Frequently Asked Questions

How to contact the Cardinal Technology Center

You may call us at 650-329-1217 or email us at: computers@bookstore.stanford.org



Benefits of buying at the Cardinal Technology Center

What are the benefits of buying computer hardware and software at the Stanford Bookstore?
Our prices are often academic or less; we usually have the lowest price available for Apple computers. We are conveniently located, carry a large inventory of products, are often able to replace new units that are defective, have in-house repair for Apple computers completed by Apple Certified Technicians, and offer frequent deals on recently discountinued merchandise. Also, we have seasonal promotional offers, especially during the back-to-school time frame and the winter holiday period.



Who is eligible to buy hardware and software from Stanford?

PC Hardware - Dell does not require an Academic affiliation.

Software: Academic affiliation (ID) required.

Apple Hardware and Software: Stanford affiliation required.
*Stanford Students * Stanford Faculty * Stanford Staff * Visiting Scholars * Continuing Studes Students * Stanford Conference and Camp Attendees (accredited) * Admit Students * Employees of Stanford Hospital and Clinics (and affiliate clinics), LPCH * SLAC Employees * DMA Students * Temp/Casual ID Holders

Supplies and Peripherals (accessories): Academic affiliation not required.



Do I get a faculty, staff, or student discount?

As a member of the Stanford community, you are welcome to purchase our merchandise at academic prices, as marked.



What forms of Payment do you accept?

Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover), debit cards, and cash are accepted. Checks are accepted if a valid Stanford ID and a government ID are presented, with the same address as on the check.

Can I buy my computer on an installment plan?
We do not offer financing. Many customers take out a computer loan from the Stanford Credit Union to finance their purchases.



Custom Orders

May I order an Apple computer with different specifications than those listed on your price list?
Yes, please talk with our computer sales associates for a quote and delivery time estimate on your "built-to-order" computer.



If you don't have an item in your store, can you still get it for me?
We can often accommodate special orders. Please let a sales associate know what you are interested in, and they will check on availability, price, and arrival time.

Departmental and Institutional Orders

Departmental and Institutional orders can be processed using a Stanford Purchasing Card (PCard) or a Stanford Requisition (PO). Stanford Requisitions are routed to the Bookstore via Stanford Procurement. At present, we cannot charge directly to a PTA.



Returns & Exchanges (Cardinal Tech Center)

Please save your receipt and packaging. Your original receipt, a valid ID, and the original product with all contents are required for a return or exchange.

Guidelines: Within 14 days from the day of purchase: we accept returns for exchange or refund on any unopened item with the below exceptions*. Open product deemed defective by the manufacturer can be exchanged or returned. A 15% Restocking Fee may be assessed on all other non-defective open returns.

*Non Returnable Items: Opened software or license software, special order or custom configuration items, personalized or engraved items, opened earphones/earbuds/headphones, opened printer ink/toner, pre-paid cards such as iTunes gift cards or phone cards, service installation and labor cost, shipping and handling fees.



Shipping: Do you ship computers?

We ship merchandise to locations in the mainland U.S. for $9.99 using UPS ground shipping w/signature required. We can also ship UPS 2nd Day Air for a $19.99 fee. Ask a sales associate for a quote on shipping.

Do I pay sales tax on my shipment?
Sales tax will be collected based on the sales tax rate of the state to which it is being shipped.



Engraving

Sorry, we are not taking orders with engraving.



AppleCare+

Do I have to purchase AppleCare+ at the same time that I purchase the computer?
No, you have 60 days from the purchase date of your computer.

Purchase of AppleCare+ at a later time will require physical inspection of the device to be protected.

What are the advantages of purchasing AppleCare+ with my computer?
Because Apple makes the hardware, the operating system, and many applications, the Mac is a truly integrated system. Only the AppleCare+ Protection Plan gives you one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call. You also get global repair coverage for your Mac - both parts and labor - through convenient service options:

* One stop for technical support:
- Direct access to Apple experts
- Global repair coverage
- Mail-in or carry-in repairs

* Apple hardware coverage
- Your Mac computer
- Time Capsule or AirPort Device
- Apple display purchased with Mac

* Software support included
- Using Mac OS X
- iLife and iWork questions
- Connecting to AirPort networks

Does Apple cover accidental damage?
The default 1-year warranty covers only defects, not accidental damage.
AppleCare+ extends the warranty duration and adds coverage for 2 instances of accidental damage, subject to incident fees: $49 for iPad, $99 for Mac screens or external enclosure damage, $299 for Mac internals.