Diane Campbell saved up $600 in cash to buy herself an iPad, but her money was refused at a Palo Alto Apple Store. An employee informed her that in an effort to keep iPads off the black market, Apple would accept only debit or credit cards for its "magical" tablet.
Campbell, dismayed by the store's no-cash-for-iPad policy, contacted ABC News' '7 On Your Side'. "Mr. Jobs, give a sister a break," she implored.
'7 On Your Side' brought attention to Apple's "no plastic, no tablet" policy, and the company has since revised its "no cash" rule.
Apple's senior VP Ron Johnson told '7 On Your Side,' "About a month ago, we said we'd like you to use a credit card when you buy your iPad, and that was the best way we could think of to make sure that people only bought two per individual [...] And then it came to our attention that Diane [Campbell], through your story, was very interested in buying an iPad with cash, and we made a decision today to change that."
'7 On Your Side' explains the new Apple Store policy:
As of today, anyone can pay for an iPad with cash as long as they set up their Apple account at the store. Apple accounts are needed for the iPad anyway, so that is not putting anyone out.
Apple delivered a free iPad to Campbell's house (no word on which model it was). "I am just so excited," Campbell said. She added, "What I would like to say to Steve is thank you."
Read '7 On Your Side's' full report here.
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