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Microsoft Attempting to Lure Away Apple Retail Store Staff?

petermcphee said:
I guess you go where the quality is. Notice that there was no mention of hiring the Genius Bar staff. :p
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then they would be hiring the staff that knows the most about the other sides product. or at least how to fix them. doesn't do Microsoft much good

clearly they are trying to get folks that have Apple's service processes so ingrained that they will use them out of habit. although I really doubt that the processes etc are that different than any other retail chain

this kind of thing is why I believe the Apple staff when they claim they are told nothiung about new product releases, dates, specs etc. poaching staff or getting hired iinto a store is too easy a way to spy.
 
Monkey (Ballmer) see, monkey (Ballmer) do.

Seriously, the Apple Store clones are bad enough, but Microsoft can't even scrape up enough originality to come up with their own retail employees. It would be hilarious if it weren't so sad.

What a bunch of posers.
 
I'll jump ship when they start paying Apple customers obscene amounts (read: 6 figures, Bill. Don't get cheap on us now!) to switch. Man, this is an awesome business strategy! It's like you can't lose! Hey, call the Federal Reserve and tell them we just had the most awesomest idea ever!
 
i hate to use the word pathetic but I do find it curious that Microsoft seems so threatened by Apple. I mean Windows doesn't seem to really be losing marketshare. not at a frightening rate. so what's the worry.

i mean until Apple cuts the prices of their machines down to half the current, they aren't really going to sell that many. whereas Windows based machines are still going strong.
 
shadowfax said:
I'll jump ship when they start paying Apple customers obscene amounts
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Paying people to use Bing, paying people to buy cheap Windows laptops, paying for Xbox exclusives, paying for iPhone developers to develop for Zune, and now paying for Apple's retail employees to cross over.

Microsoft just wants you to be its friend - and it's willing to pay you for it.

Epic corporate self-esteem problem up there in Redmond...
 
ziggyonice said:
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?

For those who choose the latter, I say good riddance. It leaves those who are truly worthwhile, knowledgeable of Apple inside and out -- available to help customers and inspire switchers to the Mac, among other Apple technologies. Without the core of Apple's retail team (those who are engaged and dedicated to the brand), the influence that Apple would have in their stores would be minimal, at best. But they've done something that no other retail chain has done before: finding associates who share the same level of pride in products that customers are so eager to own.

If Microsoft is unable to acquire associates that possess the same passion as those who work for Apple, their attempt at retail will be a failure.
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This. Well said.

In reality If Microsoft is able to poach the Apple Store employees purely based on increased salaries, the same tactic can be used to take them away by any company. Apple still wins in the end, as it will make only those truly passionate about Macs serve at the Apple Stores. I'm just surprised how low Microsoft is really getting these days. Just when you think they can't sink any lower.
 
So, will these stores sell Windows-based PCs, or just Windows software?

Because really, I don't see how Microsoft can compete on price with places like Wal-Mart and Best Buy for bargain PCs (or why they'd want to sell bargain PCs when they're pushing their flagship new OS) or internet retailers on top-of-the-line PCs.

And, if they're just selling software, they're placing their salespeople in the oh-so fun role of trying to sell people Windows 7 and offer support after the sale when each person walks through the door with any number of PC setups.

Apple store works because it's an integrated hardware/software sales model. You want a Mac? They sell the complete package in laptop or desktop form. One company to buy from. Ditto if you want an iPod or an iPhone. Microsoft will have to either just sell you software (a "best of luck to you" when you take it home and install it yourself -- hopefully you meet minimum specs) or sell you someone else's computer to go with their software.

Now, once they get Xbox Natal off the ground and can start demoing that, it might be a store worth going into...
 
jav6454 said:
Poaching staff is same thing as stealing staff. Apple can have them sign NDAs before they leave as a precaution to protect Apple trade secrets and as a warning to MS.
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Depending on the state, NDAs generally (notice that I say "generally") would not be enforced by a court for retail staff. Since the Apple retail folks are merely in store to sell, which includes disseminating public knowledge about the product, it would likely be difficult for Apple to demonstrate the kind of need usually necessary to justify the enforcement of an NDA.

A lot of courts hate NDAs and look for excuses to not enforce them. To write one that will be enforced usually requires demonstration of a compelling need. I think even Apple's in-house counsel would find that protecting the retail staff is somewhat less than compelling.

But what do I know? I've been wrong before. Hell, even a few times today.:D
 
OK... so Microsoft are opening their own line of retail stores? They plan on selling their own products in them? They plan on hiring existing educated employees rather than train new ones?

Oh yes, they must be copying Apple. Think about it. They're being purely economical here. People work for money, not for the label - And if they do then Apple has done their marketing very well and this shouldn't bother anyone at all.
 
I will feel pity for those who fall into the MS scam.

They may make more salary but damn.... they will be have to work with PCs!!!! thy will regreat it!

Imaging an store full of people with computer with viruses, bugs, incompatibility issues and so on.

That is a mad house, working in a retail store like that is like fighting the get the best room in the Titanic.

For example: My mother had her 12" powerbook stolen a few weeks ago. My brother gave her a laptop, 2 weeks later the laptop is in service alredy because of a virus and has to remain there for 3 weeks. That is what you get in the PC world.
 
Some of you are taking this way too seriously. We are talking about a retail store here. What does this mean? In general, not very bright employees. This is hardly a question of ethics, or "loyalty" to a brand. I have about 3 or 4 Apple stores around me, and the employees definitely know less about their products than the people on this forum. They don't REALLY care. They just think it's a "cool" place to work, and all you really need to be hired is to look "edgy."

NDA's? Are you serious? They don't know anything anyway. I've found products in stores employees had never heard of. I've had employees tell me they just wanted to work because it was "cool" and they didn't care at ALL about Apple. I've had employees not know about the iPod back to school promotions.

Hiring away managers? Sure, could be a decent move from MS if they do it. It's just a freakin job, I'd actually think someone would be stranger to stick with Apple for less money out of "principle," as if the companies are really that different at the core. Whose approval are these people supposed to be seeking anyway? So, it's a noble profession to work for beans, as long as it's in retail at an Apple store? Some of you guys need to get a little real here. I really like working on my OSX machines, but it's just a way to get your work done. It's not a way of life.
 
O.M.G a m8 of mine is the manager of an Apple store, its in the UK, like, but I'll call him if they ever decide to invade europe with there BSOD Stores.

I would never, ever want to work for Microsoft, stress levels would be too high and most of the employee's with the billions of angry PC users squashed into the store it would causes chaos.

If he ever got phoned by them he would probably say F**** You Micro$oft, because he despises them, Although I hate them ultimately, after there lack of support for me, I don't use anything to do with them anymore & proud of it.

I think its a disgrace that they are even allowed to do this. When I'm 18 I hope I can work at the Apple store, would love it.


I thought in England anyway, there was a law that prevented shops on the same street/area to lure away competition from its competitors.

Microsoft are trying to ruin Apple. They know deep down Apple is the much superior company. Sure Microsoft have all that money, but they only got it for being greedy, thoughtless & copying ideas.

I also think its hilarious as one of Apple's get a Mac captain ads, predicted this quite well.

Mac Says "What are your plans for 2008"

PC Says "I'm just going to copy everything [Mac] did in 2007.

LOL
 
This is so deliciously evil it's almost a win.



Stewie Griffin HAS to be behind this one...
 
ziggyonice said:
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?
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Ideals? Philosophy? Apple makes electronics. Apple's marketing team is doing a great job apparently.

Apple exists for one reason: to make money off of you. Apple is about as corporate as it gets. This isn't 1985....
 
Subverted principles? No!

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.
 
So, to sum up:

Those employees that wish to go should go. They do not have a warrior's heart.

Those that stay are holy and blameless. When the inner six planets are all aligned and when the Blue Star Kachina makes its appearance in the heavens, the Fifth World will emerge, only then will true Apple employees take their rightful place.



At least, those are my notes so far.
 
NewSc2 said:
Jeez, people need to get paid. If I worked at a Levi's store or something, and GAP was offering more, shouldn't I switch jobs? Isn't that how Apple's execs got lured away by Palm?

Being an Apple fan is nice and all, but it doesn't put food on the table.
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Being laid off from the Microsoft Store when it closes won't put food on the table either!:D
 
inkling23 said:
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.
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Actually Microsoft would probably prevent you using competitors products and you'd have to use a god awful zune & a god awful plastic PC from Dell, with God awful windows on it. :D
 
Xavier said:
If you can't beat them, steal from them. Microsoft has played this role for some time now (OS X for example)
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Actually, since Windows 3.1

lord patton said:
Does Microsoft understand that they are a very different company from Apple?

Microsoft has incredible customer support. Really. It's just that their customers aren't *you*, the computer user. Their customers are IT departments, OEM PC manufacturers, and business technology consultants.

If MS has determined that they need to directly support the end user, great. But it's going to take a lot more than a store front with displays and peripherals.

When my MBP had a faulty optical drive and battery, the Apple Store swapped them out in minutes. Will the MS store be authorized to conduct repairs on any PC the customer brings in? Will they have staff trained to teach 3rd party apps?

Once you get past the superficial presentation, there's not a lot of similarity—either in function or product—between Apple Stores and MS. Are they really just going to copy, and are they really stupid enough to think it would work?
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Short answer - yes, they actually are.

jav6454 said:
The Excuse Bar, Office, basically a Best Buy with MS crap.
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Ah, The Excuse Bar - you will be greeted by a 'Guru' who'll attempt to evade your questions, suggest some obscure and overly complicated fixes, and ultimately inform you that it is indeed a problem with the hardware, not the software. I hear they'll even be hosting birthday parties in the Microsoft Stores. Perhaps, their new logo will emerge as an Apple, with a bite taken out on the other side.

harmonica01 said:
haha, I can see the wait list already...
(( the next available appointment for tech support is in 19 days ))
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By that time, since already having been inadvertently guided into the proximity of a nearby Apple Store, MS customers will wander in, try out a Mac, and never look back.

LagunaSol said:
Monkey (Ballmer) see, monkey (Ballmer) do.

Seriously, the Apple Store clones are bad enough, but Microsoft can't even scrape up enough originality to come up with their own retail employees. It would be hilarious if it weren't so sad.

What a bunch of posers.
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Only problem with Ballmer:

Monkey (Ballmer) see, monkey (Ballmer) no can do.
 
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