Microsoft Attempting to Lure Away Apple Retail Store Staff?

[MagnusVonMagnum]

has been contacting Apple retail store managers and attempting to lure them away with increased salaries to run its own stores.Apple managers who have accepted Microsoft's offers have reportedly then been tasked with attempting to hire Apple retail store staff, similarly dangling increased compensation as an incentive for employees to make the switch.

Sounds like a win-win situation for former Apple staff. I sure as heck wouldn't have any loyalty to Apple if Microsoft were offering me more money. Apple has proven to me over the past three years since buying two Macs that they aren't ANY better morally than Microsoft...possibly worse in many respects like telling you what hardware you can run their operating system on (theirs of course, since that makes them more money), ignoring most customer feedback, complaints, etc. (Steve knows best) and doing everything possible to encourage your to buy new hardware all the time (e.g. withholding newer features for iPhones to the newest models only like video record, despite the capability being possible on older equipment (hacked models prove this) so that you will want to buy a brand new model instead of just upgrading the software on the old one. Whereas at least with Microsoft, XP runs just as well today as it did three years ago, perhaps better. I don't have to upgrade to Vista or Windows7 to keep using the machine I bought two years ago with the latest software. Why should ANYONE give a crap about loyalty to Apple when they treat their customers like so much meat? I seriously doubt they treat their employees any better, gaging by some of the comments on here about employees forced to become self-incorporated in order to bypass U.S. labor laws, etc. in order to work for Apple. It's pathetic. So while I may like Apple OS better than Microsoft's OS at the moment, I don't like or respect EITHER company so I'd be ALL ABOUT THE MONEY in that situation.

 

[Target362]

An NDA for what? For where they keep the broom and dustpan? Seriously, these people that work at Apple stores are not working in the lab designing iPhones and Mac Pros, they're being paid (probably) poorly to sell Apple products; I don't think they need to sign an NDA to ring up purchases.

And on another note, what is with all the posters in this thread thinking people work in an Apple store because they are "passionate" about Apple and "love their favorite fruit company." It's a retail job for cryin' out loud, I would put good odds on most people working at Apple stores because it's "cool" or close to home, not because they are so in love with Apple. Am I to infer then that everyone who works at Bestbuy does so because they are "passionate" about Bestbuy? And Safeway, too? And Walmart?

I work at Target does that mean I'm passionate about our compney, or even the dog? Nope. I like retail, not to menton I live 2 minutes away

Ironically enough, the wireless PDA system that employees use to ring up purchases is just one of the systems that Apple uses to set itself apart from the rest of the retail market (and considers proprietorial).

but yet, its a PDA. nothing more, nothing less. That does not mean they have to sign something to use a PDA many retailers use (my store uses the same model PDAs as the local apple store. So the PDAS are not exclusive to apple, if they were, wouldnt the stores be using iphones or touches?

 

[charlituna]

I'd follow the money too, but I'd still go spend my paycheck at the Apple Store. And go home to my Apple products. It's just a job, people.

keep in mind that you probably get a discount on that Apple stuff when you work there. maybe even some free stuff (software at least I bet). so count that in when you are deciding if you'll do better at Microsoft.

Moving seems a stupid thing to do. These MS stores won't be around in 3 years time.

there were probably folks that said that about Apple Retail when it started.

as much as I really don't care about MSRetail I'm not going to proclaim them dead before they start. although I will laugh my A** off if they do crash and burn from the start.

I'm not sure that many Apple Store employees will still be in the same job in 3 years time though. Don't know about staff turnover numbers,

in a recent report Apple was listed at a turnover rate of 20%, while the average for retail was like 55%

Do I understand that right: Because of the sales goal you had, if I entered your shop and bought the "wrong" item, then that extra sale could make you _miss_ your sales goals?

there are reports that at some Best Buy stores employees were doing the full court press and then after the customer said no to the extended warranties etc, suddenly the employee came back from the stock room to say the item was out of stock (when it wasn't), just to avoid making an unattached sale

What is the advantage of recruiting from Apple? There are surely qualified managers out there that do not work for Apple.

sure and they probably hired some of them as well. but what's the fun in saying "Microsoft went after managers from Starbucks, Borders, Gap, Ikea and Apple"

The MS store will be rammed - trust me.

i think they will have traffic at first because it is something new. but will it last is the issue. and will it be folks buying or just coming to gawk

How can you know for certain you don't have a virus without antivirus software?

do I need to go see a doctor to know that my fever, chills, coughing and the greenish gunk coming out of my nose means I'm sick. no.

those that work with computers know the symptoms.

Very clever of MS is will say.
But here is their strategy. MS is trying to give the impression that they are giving the pc crowd a MAC experience at crack whore prices.

"It was oregano, Dave. It was ten dollars worth of oregano."
"Yeah well your client thought it was marijuana."
"My clients’ a moron, thats not against the law."
"Look Caffey, I’ve got people to answer to, just like you do. I’m gonna charge him."
"With what? Possesion of a condiment?"

Windows 7 isn't going to "rock our world" but it's definitely the best Windows OS ever

i suspect you are correct. I don't use Windows so I can't say for sure. But it seems to me that Win7 is less about what the other side is doing and more about resetting the game, making folks forget the bad aftertaste of Vista. and if they can do that then they are in a better place to tackle MacOSX, Linux etc

Are we committed to the brand or the great products they continually produce?

why not both. i got into Apple via school and work and basically being forced to go that way. I was impressed with the products and with the brand. the latter is good cause sometimes Apple flubs but I have faith they will fix their mistakes so I stick it out

I'm not sure you can say "sign this or we're not giving you your last check".

not in most states, it might even be federal.

By the way, I am totally going to have Windows 7 loaded on my MBP, and then waltz in there and demand that they fix something while running Boot Camp. I want to see what happens.

hey could you like slip a camera nano on your pocket and tape it for us.

Courts are loathe to do this with executives much less minimum wage workers, so this is a non-issue.

forget the courts, Apple enforcing a NDA on some $9 an hour telephone operator or whatever makes them look like a bunch of serious dicks. they won't want the bad PR

Have you every seen an Apple employee who has been in the apple store for longer then a year? I hope these people are motivated enough to only use the sales gig to get a better job.

yeah, they move up to management

 

[Target362]

Apple Retail staff consistently claim they are told nothing until the public is. they don't know release dates, details,what's on the drawing boards etc. they say it when the rumors start, they say it when the announcements of an announcement go out, they say it when folks come in pissed cause they just bought a new whatever 3 weeks ago and this morning a new version was announced.

crazy thought, maybe they aren't told anything. which would make an NDA unneeded. and that lack of having to bother could be part of why they aren't told since it's hard to track someone down to sign one when leaving if the person just decides not to show up one day

thats correct. Anyone who works in retail at non management positions do not have first hand information about plans for the compney. sure, there may be flyers or posters that are posted near the break room, but that wont happen until its close enough to the date where the public will know.

Even at management, you still don't know anything. Same if your an intern or at a low to mid position in the corp. office

Do you think the tech support guys at apple know whats going on in the next 6 months? I dobut it.

 

[Target362]

keep in mind that you probably get a discount on that Apple stuff when you work there. maybe even some free stuff (software at least I bet). so count that in when you are deciding if you'll do better at Microsoft.

I get discounts on apple products and I don't work for them. My disccont may be less then theirs, or it may match. Not every employer gives 50% discounts. I get 10% disccount at items at our store+website

yeah, they move up to management

Someone can work at the apple store for 10 years and still not be in management. (some rather not deal with the drama that manengers go through and are happy as a basic level employee) To be a manager you have to show management material, including leadership with in the team. You dont just go work for someone and a year later be placed in a management position. Plus, you have to pass a few tests before they can move up from a basic entry level employee.

 

[175170]

I work at Target does that mean I'm passionate about our compney, or even the dog? Nope. I like retail, not to menton I live 2 minutes away



but yet, its a PDA. nothing more, nothing less. That does not mean they have to sign something to use a PDA many retailers use (my store uses the same model PDAs as the local apple store. So the PDAS are not exclusive to apple, if they were, wouldnt the stores be using iphones or touches?

You're comparing Apple to Target. That's similar to comparing Google and Safeway.
In other words, completely absurd.
If you don't live in the Silicon Valley, you wouldn't know what working for Google is like.

Next, there is no NDA for regular retail staff.
For a manager, there is none either.
That won't be a block for Microsoft in hiring them.
This can easily be proven. Had Microsoft hired them when they were under contract with Apple and Microsoft knew it, they would be committing a tort. The manager of the Apple Store could sue, and so could Apple.
Thus, it's also a criminal case.
Lastly, I would like to make a point in your job.
It's obvious that you're not happy with your present job. Why don't you go do something that you love? Living life to the fullest does not mean not making money.

 

[Target362]

You're comparing Apple to Target. That's similar to comparing Google and Safeway.
In other words, completely absurd.
If you don't live in the Silicon Valley, you wouldn't know what working for Google is like.

Next, there is no NDA for regular retail staff.
For a manager, there is none either.
That won't be a block for Microsoft in hiring them.
This can easily be proven. Had Microsoft hired them when they were under contract with Apple and Microsoft knew it, they would be committing a tort. The manager of the Apple Store could sue, and so could Apple.
Thus, it's also a criminal case.
Lastly, I would like to make a point in your job.
It's obvious that you're not happy with your present job. Why don't you go do something that you love? Living life to the fullest does not mean not making money.

Your kind of missing the point here. People were thinking everyone who works somewhere is working because they are passionate about the compney they are working for.

and you dont know if I'm happy with my job. I am. I love my job. Where did I say I was not happy. Also where did I say "living life to the fullest is making money"

Please enough. Go back to work flipping burgers.

 

[175170]

test

 

[Target362]

If you've been working at a job for more than a year, you have some emotions attached to it. Even as a low level Genuis Bar position, you're getting paid $20 per hour. Not bad.

yes, but that does not mean you want to be in management like you seem to be thinking. My grandfather has been working at Costco for 10 years and yet he does not want to be a mananger, even though he has the material to do so 9not to menton hes already retired, but still working)

 

[175170]

yes, but that does not mean you want to be in management like you seem to be thinking

Quite frankly, managers aren't making much.
I'm 20, out of college, and I'm making around 300,000 a year.
I work Genius Bar shifts when I'm bored, and then work in real estate.

Also, as an FYI, we do get to see the stocks of new products around one day before the keynotes.
Technically, we can't open the boxes, but we can easily look through the plastic wrapping.
I love how you decided not to quote my first part though.

 

[Target362]

Quite frankly, managers aren't making much.
I'm 20, out of college, and I'm making around 300,000 a year.
I work Genius Bar shifts when I'm bored, and then work in real estate.

Also, as an FYI, we do get to see the stocks of new products around one day before the keynotes.
Technically, we can't open the boxes, but we can easily look through the plastic wrapping.
I love how you decided not to quote my first part though.

You also work in Real Estate. ****, you should just take that.

and thats a bit different you work at Apple other retailers sell different products. Only thing other retialers may see before the rest is new signage, new department layouts etc

and I didnt quote the first part as its pointless at the time and now i know. You work for apple (store)

 

[mattkilla420]

For the first time, all the Specialists, Geniuses, Creatives... they'll all have to ask themselves what working for Apple really means. Do they work because they are passionate and engaged to represent the philosophy, ideals, and products that Apple stands for? Or are they in it just for the paycheck?

lol, this is for mall retail jobs, not making new apple products. i worked for 3 years in retail while going to college and most managers where people with a bs degree, thats it. its a customer service job, and most people that work at the apple store (at least in san diego) are in college/college age just trying to make a paycheck. the average time people work in retail even for managers is not that long, i worked at a place called ruehl and i worked there when it opened up on day 1, there was only 3 people still working there that started with me when i left.

hopefully being manager at a retail store is not a career choice and would want want to move on to bigger and better things. for people out on the floor selling you apple, they get payed about $10 an hour. you really think that all those people love apple so much and they are "passionate and engaged to represent the philosophy, ideals, and products that Apple stands for" that if they had an option would not choose to go to another retail store for $15? lol, come on. you think the manager at del taco represents all the ideals and philosophy of del tacos taco making?

 

[*LTD*]

Why don't we ever hear the term "the Microsoft faithful" when it's obvious they exist (with many of them right here on MacRumors no less...)?

But does that even make sense? "Microsoft Fanboy"?, "Microsoft faithful"? Fan of what, exactly? Office? The Intellimouse? Live services? Maybe Windows . . . but really, I can't see how Vista would do that. Or XP. It's like kissing your sister.

What's the point of being a fan when there's really not a whole lot to be excited about in the first place?

It's like being a fan of voltmeters.

 

[markgodley]

Man how long can Microsoft get away with this sort of crap!

 

[davisjw]

If these stores are going to be "strategically" located near Apple stores, Apple should have one of their workers stand outside a Microsoft store handing out tissues with the Apple logo on them to people entering the stores. People should be well protected when going into a store filled with bugs and viruses...

 

[seedster2]

the RDF is strong...

I know why this kind of story is the first page. It's a catalyst for irrational nonsense posting and increased traffic.

Either some of you aren't attractive employees for competitors to consider recruiting or just in fanboy lala land. This is common practice in the corporate environments where I've worked. Hard to believe some are trying to make an issue of this.

Fortunately, the majority of apple retail staff go where there are better opportunities and money. They don't stick with a company based on silly nostalgic loyalty.

 

[Target362]

Man how long can Microsoft get away with this sort of crap!

They arnt getting away with anything. People have every right to chose what employer they want to work with, and if Microsoft offers them more then apple, then surley they would chose Microsoft, and not stick with apple because its "cool". You dont work at a place to be cool, you work at a place that offers the best pay, best benefits, best working conditions etc.

If these stores are going to be "strategically" located near Apple stores, Apple should have one of their workers stand outside a Microsoft store handing out tissues with the Apple logo on them to people entering the stores. People should be well protected when going into a store filled with bugs and viruses...

Tissues wont protect a person from the swine flu </scarscam>

Is Microsoft even going to be selling computers? I thought it was just going to be Microsoft software and hardware (keyboards, mice, webcams, Xbox etc)

even then, computers do not come shipped with virus, its the person who uses the computer who places the virus on their machines. (not installing anti virus software and going on strange sites and downloading strange files is one way to get a virus)

 

[PeterQVenkman]

Bring it on. I love my Xbox, and I would love to get Zune, if it worked on a mac.

More competition = good for me.

 

[Target362]

hopefully being manager at a retail store is not a career choice and would want want to move on to bigger and better things.

think again. Not everyone wants to become a doctor or a lawyer. Some just love the retail world. Remember moving on to "bigger and better" things does not mean making 10k a year, living in a 10,000 squire feet home and driving a Porsche or some other fancy car. If a person is happy at making 5k or less a year then so be it. (a lot of you need to understand that and that the world is not about becoming rich and famous.)

for people out on the floor selling you apple, they get payed about $10 an hour. you really think that all those people love apple so much and they are "passionate and engaged to represent the philosophy, ideals, and products that Apple stands for" that if they had an option would not choose to go to another retail store for $15?

Even then I don't think any store starts off at that. Sure after you been there a while and you get raises you might make 15 or more an hour, but I dobut any one starts off at that

lol, come on. you think the manager at del taco represents all the ideals and philosophy of del tacos taco making?

Nope they just deal with the idiotic , wired, strange and rude people that come in. Kind of like retail .(when I worked for mcdonalds back in 2007/2008 the $1 menu people cracked me up the most. they always screamed their order, got pissed if something went up in price or a mistake was made.)

 

[MacMonster1985]

But does that even make sense? "Microsoft Fanboy"?, "Microsoft faithful"? Fan of what, exactly? Office? The Intellimouse? Live services? Maybe Windows . . . but really, I can't see how Vista would do that. Or XP. It's like kissing your sister.

What's the point of being a fan when there's really not a whole lot to be excited about in the first place?

It's like being a fan of voltmeters.

There are a lot of RROD 360 fanboys floating around.

 

[polaris20]

Why don't we ever hear the term "the Microsoft faithful" when it's obvious they exist (with many of them right here on MacRumors no less...)?

Oh they definitely exist, and they're definitely on here, to an annoying extent.

I've used the old one and I've seen ton of videos demoing it on youtube so it doesn't matter if you have to try it out in person when they got 10000093450938459872 vidoes of it demoing for you.

So you used a device that isn't comparable at all to the new product (analogous to the iPT vs. the Classic), and you saw a few crappy videos on Youtube, and this is enough for you to formulate a qualified opinion? ROFL

 

[Mattie Num Nums]

Apple Retail staff consistently claim they are told nothing until the public is.

The NDA is because their is private information available on the Back of House support page, client information available through GCRM (peoplesoft), Back of House stock information via SAP (this is crucial not allowed to give stock info over the phone), or even in some extreme cases acknowledgment of an issue Apple has no solution for (Apple Eyes on Docs in the back of house support site.)

Employees dont know anything. When the iPhone came out the stores closed for 4 house so that employees could get a literal crash course. When Leopard came out most customers knew about it more than us because they downloaded Torrents or Developer previews. I remember being at the Genius bar having customers asking me about leopard and being like I don't know Apple hasn't provided my employee copy yet! Another example of employees not knowing is that most Mac Geniuses find out about Repair Extension Programs from customers asking about. Just a product of Apple trying to make sure people don't blab about projects or behind the scenes information.

But does that even make sense? "Microsoft Fanboy"?, "Microsoft faithful"? Fan of what, exactly? Office? The Intellimouse? Live services? Maybe Windows . . . but really, I can't see how Vista would do that. Or XP. It's like kissing your sister.

What's the point of being a fan when there's really not a whole lot to be excited about in the first place?

It's like being a fan of voltmeters.

Ignorant as usual. I am not a Microsoft fanboy but working in the IT world I can tell you that working with AD and GPO's make me excited. Exchange server is a great product and Microsofts business suites such as Sharepoint and Project Server are amazing for businesses. I hate to tell you... Apple is just another niche market. They do it well but don't forget Microsoft cares about the people with cash first... big businesses. The company I work for spend over 50 million a year in Microsoft support and products.

 

[*LTD*]

Ignorant as usual. I am not a Microsoft fanboy but working in the IT world I can tell you that working with AD and GPO's make me excited. Exchange server is a great product and Microsofts business suites such as Sharepoint and Project Server are amazing for businesses. I hate to tell you... Apple is just another niche market. They do it well but don't forget Microsoft cares about the people with cash first... big businesses. The company I work for spend over 50 million a year in Microsoft support and products.

Well exactly.

A corporate/enterprise software vendor masquerading as a home/consumer vendor.

"but don't forget Microsoft cares about the people with cash first... big businesses."

There's no doubt about that. It shows.

 

[Mattie Num Nums]

"but don't forget Microsoft cares about the people with cash first... big businesses."

Same could be said for Apple

 

[jmpage2]

Same could be said for Apple

Actually Apple seems to be known for under paying the people in many core areas of their business, such as many of their programmers, etc.