Genius Bar Appointment – tech support or hard sell?

Many of my customers have visited Apple first and their experience is usually the same.

1. 1. 1. Apple inspected their Macbook and found evidence of liquid damage [which voids the warranty].
      2. The repair quote was almost the cost of a new Macbook. i.e. £700+
      3. Apple recommended to buy new instead of repair.

After years of talking to my customers and repairing Macbooks I can say:

1. 1. 1. Liquid damage to a Macbook is very common. Within minutes it can cause corrosion resulting in problems that will frequently result in a Macbook refusing to turn on.
      2. If you go to Apple to attempt a warranty claim their first priority is to look for evidence of liquid damage.
      3. A small tide mark from a drop inside the case, not even close to any electronics, means the warranty is void and you will be paying for any repair.
      4. If they dont see evidence after taking the cover off then it will be sent to the service depot for further disassembly and inspection.
      5. Any evidence of liquid causes Apple to quote for replacing the logic board, trackpad and keyboard – affected or not – its just policy.
      6. Apple knows you are more likely to buy a new Macbook if the cost of repair is high and you are there in the store!

My Approach

We talk on the phone. When the fault is obviously the screen, trackpad or keyboard I will give you a quote.

If the location of the fault is not so obvious then I will need to inspect it. A totally dead Macbook might be caused merely by a bad battery but it could be a fault on the logic board.

In this case it needs a Diagnostic.

1. 1. 1. I remove the logic board and examine it under a microscope where I can often spot the problem visually. I can also measure particular voltages which can indicate the health of various systems.
      2. I make an assessment of the amount of work required to fix the problem and prepare a report and fixed price quote which I email to you for consideration.
      3. The quote is likely to be 25 to 50% of Apple’s crazily expensive quote because I make a targeted repair at component level.

With your acceptance of my fixed price quote I then fix it for that price whether it takes me 3 hours or 30 hours.

I stock many parts and mend your Macbook personally on site in my fully equipped electronic workshop.

What Now?

• • • Give me a call. This may lead to an appointment to drop off your Macbook in 30 minutes.

    • I give you a receipt with a ticket number so you can track progress online.
    • I will inspect, diagnose and send you a report and fixed price quote.