View Full Version : AT&T vs. Apple Store
BillyMadison
06-24-2007, 06:05 PM
The mall near me has an Apple store and a small AT&T store. I was going to take Steve's advice to Arianna Huffington and go AT&T, but now...
The AT&T store is buried in the mall, and it is tiny. I can't imagine it will have nearly the line of the gleaming Apple store upstairs. But everytime I pass by the AT&T store, there's just one completely confused looking employee in there. I'm worried that the longer Apple store line will move fast (plus be infused with that magic Apple feeling), while the AT&T guy (or guys/gals) will give slow, mistake-filled service on the few iPhones they have in stock.
I'm sure I'm not the only one here faced with this choice. What are you guys gonna do?
iphonenotify
06-24-2007, 06:09 PM
The mall near me has an Apple store and a small AT&T store. I was going to take Steve's advice to Arianna Huffington and go AT&T, but now...
The AT&T store is buried in the mall, and it is tiny. I can't imagine it will have nearly the line of the gleaming Apple store upstairs. But everytime I pass by the AT&T store, there's just one completely confused looking employee in there. I'm worried that the longer Apple store line will move fast (plus be infused with that magic Apple feeling), while the AT&T guy (or guys/gals) will give slow, mistake-filled service on the few iPhones they have in stock.
I'm sure I'm not the only one here faced with this choice. What are you guys gonna do?
I was thinking about going to AT&T, but I like the magic apple feeling.
sajawebb
06-24-2007, 06:18 PM
Apple! Without a doubt!
wjp09
06-24-2007, 06:20 PM
Ill be at the apple store.
PHRESH
06-24-2007, 06:32 PM
But everytime I pass by the AT&T store, there's just one completely confused looking employee in there.
:laugh2::laugh2:LOL. that made me laugh because its so true.
mlass
06-24-2007, 06:42 PM
I have to say AT&T. Never been to Apple and have 1 maybe 2 Apple Stores here (DFW). I'll feel AT&T has taken care of me for years and never had a problem. All Apple can do is sale me a phone. AT&T takes care of the rest.
The AT&T store is buried in the mall, and it is tiny.
Most AT&T stores in malls are "authorized retailers" and will not carry the iPhones like the AT&T corporate stores (labeled just "CINGULAR WIRELESS" below).
The best way to find out is AT&T's website (http://www.wireless.att.com/find-a-store).
Knowsall
06-24-2007, 06:54 PM
ATT to buy phone ...then I go across the street to Apple store to hang.
BillyMadison
06-24-2007, 06:55 PM
Most AT&T stores in malls are "authorized retailers" and will not carry the iPhones like the AT&T corporate stores (labeled just "CINGULAR WIRELESS" below).
The best way to find out is AT&T's website (http://www.wireless.att.com/find-a-store).
This is a legit AT&T-owned store. It's buried underneath the stairway to the food court - the worst location in the mall, very hard to find. And it is tiny.
But it will be getting iPhones on Friday.
mlass
06-24-2007, 06:57 PM
ATT to buy phone ...then I go across the street to Apple store to hang.
Now, that sound like something to do.
ps49556n
06-24-2007, 06:57 PM
ATT to buy phone ...then I go across the street to Apple store to hang.
Same here, buy phone at ATT, go to apple 5th ave store to hang out/buy accessories/get drunk:laugh2::laugh2:
Same here, buy phone at ATT, go to apple 5th ave store to hang out/buy accessories/get drunk:laugh2::laugh2:
You forgot the next step: forget who you last let "see" your new iPhone. :gasp:
ps49556n
06-24-2007, 07:02 PM
You forgot the next step: forget who you last let "see" your new iPhone. :gasp:
Not at all worried about that, as I dont intend to let ANYBODY handle my phone.
ATT to buy phone ...then I go across the street to Apple store to hang.
I was thinking about doing that except not to "hang"(whatever you mean by that) but to get some accessories.
I hope Apple has the same and more accessories as AT&T does.
Not at all worried about that, as I dont intend to let ANYBODY handle my phone.
Lots can happen after you get drunk. :smile:
ps49556n
06-24-2007, 07:22 PM
Lots can happen after you get drunk. :smile:
I guess you are misinterpreting my statement, i will probably stay only for 30-40 min, have 2-3 drinks buy some things and leave.
T-HAN
06-24-2007, 07:41 PM
They sell drinks at the Apple store!?!?!?! :laugh2:
MomPOM
06-24-2007, 08:00 PM
While I love Apple and love the Apple store I have a nervous breakdown just thinking of being in that place on iDay. I'll be at my local At&t store getting mine. Hopefully it won't be so maddening. I'll probably head to Apple first thing in the a.m. on Sat. to buy accessories.
Ranged30
06-24-2007, 08:06 PM
While I love Apple and love the Apple store I have a nervous breakdown just thinking of being in that place on iDay. I'll be at my local At&t store getting mine. Hopefully it won't be so maddening. I'll probably head to Apple first thing in the a.m. on Sat. to buy accessories.
I am doing the same thing only after I buy the phone at 6:01 I will head directly to the Apple store to buy accessories that same night.
I'm going to the Apple store. I just don't trust AT&T reps to sell me the phone without giving some BS about my current contract.
JustaGuy
06-24-2007, 08:37 PM
I'm going to the Apple store. I just don't trust AT&T reps to sell me the phone without giving some BS about my current contract.
Why so hostile?
The setup and activation may verywell be the same, but it's been said, apple is hardware, ATT is service.It would make sense to me to have the most informed location. Just speculation, though. There are a LOT of att haters in this place, for some reason.
JustaGuy
06-24-2007, 08:39 PM
I hope Apple has the same and more accessories as AT&T does.
I would assume they will. i know att will have accessories.
Why so hostile?
The setup and activation may verywell be the same, but it's been said, apple is hardware, ATT is service.It would make sense to me to have the most informed location. Just speculation, though. There are a LOT of att haters in this place, for some reason.
Not hate and hostile, just frustration. I've been personally told over and over again by the local AT&T stores in LA that they will not sell me the iPhone because I'm a current customer under contract.
I don't want to wait in line for several hours then risk being denied my purchase because I've been a loyal AT&T customer for the past 4 years.
At Apple, I won't have this risk.
Ranged30
06-24-2007, 09:57 PM
Not hate and hostile, just frustration. I've been personally told over and over again by the local AT&T stores in LA that they will not sell me the iPhone because I'm a current customer under contract.
I don't want to wait in line for several hours then risk being denied my purchase because I've been a loyal AT&T customer for the past 4 years.
At Apple, I won't have this risk.
This is not the case at all. You do not need an upgrade to buy the phone! There is no subsidy offered for this exact reason. You will just re-up your contract when activating it.
I had initially thought that going to the Apple store would've been really exciting. BUT.. I was there the other night, just innocently trying to get the low down. The guy was an absolute jerk. "Don't know anything, lady".. Yeah I say dick. I know you know something.. You're just holding out. Which is fine, but damn, let a sister know the truth! Don't lie to me. But, I really like the other people that work there, as I've dealt with them before. But he was just a turn-off. Went to the AT&T down the hall.. the AT&T rep told me all that she could, even though I've heard it all before and even gave me her card and just said.. "Call me on Friday morning. I'll try to let you know as much as I can.. " Plus, I'm opening up a new contract and porting over my current phone number, just makes sense to get it all over and done with in one spot and at one time...
ColsTiger
06-24-2007, 11:00 PM
I had initially thought that going to the Apple store would've been really exciting. BUT.. I was there the other night, just innocently trying to get the low down. The guy was an absolute jerk. "Don't know anything, lady".. Yeah I say dick. I know you know something.. You're just holding out. Which is fine, but damn, let a sister know the truth! Don't lie to me. But, I really like the other people that work there, as I've dealt with them before. But he was just a turn-off. Went to the AT&T down the hall.. the AT&T rep told me all that she could, even though I've heard it all before and even gave me her card and just said.. "Call me on Friday morning. I'll try to let you know as much as I can.. " Plus, I'm opening up a new contract and porting over my current phone number, just makes sense to get it all over and done with in one spot and at one time...
Sounds like the At&t girl is working on commision, so it would make sense for her to want to make you feel comfortable about your purchase.
I don't understand why mav is getting the cold shoulder at his stores. But if he feels more comfortable buying from Apple, then that should work out just fine.
I really think that after Wednesday's employee meetings, the At&t guys will have better perspective of the iPhone purchase requirements.
This is not the case at all. You do not need an upgrade to buy the phone! There is no subsidy offered for this exact reason. You will just re-up your contract when activating it.
Yeah this is what I keep reading from you guys, but the AT&T stores in my area say otherwise. I'm just not going to take the chance. Besides the entire Apple store experience will be much cooler anyways. :2cool:
Sounds like the At&t girl is working on commision, so it would make sense for her to want to make you feel comfortable about your purchase.
I don't understand why mav is getting the cold shoulder at his stores. But if he feels more comfortable buying from Apple, then that should work out just fine.
I really think that after Wednesday's employee meetings, the At&t guys will have better perspective of the iPhone purchase requirements.
As I understand AT&T chick would be nice because she's going to be makin some fine fine money. Doesn't give the apple guy the right to be a dick.. I don't know.. I guess I'm used to having great service with the Apple people, even if it's just mindless chit chat.. Possibly my expectations are too high, but I don't want to say that about Apple... especially when I'm letting go some hard earned dollars for this damn device. eh. I'll get over it
ColsTiger
06-24-2007, 11:07 PM
Yeah this is what I keep reading from you guys, but the AT&T stores in my area say otherwise. I'm just not going to take the chance. Besides the entire Apple store experience will be much cooler anyways. :2cool:
I agree. I would buy at an Apple store if one was in my hometown. It would be fun just to play with the MBPs in the store.
robhon
06-24-2007, 11:11 PM
As I understand AT&T chick would be nice because she's going to be makin some fine fine money. Doesn't give the apple guy the right to be a dick.. I don't know.. I guess I'm used to having great service with the Apple people, even if it's just mindless chit chat.. Possibly my expectations are too high, but I don't want to say that about Apple... especially when I'm letting go some hard earned dollars for this damn device. eh. I'll get over it
Not to say the guy shouldn't be a dick but you gotta imagine these people are getting asked the same question like a bajillion times a day. Kinda the same way my 2 year old asks for ice cream before dinner. It just gets on your nerves after a while.
Not it does any good but sometimes I get testy with my little girl when I've been asked the same question a certain number of times. Then I feel bad. I'd imagine that guy does too.
Not to say the guy shouldn't be a dick but you gotta imagine these people are getting asked the same question like a bajillion times a day. Kinda the same way my 2 year old asks for ice cream before dinner. It just gets on your nerves after a while.
Not it does any good but sometimes I get testy with my little girl when I've been asked the same question a certain number of times. Then I feel bad. I'd imagine that guy does too.
Point taken. But you must understand that I also stood around for 20 minutes waiting for someone to help me. As I made the "I need help" gestures and tapped my foot incessantly on the ground.. I became infuriated. That did not get in the way of talking to that guy. I had worked in retail for over 4 years... I have never been that testy with person who didn't give me a reason to be. And you know what I hope he does feel bad. Although, he really didn't seem like he was holding in the remorse when I walked out, completely saddened... No remorse. But eh. Thus is life. Yeah? And Rob, I do understand your sentiments with your little girl.... Just wait until she gets older. You seem like the spoiling type.
robhon
06-24-2007, 11:27 PM
You seem like the spoiling type.
The power she has over me when she smiles, it's almost scary. :smile:
DailyMan
06-24-2007, 11:28 PM
Not to say the guy shouldn't be a dick but you gotta imagine these people are getting asked the same question like a bajillion times a day. Kinda the same way my 2 year old asks for ice cream before dinner. It just gets on your nerves after a while.
Not it does any good but sometimes I get testy with my little girl when I've been asked the same question a certain number of times. Then I feel bad. I'd imagine that guy does too.
There are lot of factors that plays a role in deciding between Apple and AT&T. For example, the location you are at, the size of the store, knowledge of the store rep, normal crowd to the stores, friendliness of the representative, etc. For us to decide between AT&T and Apple, we probably need to do some homework right from today. I would say, we got to go to a couple of AT&T owned stores and also call up AT&T over the phone and find out what's the procedure to activate the phone and whether the same could be done at Apple. Locate atleast more than one AT&T stores and Apple store if any in your area. Make a visit to each of them (one day each). Talk to the reps and find out as much details as possible. If the store is small and if you don't reach quite early to the line, there are chances you may end up without an iPhone on the first day.
-- DailyMan
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