Can't deal with Apple Store FUD....

[Attirex]

More Apple FUD. Stuff like this drives me nuts:

LINK

TLDR version:

In a gripping piece of blogg--erm, I mean, journalism, klutzy UK Biz Insider millennial drops phone in NYC, goes to Apple Store a couple of times and in the end gets new phone for free.

Do agree with:
1. Improper repair is annoying. That's definitely on Apple.
2. Much like Apple's device interfaces, coy and "streamlined" Apple Store processes can be opaque and confusing, especially when things are busy.

But:

1. You were in some of the busiest Apple retail locations on the planet.
2. You didn't have an appointment.
3. In the end, you got a new phone for free (try that with your Pixel).
4. Used article to humble brag about jet-setting to NYC, Vegas, CES, and owning two phones.
5. Used article to plug Pixel and Google.
6. Slipped in a selfie because, dating.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

The lack of signage indicating where to stand and who to talk to is extraordinarily frustrating. Having no clear points of contact or direction is confusing for all types of customers, even someone who knows exactly what she needs and how to ask for it. I know that Apple envisions having a store where customers can flow in and out, or congregate like a "town square," but sometimes, it's just easier to stand in a line. At least from a customer's standpoint, you know where you need to be.

This brings me to the biggest issue I had: In Apple's world, every employee seems charged with helping every customer and every other fellow employee at once.

I can't argue with these points, especially. In fact, I can argue with your "But:" points way more easily.

1. You were in some of the busiest Apple retail locations on the planet.
2. You didn't have an appointment.
3. In the end, you got a new phone for free (try that with your Pixel).
4. Used article to humble brag about jet-setting to NYC, Vegas, CES, and owning two phones.
5. Used article to plug Pixel and Google.
6. Slipped in a selfie because, dating.

1. The busiest locations should be staffed with the most employees. Apple *knows* how busy that store is; and it should be staffed accordingly. If it isn't, it's on Apple.
2. She admitted that this was a stroke of luck in the article.
3. She didn't get a phone for free; she had to pay $150 for it.
4. The Pixel was a review unit; she doesn't own it.
5. Okay? I guess...
6. This probably was unnecessary.

*Shrugs* I guess I just don't understand your level of frustration with this article.

 

[lowendlinux]

Remember we don't all love the Apple store and it's going to come out in our writing and opinions. I'd rather do service the google way go into setting chat, get the RMA and send it back in. The smarmy self important folks at the Apple store make me want to puke.

 

[MacDawg]

I must be fortunate with the Apple Stores that I frequent... I've had nothing but great experiences there over a wide variety of things

 

[posguy99]

TLDR... <shrug> Entitled person is entitled.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

<Anecdotal post incoming>

I've avoided Apple Stores since I quit one in 2013. Last summer I went to Apple Rideau Centre on a Sunday afternoon. It was surprisingly quiet, and I had no appointment. I approached the greeter at the front and asked if they had availability for a walk in, warranty lightning cable and EarPod replacement swap. He said sure, 20-30 minutes and we'll text you when you're next. I had gotten about 3 minutes away and got the text. I went back, took out my breaking-down accessories, waited a couple minutes for the Genius/FRS, he glanced at the accessories, he got my serial, we chatted briefly about the store and my experiences there, and I had replacements in my hands minutes later.

Definitely different from screen replacement but I was thrilled.

 

[maflynn]

TLDR version:

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, I'm not sure this qualifies as FUD, and as others stated my experience with my local Apple Store has been stellar. In fact I've had a number of occasions where they went above and beyond what you would expect a retailer to do.

 

[belvdr]

I see no fear, uncertainty, or doubt. Every store is bound to have some bad experiences. I'm pretty sure it relates back to us all being human and not being perfect all the time.

 

[Tech198]

Its not FUD...

But i do get the fact busiest stores should cater more for the location they are in. Apple thinks the location they build their stores is a "prime location" so why would they think they can stick normal staff there just like any other less busy stores?

No one wants to wait for service.... Even me, which is why i don't do to Perth CBD (closest Apple store now) vs Nedlands (where i always sued to go till they closed down.)

 

[Attirex]

Maybe not textbook def of FUD, but troll journali--erm, I mean, blogging--at its finest:

"One is that I had a backup phone in my time of need, and it worked fabulously. I can't say enough about the Google Pixel 2's camera, and the phone is simple to set up and use. I would recommend the Pixel 2 to anyone, and the only reason I'm not switching to it is that I still haven't paid off my iPhone 6S."

Okay.

Anyway, some Apple fanboi sites have also weighed in:

https://www.macworld.com/article/3251705/ios/from-hell-the-apple-retail-experience.html

https://www.imore.com/how-one-persons-hellish-experience-anothers-perfect-encounter

https://www.macobserver.com/columns-opinions/apple-retail-store-experience-hardly-needs-fixing/