Apple is listed as third most innovative company of 2010 by FastCompany.
Apple is also adjudged third best customer service company by BusinessWeek. Apple only mobile or computer maker in top 10.
These two statements might depict two different aspects on the same company but Apple earned both awards for same reason - Genius Bars and its retail checkout experierence. Both these things have improved the overall customer experience inside its stores and its mobile retail checkout is truly an innovative action for any retailer. Checkout which is usually refered as chokeouts are one of the points wherein maximum customer dissatisfaction happens. Mobile checkouts improved overall checkout experience inside Apple stores especially during heavy holiday rush.
In India, though its stores still lack the standards that are being followed in US but it is far better than other mobile and computer retailer. Once you enter an Apple retail store, you play with Macs, iPods, Docks etc for hours and salespersons will rarely tailgate you in an anticipation that either you buy or leave the store. There is rarely a do-not-bother-me look on their face. Yes, knowledge level of staff needs to be improved. I guess Apple's approach is for novices and it assumes that very few seasoned users of Apple are in India. Maybe they are right.
I also stumbled on this newspiece.
"Unfortunately, the whole house and all things in there completely destroyed, so even the iMac.
What's funny is that it is still in operation. While damaged from smoke and dust and partially melted, but yet, however in operation.
After I plugged in the burned power cord and wiped off the worst dust from the screen I pressed the melted start button.
Imagine my surprise when the startup sound sings from the speakers! The screen turns on and the machine connects to the wireless network.
The mouse works flawlessly and the scroll wheel as well.
Firefox starts and I take up the article from the local magazine about the fire ... Fantastic!
by Ramesh , on February 20, 2010 8:06 PM
Innovative company - Oh yes. Best customer service company ?? Not in my book. The iPod is designed to make repairing virtually impossible. If the battery goes; you can do nothing about it. I've had two ipods conk and getting it replaced is a real hassle. Can't subscribe to many podcasts because the iTunes store is blocked in India. In China & HK, I cannot register a ipod or iphone in English - there's only a Chinese option. Often I tear my hair dealing with them ; its only the brilliance of their products that keeps me buying them. On Service - they are far far down, I think.
by Siddhesh 'Ravan' Kabe , on February 21, 2010 10:56 AM
one thing i know about Apple is that, Steve Jobs doesn't listen to market statistics...he did same thing with iPod.
He has survived so far as he has no competition, but just like Mac book, if there is another windows who is out there to beat the shit out of apple...its easy...:D