Rubbish Shipping

[Jonm]

Is the Apple Store UK usually totally incompetent?
I bought my first Mac last month. A G3 iBook. Two days later they brought out the G4 iBook so I sent mine back and ordered the new one.
Except I'm still waiting for them to collect the old one — and they seem to have lost track of the replacement.
It shipped from Taiwan on October 31. Tracking says it left Luxembourg on November 6.
But neither Apple nor TNT know where it is now. There's no TNT tracking number yet and the Apple Store says there's a 'data issue' (whatever that is) with TNT at the moment. They also don't know when they'll pick up the G3 for a refund.
Is this usual? Do they really want to put me off ever ordering from them again?

[crap freakboy]

After the major ******-up that was 'night of the Panther', I'd personally never use AppleStore UK again.

Keep pushing them to give you a definate answer on the status of your order, and keep a record of all conversations, with whom you spoke to and when. Personally I'd email them after each contact just to confirm of the current state of play, and politely ask for a receipt of the email.

[groovebuster]

Same happened to me. I ordered a iBook G4 (I am located in Germany). It arrived in Luxembourg and since then nothing happened.

TNT can't find the shipment in their system. So I called the Apple Store today (finally).

The guy that was talking to me reacted somehow arrogant and somehow indifferent to my questions.

In fact (that's what he told me) the Apple Store did a major software change recently and that's why they have problems to process the orders and to ship them to the customers in Europe. Until those issues are sorted out no delivery will be made.

When I asked when I can expect delivery he just said that he can't tell me a specific date. I asked this week? He can't tell. Next week? Probably, but he can't tell.

When I asked him if he doesn't think that it is not acceptable that my credit card was charged already last week and that I maybe(!) get my iBook next week (2 weeks later), he didn't react first, then he just said: "Well, the only thing you can do is wait!"

I tell you, this was the last time I bought from the Apple Store. It is rediculous that they have my money already 2 weeks before I finally get the purchased item. End of story! If I would treat my customers like that I would be depending on social welfare by now...

It's like always with Apple: Great products, but a lousy company overall!

groovebuster

[Jonm]

Thanks for that info.
I'm going to ring the Apple Store now and ask them exactly what is going on.
What faith can you put in a computer company that can't deliver because they've changed their software?????
I'll let you know what they say.

[groovebuster]

Thanks, I am curious about the version they will tell you...

[Jonm]

Just got off the phone to the Apple Store.
According to the woman I talked to there's a problem getting the TNT tracking numbers back to Apple because of a conflict with new software.
She reckoned they're working through a backlog now and it might be OK within 24 hours.
She also reckoned my iBook might be delivered by Friday.
Mind you, I don't believe her. When I asked where the iBook was at this moment she told me it had DEFINITELY left the Luxembourg depot on November 6. "So where is it?" I asked. To this she had no reply. Apple don't know because they can't get the TNT tracking numbers onto their system and TNT can't tell me because I only have the Apple tracking number. So, according to her logic, absolutely no-one knows where it is — nor, apparently, do they care.
Think I mighht start reading Catch 22 again tonight. Or The Trial.

[groovebuster]

My guy told me, that the boxes get shipped from Luxembourg to Eindhoven (Holland), because there is the TNT center that is distributing the boxes to the different places in Central Europe...

So he told me that my iBook is probably in Eindhoven by now... but nobody knows for sure.

groovebuster

[Jonm]

Probably seems the operative word there.
I recall when I ordered my original iBook (the one I'm still waiting for them to pick up) that once it got to Holland TNT were incredibly quick to ship it to London and then on to me. Took less than 48 hours.
The issue here seems to be is it just the fact that TNT and Apple can't communicate at the moment because of the software problem so the tracking is not giving accurate info —_or does the lack of communication mean orders are being delayed?
I'm going to get onto TNT now to see if they can give me accurate info about what the problem is. Glad I joined this Forum — the more info you can throw at them the more likely you are to get some attention.

[Jonm]

TNT say they're checking to see what the problem is with Apple. They seem to think it's Apple at fault — not them.
As for e-mailing Apple and asking for a reply — forget it. They just ignore you. My first experience of the Apple Store is proving a crushing disappointment. How can they get away with it?
Other businesses would go bust with this level of customer service.

[Zenith]

I'm in the same situation.

I ordered a dual G5 last week, on wednesday, and it shipped on saturday night (!). I got a tracking number from Apple, but when using it on TNT's site, it only replies with an error message saying that the specific delivery can't be found. When using Apple's tracking page, the G5 shows but it has no recorded delivery locations nor date stamps. I called Apple Store last night and they had to check it up manually, so I got a reference number and I'm gonna call them later today to check if they've found out anything.

Also, my bank account showed that the amount of money that Apple charged for the G5 last week has now returned to my account... Wierd. I hope they forget it. :D :P

[agdickinson]

Hi,

I ordered 25th October, I've had several e-mails from Apple.

Aparently there have been delays (as you guy's have mentioned).

The latest e-mail from the Apple store said I should have my G5 Dual by Thursday/Friday of this week.....

Fingers/Toes/Arms/Legs crossed :)

Aparently there is a new warehouse opening in the UK as well so I've been told which should help things in Western Europe..

Andrew

[Jonm]

Rang Apple again.
The guy says there's been a massive backlog at their new British warehouse so they haven't shipped anything in for seven days.
They're now saying all outstanding orders will be delivered either Friday or Monday.
It's getting closer. (Not that I'm banking on them actually hitting those dates.)

[groovebuster]

Update from my side...

I still didn't get my iBook and the order status on the Apple website still states that it arrived in Luxembourg, but no change after that.

So I called once again the Apple Store today to ask if thy have any news about the status of the whereabouts of my iBook. Now sit down and chill... :mad:

The guy checked the system and said it left Taiwan yesterday!!!! :confused:

I told him that this is impossible, because it arrived in Luxembourg already days ago, and that this was also the status all the other people I was talking to confirmed. So he cross-checked the data and seemed pretty puzzled that at two different parts of the system he got conradicting info about the order status. Hooray!!!! So they have corrupted data in their database!?!?! :eek: This is really starting to be fun!

I told him that he should find out where my iBook is and when exactly it will be delivered until early afternoon today, otherwise I will cancel the order and want my money back immediately.

He promised to e-mail me within the next few hours.

No matter what the outcome of all this will be, I will NEVER EVER AGAIN order something from the Apple Store!!! This bunch of losers is really one of the most unprofessional businesses I ever dealed with.

groovebuster

[Jonm]

Groovebuster: WHAT???? That's appalling. Confirms what I've been thinking all along — they're just giving out different stories whenever you ring.
I rang Apple yesterday and the woman said it should be with me by Wednesday (NOT Monday as they'd originally said.) She told me it was currently in Eindhoven and had been there from November 7. Tracking page just says it's left Luxembourg.
I'm going to ring again today to see wether it's the same story.
Ring them this afternoon and demand your money back if you don't get a delivery by a certain date. I have heard of people having their orders fast-tracked when they cause a fuss.
I'll let you know what they tell me.

[groovebuster]

New Info:

After the guy didn't call or e-mail me (of course), I rang them again. I had a very friendly girl with a wonderful english accent on the phone. I explained to her (also very friendly, she sounded too nice to rant right away) that her colleague didn't contact me even though he promised and that I want to know the procedure how to cancel just in case she can't finally give me more specific info than "I don't know...".

Voilà! I have a TNT tracking number now (I checked it already on their systen, it works) and the iBook will be dropped at my place on monday.

Anyway... the next Mac will be bought from a dealer and not the Apple Store. One nice employee isn't worth the hassle with those guys...

I hope your stuff will arrive soon too. I'll keep you posted if it really arrived on monday. Unfortunately right on monday I have a packed schedule with a business meeting in the evening... :( So I won't get my hands on it before 10 p.m.

Greetings from Berlin,

groovebuster

Edit: Just called TNT, they confirmed the delivery and said the box would arrive on Tuesday, not monday... well, now I know for sure at least.

[Macademic]

Been having similar problems with AppleStore for Education (UK).

Laptops shipped from TW (3.11.03) but still no arrivals.

AppleStore rep coming to visit next week...lots of explaining to do...

[Jonm]

Groovebuster: Great to hear it — good luck. Hope it arrives Tuesday. I'll keep you posted on my delivery status. Just remember — it might have been a hassle but it'll be worth it when it arrives. :)
Like you, I won't be ordering from the Apple Store again!

[agdickinson]

Well so much for the shipping in 1/2 working days :mad:

Still I guess a wait of 3 weeks is better that some people. :(

Just been told I'm loosing my Job tomorrow to top it all off... Isn't life fun :mad: :( :mad:

Well I was always after a change I guess.

Andrew

[sebisworld]

I once ordered an iBook and it took like years to get here. The funny part was that i was told that it was going to ship from Taiwan two minutes before I had it in my hands. So much for that.

[groovebuster]

OK, so my wife called me a few minutes ago and told me that the iBook was delivered to our home address at 10:15 a.m. this morning...

Since I am in the office of my current contractor the whole day, I won't be able to "personally" receive it before late evening.

But at least it is there now after all the trouble. I hope it is fully functional and I don't have dead pixels right from the beginning... would be just the icing on the whole issue. :rolleyes:

groovebuster

[groovebuster]

Originally posted by agdickinson
Just been told I'm loosing my Job tomorrow to top it all off... Isn't life fun :mad: :( :mad:

That sucks! Good luck for your future!

groovebuster

[manitoubalck]

Seems many are having that problem, not only in Europe, but in North America, Australia etc... I have never orded anything over the net, but am sceptical to do so, because of the troubles many seem to be having with shipping.

When I buy, I buy in cash and expect a 10%min discount, if they can't give me that, I go somewhere else it's that simple. No orders, no waiting just I've got the cash and I want that product, and if it doesn't work I want a no questions swap. That is how business is done.

[groovebuster]

Originally posted by manitoubalck
I have never orded anything over the net, but am sceptical to do so, because of the troubles many seem to be having with shipping.

It really depends. The last thing I bought from an online store was my Canon Digital IXUS V2 a few weeks ago. It's a really small business in another town here in Germany (I only heard of them because they got great reviews from other cutomers). Great service and way cheaper than other stores. I ordered and it arrived at my place ... yes, it sounds almost unbelievable... the next day in the afternoon. So it is possible! Just not with Apple...

groovebuster

[irmongoose]

Originally posted by groovebuster
So it is possible! Just not with Apple...

groovebuster

Nah. When I ordered my iMac I got it in 3 days when I was expecting it to come in 3 weeks. If everyone is having a problem, it means it's one problem which they have to resolve. Sure, it's a stupid problem, but it doesn't mean it's like that all the time. Many people have different experiences with different things, and if you don't want to use the Apple Store again that is fine, but don't blow it off because of one incident which you know is a common problem and Apple is aware of.



irmongoose

[FozzieUK]

I have a G5 on order from UK Applestore since middle of October. Had 3 delivery dates promised... all sorts of excuses e.g. TNT ***** up, new computer system, blah de blah. Nothing yet...

Offered 5% discount off next order lol... they wont be getting another order. Checked other online retailers and they show models 'in stock'. :mad:

[groovebuster]

So I am typing this on my new iBook. Nice machine. Only thing I am a little bit disappointed about is the quality of the enclosure. Not everything is 100% straight at the edges and the plastic feels a little bit cheap. But for a subnotebook I can live with that.

No dead pixels and everything works as it should. Just the memory I bought doesn't work properly, have to return it today after work. For now I am stuck with the stock 256MB RAM.

groovebuster

[Floop]

Okay, so my update:

24 Oct 2003_15:32_Ordered from Apple Store UK
03 Nov 2003_00:00_Taiwan
07 Nov 2003_22:33_Dublin_Shipped From Originating Depot
10 Nov 2003_06:14_London Heathrow Depot_Import Received_
10 Nov 2003_07:53_London Heathrow Depot_Out For Delivery_
10 Nov 2003_10:50_London Heathrow Depot_Delivered_
14 Nov 2003_15:54_Arnhem Hub_Consignment Passed Through Transit Point_
14 Nov 2003_18:13_Eindhoven_Shipped From Originating Depot_
16 Nov 2003_10:10_London Heathrow Depot_Import Received_
17 Nov 2003_08:11_London Heathrow Depot_Out For Delivery_
17 Nov 2003_10:50_London Heathrow Depot_Delivered_

I phoned TNT on the 17th and they told me that the whole order had now been passed over to IEC Global Logistics.

I phoned Apple today (18th) and waited on hold for 20 minutes. When I got through they told me that actually TNT were incorrect, and that TNT were going to be delivering it themselves, later today.

I phoned TNT back to ask whether this was true, and they told me it was incorrect. The order HAD been passed to IEC global logisitics, but they couldn't say when it would be delivered. They told me they had a helpline number to call for package tracking

I called the helpline but it was not for IEC global logistics... it was for Apple.

I managed to find a number for IEC global logistics, and THEY told me that they do not deliver for Apple.

What they DO apparently do is merge orders together for Apple... before TNT come back and pick up the merged package, and deliver it themselves. The merging used to occur in Venray but now this is being done at IEC Heathrow.

So while my bits and bobs are currently being merged at IEC, they will then be picked up by TNT and delivered.

So here I am without my order. Apple say that TNT have it (which TNT disclaim), and that IEC do not have it (which TNT claim they do). TNT say that Apple are wrong, and that IEC do have it (which they probably do), but that TNT won't deliver it (which they probably will, if IEC are right).

No-one can confirm when I will receive the item.

Floop

[Jonm]

That sounds about right for Apple.
They've just e-mailed me to say my iBook will ship on the 18th or 19th — although whether this means to me or from Holland I don't know.
Also gave me a QMS number (whatever that is) and instructed me to check on the Apple tracking site. Except the Apple tracking site doesn't appear to be working. TNT as well still deny all knowledge of my order.
Ho hum.

[Zenith]

Originally posted by Jonm
That sounds about right for Apple.
They've just e-mailed me to say my iBook will ship on the 18th or 19th — although whether this means to me or from Holland I don't know.
Also gave me a QMS number (whatever that is) and instructed me to check on the Apple tracking site. Except the Apple tracking site doesn't appear to be working. TNT as well still deny all knowledge of my order.
Ho hum.

Yeah, I'm still in the same situation. The TNT site can't find my tracking number nor the delivery, and I've been given a QMS from Apple too. I think I've called them 10 times at least, and all I get is that they "haven't received an update from the logistics division yet". Still waiting... My dual G5 shipped (!) on 8th of november, but there's no sign of it now. No tracked locations and date stamps at either the Apple Order Status page or TNT's site.

I was really satisfied with the Apple Store when I received my email with the shipping confirmation the 8th of november, because I ordered the G5 just three days before that. But as soon as I discovered that there were no records of locations or date stamps at the order status page, I had this feeling this delivery would take more time than I would've counted on...

[Floop]

Originally posted by Zenith
Yeah, I'm still in the same situation. The TNT site can't find my tracking number nor the delivery

Not that it will help, but...

I had difficulty getting my order number recognised on the TNT site, and after experimenting, figured out the following.

If I go to the Apple Store site, log in and review my order, then click on the order tracking page, I get a new page.

This page shows a tracking number which looks like this:

8XXXXX8282000040

(note - I have changed some digits to Xs to hide my own order number).

If you cut off the last 6 digits, you get a shorter number which looks like this

8XXXXX8282

Copy that number and go to the TNT website at www.tnt.com

From the pop-up menu choose TNT Express which will take you to a new page.

Put this number into the tracking box, make sure you press the 'Reference' radio button (by default the 'Consginment' radio button is selected) and then click the TRACK button.

It works for me, and shows me TNT's tracking status.

I hope this process works for you - let me know.

[Zenith]

Actually, I've tried that and every other imaginable way to get the tracking number to work at TNT's page. And all I get is "Not found"...

I think that's generally the problem. And Apple is working on it. At least they say so.

I just have to wait. Or maybe just cancel my order and order a new one. Because I want to use my ADC student discount I have to order from the Apple Store, so I'm stuck with these problems...

[Jonm]

No, that doesn't work. I've tried it frequently.
If Apple haven't handed it on to TNT it won't show up.
We use TNT at work frequently and once they've got the package they're usually pretty good. The problem seems to be at Apple's end and you suspect they are not handing the stuff over to TNT for some reason. God knows why — but I still think they have major problems that they're not explaining.
Does anyone know what the point of getting a QMS number is? It doesn't seem to get you any nearer or getting any help.

[Zenith]

Yeah, I agree.

The problem is at Apple, not TNT. Because when I called Apple Store Norway last week they blamed TNT, but yesterday the guy I spoke with wasn't sure at all who was responsible for this mess.

The QMS doesn't help at all. Trust me. I called Apple on wednesday last week (my shipping date), and they "made" a QMS of my order and sent it to the logistics division for investigation. Now, they still haven't received an update on that QMS, and nobody knows anything about my order.

I just sent Apple Store Norway an email, but from what I've been told, such emails may take weeks to process... God, this sucks.

[Floop]

On top of the fact that my order is massively delayed, I have just noticed something else which concerns me.

When I ordered my G4 iBook Apple had an offer called "More Fun, More Done" or something like that.

Basically the deal was, buy an iBook and an iPod and get £120 rebate back.

I checked the small print and it said that all iBooks qualified, except the old G3 iBook with the CD-ROM (not Combo drive).

Great, I thought. My order qualifies.

Today I checked their website and noticed that they have revised the terms and conditions on this order - AFTER I have placed my order - to now exclude the base level G4 iBook from this rebate offer.

Also one of the terms and conditions specifies that Apple can make changes to the rebate offer at any time. So it looks like I won't be able to get the rebate I was expecting, because they have changed the rules after I ordered.

Furthermore one of the terms and conditions is that the rebate application form is sent in within 30 days of the purchase date on the invoice.

My purchase date was 24th October, but I still haven't received my computer, and until I do so I cannot apply for the rebate because you need to send in the UPC codes from the box.

I feel like cancelling this order completely and becoming a PC user. I am so unbelievably fed up.

Oh, and they just introduced a 20-inch iMac. Saw the rumours yesterday, could not believe they were true due to weight issues - wow was I wrong.


Floop

[Zenith]

Originally posted by Floop
On top of the fact that my order is massively delayed, I have just noticed something else which concerns me.

When I ordered my G4 iBook Apple had an offer called "More Fun, More Done" or something like that.

Basically the deal was, buy an iBook and an iPod and get £120 rebate back.

I checked the small print and it said that all iBooks qualified, except the old G3 iBook with the CD-ROM (not Combo drive).

Great, I thought. My order qualifies.

Today I checked their website and noticed that they have revised the terms and conditions on this order - AFTER I have placed my order - to now exclude the base level G4 iBook from this rebate offer.

Also one of the terms and conditions specifies that Apple can make changes to the rebate offer at any time. So it looks like I won't be able to get the rebate I was expecting, because they have changed the rules after I ordered.

Furthermore one of the terms and conditions is that the rebate application form is sent in within 30 days of the purchase date on the invoice.

My purchase date was 24th October, but I still haven't received my computer, and until I do so I cannot apply for the rebate because you need to send in the UPC codes from the box.

I feel like cancelling this order completely and becoming a PC user. I am so unbelievably fed up.

Looks like Apple has a personal issue with you :p

No, seriously. That sucks. You've been really unlucky, but when it comes to the shipping I suppose we're in the same boat. At least, you've gotten some updates on where your order have been, is, and when. My tracking page has been blank since my order shipped on the 8th of november. As I heard from Wes, he told me Apple screwed up when installing new tracking software, and all the order affected are stuck in Luxembourg. I was told that my G5 was currently in The Netherlands, but I might be wrong, or Apple just doesn't know.

[Floop]

Originally posted by Zenith
I was told that my G5 was currently in The Netherlands, but I might be wrong, or Apple just doesn't know.

I hope you didn't order the 1.8 Ghz G5 - they have just introduced a dual 1.8 Ghz G5... and lowered the price of the 1.6Ghz G5...


Floop

[jMc]

I was quite shocked when Apple UK's Order Status page listed my 1.25 PB as shipped on 15/11 (I only placed my order on 7/11 and there's supposedly a 2-3 week build time)... I got all rather excited, but the Order Status page has remained blank since Saturday, and I've also tried every single combination of tracking numbers on the TNT site. No bones.

I'm beginning to think my PB may have been blown up as a suspicious package due to Bush's visit... ;(

jx

[Zenith]

jMc; As with me, I haven't had any updates or anything at my tracking page too. I'll just wait till the end of the week, and if my G5 still isn't here, I'll cancel the order and order a new one...

Floop; No, it's actually a dual 2 Ghz G5. And I used my ADC student discount on it and stripped it for superdrive and modem. I got it for only 1.700£ including VAT, which is 24% here in Norway. So I have to order another one from Apple store if i'll cancel this order, caus it's a great deal really.

BTW, my 200th post! Yay. Mind my 'tar :D

[jMc]

I should also say that I've received absolutely no communications from Apple since my original Order Acknowledgment - no confirmation that my order was accepted and no confirmation that my order had shipped (even though the Order Status page would suggest that both of these have ocurred)...

Not a single email. I really should call them... I have a sneaking suspicion, given the supposed lead time of PBs that mine hasn't shipped at all.

jx

[i_wolf]

I am joining the ranks of the disgruntled club.
5th phone call to apple today. option 2. on hold for 25 minutes. Michelle takes the call.
"oh... we have your monitor, your ibook ready. The only problem is your G5 powermac. its not ready"
Me: "why is this?"
Her: "we have a part shortage at the moment"
Me: "well this is the 5th time i have rung over the past 2 and a half months. I keep getting the same story told to me, but there are people all over the world getting theirs... . which is kinda strange since i live down the road from the Cork Apple Factory"
Her: "Oh im sorry but its not really our fault, i do appreciate that you might be frustrated"
Me: "Well i am frustrated , but im frustrated not so much by the delay because these things happen, but by the dishonest nature and lack of accountability within apple. Even today you are saying its not your fault. How can you say that. On 5 or 6 separate times you guys have promised me delivery with in 3 or4 working days. Today you tell me that its the powermac holding the order up and that its still in production and that its not apple's fault."
Her: "oh well im sorry sir, and Im sorry that you feel no one has been honest with you but the fact of the matter is that there is a parts shortage and it isn't just you that is being affected"
Me: "I can appreciate that there is a parts shortage but why advertise 10 -15 day build time, why PROMISE me on the phone on 5 or 6 separate times that it had been built and would be out to me in 4 or 5 working days????"
Her: "Because that was what we believed at the time. We genuinely believed that it would be ready in 4 or 5 working days."
me: "So then its not just your production levels that appear wanting its your customer service levels also. Because if that had been the case and deliveries and production was to be delayed you should have contacted me and other customers who had taken you at face value when you said 4 -5 days. I shouldn't have to be ringing you guys to find out that the schedule has slipped. Thats your responsibility"
Her: "well i don't really know what to say"
Me : "Its not you personally that i feel disgruntled with its at the lack of customer service that i feel i am getting from apple. At the moment it just feels that Apple has taken my money and run..... and i especially feel that when apple has had the benefit of my money for the past 2 1/2 months that i am at least entitled to be contacted that my order has slipped and not this keep feeding me rubbish on the phone to keep me happy..... and certainly i shouldn't have to keep ringing them to hound them to give me my computer"
....
....
...
.....
Anyway to cut a long story short with you guys, i was extremely calm with her on the phone and extremely formal and business like. The time for pleasantness is gone im afraid. Essentially i told her that either my order is on my doorstop by Wednesday next week which gives them another week, or i will go and order a laptop and desktop from dell instead.

Not that i think it will make a difference but at this stage i don't know what to do.

Those of you who are having major pains with your orders. i truly feel your pain.
i_wolf

[Floop]

The joke is that they are still telling people the completely wrong ship times - getting them to place their order, and then have them WAIT and WAIT and WAIT.

Go and put anything in your Shopping Cart at the Apple Store, and they will still tell you your order will have a very short build time, and then express delivery.

E.G. a Dual 1.8Ghz G5 has a build time of 2-3 days, and an Express Delivery time of 5-7 days.

I'll bet money that if you placed that order today...

1. You would have to wait 48 hours for order confirmation
2. The build time would start from then
3. You would receive shipping confirmation no earlier than 4 working days from that date
4. You would then receive a shipping update which tells you that shipping will take an additional 3-5 working days on top of the originally estimated 5-7 working days
5. Your item would still supposedly be 'in transit' three weeks later.

I have come to the conclusion, NEVER, EVER ORDER FROM THE APPLE STORE, unless you would be happy for your order to arrive 6 weeks after you made the order.


Floop

[i_wolf]

here here. the irony is that dell gets a lot of flak for their product. yet they manage or at least have managed in the past to get machines out to us when we needed them. We are in the process of upgrading our office, and while apple may have the best hardware out there sub 6000 euro and probably the best OS ....... what good is that to us if we can't get our hands on the stuff. If you are in business time is money and you schedule around timetables. The original time table i got from the apple rep on the phone was 4 -5 days max. 2 1/2 months ago. I ordered the iBook after i ordered the G5. however that is a separate order. seamingly they thought that i wanted both power mac and ibook shipped together?! No , i ordered seperately. At least this is the excuse i got on the iBook delivery as well. This is very bad customer service.

[agdickinson]

Well

I phoned up apple today and by the end of the phone call I had no hair left after pulling it all out :mad:

Apple had shipped my G5 via TNT but not bothered to tell me the shipping number. I phoned TNT and eventually found out that they had tried shipping Friday/Monday/Today(Tuesday)...

TNT on the first two attempts did not leave a note through the door :( :(.

Fortunately I live near the depot 6km(3-4miles) so I'm taking the afternoon off to pick it up. Hopefully the box will fit in my Car :eek: :(

Well also the end of the story, let you know how it goes.

Though Apple really need to sort out their tracking web site as it's a big mess at the moment, and probably annoyed rather a lot of customers....

Andrew

[Jonm]

Well, what do you know?:)
My iBook has finally arrived at Heathrow more than three weeks after being shipped from Taiwan.
Except Apple forgot to inform TNT of a change of delivery address — despite telling me they had.
So now it's heading over to the other side of London — unless TNT can redirect the driver.
Woman at TNT's Customer Services seemed as exasperated as the rest of us with Apple. She said they'd been a nightmare for the past few weeks — and also revealed they're getting delivery addresses consisting of Richmond, London or just Manchester — with nothing else.
Bodes well for all of us, doesn't it?
Can we expect Apple to apologise at any time?

[groovebuster]

Originally posted by Jonm
Can we expect Apple to apologise at any time?

Apologise? Are you kidding me? :rolleyes:

Before that hell would freeze over!!! ;) Oh, didn't we have that already one time this year? Well, one can dream... :cool:

groovebuster

[Zenith]

MY DUAL G5 IS ON MY DOOR STEP BETWEEN 16.00 AND 21.00!!!

I can't beleive it! I spent so much time yesterday on bashing Apple about false delivery dates and poor customer service, but the G5 actually arrived at the terminal on monday! Oh well, considering that I DID receive bad service at the Apple Store it wasn't just wasted time. But I'm soooo happy my Mac is finally here!

And to the rest of you guys who's still waiting, I really feel your pain and wish you all good luck with the deliveries. Just keep calling Apple and keep getting their attention.

[agdickinson]

Well I picked up the G5 from the TNT depot today :D

Albeit without Panther installed on the machine, which I'm rather peeved about <Grrrr> :mad: :mad: :mad:

So I have to wait another 5-30 days (bit realistic I know)....

Andrew

Overall happy to have it though, no to put in the 1GB of extra ram :) (been waiting 2 weeks though) :)

[Floop]

So I ordered on the 24th October...

My item was shipped on the 3rd November...

And it has now been from Taiwan, to Dublin, to Heathrow, to Arnhem, to Eindhoven, back to Heathrow again, to Arnhem again, back to Heathrow for the third time, onto Arnhem for the third time, and now it is back at Heathrow, for the fourth time!

I wonder whether I could frequent flyer mileage for my iBook's travels. That would be good.

What would be better, though, is for my FRICKING iBOOK to be delivered to me, instead of assuming the role of a ping pong ball in a bizarre, funny-if-it-weren't-so-irritating cock-up of magnificent proportions!

This is absolutely the last time I ever buy from the Apple Store. In future, I will buy from dealers.

As far as the Apple Store is concerned -

BE AFRAID. BE VERY AFRAID.

(and this comes from a guy who has used Apple computers since 1984 and loves the technology, but right now wants to do unspeakable things to the fools at Apple whose incompetence allows situations such as this to happen).

Floop, out.

[wolverine]

So I finally made the switch last Sunday night and ordered my 12" iBook G4. It was shipped yesterday (20th). After realising how bad the apple store's tracking page is, I decided to search around for reviews. Was a little overwhelmed by the number of disappointing reviews of the UK Apple store shipping times.

I've just received an email from the education store saying my order has been shipped today. It's currently still in Taiwan.

Wish me luck folks. Can't wait to get my iBook :)


Wolverine

[Prabz]

Originally posted by Floop
So I ordered on the 24th October...

My item was shipped on the 3rd November...

And it has now been from Taiwan, to Dublin, to Heathrow, to Arnhem, to Eindhoven, back to Heathrow again, to Arnhem again, back to Heathrow for the third time, onto Arnhem for the third time, and now it is back at Heathrow, for the fourth time!

I wonder whether I could get frequent flyer mileage for my iBook's travels. That would be good.
HaHaHa!
yea, that's what I would like as well! My PB is still in "TA YUAN HSIANG, TAIWAN" though... as it has *only* been 11 hours since it was shipped...



Anyway, isn't it ironical that our items are world-travelers even before us...?!:rolleyes:
I'm just intimidated by the fact that, now, wherever I take my PB around, its gonna turn up its nose, smirk and say:

"tsk! tsk.. BORING!
...Europe's soo much bettah---especially London...it's such a charming city, really... and oh, Asia is just Maahvelous, dahling! ...You should go there sometime.... "






:mad: damn! these over-spoilt Powerbookz!:p

[agdickinson]

I ordered some JBL speakers from Apple Store on Tuesday Night (23:00), and I received them on Friday. Which is quite a good turnaround on orders.

Though I did somewhat mention my Irk about the previous order of my G5.

I've had to order the Panther update as it did not ship on my MAC.... Let's hope this ships quite quickly.

I have been playing UT 2003 and it realy flies along. That is with all of the Graphics set to High :D

I've got FCE (Final Cut Express), just getting to grips with it, looks like it could be usful in the development of promotional video's for my company :)

Any sign of your Mac's?

A

[wolverine]

My iBook's been in Taiwan since Thursday....

:(

[Floop]

Originally posted by wolverine
My iBook's been in Taiwan since Thursday....

:(

Just so you are prepared, my iBook was shipped out of Taiwan on 3rd November.

I still haven't got it, the latest ETA is Monday 24th, which will make it exactly 3 weeks (if it indeed arrives then).

Apple call this 'Express' shipping. Ha ha.

I was at Mac Expo today and saw people buying G4 iBooks at the show. I wish I had waited and just bought one there today.

[Prabz]

To wolverine
Whoa! No kidding!!!
I feel for you man:(

To Floop
Keep the faith bud; I'm sure its gonna be worth the wait...


If its any consolation to you guyz, today FedEx jumped the ETA of my PB from 24th to the 28th:mad: of Nov. I was hoping to have it seated next to me during Thanksgiving dinner... even had a cute li'l placard for the table with its name over it!


::sigh:: Oh well!

[wolverine]

Think my iBook got to Lux. the day before yesterday.

Status says 'delivered to third party' now, I'm assuming it's in TNT's hands?


Wolverine

[Floop]

To finish my saga...

My order arrived on Monday.

Whichever way you look at it, this delivery took

21 days

or

15 working days

...which is far in excess of Apple's promised '5-7 working days' delivery time. So much for it being 'express'!

What I can say is that I like the new iBook G4, and it did come with Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 (!) - I thought that would not be included in Europe, only in the US.


Floop

[Jonm]

Amazing. After finally getting my G4 iBook :) (which is brilliant, by the way) Apple FINALLY got TNT to pick up the old G3 for a refund — four weeks after I asked them.
But (surprise, surprise) they have no idea why I haven't received Panther which I ordered weeks ago for a friend. They suggested it might be because of the postal strike (remember that?)
Got to say again — I love the iBook but will never, ever, ever deal with the Apple Store again.
Everyone out there still waiting — good luck with your orders and keep hassling Apple.

[agdickinson]

Well I got Panther today, which is great, just installing it on the G5 at the moment :)

It's taken just under 4 working days to get it which is quite a good turn around.

Fingers crossed everything goes okay and my backups work. I'm doing a Clean install ... :eek: :) hopefully it will be okay.....

Andrew

[wolverine]

Can someone tell me how long it takes for TNT to actually recognise your tracking number?

The status on the K&N site has been "delivered to third party" for about 3 days now and the TNT site still doesn't seem to like my number.


Thanks.

Wolverine

[dstorey]

I've just ordered my first ever computer 2 days ago. A powerBook 15". It said 5-7 days build and 3-6 days shipping, but it was collected at 2 am this moring and cleared customs at 6 am. Hope it arrives soon and not 4 weeks like you guys as I have a Java3D viva on next thursday, and this comyter i'm using is seriously holding me back....4 weeks will just be too late...

BTW where do i go for the tracking web sites, i have the one apple links to but it says it is being shipped by KUEHNE & NAGEL HIGH TECH LOGISTICS...do they have their own tracking system, and is it then passed on to TNT?

[jadren0]

I am having similar experiences to you all here in France: delays, emails and phone communication with Applestore saying contradictory things, no valid TNT number (even removing the last six digits), delays... It really seems to be a poor service. They should give everyone a discount.
Is there a central email address for customer services/complaints?
Good luck everybody

[wolverine]

Woohoo!!

My iBook has finally been handed on to TNT :)


Wolverine

[manitoubalck]

Originally posted by agdickinson
I ordered some JBL speakers from Apple Store

In future I recomend you buy speakers from a non computer store. A Hi-Fi store that stocks JBL, can get whatever speakers you ordered for a much smaller cost, plus you would probably recieve a cash discount.

[agdickinson]

Hi,

Um yes I probably could have saved about £9 (Though about £3 with postage taken into account).

I thought I'd see how good apple were in posting off the order. Which arrived about 2 days after ordering which is quite good.

After the fun :( I had in getting the mac I thought I'd give them another chance.

I got Panther 4 days after ordering the G5 upgrade and Apple only charged me £13.99 instead of an earlier quoted £20.

All together I'm a happy chappy now
:D

Andrew

[wolverine]

Wahey! My G4 iBook arrived today :D. However, it's at my parents' house..... 120 miles away AND to top it off I don't have a car :(

Ah well, just a nasty 5 day wait....


Wolverine

[jadren0]

still not received anything. Apple says my order is with TNT; TNT says it's with Apple.

[dstorey]

well mine arrived in luxenbourg this morning. says it left taiwan on fridsy, even though according to apple tracking it hadnt left taiwan on sunday, but was suddenly updated this morning. So according to the tracking, it wss in the air none stop form friday till mon morning. I dunno who its with, KUEHNE & NAGEL HIGH TECH LOGISTICS i think....do they pass it on to TNT later, and if so at what stage?

I hope it doesn't stay in lux or NL for ages.....

[jadren0]

It finally arrived. Apple had been giving me the wrong tracking number.
The computer is great, but I'm still not impressed with Apple Store. I sent several emails for which I received no reply, including some with specific questions (about how to cancel my order etc). I'm going to write some letters to California...
Hope everyone else's stuff arrives.

[jevel]

Originally posted by wolverine
Can someone tell me how long it takes for TNT to actually recognise your tracking number?

The status on the K&N site has been "delivered to third party" for about 3 days now and the TNT site still doesn't seem to like my number.


Thanks.

Wolverine

How do you manage to get anything out of the K&N site? When I insert my tracking there, it can't find anything. :(

-KJ

[wolverine]

Not sure if it works for folks outside of the UK, but take the last 6 digits off your Apple Tracking code (mine ended in 000010, so I took that off the end) and put it in at this site:

http://www.apecode.com/appletrack.php


Wolverine

[jevel]

Excellent! It worked like a charm. (Had to use the whole tracking number 800xxxxxxx, though.) Seems like it's en route from Taipei! :D

-KJ

[wolverine]

Good news :) Hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy my iBook :D


Wolverine