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Apple ranks third in BusinessWeek customer service survey

Apple has nailed down the number three spot on BusinessWeek's fourth annual customer service awards, falling in right behind LL Bean and insurance company USAA, and way above companies like Amazon and Dell. The awards were based on survey results from a few different places, and Apple scored an A+ in both Quality of Staff and Efficiency of Service thanks to its Genius Bars and helpful Specialists inside Apple Stores.

Of course we've heard the occasional horror story, but in general, Apple Store employees are beyond helpful, which is probably why BusinessWeek says that 66% of those surveyed would "definitely recommend" Apple products, and 58% said they would "definitely repurchase" the next time they needed something.

Apple's influence is also found elsewhere on the list -- USAA, number two on the list, has had a lot of success with its iPhone application, which has also helped the company out on customer service scoring as well. And while Starbucks can't necessarily thank Apple for a big boost in its business (it probably would have done fine anyway), it's not surprising that companies that score high in customer service tend to have the same goals in mind. Congrats to Apple for yet another survey-based award.

[Via Macworld's Dan Moren, not "Warren" -- sorry Dan!]

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Apple has nailed down the number three spot on BusinessWeek's fourth annual customer service awards, falling in right behind LL Bean and...
 

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brillon

The service to customers is very bad in Montreal. Each time (3) it took 3 to 4 hours to have somebody to speak with. No excuse, this is the way it goes. I am very desappointed with Apple. Good products but no after sale service.

May 18 2010 at 8:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeff

This is well deserved. I have dealt with Apple service a few times in the past year or so and recently dealt with MS Xbox service and the experience was truely a world apart. Amazon is my favorite shopping experience but i have received incorrect info on occasion when emailing customer support with questions.
Apple has always been exceptional, giving me the benefit of the doubt and treating me like a valued customer and not a potential con artist.

February 23 2010 at 8:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chris

Apple Stores are nice. I will give them credit for that. I really don't like that they train their employees to claim that Macs don't get viruses, however. Mom might just be dumb enough to believe it (she'll ask me anyway, so no problem there), but technically informed users are not as gullible. Anyway, we've already seen the virus myth blown out of the water and I suspect they won't be chirping this falsity forever. It's already bad enough that my intelligence was insulted by the prices for certain products (when I know what they are really worth). I guess Apple defines success by how superficially good their products and stores are and how much money they can trick people to pay in addition to what their products are worth. It would be nice if they could define it by having quality products that lasted (and were warrantied for five years). Then maybe all those who argue that Apple is worth the sticker price would hold some weight with me.

February 23 2010 at 12:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hal

I've had mostly good luck with Apple customer service. On one occasion they were actually almost too helpful and offered to fix something that was broken even though it was past warranty. I didn't have time to wait for the repair and it was not big deal but I appreciated the offer anyway.

The only problem is that the nearest Apple store is 100 miles away. It's a pain in the butt to drive there, especially if they have to keep my machine.

The one time I had an unresolved problem was with a cracked iPhone screen. I did drop it from about three feet but based on past experience I had hoped they'd replace it. Everyone drops their phone and I figured it'd be an easy fix. No go. Since I was happy with the phone otherwise and it was time for an upgrade I just bought a new one.

Now if they'd just open an Apple Store in Palm Desert, CA I wouldn't have to drive so far.

February 22 2010 at 7:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chris

Last 3 trips to the apple store...picking up a laptop battery...new magic mouse and headphones...couldn't get arrested at the store...no one would help me

There's a new center table where colored shirts gather...and ignore people. Then if you go the back of the store where they used to have people to help you check out...they say they can't help you....even tho....they're standing there doing nothing. (cause now they have all the same color shirt...including the "genius" bar)

Colored shirts passing me left and right...not making eye contact...in and out of the back office door of secrecy. I felt like I was back in high school...and wasn't part of the cool kids.

*sigh

February 22 2010 at 7:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Chris's comment
FightTheFuture

that should've have happened. the apple store training requires that specialists address you, even if they are with someone else.

make sure you let someone, anyone know - they are so supposed to relay the message to whoever ignored you. even if they aren't management.

February 23 2010 at 1:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aleonell.10

mabey thats wat will make tem get first. they will call people back !!!

February 22 2010 at 7:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aleonell.10

yeah !!!!

i think its good, i think they would be 1st, i have rang so many companies for companies for costumer servers and they are the best by far. GOO APPLE

U WILL GET FIRST NEXT YEAR, GO FOR GOLD !!!!

February 22 2010 at 7:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AppleZilla

And their closest actual competitor (Dell) is twenty spaces below them.

February 22 2010 at 7:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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