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The Apple Store Guide to Insanely Great Customer Service
Shopify ^ | Thursday, September 25, 2014 | Humayun Khan

Posted on 02/21/2015 1:17:41 PM PST by Star Traveler

Apple is the fastest growing retailer in history and has dominated the holy covet of retail metrics, sales per square foot, almost since its inception, which currently sits at $4,551.

Pair that with rampant expansion plans that puts the technology giant at 420+ stores around the world, and we're talking some serious revenue numbers, approximately $170 billion worth (2013).

Keeping all that in mind, more and more retailers are trying to figure out Apple's "secret sauce" when it comes to its retail experience, specifically when it comes to customer service, hoping to inspire the same degree of customer loyalty or "cult following" that Apple has.

In this post, I'll dissect some of the core elements that Apples uses to train its retail staff when it comes to delivering a great customer experience so that you as a small business retailer can walk away with some gems of how you can rethink customer service in your own store to inspire greater brand loyalty.

(Excerpt) Read more at shopify.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: apple; ipad
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To: Swordmaker; Star Traveler

Nice post Swordmaker

I have a huge list of companies I will never buy from and a ton of products I will never buy.

But I never talk about them. My dislike of their product never rises to the level that I have to become apoplectic online somewhere. The hatred of a consumer device is funny when viewed on FR ... The hatred reaches astronomical levels.

It’s really laughable!


101 posted on 02/21/2015 9:23:48 PM PST by BunnySlippers (I LOVE BULL MARKETS . . .)
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To: BunnySlippers
But I never talk about them. My dislike of their product never rises to the level that I have to become apoplectic online somewhere. The hatred of a consumer device is funny when viewed on FR ... The hatred reaches astronomical levels.

It is. . . and it spills over from the company and the devices to the users. These haters are pathological. Good thing I have a thick skin as I am the most visible target for their vitriol.

102 posted on 02/21/2015 9:27:39 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users contnue...)
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To: Star Traveler

I bought my first iMac at that Apple Store! In Topanga Plaza. (I know it’s called something else now.) the guy carried it to my car in the parking lot.


103 posted on 02/21/2015 9:38:08 PM PST by Yaelle
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To: Star Traveler
Ha, I am on one of my Macs now working late on something else.

Oklahoma is politically probably the best state in these USA. I lived in Tulsa 9 years. Great city and state.

Of course most places cannot keep up with Oklahoma, you bragger.

Of course, also, there are still only TWO Apple Stores in all of Oklahoma. What does Stillwater do? Lawton?

New Jersey has 11 in a much smaller land area! -- Apple Stores (unofficial)

OK population = 3,878,051 est 2014 NJ population = 8,938,175 est 2014 - Census Data Here

3.9 / 8.9 = x / 11, solve for x = 4.8

Oklahoma ought to have 4 or 5 Apple Stores based on population, but only has TWO in a much larger land area. Apple likes to sell in New Jersey better than in Oklahoma?

Who knows. But they sure treat Oklahoma and New Jersey differently. Not all cities are fully politically "blue." But plot out the Apple Stores and they are located more blue than random for whatever reason.

104 posted on 02/21/2015 10:26:32 PM PST by Weirdad (Orthodox Americanism: It's what's good for the world! (Not communofascism!))
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To: Swordmaker

Very interesting — makes sense considering their success that they behave professionally by not going out of their way to get political and by that lose business. Steve Jobs seemed a little more professional than some of Apple’s other management, hope his influence does not wane much on that.


105 posted on 02/21/2015 10:31:56 PM PST by Weirdad (Orthodox Americanism: It's what's good for the world! (Not communofascism!))
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To: Star Traveler

It might be because u and sword brook zero criticism of anything Apple

I as you know have had complaints about the 6plus I’m using

Breaks very easy

Does not pair with my truck or the Pathfinder I’m renting currently while in Durango CO

GYRO is odd

No auto texting

Apple Store app pop ups

A few other issues

And I listed my likes

Neat ergonomics

Decent graphics

Little convenient things u just notice as u go along

I like their maps system....as good as Google ....

But u guys dismiss the problems or just make excuses as though it’s not legitimate even though I own 9 Apple devices

Yes I do have distinct philosophical differences with the company

But the service at the Suburban Franklin TN STORE is super

The urban store is libtard hipster freak show....it is off putting I can’t lie

I can’t believe u guys are so myopic about Apple and aren’t connected to them

I don’t feel such zealotry for any tool or gadget


106 posted on 02/21/2015 10:59:22 PM PST by wardaddy (Dems hate western civilization and GOP are cowards...We are headed to a dark place)
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To: wardaddy

I’m not dismissing problems.

I still remain deeply irritated about losing Google Maps and the unusable mapping thing to replace it. I have to go to the web to map now.

Still won,t make me leave the hugely satisfying Apple platform.


107 posted on 02/21/2015 11:03:57 PM PST by BunnySlippers (I LOVE BULL MARKETS . . .)
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To: Weirdad; Star Traveler
Oklahoma ought to have 4 or 5 Apple Stores based on population, but only has TWO in a much larger land area. Apple likes to sell in New Jersey better than in Oklahoma?

New Jersey has more dense population centers. Consider a very blue state of New Mexico. ~2,100,000 Population. . . ONE Apple store in Albuquerque. That's a lower ratio than in Oklahoma.

108 posted on 02/21/2015 11:04:24 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users contnue...)
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To: aMorePerfectUnion

The irony

Chipotle and Apple customers

Similar hipster demographic

I don’t much like Chipotle but my daughters do

Chipotle is buffet single line,.....it will back up more than a multi lane fast food

Apple stores are genuinely crowded.....crazy....it’s a device fetish for libs and kids

In Nashville area we have a Mexican outfit does Chipotle model called Oscars....much better

Chipotle is to Mex what PF Chang is to Chinese


109 posted on 02/21/2015 11:12:24 PM PST by wardaddy (Dems hate western civilization and GOP are cowards...We are headed to a dark place)
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To: wardaddy
Apple Store app pop ups

Never had an Apple Store app pop ups. . . never. I've used iPhones for almost eight years and I have never seen an Apple Store App pop up. What are you talking about? Are you referring to Notifications??? More info needed about this, Wardaddy.

Breaks very easy

Similarly, I've had almost every model of iPhone. Never broken one. . . in almost eight years. I've been very careful of my devices but I have succeeded in dropping them several times, but never broken them.

GYRO is odd

What is "odd" about your motion sensors? More information, again.

You told me about auto-texting. True.

I can’t believe u guys are so myopic about Apple and aren’t connected to them

Not connected in any way.

110 posted on 02/21/2015 11:14:15 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users contnue...)
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To: Swordmaker
Nice try. . . But Apple has a 98% customer satisfaction rate and only 1.7% report problems.

Well let me join that 1.7%. Every time I get a client bringing a Mac, they always have resolution issues, needing a new MacDongle ($40-50 bonus charge on each new model!! Get it while it's hot, cause next month's model will have a new adaptor!) and are generally a pain to work with. Windows may have plenty of problems, but at least with that you can make changes and most likely fix the problem yourself. If a Mac has issues, you'd best be making that appointment at a Mac Store asap
111 posted on 02/21/2015 11:15:44 PM PST by Svartalfiar
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To: wardaddy
Chipotle and Apple customers

I won't go into a Chipotle restaurant. . . they removed pork from their menus because of complaints from Muslims.

112 posted on 02/21/2015 11:15:50 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users contnue...)
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To: Weirdad; Swordmaker

I feel for you regarding Apple Stores.

I know I am a longtime Apple buyer as is Swordmaker. Retailing Apple products was a very deep subject at Apple early on. Steve struggled a lot with this.

I think of my local Circuit City store ... You!d go in and the teenagers who were in the computer department would come to help you. You wanted to check out computers and considered a Mac.

They had little or no experience with a Mac so would steer all customers to what they knew ... a Microsoft product. I can’t remember the names of all the dozens of computer stores at the time. But their young sales people kept selling what they knew ... PCs.

So Steve decided to fight back by opening a retail store where the sales people could tell you what was great about Apple. This was something people would hear no where else.

I was lucky to be in the store on the first day. Apple opened Tysons Cornerand Glendale on the same day. It was wonderful. I could see the product, the salespeople knew what was compatible.

I,m sorry there are not more stores in OK.


113 posted on 02/21/2015 11:22:14 PM PST by BunnySlippers (I LOVE BULL MARKETS . . .)
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To: wardaddy

Apple stores have a lot of people in them but they are never backed up.

You are really deluded.

Apple has areas for classes, demonstrations and set ups. But are separate for sales. I can go in and buy something in minutes and be out. Their retailing has been a model for the industry.

But most stores cannot eliminate the cash register like Apple did. People do not get backed up at the cash register.

So your model of Apple being backed up like Chipotle (never been) is false.

Apple wants a lot is people in the stores ...the clases, demonstrations, the set ups ... Sompeople look in the window and want to check it out.

Not like the Microsoft stores that have seven people inside.


114 posted on 02/21/2015 11:28:52 PM PST by BunnySlippers (I LOVE BULL MARKETS . . .)
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To: Svartalfiar
Well let me join that 1.7%. Every time I get a client bringing a Mac, they always have resolution issues, needing a new MacDongle ($40-50 bonus charge on each new model!! Get it while it's hot, cause next month's model will have a new adaptor!) and are generally a pain to work with. Windows may have plenty of problems, but at least with that you can make changes and most likely fix the problem yourself. If a Mac has issues, you'd best be making that appointment at a Mac Store asap

What century are you telling your lies from? First of all, the only new Macs you could possibly be referring to are the Mac Mini or the new Mac Pro and if you are connecting them to a non-Mac Monitor, you need only one of two possible adaptors for the past five years. . . either MiniDisplayPort to SVGA or MiniDisplayPort to DVI depending on what monitor you want to connect. That's it. The Macs that come without built-in Monitors ship with the two adaptors included. So there's another lie.

Macs shipped in the last decade without monitors, the Mac Pros, came with video cards that had DVI, SVGA, and standard VGA out, and used industry standard cables as well as Apple's own Video cable to drive their own monitors, supplying power, USB, and Firewire. . . but since it also provided standard video out, you lie again. What Macs are you talking about that needed "MacDongles?" I'm waiting with bated breath for your answer, Svartalfiar.

Even twenty years ago when Apple required some specific adaptors, they usually SHIPPED the adaptors with the Macs. So again, you don't seem know what you are talking through your hat about on modern Apple products. You are spreading lying FUD.

The Mac will auto detect the best resolution the monitor is designed for and adjust best color settings for that model. So you are LYING through your teeth. They also work if you want to add a second monitor to an iMac or Macbook Air or Pro. So exactly WHAT are you blithering about?

Oh, and if someone does need a new video adaptor because it has somehow failed, both adaptors are only $29 each. . . not $40-$50 as you exaggerated, showing again, you don't know what you are talking about.

May I suggest you stop doing any work at all on Macs? You are not qualified to do it at all. By the way, I have only been in the business of supporting both Windows and Macs for over 35 years. Don't try to blow smoke at me.

Why do you anti-Apple trolls have to lie? SHEESH!

115 posted on 02/21/2015 11:39:07 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users contnue...)
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To: BunnySlippers
I still remain deeply irritated about losing Google Maps and the unusable mapping thing to replace it. I have to go to the web to map now.

Bunny. You really should try Apple Maps again. I used it again today. It works great. It even steered me around the most direct route to my destination because the traffic on the direct route had severe traffic problems. However, if you prefer Google Maps, you can download it and use it instead. It is available on both iPhone and iPad for free. . . now with turn-by-turn voice directions.

116 posted on 02/21/2015 11:41:48 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users contnue...)
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To: Swordmaker

I am ADDICTED to Street view. How is Apple on street view?


117 posted on 02/21/2015 11:43:21 PM PST by BunnySlippers (I LOVE BULL MARKETS . . .)
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To: Swordmaker
Yeah, a question mark sprang up in my mind when I saw Murphy as #2. Who they? Not around here! Should have checked them out, LOL!

Instead, I marveled at how Apple shut out bauble-sellers such as Tiffany, Michael Kors, Coach, and Movado. Apple sells useful appliances, which are nevertheless every bit as beautiful as the worthless gewgaws of the luxury-goods sellers.

118 posted on 02/22/2015 12:04:59 AM PST by cynwoody
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To: BunnySlippers
I am ADDICTED to Street view. How is Apple on street view?

Strange you should ask. . .

Mysterious Apple vehicles are mapping vehicles for future upgrade to Apple Maps street view, possibly in 3D, according to experts.

119 posted on 02/22/2015 12:05:04 AM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users contnue...)
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To: Swordmaker

Yes ... :o)


120 posted on 02/22/2015 12:19:44 AM PST by BunnySlippers (I LOVE BULL MARKETS . . .)
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