Apple Store

Well! What a morning at Apple Store in the North Shore Mall yesterday!
Apple’s employee Carrick Walsh was magnificent! Why magnificent?
Carrick has the kind of patience we pray for when we go into a store and deal with Electronics!
He helped me in every step of the way, without rolling his eyes, not once, not ever, even though the entire process of purchasing my new IPhone 6S, and trading in my iPhone 4S took a good, long while! Lots of details during this process.
He also helped me with a lot of technical questions burning on my mind for years. Thank you for that, Carrick! and thanks for not making me feel like an idiot, even though you know SO much more than I do.
He expertly added my new Screen saver! Perfection! I would have never been able to do that like he did. We looked at two covers that interested me, and we were able to figure out which would be best for me, and my needs.
I left the store feeling like I made all the right decisions, not hesitating at all. Patient, knowledgeable store employees are so valuable for aiding in customers making major decisions, especially when spending a lot of money. Carrick is very well-​trained for sure, but he really shows he enjoys his job!
Btw, Apple has a payment plan with no interest. So, the amount can be paid for over 2 years if you like.
I am leaving my review on both listings for Apple Store at 210 Andover St in Peabody in the North Shore Mall, because there are two Apple Stores at this mall, and I just don’t know which is which!

Lanie C.
Friend Count0
Review Count1 Lanie C.
North Reading, MA
2 star rating7/​23/​2015
I love the apple products and the fact that you have a life of the product free support. I have usually had good luck with genius appointments. However today I schlep all the way over on my only day off for a 3:45 appointment only to be told they could take me in an hour and a half. Why bother to make an appointment? And why was I not notified by text or phone call of the delay. And to be told it is not a problem because I could do some ‘mall shopping’ is insulting. Don’t keep giving out appointments if you are not going to honor them!

Like other reviewers have said, the place is a zoo. The customer disservice reps barely have time to talk to you while they try to rush everyone through. I setup an appointment. and oh noes, 2 minutes late during the holiday season.
What they don’t tell you is that if you are not early, you are late. Once you are late, you get bumped behind everyone that is early. So if you have a 5:00 appointment and show up at 5:02, you are late. Since they are so busy, you will not get your turn. The smug ahole that shows up at 5:05 for his 5:10 appointment will be ahead of you. If you are unfortunate to show up during the weekend or weekday after 5, you might as well kiss your appointment goodbye. After they started taking the 5:20s, I realized it was pointless to wait any longer.
God forbid you complain, because then the disservice reps condescend that you should’ve been early and/​or camped outside like every other good apple fanboy.
If you can, go to a different location.

continued to be helpful when i went in two weeks ago. i had a problem with my i phone and because i had Apple coverage, they replaced it for free. no complaints

Prior to arriving this store, I researched which device I wanted to buy and then called the store to ensure they had an IPad Mini with Retina. A person on the phone at the store confirmed there were enough and said the process to purchase would be quick but I would have to come in quick as there were only a half dozen or so left.
When I arrived on December 1, I was one of many people at the store looking to buy the new iPad mini. There must have been over 100 people either browsing or buying an Apple product.
First check in was with an Apple store representative who asked what I was looking for. I told the person I was looking for the iPad mini with retina black 32 GB. The staff member took my name and said someone would be with me in a bit to provide further assistance. We walked around the store, stood waiting, as there were no seats to sit in. After 20 minutes of waiting, another staff member came to assist.
After repeating my request a second time «iPad mini with retina black 32gb», the associate went to the back to get the iPad. Then asked if I wanted any accessories. I asked for the case that he suggested. The one he suggested he said was a popular one and affordable — $ 50. Checkout was using his iPhone checkout app, which made checkout quick and receive an email receipt. At checkout, the associate said I had up to 30 days to use the equipment and after then, I would not be able to return for a full refund.
Total time in the store from start to finish was about 45 minutes.
After receiving the iPad mini, I used it aggressively for a day setting it up with the apps that I had on my iPhone. Then the iPad sat unused for nearly two weeks. Since I was not using it, the $ 600 spent on the iPad, and accessories would be best spent on other things, I decided to return the items on December 13. I was glad I read the receipt that I received via email because it said that I had up to December 14 to return the item for a full refund, NOT 30 days.
The negatives about the store are simply that there is no place to sit while you have to wait to be assisted; the waiting time took quite a bit longer than I expected. The store should look into a better checkout process, like perhaps have some of the items available via lock and key so the customer does not have to wait so long to check out or have to explain multiple times what they want. The associates need to be sure they are clear as to when the full refund date is and ensure the customer is aware of the date.
I am giving three stars because of the long wait and the mistake by the associate about the return policy. I was glad the store had the product I wanted and the staff was friendly. A large number of people in the store say a lot about the Apple business and its product.
I would return to this store for business, especially if I had interest in purchasing another Apple product.

Transitioned to a MAC a few months ago. Also purchased one on one service for a year (?$ 99)…every time I have tried to schedule a 1 on 1 the only times offered are mid week in the mid part of the day. Many, if not most, people who work are unavailable during these times. I asked to speak with the manager two times to see what could be done about this but he refused to meet with me. I am very discouraged and disappointed with the service at this apple store. I have heard great things about apple in general. My experience certainly does not live up to these expectations.

The level of service ALL should shoot for

Has Bill Gates become the CEO of Apple? After today’s visit I believe so. Quick greeting brush off, No we can’t replace your IPad cover we make 1. 1 for everyone, we know what’s best for you. Wanted to pre purchase 2 iPads for saturday, NO. Come stand in line on Saturday. Wanted something with IPad2 pricing, NO it’s online. YES we are proud of the fact we have nothing for you the customer. Our carbon footprint more important than your desire. WHEN did APPLE forget who brought them to the dance?