We recently posted a story in which an Apple customer was having difficulty buying an Apple computer with 8 gift cards that could not be combined or used together without visiting an Apple store 3 hours away, despite the fact that Apple’s website says there is no limit to the amount of gift cards that can be used when calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.

The CSRs in the story seemed confused about Apple’s policy, probably because Apple itself seems baffled.

In one FAQ it says there is no limit on gift cards used over the phone, in another FAQ (sent to us by readers) it says the limit is 4. When attempting to purchase a gift card, the Apple store page links to both FAQs.

FAQ #1: Can I use multiple gift cards when making a purchase?
Yes. You can use up to six cards when making a purchase at a retail Apple Store and up to four cards at the online Apple Store or when making a purchase through 1-800-MY-APPLE.

FAQ #2:Can I use multiple gift cards when making a purchase?
Yes. You can use up to six cards when making a purchase at a retail Apple Store and up to four cards at the online Apple Store . There is no limit to the numbers of cards you can use when making a purchase through 1-800-MY-APPLE.

How are customers expected to know and understand gift card “rules” when the company can’t present a consistent policy? It does not strike us as an out of line or unreasonable notion that a item costing thousands of dollars be paid for with more than 4 gift cards. This policy should be made clear.—MEGHANN MARCO

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