Apple Discontinues 'Personal Shopping' Service in Retail Stores

[charlituna]

One thing would be nice is more specific information as to how busy the store is at a given time. If I knew that a certain time of a certain day is a lot better than a different time that day, I might alter my schedule. The site has very vague recommendations as it is.

Trouble is how you achieve that information. Because even if a store studies their traffic every hour for a week, month, year, the day you go in during that 'dead time' is the day that everyone shows up at that time.

Not to sound totally snarky but if you are that bothered by having to wait, just order online. Particularly for most folks around here, who probably know exactly what they want and need, it is a valid option. Let the idiots that don't know a PCI slot from their butts go and get the 'expert' advice.

 

[JeffDM]

Trouble is how you achieve that information. Because even if a store studies their traffic every hour for a week, month, year, the day you go in during that 'dead time' is the day that everyone shows up at that time.

There's always that chance, but I think it would fall to an equilibrium most of the time.

Not to sound totally snarky but if you are that bothered by having to wait, just order online. Particularly for most folks around here, who probably know exactly what they want and need, it is a valid option. Let the idiots that don't know a PCI slot from their butts go and get the 'expert' advice.

Personally, I'm not bothered by waiting, I'm more bothered by the crowding. Several dozen people sqeeking their shoes on the concrete floor gets grating too.

I think you missed out on one reason to go to retail - to try a device out in person to see how it works. For me, personal interaction is a lot better test than all the internet videos combined. I don't know about you, but I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on something I find I don't like, particularly when there is a restocking fee.

 

[charlituna]

I think you missed out on one reason to go to retail - to try a device out in person to see how it works.

No, I'm fully aware that that is why 95% of those folks squeaking around and annoying you are in the store. Because they want that personal interaction same as you.

I also know, from having worked retail, that Apple can't just expand stores because they want to. They don't own the malls, they don't own the streets, they don't control the various codes and ordinances. They are likely just as frustrated as the shoppers but their hands are tied.

So where does that leaves us consumers. Basically in a position of getting over the gripes and dealing with it or going somewhere else (online, best buy, whatever).

But in the end, this "Personal Shopping" program was likely a disaster for the few that used it. The staff were the same folks that give you the same help when you walk in without an appointment, the same staff that can't stop helping someone else even if it means that your appointment is 50 minutes late. etc. As cheesy as it might be, this new pulling numbers system they have via the iphones is likely better, or will be if some just give it a chance instead of griping about Apple taking away something that wasn't working

 

[apple1990]

New Mac computer buyers really need help right after buying it, not help with picking one. Most of the average users (my nontechnie friends) never update their OS X. They just ignore the prompt. They never get an external HD to set up Time Machine.

I hear the new Chicago store will have an area set up so that the new owners of Apple computers can open them up with an Apple rep nearby. I hope the reps make sure to remind the new owners to update OS and get an external HD for Time Machine.

That reminds me, Apple store should stop pushing printers as bonus products and instead push external HD to be used as Time Machine HD.

The curse of windows, teaching people to ignore what the system is telling you to do!

All good specialists should go through that sort of thing in a personal shop!

 

[JeffDM]

No, I'm fully aware that that is why 95% of those folks squeaking around and annoying you are in the store. Because they want that personal interaction same as you.

This makes your initial suggestion of shopping online baffling.

I don't need to talk to anyone though, I wasn't advocating for this program. I just need to try the product for a few minutes. Otherwise, I'm quite fine with ordering items online.