Apple specialist says not to listen to Mac rumors forums

[01silver4]

So today I called in to apple with the intention to change my order. From 42mm to SS BSB to 42mm SS with link bracelet and at the same time get a green sport band for workouts. And pink sport band for my wife 38mm SS. However I was told that only the black and white sport bands will work with the SS models.

I ask Rebecca the specialist, are u sure about this? because they are people on YouTube and on this forum who are using different color sport bands with there SS models. And that I was told at the Apple Store during our try on appointment that, any color sport band would work with the SS models.

So she put me on hold to find out for sure. And came back and said yes only the black & white sport bands will work with the SS models. So then I was like what about the people who wearing the SS with different color bands? And what about Christy Turlington who switches up the different color band with her SS model?

She replied that you shouldn't believe what U see on YouTube or the Mac rumors forum. And that Christy Turlington AW band are special made for her. Are u serious? Is what I ask. She said yes sir, so I said ok I will go to the Apple Store tomorrow. And pick up a sport band, other than black or white and see if it will work and get back to u. Because I think that u are wrong. End of conversation and I hang up the phone. Anyway just wanted to let u guys know my experience today with this Apple Socalled specialist. I can't believe how misinformed some of the apple employees are when it comes on the AW.

 

[mac.cali]

I can't believe how people still refer to you as "u". lol

 

[msingh999]

Apple employee here. The same way bands cannot be swapped for a SKU that does not exist, we can not tell you other bands work. We are not misinformed, just not able to tell you otherwise because that's what apple wants. We have to play dumb.

 

[supertomtom]

Apple employee here. The same way bands cannot be swapped for a SKU that does not exist, we can not tell you other bands work. We are not misinformed, just not able to tell you otherwise because that's what apple wants. We have to play dumb.

I understand the predicament but I think there's a difference in reiterating that officially apple only supports the white and black band for the SS, than to outright tell the customer information that is known to be untrue (in that the bands won't work) and to go one step further to tell people not to listen to other customer experience on the forum.

By doing that, you're no longer just playing dumb but actually lying IMO.

 

[anez]

Apple employee here. The same way bands cannot be swapped for a SKU that does not exist, we can not tell you other bands work. We are not misinformed, just not able to tell you otherwise because that's what apple wants. We have to play dumb.

I can't get over the stupidity of this (not your post, the idea behind it).

Imagine this:

Customer walks into shop with his girlfriend, who is wearing a pink Sport band with her SS, and he asks for a Green sport band for his SS. Is the employee going to be forced to tell him they're incompatible while the evidence this is inaccurate is standing beside him?

I fully understand refusing exchanges based on their packaged combinations, but to be forced to give out provably false information makes their employees look incompetent, and who wants that?

 

[melman101]

Yeah this doesn't make any sense. I have a 42mm blue and 38mm green sports band for my wife. We both have stainless steel watches and they work fine

 

[solarguy17]

Apple employee here. The same way bands cannot be swapped for a SKU that does not exist, we can not tell you other bands work. We are not misinformed, just not able to tell you otherwise because that's what apple wants. We have to play dumb.

Didn't Tim mention all the bands are swappable in one of the keynotes? but that only certain bands would be available bundled with each watch style.

So while I could swap a AWS GSB for a WSB, because they are in the same style collection, I couldn't swap a AW BSB for a GSB because the GSB isn't available for in the style collection.
But they will work together.

But yes, I agree. Apple employees telling people they aren't compatible is lying.

 

[davideotape]

you might not be encouraged to tell people that the bands *are* compatible, i dont think you can say other bands DONT work. that seems illegal

 

[BradDylan]

some sports bands have ss and some have alluminum. They aren't recomended because of the interaction between ss and aluminum on the sport band versus the watch.

That's what I heard.

B

 

[bunnicula]

some sports bands have ss and some have alluminum. They aren't recomended because of the interaction between ss and aluminum on the sport band versus the watch.

That's what I heard.

B

Nope. Read the specs. They all have SS closure pins.

 

[flur]

Apple employee here. The same way bands cannot be swapped for a SKU that does not exist, we can not tell you other bands work. We are not misinformed, just not able to tell you otherwise because that's what apple wants. We have to play dumb.

Are you also required to tell customers that third party bands won't work?

 

[01silver4]

I understand the predicament but I think there's a difference in reiterating that officially apple only supports the white and black band for the SS, than to outright tell the customer information that is known to be untrue (in that the bands won't work) and to go one step further to tell people not to listen to other customer experience on the forum.

By doing that, you're no longer just playing dumb but actually lying IMO.

Exactly! My wife just try to call our local Apple Store. After I got through talking to Rebecca. She didn't get our local store, but however another specialist. Because the store is to busy to take calls at the moment. This specialist had a different tune though, and assured me that any of the sport band will work with the SS AW. She didn't lie to me and I appreciate that. This Rebecca lady though going as far as to tell me not to believe what I see on YouTube or Mac rumors forums. Well! was just crazy to me to say the least.

----------

Are you also required to tell customers that third party bands won't work?

Good question, after my experience today with this specialist. I wouldn't be surprised if one would try to say the same for third party bands.

 

[BradDylan]

Nope. Read the specs. They all have SS closure pins.

Are all the lugs ss also or just the pins? And if the lugs are all ss wouldn't that mean they would all be incompatable with the aluminum watches? Or is the possible interaction between ss and aluminum not true?

B

 

[anez]

Are all the lugs ss also or just the pins? And if the lugs are all ss wouldn't that mean they would all be incompatable with the aluminum watches? Or is the possible interaction between ss and aluminum not true?

B

There is a metal piece in the magnetized area of the band where it connects to the Watch, but I don't know what metal it is. However, since they don't ask whether you want the SS or the Sport option when buying a separate white Sport band (the only option available on both SS and Sport at purchase point), I'm guessing it doesn't matter.

 

[Gjwilly]

Are all the lugs ss also or just the pins? And if the lugs are all ss wouldn't that mean they would all be incompatable with the aluminum watches? Or is the possible interaction between ss and aluminum not true?

B

The lugs are different but the interaction is between raw aluminum and steel.
The aluminum in the Apple products isn't raw -- it's anodized.

 

[Javabird]

Well, I don't understand this, because when I ordered my 38mm SS BSB online, the cart came up with "also suggested for you" options with the 3 other colors of sport bands (white, green and pink). So you would think all the sport bands would be interchangable.

 

[thatappleguytoday]

These Apple "specialists" are all trained in a crashed course matter. They also all work in some low end call center, are NOT employed directly through Apple and make peanuts for a pay check.

As someone who worked as a senior advisor for AppleCare, you'd be shocked by the employees that walk these call center offices.

 

[OneMike]

I did a try on for the watch I ordered today and had a great conversation with the Apple employee. Why?

She was pretty awesome. Beyond that though, you should already know not to debate certain things.

If you're already certain or convinced of something why debate? Just buy what you want.

The lady I had my appointment with actually made a mistake and told me the wrong price on one of the like 6 bands she let me try on. I could've pointed it out but I went there to try on as you called to change order. Price was irrelevant at that point.

 

[msingh999]

Are you also required to tell customers that third party bands won't work?

To be honest, I don't know. Plenty of people in the store have third party bands. I have my phone jail broken.

Keep in mind, I'm just saying what we've been told. I'm not going to change what I say just because you guys say so. I only say what I'm allowed to. and in gray areas like that, we have to play dumb. I've had to tell customers there's no way to retrieve music from their iPods, even though I know there's tons of programs that do it.

Also, yes, if this was an online chat or call, to be honest those specialists have no idea what they're doing 80% of the time. They don't get anywhere near the same type of training we do in store.

My whole point of this is, we're not misinformed. Just unsure of what we can say, and to protect ourselves, end up having to just play dumb.

 

[bunnicula]

There is a metal piece in the magnetized area of the band where it connects to the Watch, but I don't know what metal it is. However, since they don't ask whether you want the SS or the Sport option when buying a separate white Sport band (the only option available on both SS and Sport at purchase point), I'm guessing it doesn't matter.

Correct.

 

[Mr Retina]

If you were in contact from someone working at the one of the sweatshop call centers, I can see why you got those answers. The over the phone retail support specialist aren't trained at all. They're all compatible, but from an aesthetic professional stand point don't expect a retail specialist to recommend mix and matching. Even the "official" rules state that the try on kit bands shouldn't be mixed and match, but rather presented as the default part number SKU's that the company sells.

 

[bruinsrme]

This forum has audio?

 

[Oppressed]

I'm a guy on Mac Rumors telling you to not listen to people on Mac Rumors. Head explode yet?

 

[CrackerJackToy]

There's a difference in a way a specialist can impact the customer.

1. They play dumb, like one of the geniuses said above. If the customer is well informed, you just lost all your credibility, and truly appear 'dumb'.

2. You shoot the customer straight and create a positive experience. Even if you have to say, 'Look, as an Apple employee, I am not given information that these bands work. However, on a personal basis for which I am not liable, common sense tells me it does work so let me help you place your order.' Your customer is now happy and doesn't have to post about it on macrumors.com.

But all in all, your Apple specialist was a legitimate moron.

 

[BradDylan]

Wow! Such hatred on this forum over nothing. These Apple employees or call center employees are just doing the best job possible given their training and ability. they aren't uninteligent as some people here say and if they were then how petty to name call them about it. They don't mean ill will. Lighten up please.

B