Apple Rep Disses the Neo

[clintbradford]

Was disappointed with what I witnessed last weekend at a local Best Buy. A BB employee was speaking with the store's Apple rep. The employee very clearly explained what she needed a new notebook to do for her. And was looking at a Neo.

The Apple rep said, "Oh, don't buy that ... "

The potential customer was an "ideal" one - as far as the sales process was concerned. She knew what she wanted from a new computer. She very clearly explained herself. And either Neo model would have been VERY appropriate for her.

I quickly used a display Air to check stock. This location had both the base model and the model with more storage and Fingerprint Sensor in stock.

I have always thought of Apple sales reps to be honest and forthright. This experience - for me these past 20+ years - was way out of the norm.

And so it goes ...

Clint Bradford
Jurupa Valley CA

 

[1st-alex]

The Apple rep said, "Oh, don't buy that ... "

What was the reason given?

 

[clintbradford]

The reason? The Rep wanted to sell a MBA. That's why I checked inventory - to see if that entered the "equation."

Been happily/exclusively Apple myself since 2006 - after 21 years in Windows ...

 

[maflynn]

The reason? The Rep wanted to sell a MBA

I’m absolutely shocked that a salesman pushed a more expensive product to a potential customer. Absolutely shocked. 😱😱😱

😀

 

[dmr727]

Do these salespeople work on commission?

 

[maflynn]

Do these salespeople work on commission?

They almost always have incentives. Like sell a number of X laptops and get a bonus

 

[clintbradford]

They almost always have incentives. Like sell a number of X laptops and get a bonus

I only know three Apple employees of that job description. All three were quite honest with their customers - and with me.

 

[maflynn]

I only know three Apple employees of that job description. All three were quite honest with their customers - and with me.

My comment was mostly tongue in cheek. My experiences with Apple has always been positive

 

[JPack]

Say it ain't so!

Your expectations are far too high for this role. These are entry level positions, so you can't expect much. This is sort of like people who screenshot Apple Support chats and treat it like scripture. Or report what they hear from Apple Store staff about upcoming products and the inevitable disappointment that follows because it turns out to be untrue.

 

[TSE]

That is pathetic. I would have walked right up to the employee and customer and told her to get a Neo.

And when the Best Buy employee says that's his customer, I would choke slam him through the table, and then climb up the accessory shelf and drop the flying elbow onto him.

And then I'd pin him as the customer counts the 1-2-3 and raises my arm in victory.

We would then each grab MacBook Neos and live happily ever after.

 

[goldmac2006]

Was disappointed with what I witnessed last weekend at a local Best Buy. A BB employee was speaking with the store's Apple rep. The employee very clearly explained what she needed a new notebook to do for her. And was looking at a Neo.

The Apple rep said, "Oh, don't buy that ... "

The potential customer was an "ideal" one - as far as the sales process was concerned. She knew what she wanted from a new computer. She very clearly explained herself. And either Neo model would have been VERY appropriate for her.

I quickly used a display Air to check stock. This location had both the base model and the model with more storage and Fingerprint Sensor in stock.

I have always thought of Apple sales reps to be honest and forthright. This experience - for me these past 20+ years - was way out of the norm.

And so it goes ...

Clint Bradford
Jurupa Valley CA

I’m sorry to hear that. It’s hard to imagine how bias can affect Apple users when they need to look for something that fits their needs.

The MacBook Neo isn’t the way that we should expect to discuss to potential buyers upon looking at the behavior that the Apple-affiliated representative at that Apple section has done to the consumer.

Another approach the Best Buy representative could have taken is to offer the Neo alongside the Air or various iPad models. This allows the customer to compare and decide for themselves. If the customer is a student—which represents the majority of the audience I engaged with in my previous marketing role at FoundationCCC—it is best not to assume they wouldn't be interested in the Neo or to push them toward more expensive Pro models they may not need or be able to afford.

In my experience, it is more effective to discuss student incentives, such as Apple's Back to School or Earth Day promotions. NOT TO DISS an otherwise affordable and perfect Mac to someone!
Additionally, for educational sponsors looking to upgrade technology in schools and colleges, I would highlight volume purchasing programs and partnerships like CollegeBuys. Through my state fellowship, we offered solutions including perpetual software licenses and bulk hardware ordering services.