Apple store fun

[Gleadr]

Ok so yesterday i went to the apple store and asked one of the employees about the new white macbook with the updated specs, and they looked at me like I was crazy!! Then the person went on and told me that there was not a 2.0 GHz white macbook currently being produced and that i was wasting his time!! NEVER have I gone to an apple store and had someone be so rude to me. Then i go over to the nearest mac (a macbook pro) and i bring up the apple website and go to the macbook page and have the guy come over and look at the white macbook specs. Then the guy talks into some headset and 3 people come out from the back of the store and look at the web page.

The guy told me that they were checking to see if that was a mistake. Then one of the employees told me that it wasn't a mistake (i already knew that) and then told me that they wouldn't be getting a shipment of the "newer" white macbook until next week.

Then the guy I originally talked to just walked away to the back of the store. I just thought it was hilarious that the guy at the apple store would fight with me about this. What do you guys think about this???

[Tallest Skil]

Most retail drones, be they Apple employees or the Freak Squad, are idiots.

Only a select few have the true credentials to be where they are.

Common occurrence everywhere.

[yousoldtheworld]

That's kind of funny but I guess not too surprising. I don't know about Apple stores specifically, but I've worked retail before and sometimes the lack of communication between companies and employees is ASTOUNDING!

The rudeness, though, is ridiculous. I've heard similar stories from other people about Apple stores. Luckily, the one I go to (the only one in my state) tends to be pretty good about customer service.

[hsleiman]

Typical. I love apple but in my experience at the Pittsburgh area Apple stores most of their employees are pretentious pricks who can't stand it when their infallible knowledge of all things Apple can be called into question by mere consumers like you and I. That guy should have at least apologized to you.

[jessica.]

I think the way you tell a story is hilarious, but that's another story.

Apple store employees are just as Tallest Skill has said ... drones. Most of them know nothing. That's retail for you.

[Gleadr]

I am just glad that not all of them are like this guy if they were it would be like going to a bestbuy -.-

[hexagon]

My interactions with the local Apple Store employees has for the most part been positive. Can't say the same thing for some of the Fry's Electronics employees.

[jav6454]

My retail experience has gone fine so far in an Apple Store. Best Buy, I have always a bad luck of getting drones as first rep. I have to ask for someone else cause I tend to get technical.:rolleyes:

[Gleadr]

My retail experience has gone fine so far in an Apple Store. Best Buy, I have always a bad luck of getting drones as first rep. I have to ask for someone else cause I tend to get technical.:rolleyes:

Yeah whenever i go to best buy no one knows what im talking about and one time the guy in the mac section was telling a lady wrong info and i took it upon myself to correct him and then the lady started asking me questions xD the best buy guy wasnt very happy but i think he should know how to do his job

[akbc]

Hah, I went to an Apple store located in Toronto, inside the Fairview Mall...

I asked one of the employees in the blue shirt for the Apple World Travel Adapter kit (http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8794G/B?fnode=MTY1NDA2Nw&mco=MjE0NjQ4NQ), since I couldn't find it anywhere on the shelf... And the employee assured me that there are no such thing, and the power bar is 100 ~ 240 V and it will work anywhere in the world.

I tell him that I'm aware of it, and I just need the kit so I can physically plug-in the power adapter into the wall outlet... He then tells me to go to a dollar store somewhere and buy one of those small adapter things myself..

the store was extremely busy, so I couldn't grab a computer to show him on internet or anything. So I started describing it.. but he was "500% sure" that it does not exist.

Then I got frustrated with him, and found this guy with a notepad and looking like he is doing inventory checks, (he was wearing a black shirt unlike any other employees) and asked him.

He immediately goes to the power section, sees that it's not in stock, and goes to the back and grabs it for me... The blue shirt guy was watching us as black shirt guy took me through.

Then the blue shirt guys goes into the back room and I never saw him again...

Ugh... And don't even get me started with the BestBuy apple reps =_=

[GfulDedFan]

I find myself educating most of the Apple Store and Best Buy employees so I usually just keep to myself.

Luckily, the one I go to (the only one in my state) tends to be pretty good about customer service.

@ yousoldtheworld Agree with you there..... at least they're nice people at the Indiana Apple Store.

[The Samurai]

If you find the OP's story amusing, you'll find my experience funny (or atleast I did anyway).

Called up Applecare and was being transferred from various different regional departments for some reason... got to an American call-centre and this is how our conversation went like:

Apple Rep: "where are you located sir"
Me: "I am in the United Kingdom"
Apple Rep: "Sir, where is that"
Me (I thought he didn't hear me right): "I am in the UK, England"
Apple Rep: "Is that in France"
Me: "ah ha hahaha ahahah"
[/End of call]

[Gleadr]

Personally i think people at applecare are retards my ipod broke and they said they couldnt do anything because of how it broke. "It wasnt covered under the warranty" The funny thing is it actually was i took it to an apple store and they gave me a new one xD

[akbc]

If you find the OP's story amusing, you'll find my experience funny (or atleast I did anyway).

Called up Applecare and was being transferred from various different regional departments for some reason... got to an American call-centre and this is how our conversation went like:

Apple Rep: "where are you located sir"
Me: "I am in the United Kingdom"
Apple Rep: "Sir, where is that"
Me (I thought he didn't hear me right): "I am in the UK, England"
Apple Rep: "Is that in France"
Me: "ah ha hahaha ahahah"
[/End of call]

That's kinda funny and really sad at the same time.

He/she must be an idiot...

[ChrisN]

I hate stupid Apple Employees, they are so annoying and treat me like a 5yr old.

ChrisN

[gixxerredliner]

Thats why i order online, most of those guys espiecally the best buy employees that work in the apple section dont know jack crap about the products they sell.

[ZiggyPastorius]

Yeah whenever i go to best buy no one knows what im talking about and one time the guy in the mac section was telling a lady wrong info and i took it upon myself to correct him and then the lady started asking me questions xD the best buy guy wasnt very happy but i think he should know how to do his job

I did this in Best Buy one day, actually, except the guy wasn't too mad. I was playing on the iMacs, making music in Logic, and the guy was having a hard time explaining things, like why OS X is not susceptible to viruses, so I turned around and finished explaining to the customer. I felt kind of like a douche, but we had a conversation about Logic and then phones afterwards.

[air-ick]

I plan my trips to the apple store during the week. I think the full timers work weekdays or something. I've bought 2 mackbooks and an iPhone from the same guy. Very knowledgeable (Bob from the Mall of America store). I bought my mini displayadapter on the weekend from someone else - clueless - it wasn't on the shelf and i had to find it on the computer and we needed another employee to help get it brought out from the back room - so it took me and 3 employees to get it. No wonder it costs $30 - the labor?!?!

Eric

[jav6454]

I plan my trips to the apple store during the week. I think the full timers work weekdays or something. I've bought 2 mackbooks and an iPhone from the same guy. Very knowledgeable (Bob from the Mall of America store). I bought my mini displayadapter on the weekend from someone else - clueless - it wasn't on the shelf and i had to find it on the computer and we needed another employee to help get it brought out from the back room - so it took me and 3 employees to get it. No wonder it costs $30 - the labor?!?!

Eric

Mall of Americas? I'm assuming Miami.... however, I can see $30 due to labor...:rolleyes:

[air-ick]

Mall of Americas? I'm assuming Miami.... however, I can see $30 due to labor...:rolleyes:

Minneapolis.

[OSXRANDOMANIMAL]

Mall of Americas? I'm assuming Miami.... however, I can see $30 due to labor...:rolleyes:

thats in minneapolis. i applied there and never heard back, it's a shame too because i know much more about the products than anybody there.

[99MustangGTman]

Uh oh I hope people don't think of me like this if I work there(I just applied for a job there)

[iParis]

I did this in Best Buy one day, actually, except the guy wasn't too mad. I was playing on the iMacs, making music in Logic, and the guy was having a hard time explaining things, like why OS X is not susceptible to viruses, so I turned around and finished explaining to the customer. I felt kind of like a douche, but we had a conversation about Logic and then phones afterwards.

I do some of the same. If I see an Apple employee talking to someone and giving them advice but they get stuck, I go ahead and help them out.
Most of the time the appreciate it.

[walldawg84]

I'm in agreement about some of the grunts that apple employ in some of their stores.

I had to leave my blackbook into an Apple Store last week (in Belfast) to get the palmrest/keyboard/trackpad replaced, having already been to the genius bar earlier in the week and they'd ordered the part and I had the work request form etc. ... as soon as someone approached me, i told him i was there to leave my macbook in for repair and he asked me if i had an appointment ... to which, of course, i replied no, i just needed to leave the computer with them ... he then proceeded to take me over to an iMac and open up the concierge where he proudly told me that their next available slot was on sunday (this was friday), and they'd be able to see me then!

My reply was simply and calmly, that sunday was completely unacceptable for just leaving a computer in, considering i had contacted the store to make sure they had my part in, and had the work authorisation form. He then took on a completely rude demeanour, and approached one of the genius' to see me once he's finished with another customer.

I was waiting for, literally, 20 minutes on this guy before another member of staff approached me, and I explained that I had a macbook to leave in for repair and had the work authorisation etc. and this guy ALSO tried to convince me that I needed to make an appointment to spend time with a genius to diagnose the problem ... he then proceeded to go and get another girl to try something called a 'quick drop', which apparently they'd never done before and were going to use the manual to make sure they were doing it right ...

She disappeared off, the genius guy became free, i told him EXACTLY what I'd told the other 3 and he went out back, printed off a copy of the work request, got me to sign it, i got him to sign both his copy and mine, and I was on my way. I'd been in the store for over half an hour and it took the guts of 4 minutes to sort out, after which the genius told me that any member of staff should've been able to do that for me

If i'd had to wait for half an hour because no-one else in the store could help me, then I guess I'd be ok with that, but after them blatantly not listening to me and deciding that I needed to book an appointment just to sign a piece of paper, I was pretty infuriated ... on the flip side, when they phoned me to come collect it that night, I went in, and with 5 minutes I'd signed for my laptop, checked it, and was out the door having been helped by a cheery supervisor

ok, sorry guys, rant over ... Apple e-mailed me a feedback thing ... guess who's having fun :D

[H$R]

I hate stupid Apple Employees, they are so annoying and treat me like a 5yr old.

ChrisN

That also bugs me all the time about just every company and support or retail staff.

I recall problems with software and hardware. I normally research the problem by myself and only if I really can not find the info I call/email the support. And as experience shows, it doesn't matter if you write every single detail what you already have done and tried. You can even specify where exactly the problem must be. And you always just get the standard repies like deinstalling, restarting whatever. That's dumb, I mean that's the first time you would do having the problem, not?

And I include all that info and still I have the feeling they're only reading the title. Once I had to go through 3 or 4 different support people, and 8 emails. 7 emails were the same dumb stuff as usual and the last person with the last email finally found the solution.

If they don't have any clue, then they just should tell me that instead of wasting my time.

I'm not sure, do they think everyone is an idiot? But don't see that they are the idiots themselves?

And never buy hardware because a sailsperson says so. Research the thing in the internet before because they mostly don't have any knowledge of what they really sell. And than it's overpriced. Thanks God that there are hardware stores with geeks who know all the stuff.

[SFStateStudent]

I'm still stalking the Apple employee that guaranteed me that there would be a 2nd camera facing the iPhone user so that we could have video iChat and video conferencing... LOL :o

[Fonzijr1964]

so true. They never really know what they are taking about. I ust wish they would hire people under 18 so i could work there :D

[shady825]

I was in the Apple store about a week or so ago. I purchased Aperture2 and while I was there I figured hey, I wanna check out that new 17 MacBook Pro. I asked one of the "blue shirts" (as you guys call them) if they had the new 17 inch MBP, he looked at me like he had no idea what I was talking about. I said, "ya know, the NEW MacBook Pro that they announced with the "new" battery.."
He actually had to go get another employee to ask him if he knew anything about it. I was amazed! They didnt have them in the store at the time but its just crazy that these employees dont even know what product they have out/coming out.

[The Samurai]

I'm pretty sure Apple HQ send out regular e-mails to their retail store employees of new product releases so they are aware of new products that are lying on their shelves. Also, supervisors/team leaders have group meetings with normal employees - giving them a heads-up on a new product launch.

There should be no excuse, as seen from the above, that an employee doesn't know about the changes in product lines.

[danvan21]

I went to a sony store to look and see if they had any info on the SOny P and the guy was like what the heck is that? we dont offer anything like that. Then he just walked away. Employees of retail chains are not going to know the day a new product is released but they should not be ass holes

[Gleadr]

so true. They never really know what they are taking about. I ust wish they would hire people under 18 so i could work there :D


lol same here ... So you have you have to be over 18?? xD i didn't know that then again i have never asked

[TennisandMusic]

Most retail drones, be they Apple employees or the Freak Squad, are idiots.

Only a select few have the true credentials to be where they are.

Common occurrence everywhere.

The true credentials to work in retail. That's a new one! :D

[Fonzijr1964]

lol same here ... So you have you have to be over 18?? xD i didn't know that then again i have never asked

yep

that what i hear but it does not say that on the apple site but i have never seen someone under 18 working there so i guess its true

[Heimlich]

wow..

[Jeffrosproto]

I've actually always had good experiences at the Apple store. However, whenever I email Microsoft (I needed to get a keyboard replaced) I always get a reply from "Carol." At least they replaced my keyboard in a timely manner, but I don't like the fact that a billion-dollar corporation has one person answering emails, or the fact that they have to give a generic name to their staff.

[jav6454]

I've actually always had good experiences at the Apple store. However, whenever I email Microsoft (I needed to get a keyboard replaced) I always get a reply from "Carol." At least they replaced my keyboard in a timely manner, but I don't like the fact that a billion-dollar corporation has one person answering emails, or the fact that they have to give a generic name to their staff.

Maybe its code name for an specific division of Costumer Support. I had terrible experience with MS though. I bought Vista for my mom (she was running pirated XP and Vista purchase was against my technical advise) and realized the box contained 32-bit software. I needed 64-bit since the desktop my mom had, had 8GB RAM.

Needless to say I called MS and got them to send me the 64-bit DVD. Weeks passed when I noticed I had not received the 64-bit DVD. Called MS, got an indian guy on the line (very thick accent) and after decifering what he said and trying to get him to talk slower he told me it was delivered and signed for. I was like "WTF?" and proceeded to ask who and what. The rep neglected to help me in any sense and I had to use the phrase "Can I speak with the manager". Got on hold for a while and got the manager. She wasn't really that happy to help me and answered my questions like forcefully. Alas, I got to ask (and was answered) where did MS ship the DVD. They told me a whole different address; way across town. I was, like wrong address and such. The manager showed reluctant to ship me a new one alleging I wanted multiple copies and such. I ended up asking if they do send out the Key with that to which she replied no. Then I said, well then you have nothing ti loose. I still have my original key, and using Vista without the key is worthless. Meaning no matter how many copies of Vista I have, I still have 1 key.

I finally made them send me another copy of the 64-bit DVD to the right address. Got it after 3 days. MS has such terrible CS.

[illegallydead]

LOL they really should start hiring people under 18. They usually know a whole lot more about the new products. When trying to fix someone's computer, a good question to ask is: "Hello, ma'am, may I speak to the youngest person in the house?" :D

This whole thing reminds me of a time when my stepdad and I went into a Bestbuy to get a serial cable for an old Garmin GPS unit.
Stepdad: "Excuse me sir, do you carry a Serial cable for this GPS unit?"
BB guy: "What is a serial cable? I haven't heard of those before."
SD: "Get the hell out of my face. Is there someone else I can talk to who is worth two *****?"
BB guy: [blank, taken aback look]

Retail places really should do a better job of screening potential computer salesmen. The consumer is generally uneducated to begin with, so having someone who actually knows what they are talking about means less chances of bad information being passed along and perpetuated, generally dumbing down the population further...

[November]

When it comes to retail: poor pay and lack of real product education means poor/indifferent employees.

The good employees move on, or up off the sales floor VERY quickly.

[queshy]

Most retail drones, be they Apple employees or the Freak Squad, are idiots.

Only a select few have the true credentials to be where they are.

Common occurrence everywhere.
Agreed. Apple isn't looking to hire mac-fanatics in their retail stores.

[butterfly0fdoom]

LOL they really should start hiring people under 18. They usually know a whole lot more about the new products. When trying to fix someone's computer, a good question to ask is: "Hello, ma'am, may I speak to the youngest person in the house?" :D

This whole thing reminds me of a time when my stepdad and I went into a Bestbuy to get a serial cable for an old Garmin GPS unit.
Stepdad: "Excuse me sir, do you carry a Serial cable for this GPS unit?"
BB guy: "What is a serial cable? I haven't heard of those before."
SD: "Get the hell out of my face. Is there someone else I can talk to who is worth two *****?"
BB guy: [blank, taken aback look]

Retail places really should do a better job of screening potential computer salesmen. The consumer is generally uneducated to begin with, so having someone who actually knows what they are talking about means less chances of bad information being passed along and perpetuated, generally dumbing down the population further...

Goodness, you wanted a Serial cable and you think youth should be working retail? Kids these days probably never even heard of USB 1.1, let alone Serial.

[Fonzijr1964]

LOL they really should start hiring people under 18. They usually know a whole lot more about the new products. When trying to fix someone's computer, a good question to ask is: "Hello, ma'am, may I speak to the youngest person in the house?" :D

This whole thing reminds me of a time when my stepdad and I went into a Bestbuy to get a serial cable for an old Garmin GPS unit.
Stepdad: "Excuse me sir, do you carry a Serial cable for this GPS unit?"
BB guy: "What is a serial cable? I haven't heard of those before."
SD: "Get the hell out of my face. Is there someone else I can talk to who is worth two *****?"
BB guy: [blank, taken aback look]

Retail places really should do a better job of screening potential computer salesmen. The consumer is generally uneducated to begin with, so having someone who actually knows what they are talking about means less chances of bad information being passed along and perpetuated, generally dumbing down the population further...

well all i know is they do put some restrictions on their employes on what they can talk about at the apple store and the only people there who know much are the guy behind the bar and they still can be dumb.


I just think i would be really good at selling apples. Hell i should get commission for all the converts from my school :D

[erstwhilepo]

The Apple store near me is ALWAYS packed. Generally, you can't even get into the place. Most people they hire look at working in places like that as just a dopey job. Hence the indifference and unfamiliarity with products. I had a retail job once and absolutely hated it...

[Vulcan]

Typical. I love apple but in my experience at the Pittsburgh area Apple stores most of their employees are pretentious pricks who can't stand it when their infallible knowledge of all things Apple can be called into question by mere consumers like you and I. That guy should have at least apologized to you.

Shady Side or South Hills Village? If you're unsure, was it in a Mall or not?

I agree, he should have at least apologized.

[Jpoon]

I'm still stalking the Apple employee that guaranteed me that there would be a 2nd camera facing the iPhone user so that we could have video iChat and video conferencing... LOL :o

hahah I convinced one of the Genius' that all MacBooks come with four gigs' of RAM.

Yay crackbook

[walldawg84]

hahah I convinced one of the Genius' that all MacBooks come with four gigs' of RAM.

now THAT's genius! :D

It really does make you wonder though, how some of them completely miss the basics of how computers work, never mind mac's

I remember the girl who sold my brother-in-law his iMac, told him with all the confidence in the world, that nothing EVER goes wrong with mac's, and that they always 100% work straight out of the box ... the next day I took it back with him when the airport card turned out to be faulty and her face was a picture ... especially when she said she'd been using mac's for years and I had to show her that the remote is magnetic to the side of the screen on the (then) macbooks (is that not a simple thing? I figured it out after having my macbook for a day...)

the mind boggles...

[Fonzijr1964]

hahah I convinced one of the Genius' that all MacBooks come with four gigs' of RAM.

Yay crackbook

hahaha :D

[illegallydead]

Goodness, you wanted a Serial cable and you think youth should be working retail? Kids these days probably never even heard of USB 1.1, let alone Serial.

Haha it is all in finding the right balance, man. There are plenty of people in their late teens that actually had and remember legacy technology. Then again, not everyone wants to work retail, so you are kind of stuck...

[cloudnine]

Typical. I love apple but in my experience at the Pittsburgh area Apple stores most of their employees are pretentious pricks who can't stand it when their infallible knowledge of all things Apple can be called into question by mere consumers like you and I. That guy should have at least apologized to you.

It's funny, because I know exactly what you're talking about... I grew up in Pittsburgh, and for some reason, the Apple user stereotype totally exists there... "Oooh, I use an Apple, I'm SO great and awesome." But here in the SF Bay Area, where using an Apple computer is the norm, it's a completely different retail experience. No attitude, no holier-than-thou mentality... just a nice, relaxed environment.

Funny that, the farther you get from Apple HQ, the more pretentious people are in regards to their computer. Which, in and of itself, is pretty ridiculous... while I love my iMac and MacBook, they are just computers, after all.

[Patriks7]

I plan my trips to the apple store during the week. I think the full timers work weekdays or something. I've bought 2 mackbooks and an iPhone from the same guy. Very knowledgeable (Bob from the Mall of America store). I bought my mini displayadapter on the weekend from someone else - clueless - it wasn't on the shelf and i had to find it on the computer and we needed another employee to help get it brought out from the back room - so it took me and 3 employees to get it. No wonder it costs $30 - the labor?!?!

Eric

Well we should have a Mac joke then!

How many Apple employees does it take to find a Minidisplay port? :rolleyes:

[jav6454]

Well we should have a Mac joke then!

How many Apple employees does it take to find a Minidisplay port? :rolleyes:

6!

[butterfly0fdoom]

Haha it is all in finding the right balance, man. There are plenty of people in their late teens that actually had and remember legacy technology. Then again, not everyone wants to work retail, so you are kind of stuck...

Well, of course. I'm almost out of my teens and I have experience with legacy technologies. But I was referring to people in their mid-teens.

[illegallydead]

Well, of course. I'm almost out of my teens and I have experience with legacy technologies. But I was referring to people in their mid-teens.

haha same here. The damn whipersnappers! :D

[mlts22]

It's funny, because I know exactly what you're talking about... I grew up in Pittsburgh, and for some reason, the Apple user stereotype totally exists there... "Oooh, I use an Apple, I'm SO great and awesome." But here in the SF Bay Area, where using an Apple computer is the norm, it's a completely different retail experience. No attitude, no holier-than-thou mentality... just a nice, relaxed environment.

Funny that, the farther you get from Apple HQ, the more pretentious people are in regards to their computer. Which, in and of itself, is pretty ridiculous... while I love my iMac and MacBook, they are just computers, after all.

That is how it is in Austin, because so many people use Macs in town, there is less of the pretentious attitude at the Apple stores.

I'm the same way. All and all, its the end result of what one does with the computer that matters. Regardless of OS.

I do notice one thing though. Macs have more of a community than Windows. I don't know any Mac developer who would write malware because they have respect for the platform. Same goes with the UNIX world (Linux, Solaris, AIX). However, in the Windows world the attitude is completely different. People write for Windows to earn cash, and there isn't a respect for the platform as you find in the Mac and UNIX world.

[Benguitar]

I find it funny that us Macintosh users are more *up to date* with Apple's products than Apple's Employees are. :D

[Theirishjoey]

Apple Rep: "where are you located sir"
Me: "I am in the United Kingdom"
Apple Rep: "Sir, where is that"
Me (I thought he didn't hear me right): "I am in the UK, England"
Apple Rep: "Is that in France"
Me: "ah ha hahaha ahahah"
[/End of call]

:) That is the funniest thing I have heard in weeks! How can't you know where the UK is? Stupid person. I guess that's why they are in call centre's and not doing a real job. (I'm sure there will be some decent people who have just had some bad things happen to them, but most of the time they just couldn't be bothered to do some work and get further in life)

[tibi08]

Thankfully Apple can live safe in the knowledge that:

1) Anyone who knows more than Apple's sales staff about Apple products is going to buy Apple products no matter how rude their staff are;

2) The majority of Apple customers will be less well informed than their employees.

[cloudnine]

I find it funny that us Macintosh users are more *up to date* with Apple's products than Apple's Employees are. :D

Before a few days ago, I would have disagreed with you, but... I went into the Apple store the other day, and explained that the mini displayport adaptor that I bought wasn't compatible with the S-video adaptor... and wanted to know what my alternatives were. The Apple employee that was helping me said "Oh, well you should just buy the mini displayport to S-video adaptor". Of course, I had been over the apple website over and over again, as well as Macrumors and Gizmodo, and knew that there wasn't such an adaptor made yet... but figured I'd see what he'd pull out. He went into the back for at least 10 minutes... came back out and said "oh, uh, we must be out of stock... but if you want to try back in a week or so, or try ordering it online..."

Really now? 0_o

[alphaod]

I had a friend go to the store to buy a Black MacBook and the sales person asked him if he wanted the high or low end model. :rolleyes:

[DeusInvictus7]

I had a friend go to the store to buy a Black MacBook and the sales person asked him if he wanted the high or low end model. :rolleyes:

Haha...wow

And as a side note to Apple retail employees: I hate how they only hire people that actually live within 10 min or so of the store they are working at...

I got turned down a job there because I didn't live near the store...

Oh well, they missed out on a good employee :cool:. I can't really complain though, since at the place I work at now I am pretty much the only guy, so I'm surrounded by really cute girls ;)

[clyde2801]

I had a friend, a writer who was in his 50's, who has used macs since OS 6. He was needing a little extra cash, so he applied for a part time job at the OKC apple store. He wasn't offered a position.

Meanwhile, I've had good experiences with the blueshirts (other than one insisting that the macbook had the exact same screen and quality of the macbook pro's, only smaller), and a couple of crappy ones with the geniuses; I think they remember me taking three unibody macbooks back because of shoddy screens, uneven keys and the like. Maybe it's my imagaination, but I think they still make faces when they see me walking towards the back on my way to make a purchase. :rolleyes:

I want to take my lenovo s10 hackbook air in there, set it up to a new macbook and compare the screen of my $400 system to their $1300 model. I'm predicting that the blueshirts will check my rig out, and the geniuses will try to escort me off of the premises...:D

[indisguise]

I find myself doing the same thing, except I Actually work at Best Buy as an Apple Certified Computers Specialist. Sometimes I correct customers about Apple stuff, and sometimes other employees. I do pride myself in not being a "retail drone", I know my stuff.

[tibi08]

I find myself doing the same thing, except I Actually work at Best Buy as an Apple Certified Computers Specialist. Sometimes I correct customers about Apple stuff, and sometimes other employees. I do pride myself in not being a "retail drone", I know my stuff.

I suspect they all secretly hate you.... ;)

[michaelsviews]

Ok so yesterday i went to the apple store and asked one of the employees about the new white macbook with the updated specs, and they looked at me like I was crazy!! Then the person went on and told me that there was not a 2.0 GHz white macbook currently being produced and that i was wasting his time!! NEVER have I gone to an apple store and had someone be so rude to me. Then i go over to the nearest mac (a macbook pro) and i bring up the apple website and go to the macbook page and have the guy come over and look at the white macbook specs. Then the guy talks into some headset and 3 people come out from the back of the store and look at the web page.

The guy told me that they were checking to see if that was a mistake. Then one of the employees told me that it wasn't a mistake (i already knew that) and then told me that they wouldn't be getting a shipment of the "newer" white macbook until next week.

Then the guy I originally talked to just walked away to the back of the store. I just thought it was hilarious that the guy at the apple store would fight with me about this. What do you guys think about this???

How about posting the guys name and the store phone number, I have free long distance :D

[iSaygoodbye]

Most retail drones, be they Apple employees or the Freak Squad, are idiots.

Only a select few have the true credentials to be where they are.

Common occurrence everywhere.

chuck isnt a idiot and hes on the nerd herd!!

[Nasus]

Anyone have an email address for the South Hills Village Apple Store?

[kabunaru]

I hate stupid Apple Employees, they are so annoying and treat me like a 5yr old.

That's interesting. The Apple Store I went to, the employees were very nice and never treated me bad.

[Nasus]

That's interesting. The Apple Store I went to, the employees were very nice and never treated me bad.

I agree. However, I bought my MacBook Pro there 3 years ago and while everyone was nice and helpful I did feel a bit intimidated and rushed but I hadn't really done my homework. Now I know what I want when I walk in and the process has always been more than pleasant. There are goobers everywhere and that guy as well as everyone else there should always do their homework before they start THEIR day.

Does anyone one if the South Hills Village Store still has any of the previous generation iMacs in stock?

[jtibbitt]

The Apple Store in Macarthur Center, Norfolk has many employees. Some of them really do know their stuff. But I think the true geniuses are the ones quick to say "I do not know, but we can find that out sir".

[raremage]

Uh oh I hope people don't think of me like this if I work there(I just applied for a job there)

Don't worry, we will! ;)

[raremage]

The true credentials to work in retail. That's a new one! :D

Let's run through the list: Pulse - Check - ready to hire!

[coronel mustard]

I suppose people's experiences will vary from store to store. I have so far, had good experiences when visiting the apple store. When I went to buy my macbook from the apple store in Liverpool, the guy there treated me more as a friend rather than a customer- discussing the latest films while scanning my macbook through the till. This more friendly approach was a refreshing change from the usual retail experience.

However he did recommend I watch Mamma Mia......yuck! ;)

[Macpropro80]

I got into an argument with an apple employee about the number of cores in MY mac pro. He told me the most you can have is 4. I had to show him system profiler and he told me that was a glitch. I told him: You getting this job was a glitch.

Another time: An apple employee was checking out a customer infront of the 30inch ACD, I asked him to please move over a little so I could try the display. He looked at me and said, NO, you can't even afford that display kid (im 16), don't waste apples time. I promptly bought the display (i was going to buy it anyway, thats why i was there) and made sure that the rude employee saw me purchasing the display from another apple rep. He just lost the commission on an $1800 display.

[nexx892]

The apple store in Highland Park is good...
It was like the 13th time i broght my macbook 2.4 white in and finally my dad started complaining and they got me a new one with alu...

Northpark apple store sucks thoe. they didnt thing i could get a macbook with upgraded ram and appl care. so they laughed at me... untill i showed cash because my dad was somewhere else.

[jgbhardy]

If you find the OP's story amusing, you'll find my experience funny (or atleast I did anyway).

Called up Applecare and was being transferred from various different regional departments for some reason... got to an American call-centre and this is how our conversation went like:

Apple Rep: "where are you located sir"
Me: "I am in the United Kingdom"
Apple Rep: "Sir, where is that"
Me (I thought he didn't hear me right): "I am in the UK, England"
Apple Rep: "Is that in France"
Me: "ah ha hahaha ahahah"
[/End of call]

The amount of times i have had Americans ask me very similar question's its shocking.
one of my trips to an apple store was great, i was talking to one of the people about getting a new macbook just going through a few different things to do with the OS and stuff general functionality, my mum (who i was visting in america) then asked him a question about mouse functions and a few other things, he didn't have a clue and then i was like o right well you just have to do this and he was like i did not know that at all lol. tried asking him about program writing and terminal he didn't even know what it was! at this point i didn't even own a mac, kinda sad on my part for knowing so much about it before ever using one :D

[andrew upstairs]

Does anyone one if the South Hills Village Store still has any of the previous generation iMacs in stock?As far as I'm aware, when a new hardware iteration arrives, the old versions are sent back to Apple.

[kabunaru]

Do a lot of Apple store employees really think people are dumb?
An sincere question.

[Knolly]

Do a lot of Apple store employees really think people are dumb?
An sincere question.

Yes. If you had ever worked in retail, you know that most people are.

[illegallydead]

Yes. If you had ever worked in retail, you know that most people are.

haha a bit of a generality, but overall true. It has lowered my expectations of people in general :rolleyes:

[whitemacbook]

When I bought my iPhone from the apple store in sydney it was about 8.30am on a saturday morning and there was 1 other person in the store and the first guy I encounter does the standard 'can I help you?' routine.I explain the purpose of my visit then he informs me I will have to make an APPOINTMENT to buy one.He pulls out some star trek looking device and taps it a few times then pulls a random time out of the air and asks 'would that be ok?' without looking up.I proceed to enquire,in my most diplomatic voice 'you are ****ing joking right?' turn and ask one of ze hottest girls I've seen in a retail environment do I need an appointment or is this guy just playin jingle bells?
I get a giggle.
Then says follow me.
Cuts open the plastic and puts it down and looks at it.
I look at it too.
I ask her 'don't you have to plug it into a computer and do some wizardry with it first?'
More giggles then a tirade about how people love opening stuff themselves and thats what they're told to do.I say I'm never washing this phone after she's touched it.Giggle city.Asking do I know how to use it I'm thinking this is the chance."how does the contact list work?" BANG POW.
10 minutes later I've walked back past the same guy with the star trek accessory and pause to inform him that I'd like to cancel that 1.30 appointment and that *name witheld* will be back shortly we're just going to grab a coffee.
Over coffee I confess I knew how to use a phone I just didn't want my accountant finding her phone number on the back of the reciept....
So all in all fun morning at the apple store.
New iPhone,phone number and a disasterous relationship for 2 months.

The first time I went to the store was to buy my white macbook.Day after launch day of the new ones.
Guy #1 goes through the hardsell convincing me I need a 17" MBP.
I walk away
Guy #2 says they just updated them blah blah get a new one blah blah blah
I look disinterested then walk up to some guy with semi heavy tattoo work and ask him for a white macbook.He says 'the refurb store is' and I stop him mid sentence saying 'I need this today'.He nods,walks away,back in 5 (during which time I got numerous death stares from other staff).During this time I ace my jacket and we start talking tattoos and he says 'I wish more people would just walk in and know exactly what they want.'
I said 'I wish more girls with big tits and miniskirts worked here'

I ordered my mouse and dock online.Don't wanna go back a 3rd time.

[illegallydead]

When I bought my iPhone from the apple store in sydney it was about 8.30am on a saturday morning and there was 1 other person in the store and the first guy I encounter does the standard 'can I help you?' routine.
[snip]
I ordered by mouse and dock online.Don't wanna go back a 3rd time.

LOL

Something makes me feel like you've been wanting to tell that iPhone story for a while :D

Funny **** man, I admire your sense of humor :p

[Mr. Giver '94]

haha a bit of a generality, but overall true. It has lowered my expectations of people in general :rolleyes:

A trip to Disneyland has that exact same effect. ;) Don't even get me started. :D


For those in the LA area, I'd suggest either the Pasadena or Northridge Apple Stores. The drones ..... uh I mean employees.... seem to be the most helpful and friendliest there.

Since I know all about what I'm going to the store for, I 'rate' Apple stores by the friendliness of their staff cuz I hate to deal with the pricks who treat you like ****. That being said, most of my experiences have been positive and while not hugely knowledgeable, the people are pleasant.

[jabingla2810]

I couldnt work in an apple store.

Yeah, I probably know enough to get me by, but the customers would be unbearable.

Older customers who dont have a clue would frustrate me, I mean, I grit my teeth while watching my dad use a computer.

On the other side, apple fan boys who know everything would unbearable to deal with, espeicially the ones that bring a computer back because a key isnt perfectly straight..... "just F*@K OFF!" would probably be my response.

I wouldnt last a week.

Dont get me wrong, I appreciate all the advice you guys give me, and when I think something it up with my laptop, this is a good palce to come, but I dont ever really want to meet any of you..... lol..... and I mean that in the nicest possible way. :D

[kabunaru]

haha a bit of a generality, but overall true. It has lowered my expectations of people in general :rolleyes:

If you really want to see the worst of people, watch Operation Repo.
Sorry for off-topic.

[airjuggernaut]

LOL they really should start hiring people under 18. They usually know a whole lot more about the new products. When trying to fix someone's computer, a good question to ask is: "Hello, ma'am, may I speak to the youngest person in the house?" :D

This whole thing reminds me of a time when my stepdad and I went into a Bestbuy to get a serial cable for an old Garmin GPS unit.
Stepdad: "Excuse me sir, do you carry a Serial cable for this GPS unit?"
BB guy: "What is a serial cable? I haven't heard of those before."
SD: "Get the hell out of my face. Is there someone else I can talk to who is worth two *****?"
BB guy: [blank, taken aback look]

Retail places really should do a better job of screening potential computer salesmen. The consumer is generally uneducated to begin with, so having someone who actually knows what they are talking about means less chances of bad information being passed along and perpetuated, generally dumbing down the population further...
That's so incredibly rude.

I'm sorry, just because he didn't know what a Serial Cable is doesn't mean you have the right to treat him like ****.

[illegallydead]

That's so incredibly rude.

I'm sorry, just because he didn't know what a Serial Cable is doesn't mean you have the right to treat him like ****.

Well, the story may have been exaggerated a bit, but the point remains the same: the guy is working in an electronics store, in the cables department, the dude should at least have heard of the cable type. They were phased out what, maybe 3-4 years ago? Some amount of training and knowledge is to be expected.

Then again, if you knew my stepdad, and the way he is about technology (my generation invented it god-d*mnit!) this story would not surprise you...

[whitemacbook]

LOL

Something makes me feel like you've been wanting to tell that iPhone story for a while :D

Funny **** man, I admire your sense of humor :p

yeah kinda.
I shouldn't have though.
Made me think of her
then call her
then ***** her

Sadly I think I will have to go back I need a case of some sort for my phone and that's something I would need to test fit before buying.

Over here they started selling turntables in other places besides specialist vinl stores and stuff.Like run of the mil phillips and sony ect not your professional Technics ect ones.Typically places like k-mart and our version of best guy ,so I asked a guy about wether they were direct drive or belt drive.
Got a flat "I have no idea records suck only your grandma plays them".

[illegallydead]

yeah kinda.
I shouldn't have though.
Made me think of her
then call her
then ***** her

Sadly I think I will have to go back I need a case of some sort for my phone and that's something I would need to test fit before buying.

Over here they started selling turntables in other places besides specialist vinl stores and stuff.Like run of the mil phillips and sony ect not your professional Technics ect ones.Typically places like k-mart and our version of best guy ,so I asked a guy about wether they were direct drive or belt drive.
Got a flat "I have no idea records suck only your grandma plays them".

lol.

I can't believe people say stuff like that to customers. "only your grandma plays them...." good lord :rolleyes:

[airjuggernaut]

Well, the story may have been exaggerated a bit, but the point remains the same: the guy is working in an electronics store, in the cables department, the dude should at least have heard of the cable type. They were phased out what, maybe 3-4 years ago? Some amount of training and knowledge is to be expected.

Then again, if you knew my stepdad, and the way he is about technology (my generation invented it god-d*mnit!) this story would not surprise you...
Don't worry, I understand what your saying.

It's just that I feel really bad for anyone who works in retail, because having worked in it myself, I know it can be challenging and full of frustrating customers who literally come in to pick a fight.

[tdgrn]

I suspect they all secretly hate you.... ;)

I can confirm this, as I am the APP in our Best Buy, and when I do this to people, they tend to get offended. However, I often don't get the chance to because we have customers that come in and will refuse to talk to anybody except the "Apple Guy". Funny enough, all they want to know is something either really easy, or totally retarded ie. "Will this USB port only work with printers?" Yeah, couldn't make it up if i tried...:eek:

[kabunaru]

I can confirm this, as I am the APP in our Best Buy, and when I do this to people, they tend to get offended. However, I often don't get the chance to because we have customers that come in and will refuse to talk to anybody except the "Apple Guy". Funny enough, all they want to know is something either really easy, or totally retarded ie. "Will this USB port only work with printers?" Yeah, couldn't make it up if i tried...:eek:

Yeah, I have seen this in a store once (situation like this).
Though, I ever wonder if the employees ever get mad or envious if customer is smarter than them in a specific situation?

[tibi08]

Yeah, I have seen this in a store once (situation like this).
Though, I ever wonder if the employees ever get mad or envious if customer is smarter than them in a specific situation?

There aren't many official Apple stores in the UK. In Brighton, there is an independent Apple certified store. While buying a Mac Mini, my Dad who was with me asked if his PC mouse would work with the Mini. They said no.

It's the level of service I've come to expect, Apple store or not Apple store...

[Bye Bye Baby]

Sounds surreal. Most of my experiences have been very positive at Apple stores.

[noodle654]

I have had 1 bad experience and that was buying my iPhone. It was like 2PM on Friday in August and that was when Apple was stocking the 16GB iPhone 3G at full stock. I got to the store and said that I would like to buy an iPhone, he said to go around the corner and wait on the line...the line with 2 other people on it. After waiting about 20 minutes and not one person on line being helped, I went into the the store to find about 8 employees doing absolutely nothing. I grabbed a guy that just came from the back, a very young guy. I said "I have been waiting on line out there, I need a phone now. He grabbed an iPhone and started to work on the activation.

Its really sad to see that they just sorta leave people out there...