro" version of the app that includes the in-app content which they can put in the VPP store.

I recommend you contact the developer(s) directly too… Explain that you want to purchase their app IN BULK and the only way you can do that is if they release a "pro" version of the app that includes the in-app content. Tell them about VPP (many don't know what VPP is). Developers like to hear that people want to buy a bunch of copies of their app and most will do what they can to make it happen.

The more of us that contact developers asking for this, the more we'll find educaitonal apps without in-app content that we can distribute to our users using VPP.

Hope this answers your question!

~Joe

Great information, nsdjoey! Exactly the answer I was looking for! My situation is only a little different, though. I only need one in-app upgrade; are developers willing to make a "pro" version if only one is needed? I know you can't speak for all developers, but is it going to be worth my time to contact the developers on behalf of the teacher who is requesting it?

Hi renbog,

Hard to say... I'd say contact the developer anyway. It just takes a few minutes to send them a quick message. The more of us that contact developers asking them to steer clear of in-app purchases, the more likely developers overall will make it easier for us in education to purchase apps in bulk through VPP without having to deal with in-app purchases.

Good luck!!
~Joe

That's what I figured. The worst I can be told is no, right? Thanks for the reply and advice. I'm a first time user here so I wasn't sure what to expect :-)