Another reason to love Apple

[Myra]

I bought my first MacBook last fall. And 2 weeks ago, I got an iPhone. I bought Apple Care, although I have had to make up some excuses just to use it. Today I had to call about an email problem on my iPhone. My rep had me fixed in no time, with a pleasant attitude, and saying things like "I just love my customers". It brought a tear to my eye.

In my job, I have to motivate my entire staff to get excited about customer service (in the form of their patients) and I have never seen a company do this as consistently as Apple. Every single time I call, I feel as though I got to cut to the front of the line. My wait time has never been more than a couple minutes.

I really want to know how they do it. I bought The Nordstrom Way for my staff to read, but I am off to look for a book on Apple's customer service methods.

So even if you don't buy a Mac for technical reasons, the customer service alone is worth the premium.

[THAT-GIRL]

I am so-o-o agreeing with you Myra... that was my turning point last year on switching to Apple, 'cause when I had problem I just grab my laptop and go to the store... they never turn you down or ask to make an appointment... for later, they help you right then... we live close by in Tampa and I sure you know International mall I go for Apple care there and by now I've became almost friends with all the guys and girls there... they are very helpful !!!

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

I couldn't agree more.

[Myra]

When I was at International to pick up my phone Tatiana, it was 8:30, the store was packed and about to close. I looked at the clerk with a pleading expression that said "please don't turn me away" and she said "Of course we'll get you taken care of tonight. Don't worry." After driving 1/2 hour in traffic, I could have hugged her. NOBODY else would have done that.

Ok, enough from me.

[kminton]

Absolutely! Customer service can make or break it for me. Even if I love the product . . .but dislike the company because of a previous experience, I'll find a new product!

Thank goodness Apple has both great products (function and appearance) and great service.

I need to call them . . . I've dropped my iPhone one too many times and wonder if they can help me . . .

[mugsbigsis]

My Apple ICare on my IMac is going to expire soon and I swear I've actually considered getting a new IMac just so I can have ICare continued. :O) They really are the top when it comes to customer service!

[maureenreynolds]

I just wanted mine... but dh had so many issues with security and patches on his other laptop that he switched just to deal with that. He was also sick to death of talking to India and having a different person each time he called, or had to keep calling for issues on his other machines.

Now, any glitch and we can get an appnt the same day in the Apple store 2-3 miles from our house. I feel blessed that we could afford to buy both of ours but I think the mental anguish my dh has saved has been worth it for his health! I no longer hear frustrated swearing from his office! So in fact it has saved us money since he's usually 'on the clock' when he's on the computer. Down time is $$s lost to us.

[anke]

you guys are making this sound more and more appealing. One question, do you all have the 4 gigs on your MacPros or did you get 8? I think I am about to take the leap myself. Convince me please

[THAT-GIRL]

Mine is 4GB Mac Book Pro 15 in., I've got it when they just came out with a new aluminum body and I think then the choice was between 2GB or 4GB... I'm not sure if they have 8GB, just looked on line... didn't see it... but Anke it's SO-O-O plenty and you don't have to buy all that k...p of "spy wear", "virus protection", etc. ptfuy... ptfuy... ptfuy (spit 3 times to the left) didn't had any problems yet... except when I was learning and accidently dumped all my iPhotos in the trash, but that was my fault and they recovered it for me...
So take a plunge girl !!!

[jesshunt]

there is such a lack of good customer service in the world - I'm thrilled to hear a story like this (especially since I now have the Apple Care too!!)

[Mark]

I bought a MacPro a few months ago and have become a huge Apple devotee. It is a brand that creates delight at every touch.

Now, I need to find a way for my Alienware laptop to run into an "unfortunate accident". I sure hope I don't spill my wine on my keyboard tonight. 8 times. LOL!!!

[Amy L]

The Apple Geniuses at my store are so great. The store is on my way home from work too if I ever need anything. I am such a happy customer!

[digigrandma]

Apple products all the way for me, too!

I love shopping in the Apple store. The sales people are so knowledgeable and willing to spend time with you making sure you get all your questions answered before you buy.

[AllynD]

My DS has two friends who work at local Apple stores-- engineers who couldn't get jobs in their fields in this tough economy. The benefits are great, and even though working retail (even at the Genius Bar) is tough, they like the company and believe in its products. A lot of the "kids" (that's what I call anyone under 35!!) at the Apple stores are way overqualified, but they are really nice and very knowledgeable.

Last year I was in the store getting my laptop's hard drive checked for a glitch, and I witnessed a couple of customers who were panicked about their data, and so were quite rude to my son's friend who was working there. I was incredibly impressed with how kind and patient he was with even rude customers-- both left happy! That doesn't happen too often-- usually when a customer comes in with an unpleasant attitude, a customer service rep. anywhere can't turn the situation around for a positive result. I was very impressed with this young man, whom I have know since I taught his nursery school Sunday School class! I have been meaning to ask him if Apple gave them any special training in customer relations.

[readstoomuch]

Originally Posted by 1gr8muggle

I couldn't agree more.

As a non-apple owner, I really can't enter in this discussion . . .

But I just had to say that I have never known Cassie to only say ONLY FOUR WORDS about any subject . . . especially about a Mac!

Cassie . . . check back in . . . I'm worried that you may be ill.

[maureenreynolds]

I have the 4G Imac and I too think it was a 2G or 4G option when I bought it. DH has usually suggested that when in doubt, go with the larger. It's easier to pay first rather than add later. Just sayin'.

btw, you know a class...even basketweaving 101!... at say the community college qualifies you as a student. It's well worth it if you are in the market for a computer and/or softwear.

[kminton]

Originally Posted by anke

you guys are making this sound more and more appealing. One question, do you all have the 4 gigs on your MacPros or did you get 8? I think I am about to take the leap myself. Convince me please

I actually entered the Mac world through the MacBook Air. I work full-time, go to school full-time, kids, yada yada yada and I was dragging my HUGE Dell laptop with me everywhere. Had to have a special backpack for it and everything (it was one of the large screen laptops). I couldn't take the weight of it anymore and went ultra light with the MacBook Air --

LOVE IT AND WILL NEVER GO BACK!

[Myra]

Originally Posted by anke

you guys are making this sound more and more appealing. One question, do you all have the 4 gigs on your MacPros or did you get 8? I think I am about to take the leap myself. Convince me please

I think of memory like a diamond: you buy the biggest "chip" you can afford.

[mugsbigsis]

Originally Posted by readstoomuch

As a non-apple owner, I really can't enter in this discussion . . .

But I just had to say that I have never known Cassie to only say ONLY FOUR WORDS about any subject . . . especially about a Mac!

Cassie . . . check back in . . . I'm worried that you may be ill.

She was probably in the forum when she was suppose to be teaching and didn't want Jack to bust her on it.

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

Originally Posted by readstoomuch

But I just had to say that I have never known Cassie to only say ONLY FOUR WORDS about any subject . . . especially about a Mac!

Cassie . . . check back in . . . I'm worried that you may be ill.

I would say that was five words if you break down the contraction.

Mollie . . . I'm saving my words for San Antonio. You better watch out!

[hguenthe]

Originally Posted by anke

you guys are making this sound more and more appealing. One question, do you all have the 4 gigs on your MacPros or did you get 8? I think I am about to take the leap myself. Convince me please

Anke - are you talking the Mac Pro desktop or the MacBook Pro laptop?

If Mac Pro desktop, if you or one of your kids even, is up to it, it is really easy to add more memory or change out the memory and you can get MUCH better prices on great memory elsewhere. Apple charges an incredible premium for their memory. Crucial and Newegg both sell Apple-compatible memory at reasonable prices.

If MacBook Pro laptop, easier to buy more memory now as it is usually a case of replacing memory in laptops to go bigger rather than just adding more memory into extra empty memory slots that the desktops usually come with.

Personally, I only have 4GB memory on my Mac Pro and think maybe 2 GB on my MacBook Pro.

[neonglow]

Customer service really does make the company. I used to work for T-Mobile, and they were the #1 in customer service for mobile phone dealers, but the company I worked for also had partnerships with Apple, and their ratings are also through the roof. Love it when that happens, especially when you call expecting some big ordeal and it turns out quick and pleasant.