Tried, Failed to Buy MacBook in Apple Store

[NT1440]

So you....you didn't try to talk to anyone else?

No offense, but when you have to go to the bathroom do you sit around frantically hoping someone will lead you there by the hand in time?

Is this a serious thread?

 

[miles01110]

I'll just ask it directly:

How hard would it have been to tap someone on the shoulder and say, "excuse me, I'd like to make a purchase?"

Your entire premise is that whoever talked to you originally should have followed up on her word and sent the necessary help- which we've pretty much unanimously agreed should have happened. What we don't understand is why, instead of asking, you just waited around and left in a huff? Yes, you should have been helped, but since you ended up not helping yourself you've pretty much lost your bitching rights.

 

[IBradMac]

Let's be straight, I was not sheepishly waving off inquisitive looks from other employees... rather I was pacing the width of the store trying to catch the attention of someone and get the universal "I'll be right with you" nod.

I did hesitate to venture too far from the laptop tables, because I didn't want to miss my impending help. "Go help the guy with the laptops" wouldn't help if I were to wait in line at the bar.

Yes, if I were a dedicated Apple fanboy, I would not have left empty handed. Hell, I could have ordered one online from the in-store machines if everyone else dropped dead. The point is, I am on the fence. I am not a sure sale. I was a lost opportunity.

I do not come here looking for you to bash me for my lack of devotion. I came here asking for an email address which could be used to provide constructive criticism and improve their in-store performance.

I thought you told Ashley you wanted to buy a MacBook? IOW, you didn't need to be sold on a particular model?

Edit; Everytime I've went to the Apple store I get asked by no less than four specialists if I need any help.

 

[londonmystery]

I think quite a few people in this thread are kind of missing the OP's point.

He was and has been unsure for a while as to whether to buy a Mac or not. He finally decides to take the plunge and off he goes.

He feels that the level of customer service he received was bad (I for one agree with him)and decides not to buy.

He comes here for advice and for some reassurance that this is not normal behaviour in an Apple store and to see if there is anything he can do next time he is there to buy his first Mac.

Instead he gets criticised, and practically insulted by what he believes was his impeccable behaviour in store.

I have also had to wait 15-20 minutes for a specialist in my local Apple store, Regent Street in London.

I bet those that have been rude and insulting to the OP are the kinds of people that go into a store and demand to be served immediately, being as loud and obnoxious as possible to get what they want. What you/they don't realise is that the store will serve you quickly just to get rid of you.

Give the guy a break, not everyone is as in-your-face as some people here appear to be.

To the OP,

Call the store manager, explain what happened, arrange a personal shop and get your Macbook, you may, as one poster above stated get something out of it as a form of apology.

 

[NT1440]

Its kind of like buying an appliance like a fridge. You can't just scoop one up and pay at the front, you need someone to do it for you. That said, I wouldn't be standing around aimlessly forever waiting for someone once I knew what I wanted. You have to get help if it doesn't come to you. The world does not end if a lousy employee doesn't follow up, but there is responsibility on the buyers end to make sure the transaction actually occurs!

 

[spinnerlys]

You're so right, infoware . I'm sorry it took such a heavy hand to show me the truth. I've edited the OP, so hopefully this won't be an issue any longer.

You're are absolutely right, only fanboys are allowed to post here.


PS: It is quite okay to criticise Apple here though, and your experience with them but in the end you have to help yourself, something I have learned (and am still doing so) the hard way.

I'm a drug addict (but not dependent for three years), I walked to several institutions to get help, and in the beginning, i was really flaky with my visits, there were seldom follow ups, and I got no call backs. But when I started to take it seriously, and stuck with it, I finally got help.

It's the same with your situation.

You wanted help, but did not get any, and instead of asking again, you just waited and waited and waited, and left.

The Apple Store employees are not your family or friends, who would maybe help you if you ask without you having to ask again. The Apple Store is a store, to make money, and sometimes there are mix ups and one gets lost. But in order to not get lost, you have to find your way, and not let the others find you.


I don't know how old you are, but I can understand if you still feel nervous about talking to alien people about something you want. I sometimes feel nervous too and my voice gets quieter, but in the end I get what I want, when it is something attainable.

Good luck on your next trip, if there are any.