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Should Apple Create a Pro Level of Service at Apple Stores

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TheRealAlex

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Sep 2, 2015
2,980
2,248
So We have MacBook Pro's now iPad Pros and soon iPhone Pro. My Apple Stores are always super crowded with grimey people and you can never get that one on one time a Premium level of service that the Apple brand exudes without rubbing elbows with someone who looks like they just finished a marathon or just woke up and failed to groom themselves. We are buying Pro level devices at a Premium. I would be ok if Apple considered even established a separate Corner or in some stores different floor area for Pro level devices. And not only going that far but You don't just get Pro level support it would require a $99 or $50 Yearly membership on top of Apple Care so not any simple customer could gain access. Is this a bad idea?why or Why not. I simply hate being lumped in with everyone else. Its like American Airlines Concierge or even an Express Pass at Disney a Starbucks Gold card. Something that would show your elevated status and service many people require these days.

Good idea ? Bad idea? already in the works ?
 
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Cergman

Cergman

macrumors 6502a
Jan 1, 2013
852
305
my tesla
I refuse to go to the genius bar at all anymore. I can handle all software issues on my own, so I only contact Apple for hardware support. For my iOS devices, I chat and in within 10 minutes I'm set up with an express replacement, where a new device is overnighted to me. For my Mac, I tell them all the parts that need to be replaced and they overnight me a box, and two days later I have my computer back all fixed and ready to go. So much easier, and less time consuming, than wasting my time at the genius bar. I know this may sound arrogant, but I'm positive that I, and most of the people on this forum, know way more about Apple's products than the "geniuses" do.

As for the "pro" genius bar, I feel that wouldn't go over too well with customers. I'm sure many would feel even more ripped off if they had to buy an already expensive computer, combined with AppleCare, and another Pro AppleCare just to get decent support.
 
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T

TheRealAlex

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Sep 2, 2015
2,980
2,248
Cergman said:
I refuse to go to the genius bar at all anymore. I can handle all software issues on my own, so I only contact Apple for hardware support. For my iOS devices, I chat and in within 10 minutes I'm set up with an express replacement, where a new device is overnighted to me. For my Mac, I tell them all the parts that need to be replaced and they overnight me a box, and two days later I have my computer back all fixed and ready to go. So much easier, and less time consuming, than wasting my time at the genius bar. I know this may sound arrogant, but I'm positive that I, and most of the people on this forum, know way more about Apple's products than the "geniuses" do.

As for the "pro" genius bar, I feel that wouldn't go over too well with customers. I'm sure many would feel even more ripped off if they had to buy an already expensive computer, combined with AppleCare, and another Pro AppleCare just to get decent support.
Click to expand...
No the support would always be the same IMO excellent support. Its more about the Overall Experience. And its totally optional. Just like American Airlines Concierge you can buy a First Class ticket and its fine. But if you experience the Admirals Club or Concierge Key level of access its a step above luxury. Apple is in a luxury class. But lacks the optional level of service many people want access to these days.
 
AndrewHolowaty

AndrewHolowaty

macrumors newbie
Aug 24, 2015
7
9
TheRealAlex said:
So We have MacBook Pro's now iPad Pros and soon iPhone Pro. My Apple Stores are always super crowded with grimey people and you can never get that one on one time a Premium level of service that the Apple brand exudes without rubbing elbows with someone who looks like they just finished a marathon or just woke up and failed to groom themselves. We are buying Pro level devices at a Premium. I would be ok if Apple considered even established a separate Corner or in some stores different floor area for Pro level devices. And not only going that far but You don't just get Pro level support it would require a $99 or $50 Yearly membership on top of Apple Care so not any simple customer could gain access. Is this a bad idea?why or Why not. I simply hate being lumped in with everyone else. Its like American Airlines Concierge or even an Express Pass at Disney a Starbucks Gold card. Something that would show your elevated status and service many people require these days.

Good idea ? Bad idea? already in the works ?
Click to expand...


Meet Joint Venture:
https://jointventure.apple.com/
 
V

ValiumEater

macrumors regular
Dec 14, 2015
113
132
Cergman said:
I know this may sound arrogant, but I'm positive that I, and most of the people on this forum, know way more about Apple's products than the "geniuses" do.
Click to expand...

Um, there are a lot of us on here ARE former geniuses, including me, some are even current ones. The difference between you and me is that I got stock options when AAPL was at $12/share and 25% employee discounts on hardware, free iPhones and iPods and Apple watches. And trust me, we know more than you do, did you get flown to Cupertino for 2 weeks of intensive training? That's all I'm saying about that.
 
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maflynn

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,740
TheRealAlex said:
So We have MacBook Pro's now iPad Pros and soon iPhone Pro
Click to expand...
You do realize that Apple has had a Macbook Pro for years and never created a premium or pro level set of support, other then the business account mentioned above. The term pro on the product is marketing. The iPad is no more for Professionals then any other iPad they produced.
 
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C

C DM

macrumors Sandy Bridge
Oct 17, 2011
51,392
19,461
Why wouldn't you just have your butler take care of it all for you (perhaps the next time the butler is making a Grey Poupon run) so that you can avoid dealing with the "common folk"? :confused:
 
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monokakata

monokakata

macrumors 68020
May 8, 2008
2,063
605
Ithaca, NY
The last time I finished a marathon I thought I looked pretty good. Didn't smell half bad, either, although I'll admit that my shoes were dirty. And I probably had Gu breath, but that's not too bad.

So yeah. If you'd been next to me at the Genius Bar you probably wouldn't have been grossed out.

Get back to us with a picture of yourself, will you?
 
velocityg4

velocityg4

macrumors 604
Dec 19, 2004
7,330
4,724
Georgia
If you actually want premium level service. Find yourself an onsite computer technician who works with Macs. You must have a friend, family member or business associate whom can recommend someone good. I don't mean your friends kid who is good with computers but an actual professional technician. Definitely not Geek Squad.

That's what people who are willing to pay for premium service do. They call someone who drives out to them or works remotely when viable and takes care of the problem. They will also setup your equipment for you, network multiple devices, &c. Services not offered at the Genius Bar.
 
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Mr_Brightside_@

Mr_Brightside_@

macrumors 68040
Sep 23, 2005
3,798
2,167
Toronto
velocityg4 said:
If you actually want premium level service. Find yourself an onsite computer technician who works with Macs. You must have a friend, family member or business associate whom can recommend someone good. I don't mean your friends kid who is good with computers but an actual professional technician. Definitely not Geek Squad.

That's what people who are willing to pay for premium service do. They call someone who drives out to them or works remotely when viable and takes care of the problem. They will also setup your equipment for you, network multiple devices, &c. Services not offered at the Genius Bar.
Click to expand...
This is an excellent post.
 
T

Tech198

Cancelled
Mar 21, 2011
15,915
2,151
well. u still have a queue. mixed bag of the same people helping customers then others with the pro's.

Be handy particularly now their closing down allot of third party in our area eg Nextbyte are closing down everywhere to make room in the city, but more crowded..

So i would gladly like to see a Pro to cut down on the "soon to be" extremely long wait times..

Thankfully, i don't need to go to Apple store much...

A Pro section would be good because there is only so much easy stuff Apple will talk to you about ... I guess their not trained in that department..... and makes their lives easier knowing the experienced users don't really need help anyway. They can work it out themselves...

That's Apple taking care of their users :) See, even their knowledge is thinking inside a box.
 
J

journeyy

macrumors regular
Sep 11, 2013
127
52
Weaselboy said:
You are mistaken. This was my first post in the thread.
Click to expand...
What i meant is that saying "Apple is ditching the Genius Bar" is misleading in this context without adding that is only cosmetic - Nothing really changes for the customers. Nevermind ;)
 
phrehdd

phrehdd

macrumors 601
Oct 25, 2008
4,477
1,432
When it comes to the word "pro," I think of people not equipment with respect to computers. I hope the OP finds a personal on call service to handle computer needs. As for Apple, either get a business account or come to the store when they first open in the morning and get all the staff there at your beckon. As far as equipment goes, there is not one item Apple sells these days that I consider oriented strictly towards the "pro" other than the Mac Mini Pro which has remained suspect from day one. As for software, Apple continues to limit its offering.

Again, to the OP - spend your PRO dollars and get more immediate support as mentioned.
 
Rogifan

Rogifan

macrumors Penryn
Nov 14, 2011
24,724
32,184
journeyy said:
Well, you and the other guy made it sound like there is no more hardware support in the new stores. In reality, Apple is only changing the store layout a little.
Click to expand...
Sorry didn't mean to imply that. The layout is changing. Even at my local store where the design hasn't changed yet they replaced the Genius Bar logo with a big Apple Watch display.
 
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