Apple 'iPhone Activation Zones' Rolled Out in Retail Stores

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/21/apple-iphone-activation-zones-rolled-out-in-retail-stores/)

Last week, we reported (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/14/apple-retail-stores-to-gain-dedicated-iphone-activation-areas-and-staff/) that Apple was about to roll out dedicated "iPhone Activation Zones" in its retail stores in order to provide dedicated points of contact for new customers looking to purchase, activate and receive initial set-up assistance with iPhone purchases.

Apple has in fact now reconfigured a number of its stores to set aside these dedicated spaces and has begun mentioning their existence on its iPhone purchasing page (http://www.apple.com/iphone/buy/).Reserve an iPhone at your nearest Apple Retail Store. Our knowledgeable Specialists provide expert advice, custom setup, and fast activation at the iPhone Activation Zone.Apple has also added mentions of the new areas to a number of stores' pages in the company's retail store listings (http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/).

French site TechShower last week posted photos (http://www.techshower.com/index.php?q=09/09/15/zone-dactivation-pour-les-iphone-%C3%A0-lapple-store-de-san-francisco) [Google translation (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.techshower.com/index.php%3Fq%3D09/09/15/zone-dactivation-pour-les-iphone-%25c3%25a0-lapple-store-de-san-francisco&hl=en&langpair=auto|en)] of the iPhone Activation Zone at the San Francisco flagship store, revealing dedicated iMac computers for activation and signage indicating the function of the area.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/09/22/000636-activation_zone_1.jpeg



http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/09/22/000636-activation_zone_2.jpg


ifoAppleStore has also posted a photo (http://www.ifoapplestore.com/db/2009/09/17/zone-appears-for-iphone-buyers/) showing the new setup, which is reportedly found in most stores offering the service near the right front as customers enter.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/09/22/001424-activation_zone_3_500.jpg


Article Link: Apple 'iPhone Activation Zones' Rolled Out in Retail Stores (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/21/apple-iphone-activation-zones-rolled-out-in-retail-stores/)

[thegoldenmackid]

Waste of space...

[ziggyonice]

Waste of space...

I see the benefit in having this, however given the limited amount of room that Apple Stores have already (not to mention the crowded spaces), it's going to make it more difficult to keep demonstrating Macs to customers.

iPhone area + AppleTV area + Quick Checkout area = not enough space for Mac sales.

[Halsey12]

Well it was a waste of my time to wait a half hour for help buying an iPhone and then being put on a list and waiting longer for the iPhone specialist to activate me.

[gdigger]

i saw that at the apple store in Natick, MA last weekend and they already were helping people on that station.

[jav6454]

Looks nice, I would like to see its implementation in smaller stores.

[Chintan100]

She looks nice... :p :D

[addicted44]

Saw it in the NYC store on 5th Ave...

It works really well here, since there is a lot of space, and it doesn't seem to take up any. I think its a good idea, at least in some locations (with more space)...

[charlituna]

Looks nice, I would like to see its implementation in smaller stores.

i suspect that it will happen in all stores over the next few weeks.

my local store has had this going for at least the last week. and it is actually rather nice. i go in there quite often cause I work in the mall and they don't bug if i pop in for 5 to check my email on my lunch or breaks. i would hear the staff often commenting about how they can't really show someone all the itunes stuff cause their floor models are locked. when I was in a few days ago one of the iphone customers was watching a video that actually showed what it looks like when you plug the phone in, etc

i also noticed a few times that there were black shirt staff members bringing out computers, phones and such from what I assume is the stock room, so there weren't customers just standing there looking bored or getting asked like 20 times if they needed help

it's probably all being done in the hopes they have a busy holiday season but hey if it makes things run smoother it's all good.

[Woz Beard]

The local Apple store has had this setup for the last two weeks. It takes a big chunk of space, so I can imagine it being a nightmare when a new iPhone is released.

[Macminiintel]

I requested this as well, I asked the guy who set my iPhone 3G up at xmas, why not have a dedicated iPhone area, so people cant see your credit card details on screen wondering round the store, so this is good:D

[spillproof]

I think a bar would be cooler. But Apple likes to cram a ton of stuff in such small places that that would be really hard in some of the smaller stores.

[robsaskibum]

Most (if not all) people who read this blog won't need the iPhone area for what it's primarily meant for. Although it is where you buy the iPhone and where you activate it, it was largely implemented to help people new the the iPhone get to know it and have a clear part of the store where they can get help with it. I think it's a great idea, and at my local store I've seen a lot of people quite happy with it. It's a new little experiment that Apple's trying, and whenever they re-arrange something like this there are some growing pains, but once it finds its place in the store, I can't see how it could possibly be a bad thing. It also teaches people about mobile me and what it does with their phones as far as syncing and things like that. I would imagine MobileMe is a hard thing to sell because it involves so many different things, but having the little graphical presentation they have set up I'm sure helps immensely. I went over and looked at the videos they had on there, and the iTunes syncing video was quite impressive too. Really simple, and certainly didn't teach me anything I didn't know, but to show customers what it will look like when they get it home and plug it in is I'm sure quite helpful. I'll be interested to see where this goes.

[SFStateStudent]

Probably getting ready for the MacTablet activation too.....:cool:

[SimonTheSoundMa]

I saw this at my local Apple Store when I went in two weeks ago.

People are now queuing at the back of the shop for activation rather than at the Genius Bar/point of sale that's in the middle of the store.

[iZac]

Agreed, waste of space. Now where's my unlocked, SIM free iPhone? Then the only activation I need is a paper clip.

[MorphingDragon]

Agreed, waste of space. Now where's my unlocked, SIM free iPhone? Then the only activation I need is a paper clip.

All the way in New Zealand. Stop on by and let the pukekos peck at your plump, delicious, tasty body while you wait. :D

[iOrlando]

i dont see anything bad with this. I have found myself awkwardly "waiting" in a random area of the store for products to be taken from the back. I guess if i am awkwardly waiting in the designated iphone area, i would feel less awkward? maybe?

[twoodcc]

i can see the benefit of this. especially as they continue to sell more and more iphones

[Ed State]

They really should implement a graphical way to get/organize apps in iTunes as well. I was really thinking/hoping this would be part of iTunes 9, but alas, no.

[Chimpy]

It's a good idea, but not particularly earth-shattering. Only Apple can inspire people to comment on the little area they created in their stores, an area that amounts to little more than a small counter and a placard :).

[William Gates]

was the original iPhone that I activated myself at home through iTunes. It was very simple and very quick, even porting my number from Sprint. I really wish Apple/AT&T hadn't axed this. I can understand it being overwhelming for most people, but peeps that have no problem plugging in their iPhone to their computer and typing in some information should be able to. Wish it was optional.

[Feverish Flux]

This is a great idea.

From what I understand, staff are being designated to that area to help activate and set up people's phones. They don't only activate the phone, but they also help the person set up their e-mail, Mobile Me (if they buy it), etc.

To me it's a great service compared to most stores that just activate your phone and then throw you out the door.

[JabbaMac]

Makes me wonder how many phones are sold in each retail store per day. I have only bought phones during major release events when they have like 30 dedicated employees.

I think they should just go back to home activations. If you can't figure out how to activate it you shouldn't have an iPhone.

[alent1234]

Waste of space...

pretty much every other cell phone you can leave the store with it activated, ready to use and no need to hook it up to a laptop. about time the iphone caught up.

next Apple needs to get over the air firmware updates working

[StuBeck]

i dont see anything bad with this. I have found myself awkwardly "waiting" in a random area of the store for products to be taken from the back. I guess if i am awkwardly waiting in the designated iphone area, i would feel less awkward? maybe?

Thats my issue when there. The first time I bought a Mac in store I literally had to go to the register to purchase it, and now that they don't have that anymore, I had to ask a manager (who was the only free person there) about who the hell I talked to. It seems the apple store isn't made for people who know going in what they want, and its a little frustrating/annoying having no idea what to do when I want to buy a computer from a store.

[andy721]

Awe how cute. Just call to activate it or use itunes at home unless you don't have a comp or are in the mall or apple store by coincidence.

[andy721]

Thats my issue when there. The first time I bought a Mac in store I literally had to go to the register to purchase it, and now that they don't have that anymore, I had to ask a manager (who was the only free person there) about who the hell I talked to. It seems the apple store isn't made for people who know going in what they want, and its a little frustrating/annoying having no idea what to do when I want to buy a computer from a store.

Just buy a mac pro with the GTX 200 series graphics card with the highly accurate contrast and color cinema display with 4-8GB ram. Can't go wrong with mac pros.

[carmenodie]

This is why Apple is so well received. They know how to focus on their product and get it to the public is a well organized fashion.

[caligurl]

nice.... but i'd much prefer to activate at home (like i did with my 3GS)

[sochet]

A little heads up, for anyone who wants to buy an Iphone (at least at the London Regent street store) you need way more ID than if you were to buy it at the o2 shop. You need ID (it has to be a full drivers licence, not a learners like mine, even though everyone else including my bank takes it) and utility bill that matches your home address (I'm a student and my bank account is still registered to my parents place). This also applies to business phones, you need link it to your business address if you want it for work.

They're using the same credit check system as other retailers, and for them all you need is your bank PIN number. I'm not complaining (I got mine the day after at the o2 shop after waiting 2.5 hours) but there were a lot of disappointed people. Don't be one of them!

[jnc]

If you can't figure out how to activate it you shouldn't have an iPhone.

not in business, are you?

[ob81]

Well, anything to help the little guy is appreciated by me. These zones are either little too late, or very early, as I said before. Hopefully they are here to help ease the pain of the next BIG release.

[xIGmanIx]

Apple, an iPhone company. To me, this just speaks to where apple is putting their focus, in the mobile space both laptop and cell phone. My opinion is eventually there will be a "Mac Zone" at the iPhone stores.:eek:

[andy721]

not in business, are you?

Doesn't matter he's right.

[charlituna]

I see the benefit in having this, however given the limited amount of room that Apple Stores have already (not to mention the crowded spaces), it's going to make it more difficult to keep demonstrating Macs to customers.

iPhone area + AppleTV area + Quick Checkout area = not enough space for Mac sales.

on the contrary. now the iphones are in one area rather than scattered all around. which makes it easier to demonstrate the Macs because they aren't all being used to activate phones (which have to be plugged into itunes to unbrick them).

or at least that is what I have noticed in my local store since the area went up last week

also, there is no such thing as "quick checkout area". it is everywhere thanks to those ugly handheld things they have

was the original iPhone that I activated myself at home through iTunes. It was very simple and very quick, even porting my number from Sprint. I really wish Apple/AT&T hadn't axed this. I can understand it being overwhelming for most people,


that's not why they did it. they did it because ATT wanted their money. They feared and probably had some numbers to back it up that a fair number of folks were buying the phone, taking it home and unlocking it. cutting them out of their two years of service fees

[jnc]

Doesn't matter he's right.

No.

It's ten times more important that this happens than we placate Mr "wahh I wanna do it at home" because then are ten times as many customers who would buy then may encounter some difficulty or the other. As such, selling a phone to Joe Public that works as you walk out the store is key - better Apple does it and can show there and then it works as advertised; maybe not for you in particular, but for Apple, from a brand and customer satisfaction perspective. Which is why this is good business.

Some elitist "you shouldn't have an iPhone" attitude will make Apple ten times less money. Which is why you and "JabbaMac" don't work there.

[mrboult]

I don't understand this. All i remember doing to activate my iphone was plug it into iTunes. No?

If you do this instore surely you'll just have to sync it over again with your computer when you get home. Or you'll never get any of your content synced?

[charlituna]

I don't understand this. All i remember doing to activate my iphone was plug it into iTunes. No?

If you do this instore surely you'll just have to sync it over again with your computer when you get home. Or you'll never get any of your content synced?

ATT is requiring them to activate the phone service in store so they can be sure that no one that signs up isn't on ATT at least long enough to charge them an ETF. Which means that outside of new phones with new numbers, your old phone will be dead cause the service is now on a bricked handset inside the box. So at the store they pop open the package, hook the phone until a computer with itunes and unbrick it that way you can reset your voice mail and have a working phone when you walk out the door.

And when you did it with your first iphone back in the silver model days you also agreed to a new contract etc. or at least some folks did. others unlocked the phone and popped in their t-mobile sim and said screw ATT and the rules. those folks are why the new program is in place