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Apple Rep Disses the Neo

clintbradford

clintbradford

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Was disappointed with what I witnessed last weekend at a local Best Buy. A BB employee was speaking with the store's Apple rep. The employee very clearly explained what she needed a new notebook to do for her. And was looking at a Neo.

The Apple rep said, "Oh, don't buy that ... "

The potential customer was an "ideal" one - as far as the sales process was concerned. She knew what she wanted from a new computer. She very clearly explained herself. And either Neo model would have been VERY appropriate for her.

I quickly used a display Air to check stock. This location had both the base model and the model with more storage and Fingerprint Sensor in stock.

I have always thought of Apple sales reps to be honest and forthright. This experience - for me these past 20+ years - was way out of the norm.

And so it goes ...

Clint Bradford
Jurupa Valley CA
 
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Say it ain't so!

Your expectations are far too high for this role. These are entry level positions, so you can't expect much. This is sort of like people who screenshot Apple Support chats and treat it like scripture. Or report what they hear from Apple Store staff about upcoming products and the inevitable disappointment that follows because it turns out to be untrue.
 
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That is pathetic. I would have walked right up to the employee and customer and told her to get a Neo.

And when the Best Buy employee says that's his customer, I would choke slam him through the table, and then climb up the accessory shelf and drop the flying elbow onto him.

And then I'd pin him as the customer counts the 1-2-3 and raises my arm in victory.

We would then each grab MacBook Neos and live happily ever after.
 
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clintbradford said:
Was disappointed with what I witnessed last weekend at a local Best Buy. A BB employee was speaking with the store's Apple rep. The employee very clearly explained what she needed a new notebook to do for her. And was looking at a Neo.

The Apple rep said, "Oh, don't buy that ... "

The potential customer was an "ideal" one - as far as the sales process was concerned. She knew what she wanted from a new computer. She very clearly explained herself. And either Neo model would have been VERY appropriate for her.

I quickly used a display Air to check stock. This location had both the base model and the model with more storage and Fingerprint Sensor in stock.

I have always thought of Apple sales reps to be honest and forthright. This experience - for me these past 20+ years - was way out of the norm.

And so it goes ...

Clint Bradford
Jurupa Valley CA
Click to expand...
I’m sorry to hear that. It’s hard to imagine how bias can affect Apple users when they need to look for something that fits their needs.

The MacBook Neo isn’t the way that we should expect to discuss to potential buyers upon looking at the behavior that the Apple-affiliated representative at that Apple section has done to the consumer.

Another approach the Best Buy representative could have taken is to offer the Neo alongside the Air or various iPad models. This allows the customer to compare and decide for themselves. If the customer is a student—which represents the majority of the audience I engaged with in my previous marketing role at FoundationCCC—it is best not to assume they wouldn't be interested in the Neo or to push them toward more expensive Pro models they may not need or be able to afford.

In my experience, it is more effective to discuss student incentives, such as Apple's Back to School or Earth Day promotions. NOT TO DISS an otherwise affordable and perfect Mac to someone!
Additionally, for educational sponsors looking to upgrade technology in schools and colleges, I would highlight volume purchasing programs and partnerships like CollegeBuys. Through my state fellowship, we offered solutions including perpetual software licenses and bulk hardware ordering services.
 
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TSE said:
That is pathetic. I would have walked right up to the employee and customer and told her to get a Neo.

And when the Best Buy employee says that's his customer, I would choke slam him through the table, and then climb up the accessory shelf and drop the flying elbow onto him.

And then I'd pin him as the customer counts the 1-2-3 and raises my arm in victory.

We would then each grab MacBook Neos and live happily ever after.
Click to expand...
All but for the last line, yes -

I would have opened Apple's own Refurb store on that display model you used, checked out stock there and, if available, ordered from there.
 
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turbineseaplane said:
A sales rep trying to push a customer to buy something more expensive is sort of what a sales rep does.

Apple sales reps are not on some elevated ethical or moral high ground.
They are sales reps.
Click to expand...
Also this was a conversation between a BB staff member (probably fairly tech savvy) and Apple rep in the BB store. They probably know each other to a degree, see each other every day, so probably just easier to recommend the middle ‘bang for buck’ option to avoid any come backs later on.
 
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clintbradford said:
Was disappointed with what I witnessed last weekend at a local Best Buy. A BB employee was speaking with the store's Apple rep…
Click to expand...
"Apple rep"? Doesn't Best Buy employ their own people to sell their Apple products? Aren't both people here BB employees?

The way I read your story, it makes me think you were implying the "Apple rep" was an Apple employee. Or am I just reading too much into this? Please clarify.

-kp
 
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In a segmented lineup, all rich in value and experience, difficult choices have to be made as a consumer. I think a MacBook Air in your case would be an incredible purchase. Don't be so dismissive when you're offered guidance from an Apple Angel.
 
dumastudetto said:
I think a MacBook Air in your case would be an incredible purchase.
Click to expand...
I agree, I think the MBA offers more upsides then the neo.

dumastudetto said:
you're offered guidance from an Apple Angel.
Click to expand...
I have to say that's probably one of the best comments you have made

1786123640165.png
 
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I’ve never encountered anything like that. The salespeople at Bense Systemhaus—sure, they were salespeople, but they acted as consultants at the same time. They always asked what your specific requirements were or what you planned to do with the device. The advice was always excellent, and you even paid less there than at Apple itself. It’s a shame that the company no longer exists in that form.
 
kpluck said:
"Apple rep"? Doesn't Best Buy employ their own people to sell their Apple products? Aren't both people here BB employees?

The way I read your story, it makes me think you were implying the "Apple rep" was an Apple employee. Or am I just reading too much into this? Please clarify.

-kp
Click to expand...
These individuals wear Apple Watches and black  polos. 👕 The shirts resemble the black polos once worn by Apple Store business sales specialists, though they lack the blue tone.

They operate under  as contractors 📑 through Best Buy. My local Best Buy near the nearby Apple Store, along with larger BBY locations, includes an Apple representative in the Apple section wearing the black  polo.
 
TSE said:
That is pathetic. I would have walked right up to the employee and customer and told her to get a Neo.

And when the Best Buy employee says that's his customer, I would choke slam him through the table, and then climb up the accessory shelf and drop the flying elbow onto him.

And then I'd pin him as the customer counts the 1-2-3 and raises my arm in victory.

We would then each grab MacBook Neos and live happily ever after.
Click to expand...
Oh - so you already viewed the YouTube video ...
 
clintbradford said:
A BB employee
Click to expand...
Rando guy who works for Best Buy. Not an “Apple rep” by any stretch.

Buying Macs from third-party retailers has always been hit and miss. Sometimes you get someone who understands Macs, sometimes they’re just making up random crap and trying to make commission.

Pretty sure this is why Apple just started opening their own stores 🙂
 
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I think this was a commission salesperson looking to sell a more expensive item, not a commentary on capabilities of either device.

From Gemini:
"Apple representatives (often designated as Apple Master or Apple Certified Consulting Advisors) who work inside Best Buy are Best Buy employees, not Apple employees.

Employment and Training

Payroll: They are hired, paid, and managed directly by Best Buy.

Specialized Role: They receive specialized training from Apple and focus heavily on maintaining the Apple vendor ecosystem, managing product displays, and assisting customers with Apple devices.

Repairs: Hardware repairs are handled by Best Buy's Geek Squad agents, who are also certified and trained through Apple's authorized program"
 
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I’m not an Apple Rep. I do sell tech. Laptops and printers are the tech I sell most. The only instance I would tell someone not to buy a Neo is if I felt it wouldn’t satisfy their needs as I’ve understood from what they’ve told me.

There are plenty of times I would have liked to tell someone not to buy a Windows device or a Chromebook, but if I already know they’re not likely to entertain the thought of looking at a Mac then I save my breath. Most people who are interested in Mac will say so from the onset. If they don’t mention it then it’s rare I’ll bring it up. Part of this stems from most people ruling Mac out because of price. The introduction of the Neo now changes that situation to some extent, but many people are still just not going to consider a Mac. Another common reason many won’t consider a Mac is simply because they are too accustomed to Windows and find the idea of learning Mac OS too daunting.

There are times I will point out why I think a given device shouldn’t be considered, but thats based on my understanding of their needs. If I think they’re considering something more expensive then what they need or underpowered for what they need then I’ll suggest a more appropriate alternative.

I’ve steered people away from a MacBook Pro or an iPad Pro when I think they’re overpaying for their needs. Same with the iPhone Pros. The usual reason people state they want an iPhone Pro is for the camera specs, but more often than not it’s not because they’re professional photographers but they’re more hung up on spec numbers. An iPhone 17 or even 17e works fine for most people’s needs.

I won’t argue with a customer or refuse to sell them what they appear to want, but I won’t shy away from expressing whether they’re getting the best value or not for their needs during our discussion.

Apple silicon has really changed the nature of Apple’s entry level and mid tier laptops. I think the Neo and MacBook Air are the best bang-for-the buck-laptops on the planet. The forthcoming New 2 will be even better. I think most Windows laptops are largely junk, but I’ve seen some somewhat respectable exceptions. But I still think if you want Mac equivalent performance and build in a PC device then you have to spend Mac equivalent prices, and in many cases you’re often still not on even ground. I have little regard for the Microsoft Surface devices. Bottom line with Windows laptops: if you go cheap you’ll be sorry. In Canada no new laptop under $600 (units on sale included) is worth a damn. I think many gaming laptops are a joke. Even when they have decent specs they often still look like an adolescent’s toy. And they’re often overpriced for what they are.

There is one thing I tell people not to buy. If you’re buying an HP printer then DO NOT sign up for their ink replacement subscription. I have an HP printer myself—eight years now with it and I’m quite happy with it—but HP’s ink subscription service is a blatant underhanded scam. Don’t do it. Their replacement program is not based on ink levels but on page count. And if you miss payment or even cancel subscription they can disable the cartridges. Don’t do it. When you’re setting up your new printer skip signing up for the subscription.

Sorry if I strayed too far off-topic.
 
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