Patience is a Virtue

It's been an interesting few weeks at the Apple Store. With the release of the iPhone 3G S, things have been just crazy. Long lines, and lots of people, have been the norm on a daily bases. It blows my mind. Part of my job is to be the first person people talk to when they come to the store, find out what they are needing, and helping them get that just as quickly as possible. However, this means I also deal with every irate customer first. Let me explain...

For those of you unaware, if you need to have something looked at by a tech, serviced, whatever, you make an appointment, much like a doctor's office. This is easily done at http://www.apple.com/pennsquare. Many people still come the store not knowing this, so I have to educate them. Most people make the appointment and move on. Some people, though, are not happy. I don't blame them, really. Their phone/iPod/computer is many times a focal point of their lives, and if it isn't working, things are bad. I get that. But yelling and cussing me out because we are booked up for a couple days will not get you seen any sooner.

This works the same for people wanting iPhones. For whatever reason, some people feel a certain sense of entitlement. They feel they have a perfectly good reason why they should be able to get a phone before the 30 other people in line. No, driving from Norman or Edmond does not mean you should have first dips.

All this to say, it's a lot a fun to watch from a 23-year-olds perspective. At some point down the line, these people turn into whiny 7-year-olds and I turn into the mean parent that won't let them get what they want right when they want it. I want to know what age this happens so I can avoid it at all cost. I say all this lightheartedly, but I really mean it. These people, many times with their kids, begin to act just like their kids the minute I say "We are booked for appointments today" or "It will be about an hour wait to get your iPhone". There are times I wouldn't mind video tapping some of these adult temper tantrums, and then replaying it for them just to show how ridiculous they look.

Anyway, just felt like I should get that off my chest. Sorry this post wasn't exactly funny or thought-provoking. At the very least, I hope I've helped you learn the proper way to get something fixed/looked at by the Genii at the Apple Store. You forgot already? OK here it is again.

http://www.apple.com/pennsquare and click Genius Bar on the right.