Apple Now Requiring Apple ID to Make Genius Bar Appointments Online

[MacRumors]

Apple has begun requiring users to input an Apple ID when making Genius Bar appointments, reports TechCrunch. Previously, Apple only asked for a name, address, and email to book an appointment.

According to TechCrunch, the new policy is designed to unify user actions within Apple's ecosystem, provide better customer service to people visiting the Genius Bar, and cut down on no-show appointments.

An additional reason for this change, we understand, is to give the control of a Genius Bar appointment to a user directly, who must know their credentials and enter them before being able to confirm a payment. There is also the convenience of having a customer's data automatically filled out with a simple entry of the Apple ID. This should allow Geniuses to reference past purchases and access warranty info and dates much easier as well.

Along with the Apple ID requirement, Apple has been making other significant changes to its customer policies in recent months, launching a redesigned AppleCare website with 24/7 live chat support in August and implementing new AppleCare+ fees earlier this week.

Article Link: Apple Now Requiring Apple ID to Make Genius Bar Appointments Online

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

I see no issue with this move.

 

[ViP3l2]

It also has to do with scalpers in China booking all of the very few appointments and then selling them for a profit upwards of $2000 a week.

 

[Macman45]

Makes perfect sense to me. On the one occasion I needed an appointment to fix my fiancees trackpad on her MBA, I phoned my Apple representative and she made the appointment there and then. When we got to the store they new the issue, had the parts and did the job in 2 hours. It will help Apple to better organise repair schedules etc. if they have an idea of what's coming in.

 

[AnonMac50]

This move actually inconveniences me.

 

[ahbiteme]

It also has to do with scalpers in China booking all of the very few appointments and then selling them for a profit upwards of $2000 a week.

How did you arrive at the $2K profit figure? Is that per scalper or overall? Sources I've seen say that they're selling the spots for between $1.60 and $6.50 per session, e.g. here: http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/08/05...enius-bar-appointments-then-sell-them-online/

Bloody hell... scammers will find an opportunity anywhere.

 

[administrator2]

This move actually inconveniences me.

Man, GOSH I have to type in my username and password. super hard.

 

[joncdixon]

I'll support you if you'll support me

My best clients get he best service. This is perfect.

 

[OriginalMacRat]

Mba

Some middle manager probably decided they could score a quick bonus on account growth and then started looking for a way to pad the metrics.

 

[Bear]

This move actually inconveniences me.

How?

 

[charlituna]

Makes perfect sense to me. On the one occasion I needed an appointment to fix my fiancees trackpad on her MBA, I phoned my Apple representative and she made the appointment there and then. When we got to the store they new the issue, had the parts and did the job in 2 hours. It will help Apple to better organise repair schedules etc. if they have an idea of what's coming in.

Actually that is because the phone rep entered the info. You aren't asked for any details just yet.

What they need is to have you describe issue, pop in serial, verify you are backed up, ask about how many devices and what. And then book you appropriately. They could also tell you warranty costs etc during that look up.

 

[Parasprite]

How did you arrive at the $2K profit figure? Is that per scalper or overall? Sources I've seen say that they're selling the spots for between $1.60 and $6.50 per session, e.g. here: http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/08/05...enius-bar-appointments-then-sell-them-online/

Bloody hell... scammers will find an opportunity anywhere.

It was certainly said in jest, a play on iPhone scalpers implying that there is real money to be made in something as silly as Genius Bar appointments.

That being said, I had to do a double-take when I was time.com and not theonion.com.

 

[Spink10]

If this helps reduce appointments being made - great!

 

[Yell0w]

I had always used my account, that way when I arrive, they have all my info which will speed up the appointment!

 

[a0me]

Sure, but what if you wanted to ask the Genius Bar how to create an Apple ID?

 

[akfgpuppet]

It also has to do with scalpers in China booking all of the very few appointments and then selling them for a profit upwards of $2000 a week.

But Apple isn't going to say that.

 

[PowerbookG31991]

Some middle manager probably decided they could score a quick bonus on account growth and then started looking for a way to pad the metrics.

This.

Back in my days working there, I knew FRS and genii who would pad up their intake for personal metrics, not just the managers.

 

[ValSalva]

Ostensibly this is to help customers. It will probably help cut down on the number of bogus appointments. And it will also increase the number of Apple ID's created which is great for Apple.

 

[rmwebs]

How?

It doesn't he's baiting. There's no possible situation where this would be an issue. Even if you turn up at the store, you can simply pick up one of the computers and book an appointment.

If your mac/device develops an issue and you need to get it looked at, you're not going to be sitting at an Applestore when the issue happens, so you simply phone or go online and book an appointment. No excuse for this to be of an inconvenience to anyone really, and it should mean you don't have to wait around to speak to someone if they know you're coming.

 

[JUiCEJamie]

It also has to do with scalpers in China booking all of the very few appointments and then selling them for a profit upwards of $2000 a week.

Wow. That's what they do? Book them and sell them on?! Wow!
You got a link I can read more about this?

 

[ugahairydawgs]

Wow. That's what they do? Book them and sell them on?! Wow!
You got a link I can read more about this?

Link is up in post #6.

 

[jayducharme]

Sure, but what if you wanted to ask the Genius Bar how to create an Apple ID?

Then you should get an Android device.

 

[Battlefield Fan]

I've always wondered when this would happen. I'm surprised it took this long!

 

[MaxDrago]

Sure, but what if you wanted to ask the Genius Bar how to create an Apple ID?

I will assume that was a joke, but...

Pretty much any page that asks you to sign in with an Apple ID, also offers you a link to create one. If you heard about it, but never actually tried, that's not a really Genius bar thing. The Sales people (Specialists) in the Personal Setup area will walk you though setup of new devices or services and that includes creating a new Apple ID, how to purchase things in the app store, setting up iCloud backups, etc. Or you could just call AppleCare and they'll walk you through it over the phone... No need to leave the couch.

 

[Laird Knox]

Even if you turn up at the store, you can simply pick up one of the computers and book an appointment.

I wish it were thar simple. All three Apple stores in town get booked days in advance. You have to plan a trip around Apple's schedule instead of stopping in when you happen to be in the area on other business.