Yes, I ventured into a non-local store today. No, not to buy anything, but to have someone who works there simply look at my iPod and check to see if my charger cord is broken.
My trusty little iPod that I use when I run has been causing me some grief as of late – not charging, error messages, etc. So, I thought I better take it into the Apple Store in Scottsdale for diagnosis. No, there is no locally owned option, and it’s under warranty.
I told Randy of my intentions, and he warned me to make an appointment to avoid any hassle. He knows more than anyone that I don’t have the most patience in the world when it comes to waiting in lines. And, he’s had problems with the nitwits in this store before.
So, I dutifully made my appointment and showed up with iPod and cord in hand. Now, here’s where it all went to hell in a handbag – literally, as I ended up throwing my defective iPod into my Kate Spade handbag and walking out in a bloody huff.
Anyway, I approached what they smugly call the “Genius Bar” where I was supposed to “check in” for my appointment with one of the gaggle of 17 years old boys who were roaming around the store acting like they were direct heirs of Steve Jobs. They all had on bright blue shirts to identify them amongst the swarming customers who were vying to see what was the latest and greatest from Apple. This enabled me to identify them. But, not one looked up to greet me, say hello, smile, give me the finger, or anything! They’re all far too important, too busy, and way too alternative and cool to show even the most remote attempt at customer service. I get it, you’re hip, and I’m not!
So, I waited and waited. I watched while one of these little retail jockeys sarcastically taught a customer to add phone numbers to her iPhone. I could see him roll his eyes while he vaguely attempted to be helpful. I witnessed three more chat amongst themselves as they sneered at customers who needed assistance. I even saw one twiddling his dreadlocks and gazing out the window. Meanwhile, I could feel my blood beginning to boil. Twenty minutes had passed, and not one person had yet asked me if I needed help. It was like the bad, sexist behavior you get at a car dealership. But, at the Apple Store, it’s nerdy, pubescent boys selling you iCrap instead of middle-aged, sleazy salesmen selling you an all weather package on the latest model.
Finally, I left the “Idiot Bar” which yes, I aptly named myself, and told Randy that I was going to go beam one of these “geniuses” in the head with my iPod. He told me to take a breath and play video games with the boys on the demo iPads, while he rounded up some help. He finally literally grabbed one of these Apple dorks by the arm in a very uncharacteristic display of aggression and told him that we had an appointment. The guy said that they were running late, and it would be better for us to come back later. Nice one Apple! Now, that’s what I call customer service!
Am I the only person who has experienced this obscene lack of service at this store, and is completely turned off by Apple because of their employees’ incredibly obnoxious attitudes? Or, has Apple simply leveraged this very true quote of Groucho Marx “I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member?”
I think it’s the latter. Apple has smartly figured out that they can target the insecure customers of the world who just want to fit in and have the latest and greatest at all costs. The more they get crapped on by Apple Store employees, the more they think that their products must be really, really good. I’m sorry, but I’m off this Ike and Tina Turner bandwagon with Apple. If I pay a premium for a product, I expect to get decent service. It’s that simple. I don’t need abuse – thank you very much!
This little jaunt into the Apple Store reminded me very clearly why we started OneLocalFamily, and why it is so important. If we take away all of the little guys who have to provide good customer service to stay in business, we’ll be left with only Apple Stores where we’re likely to be treated like garbage.
So, Randy has returned to the Apple Store sans Julie to hopefully figure out what is wrong with the iPod. Now, that’s true love if I say so myself. Thank you Randy!
Song of the Day: I Will Survive
