Apple's Retail Store Staff Compensation Criticized

[flipperfeet]

NYT Salaries

And I wonder where NYT salaries are for administrative staff or for their ad sales team. Can they claim they are top-of category and they share equally in the success like Ochs-Sulzberger family?

 

[Can't Stop]

Oh, please stop with the anti-Americanism. If Apple was in Europe, it would be bankrupt because of the taxes imposed on it. Europe's economic policies are about to cause its entire currency to collapse. How is that working out for you?

Well US will just print more dollars oh wait ...

 

[Saladinos]

If the Apple Store don't like their salaries, they are more than welcome to go work somewhere else.

Capitalism wins here.

This is the part of capitalism that keeps everyone not at the top out of reach of those at the top.

A company should not pay their employees as little as they'll accept; they should pay them as much as they can afford to. Companies should look at better payed staff as a badge of honour.

 

[jamesmorgan]

mac.com

Twenty-two-year-olds also tend to be more tolerant of the Apple Store’s noise and bustle, yet these days some former employees describe a work environment that was too hectic and stressful, thanks in large part to the runaway popularity of the iPhone and iPad.

 

[unlinked]

This is the part of capitalism that keeps everyone not at the top out of reach of those at the top.

A company should not pay their employees as little as they'll accept; they should pay them as much as they can afford to. Companies should look at better payed staff as a badge of honour.

It is a badge of honnor. That is why Tim gets paid as much as all the US retail staff put together.

 

[SoldOnApple]

If they keep raising the salaries, then soon the job will attract only a certain kind of person. Same thing happened in makeup sections of department stores. They started with normal people, but because makeup has such a huge profit margin, they ended up raising the pay of the workers there. Soon, those roles were only taken by skinny white women who inexplicably wore lab coats and cm thick makeup themselves and always looked grumpy.

Well, probably.

 

[flipperfeet]

Why we calling it 'compensation' all of a sudden, we are just talking about pay or wages?
Compensation makes me think of a monetary apology, it's just confusing when people use bigger words for no reason

It is called compensation because it is made of up more than just wages, there are healthcare benefits, employee discounts, a retirement program and other elements. You need to expand your understanding of the word and perhaps discover the pleasure of developing and using a larger vocabulary.

 

[moonzombie]

Next, how much of a successful sales at an apple store should be attributed to the staff? Has anyone tried to quantify this? For all we know, the buyer already has a very clear idea of what computer he wants, and the staff there really only needs to collect the money. For example, if I am browsing in a shop, the last thing I want are assistants hovering around me like flies. And when I do commit to a purchase, it will be after I have done my own research and am 100% certain that is what I want (at least for big ticket items like Apple products). Where's the value-add by the Apple retail staff?

I can say as a former Apple Retail employee, A LOT. Sure there were a lot of customers that sort of knew exactly what they wanted walking in, but those are the same kind of customers who are more inclined to order online. The value-add for those customers is NOT hovering around you, helping get your product quickly and easily, sometimes helping confirm your research/decision (adding to buyer confidence), answering lingering questions or giving first-hand recommendations on things like accessories. And after all that, you'll then recommend going to the Apple Store to your grandma over ordering online or Best Buy.

I don't think most people posting in this forum would understand, but there were tons and tons of people coming into the stores that are intimidated by technology. The warm, friendly, helpful retail staff really helped make the difference, especially with Mac and iPad. Also, a lot of people buy iPhones in Apple Stores rather than carrier stores because Apple has a reputation of having friendlier staff and

Good face-to-face experience with staff also converts not just into immediate sales, but future sales as well. I couldn't count the number of times I had a customer come in ready to spend a ton of money on a top-of-the-line system, but after a brief discussion about their usage I ended up recommending a less expensive model (you don't need a $2500 computer to check facebook and organize your iPhoto). Customers tend to appreciate that honesty, and then not only return to that store for future purchases, but recommend it to friends.

Apple does indeed pay really well compared to other stores in the Mall, but those other stores are generally selling things like clothes, shoes, stationary, books. Selling computers definitely requires more technical knowledge, application knowledge, the ability to relate technical concepts to less tech-savvy people, and at Apple specifically requires refined customer service skills. And the stakes are much higher -- if someone decides to buy their jeans at a different retailer, your jeans store is out $50. If someone decides to buy their computer at the Microsoft Store (who have been actively poaching Apple Retail employees), Apple's out $1500+. It's better to compare to a car dealership or high-end jewelry store than just "retail" in general.

 

[tnyox]

This is exactly what is wrong with America & this ****** world. These people here commenting like typical "merkins" about "Capitalism" and supply & demand, blah, blah, etc. really makes me believe why the rest of the WORLD hates and make fun of this majority dumb ass nation.

I have a huge problem with peoples opinions on this subject brought out by this article. Look I know retail is retail I'm neither a hippy liberal or a dirtbag greedy republican but times are so tight now with this economy felt around the world that people can't make ends meet. Yes, they should be grateful for having a job but $10-$12/hr or whatever is a horrible wage whatever way you try to spin it. You don't need to make enough to "buy the product you sell" but you should be giving the opportunity to sustain yourself or provide for your family with your job nowadays. Capitalism fails it is the greedy excuse that was designed to justify ****ing over lower fortunate people.

Capitalism should not even be brought up with todays times so hard and Apple literally churning BILLIONS of dollars of profit, second to ExonMobile, there is a line that has been crossed as far as money gos and people are suffering since the wealthy hoard the money. This world will continue to suffer and people will keep thinking the world is filled with garbage human beings.

Others say they shouldn't complain since they are getting paid accordingly, and the job is "easy, monkeys can do it" is quite insulting, I have stopping in an Apple Store they are BUSY to say the least, that is a lot of mental stress for an individual to handle. Yes the products sell themselves but these people are here to help educate, answer questions, fix/troubleshoot all of Apple concerns and with the amount of idiotic/lazy americans out there the Apple specialists are a great help. No they do not build, design, assemble the product but you people forget without Apple Retail, Apple would NOT be where is it today, as some users said here it is the Apple engineers and designers that make the product so should be paid accordingly like the retail aspect doesn't matter, you are DEAD wrong, they probably do get paid accordingly at Apple corporate but Retail does NOT for where operations and revenue/profits are today.

I for one am happy for their raises and they should get more again in the future as business allows and keeps growing healthily. Bottom line everyone should be given the opportunity to provide for their families and afford the necessities of life, (not a MacBook Pro they sell at work) keep food on the table, roof over their heads with the "jobs" provided today but they're not and that has to change, or you people really haven't seen hard times with whats ahead. So I think Apple should step up and set an example for the rest of the corporations especially with the amount of money they are working with.

 

[radiogoober]

Wow, yet another anti-capitalism, anti-Apple diatribe from the NYT. What a surprise. Perhaps the government should mandate pay rates based on a company's success in the marketplace. Am I right comrades?

I actually agree 100% with you.

The article says Apple pays above-average for retail employees. Fine, leave it there.

I *HATE* when people complain about the pay of their job. THEY TOOK THE STUPID JOB! IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, QUIT. But don't bitch that you deserve MORE money.

And lets be honest, these stupid hipsters at the store are not bringing the money in. Apple brings the money in with their products. I don't buy a $1000 computer because some skinny dildo with a mohawk talked me into it. In fact, I buy almost everything online BECAUSE I dislike the stupid children working in the store.

They don't deserve extra pay. They aren't selling the brand. Apple sells the brand. Steve Jobs sold the brand. **** 'em. If they are unhappy, quit. Apple will be just fine.

 

[ruvil]

Seriously? Why do you guys think that the apple store staff doesn't deserve a pay raise?

Blah blah blah "just retail". What?! Just retail? What does that even mean? They still deserve the money. Do you want quality in your apple store with employees that are happy for real or do you want a store with unhappy people that does not give a **** about anything. (think something like DMV or whatever).

And why is "just retail" a reason to pay someone less money? Seriously... i don't get it. And this is not about being some kind of apple fanboy here, I'm speaking about all kinds of retail.

Some of you that complains just seem jealous or something and want to push them down because they are in your opinion at least, less worth.

 

[leon44]

It is called compensation because it is made of up more than just wages, there are healthcare benefits, employee discounts, a retirement program and other elements. You need to expand your understanding of the word and perhaps discover the pleasure of developing and using a larger vocabulary.

Ah but it is directly from acquiring a broader vocabulary that I despair when individuals feel compelled to express themselves with unnecessarily diabolical language. I do apologise, however that I wasn't aware that it was an American English term and not one that you would find used on this side of the Atlantic in this context. Dreadfully embarrassing for myself.

 

[ranReloaded]

When a company is as successful as Apple is, they draw a lot of attention. It's not unusual for them to be scrutinized. Apple loves the headlines anyway. The more attention the better. It's what makes the brand a very recognized name.

When a company is as successful as Apple is, they become a subject for link bait.

 

[CiccioAtSea]

As Tour Manager for one of the biggest cruise company all over the world I can say this:

my departement is producing an average revenue of 3 MILLION EUR/MONTH (yes, it is a lot of money, and I am talking only about "my" ship, fleetwide we have 17 ships...)

My team is composed by 8 sellers, it means that averagely they sell 375000 EUR in excursion PER MONTH

Do you have an idea about their salaries? they do not even reach 1000 EUR per month!!!
1000 EUR for working 11 hours/day, 7 days per week, for a period of 6/8 months!!!

The point is.... they are here because they like the job, they like travelling all around the world and everything, if they are here it's just their decision...

IMO same can be applied to any other job, if you like it ok, if not....just try to find something better...

anybody else agree with me?

 

[Reason077]

These rumours of pay rises are really almost unbelievable.

I appreciate that Apple is doing well, but 25%?! for RETAIL staff, who are already paid better than most of their peers at other retailers? It isn't like Apple Stores have a shortage of quality employees!

Steve would never have allowed this.

 

[pixelss]

This is exactly what is wrong with America & this ****** world. These people here commenting like typical "merkins" about "Capitalism" and supply & demand, blah, blah, etc. really makes me believe why the rest of the WORLD hates and make fun of this majority dumb ass nation.

I have a huge problem with peoples opinions on this subject brought out by this article. Look I know retail is retail I'm neither a hippy liberal or a dirtbag greedy republican but times are so tight now with this economy felt around the world that people can't make ends meet. Yes, they should be grateful for having a job but $10-$12/hr or whatever is a horrible wage whatever way you try to spin it. You don't need to make enough to "buy the product you sell" but you should be giving the opportunity to sustain yourself or provide for your family with your job nowadays. Capitalism fails it is the greedy excuse that was designed to justify ****ing over lower fortunate people.

Capitalism should not even be brought up with todays times so hard and Apple literally churning BILLIONS of dollars of profit, second to ExonMobile, there is a line that has been crossed as far as money gos and people are suffering since the wealthy hoard the money. This world will continue to suffer and people will keep thinking the world is filled with garbage human beings.

Others say they shouldn't complain since they are getting paid accordingly, and the job is "easy, monkeys can do it" is quite insulting, I have stopping in an Apple Store they are BUSY to say the least, that is a lot of mental stress for an individual to handle. Yes the products sell themselves but these people are here to help educate, answer questions, fix/troubleshoot all of Apple concerns and with the amount of idiotic/lazy americans out there the Apple specialists are a great help. No they do not build, design, assemble the product but you people forget without Apple Retail, Apple would NOT be where is it today, as some users said here it is the Apple engineers and designers that make the product so should be paid accordingly like the retail aspect doesn't matter, you are DEAD wrong, they probably do get paid accordingly at Apple corporate but Retail does NOT for where operations and revenue/profits are today.

I for one am happy for their raises and they should get more again in the future as business allows and keeps growing healthily. Bottom line everyone should be given the opportunity to provide for their families and afford the necessities of life, (not a MacBook Pro they sell at work) keep food on the table, roof over their heads with the "jobs" provided today but they're not and that has to change, or you people really haven't seen hard times with whats ahead. So I think Apple should step up and set an example for the rest of the corporations especially with the amount of money they are working with.

like we care............

 

[flipperfeet]

Ah but it is directly from acquiring a broader vocabulary that I despair when individuals feel compelled to express themselves with unnecessarily diabolical language. I do apologise, however that I wasn't aware that it was an American English term and not one that you would find used on this side of the Atlantic in this context. Dreadfully embarrassing for myself.

no apologies needed.

 

[champ01]

Last topic about this I told it was BS to not include employees on new products.

It got 62 negatives votes. Now how you like them apples.

I guess most of you are comfortable being a slave.

 

[scootaru]

I'm shocked at some of these comments. Definitely not what I expected. Why does everybody want to keep the wealth at the top and in the hands of shareholders? I think some of these comments are biased.

 

[flipperfeet]

Incomplete understanding of what a brand is.

I actually agree 100% with you.

The article says Apple pays above-average for retail employees. Fine, leave it there.

I *HATE* when people complain about the pay of their job. THEY TOOK THE STUPID JOB! IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, QUIT. But don't bitch that you deserve MORE money.

And lets be honest, these stupid hipsters at the store are not bringing the money in. Apple brings the money in with their products. I don't buy a $1000 computer because some skinny dildo with a mohawk talked me into it. In fact, I buy almost everything online BECAUSE I dislike the stupid children working in the store.

They don't deserve extra pay. They aren't selling the brand. Apple sells the brand. Steve Jobs sold the brand. **** 'em. If they are unhappy, quit. Apple will be just fine.

The sales staff and their interaction with the public is a significant component of what the brand that is Apple. The brand is not just the device. But I agree the NYT is fishing here.

 

[gnasher729]

These rumours of pay rises are really almost unbelievable.

I appreciate that Apple is doing well, but 25%?! for RETAIL staff, who are already paid better than most of their peers at other retailers? It isn't like Apple Stores have a shortage of quality employees!

Steve would never have allowed this.

What the hell are you complaining about? Every year, lots of people start new in this job, with the lowest salary. After a year, their manager should know that some were unacceptably below average, below average, average, better than average, a lot better than average, and some will be just awesome. And Steve Jobs wouldn't allow a 25% raise for some employee who is just awesome?

Last topic about this I told it was BS to not include employees on new products. It got 62 negatives votes.

If you have a new product with limited availability, it is just common sense that you sell it first to anyone who pays full price, and employees with a company rebate come second. It is also common sense that if a product is so rare that some customers cannot buy it, you don't want any favoritism decide who gets it, so you don't want them to go to employees who can get ahead of the queue.

 

[Bubba Satori]

I actually agree 100% with you.

The article says Apple pays above-average for retail employees. Fine, leave it there.

I *HATE* when people complain about the pay of their job. THEY TOOK THE STUPID JOB! IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, QUIT. But don't bitch that you deserve MORE money.

And lets be honest, these stupid hipsters at the store are not bringing the money in. Apple brings the money in with their products. I don't buy a $1000 computer because some skinny dildo with a mohawk talked me into it. In fact, I buy almost everything online BECAUSE I dislike the stupid children working in the store.

They don't deserve extra pay. They aren't selling the brand. Apple sells the brand. Steve Jobs sold the brand. **** 'em. If they are unhappy, quit. Apple will be just fine.

Yes you do. Thanks for the demonstration.

 

[Rafterman]

I'm shocked at some of these comments. Definitely not what I expected. Why does everybody want to keep the wealth at the top and in the hands of shareholders? I think some of these comments are biased.

The group of people who sing the praises of "trickle down" are the same ones most appalled at the thought of Apple retail sales getting some of that "trickle down". Interesting.

 

[jameskatt]

The NY Times article is BS

Apple's pay rates are above average for the retail sector

is all that they needed to say.

Apple's products SELL THEMSELVES.

----------

I guess most of you are comfortable being a slave.

Slaves can't leave, Apple employees can.

The only quote needed is:

Apple's pay rates are above average for the retail sector

 

[Tinyluph]

I'm working $9.60 an hour starting at a Wegmans and I can guarantee what I do is far more stressful/physically demanding than anything people in Apple stores do. I would love to be working at my local one.