The shopping experience in an Apple store really is quite remarkable. So remarkable in fact I'm going to actually remark on it. I had an iPad 3 (second version) which I really like, and I have a tendancy to jump products, so I didn't get an iPad 4. However, the new iPad Air looked really rather nice so I counted out the pennies and visited the Apple Store at Lakeside today. I got there about about 10am and joined a small queue that was waiting. I was approached by an Apple employee who asked me which version I was after, checked it was available, which of course it was, and offered me a danish and coffee while I waited.
When I got to the front of the queue I was introduced to Emily who took me into the store, checked what I was after, got me a box with the iPad in it, and then she took me to the table with the accessories. I was able to get a nice case for it, and a VGA adapter to plug into projectors. She chatted with me, found out that I wanted it for business, enrolled me in their business programme and so on. She was then able to scan my purchases with her handset gadget, I gave her my card, she printed out a receipt for me there and then and also sent me an email version.
In total I was there for about 10 minutes in the shop (about the same time in the queue outside) and at no time did I feel hassled or pressured - the whole process of parting with about £750 (I got the 128GB version with Wi-Fi, plus the cover and cable) was almost pleasurable. The staff were all really nice, friendly and helpful. Of course you could say that staff always should be, but this just doesn't happen in shops really, does it.
As for the product itself - can't really say that much as I've unboxed it (but wasn't sad enough to video the process) and it's currently syncing as I speak. Consequently all I can say at this stage is that it's light - really, really light. Oh, and it's very shiny indeed. :) Oh yes, and it came fully powered up as well. So civilised!
I wish I could say I had the same type of experience when I visited the Apple store in Century City (LA) recently. Instead of the friendly, helpful staff I was met with indifference. And told that they were very busy. I could see that but expected to be put on a list so I would be sure to be helped. I was finally helped by a very nice person but the general experience was unpleasant. I hope the staff is better prepared for the holidays than it was for the announcement of new products.
Posted by: Maureen Frank | November 01, 2013 at 09:54 PM
Phil - In a related topic: What projector do you plug that VGA into? I need that type setup but am confused about projectors for garden/flower/butterfly presentations.
Posted by: Martha | November 02, 2013 at 01:31 PM
Hi Martha,
I'm afraid that I can't really help that much - I use whatever projector my client has available, but they have always had a VGA port at the end of them.
If you're looking to buy a projector - they are painfully expensive, and I've never really felt the need to get one. Sorry I couldn't help more!
Phil
Posted by: Phil Bradley | November 02, 2013 at 03:06 PM