June 24, 2010
By Gülay Birand
Comments
Posted In
Previous
Next
I waited in line this time… and it was suprisingly fun!
My last iPhone order was somewhat unsettling. I didn’t receive much feedback from AT&T with regard to my order and I wasn’t sure when I would receive my 3GS. I decided that this time, I would brave the crowds and take matters into my own hands.
I’m not much of an early riser, so getting to the Apple store at the crack of dawn (while the smart thing to do) was not a realistic option for me. I got to UVillage with coffee in hand around 9ish and started waiting in the already lengthy line with my fellow die heard iPhone comrades.
Now I’m no fan of waiting in lines for anything but dare I say, this was one, fun experience! Our little “team,” pep talked it’s way to the front of the line rejoicing with every distance marker passed, “We just crossed the parking lot! Hurray!!”
The Apple employees periodically came by with line updates, water, SPF (!!) and snacks. At one point, a group of them came running by, clapping and cheering us on. As we neared the end of the line, they came around with cups of Molly Moon’s ice cream delivering a much needed dose of calories to see us through to the end.
When finally, it was my turn, I was applauded and courteously escorted into the cool, pristine Apple store. My Personal Shopper greeted me with a handshake and “Congratulations.” Sound cheesy? I know but most importantly, this entire experience was designed to make me feel “special.”And maybe in some small way, I did.
There’s no doubt that Apple has it figured out. It’s not just that their products are amazing functionally, beautiful to look at and revolutionary, it’s that they don’t limit the experience to their products alone. It’s all encompassing. From the moment you engage with Apple, through payment and product care, it’s a fantastic experience.
Apple managed to make what could have been a very boring two hours, enjoyable. Kudos to them.
