Apple Store "express purchase counter"

[aristobrat]

Looks like the new Hong Kong store is the first to get a feature that has been asked for in a ton of threads here.

The store has many unique features, including a first-ever express purchase counter, allowing tech-heads who know what they want to quickly make an Apple product transaction.

http://www.ifoapplestore.com/db/2011/09/24/ifc-mall-store-is-unique-bright-filled-with-overnighters/

Be interesting to see how well it works, and if it gets implemented into existing stores (like they did with the iPhone activation areas, personal setup areas, etc).

 

[miles01110]

How is this new? I've always walked straight in, told the person what I wanted, and was out in under 15 minutes. Anyone who knows what they want can do this irrespective of an "Express Checkout" or not.

 

[aristobrat]

How is this new? I've always walked straight in, told the person what I wanted, and was out in under 15 minutes. Anyone who knows what they want can do this irrespective of an "Express Checkout" or not.

Your scenario entirely depends on there being an available employee when you walk in, which isn't the experience that many people have, based on what I've read here.

The Apple Store I worked at did a good job of putting at least one employee in the "Family Room" (the place with the accessories, etc) and making sure they didn't get tied up for any period of time. So if you wanted a case or an accessory, it was easy to find a free employee (since there was one stationed specifically in that area), and it was a quick in/out purchase. But from reading countless "My Apple Store Experience" posts here, it seems like a lot of Apple Stores don't do that. People frequently complain that they walk in and there's literally no free employee to help them, especially when they know what they want and just want to get in/out, the iPad queue system doesn't work, etc etc etc.

 

[miles01110]

Your scenario entirely depends on there being an available employee when you walk in, which isn't the experience that many people have, based on what I've read here.

No, it really doesn't. If you're standing at the checkout counter you get help, as is generally the case in retail stores of any kind.

 

[aristobrat]

No, it really doesn't. If you're standing at the checkout counter you get help, as is generally the case in retail stores of any kind.

What checkout counter? You mean the one computer at the end of the Genius Bar that they use to run the occasional TeleCheck transaction?

 

[dejo]

If you're standing at the checkout counter...

Many Apple Stores nowadays have no specific checkout counter.

 

[OutThere]

This is needed, I've dropped into the store to pick up a replacement power adapter or something else unimportant and found myself standing around for 10 minutes trying to get the attention of a sales person, bothered by the lack of a checkout counter.

 

[Tiggs]

Nice addition. Will probably take 10 express counters per store to deal with the mob for the next iPhone release

 

[interrobang]

Yeah. I've been told by the store staff that they couldn't help me, because they were with a customer.

They had a point, I guess: being told that was enough for me to decide not to be a customer. I left without buying anything.

 

[pbt]

Can I please just take a number?

When the store is busy, finding an available employee to take your money is like getting a table at a packed bar. You just have to walk around long enough and be lucky enough to be right next to one when it(he,she) becomes available.

 

[Consultant]

Person at the door can typically get someone to help.

If too busy, get on iPad sign and call for help.