Comments on: Could Time Machine Make Loaner Machines a Reality for AppleCare? http://gfmorris.com/2008/04/01/could-time-machine-make-loaner-machines-a-reality-for-applecare/ The Life and Times of Geof F. Morris Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:03:05 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Geof F. Morris http://gfmorris.com/2008/04/01/could-time-machine-make-loaner-machines-a-reality-for-applecare/comment-page-1/#comment-7044 Geof F. Morris Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:12:06 +0000 http://ijsm.org/?p=4230#comment-7044 I offhandedly mentioned the idea to the tech to whom I handed my machine, and I think she considered it for five seconds before getting back to the trouble ticket. I offhandedly mentioned the idea to the tech to whom I handed my machine, and I think she considered it for five seconds before getting back to the trouble ticket.

]]> By: Chris (from L.C.) http://gfmorris.com/2008/04/01/could-time-machine-make-loaner-machines-a-reality-for-applecare/comment-page-1/#comment-7043 Chris (from L.C.) Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:56:59 +0000 http://ijsm.org/?p=4230#comment-7043 CommiePuddin touched on what my arguement against loaner programs was. Loaning (even renting) equipment to customers generates MORE work for the repair departments because they've got to keep those loaner units running and presentable. Sure, you will have good customers who will take care of it, but easily half of your equipment is going to come back with work needed. So, instead of repairing one unit, you've got two to repair. Another expectation that tends to show itself is that you're going to pull a shiny new widget out of the box for for the customer to take home for their loaner. And, you better not even think of giving them something used because they bought a new one 10 months ago and now it's broke and it's ALL YOUR FAULT! I could keep going, but you get the drift. It's simply worth it to lose one unreasonable customer versus spending man-hours upkeeping a program that can be easily done without. (sometimes, it IS good to fire your customer) CommiePuddin touched on what my arguement against loaner programs was. Loaning (even renting) equipment to customers generates MORE work for the repair departments because they’ve got to keep those loaner units running and presentable. Sure, you will have good customers who will take care of it, but easily half of your equipment is going to come back with work needed. So, instead of repairing one unit, you’ve got two to repair.

Another expectation that tends to show itself is that you’re going to pull a shiny new widget out of the box for for the customer to take home for their loaner. And, you better not even think of giving them something used because they bought a new one 10 months ago and now it’s broke and it’s ALL YOUR FAULT!

I could keep going, but you get the drift. It’s simply worth it to lose one unreasonable customer versus spending man-hours upkeeping a program that can be easily done without.

(sometimes, it IS good to fire your customer)

]]> By: CommiePuddin http://gfmorris.com/2008/04/01/could-time-machine-make-loaner-machines-a-reality-for-applecare/comment-page-1/#comment-7042 CommiePuddin Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:23:18 +0000 http://ijsm.org/?p=4230#comment-7042 I would say: Approach Mac Resource with this idea. The worst they could possibly do is say no, and if they think they'll lose your business over it, they may honestly give it a shot. Or you may end up selling them their own copy of the software for just this purpose. I think the kicker would be insuring that customers didn't bork the rental computer like people bork rental cars (or rental movies, etc.). I would say: Approach Mac Resource with this idea. The worst they could possibly do is say no, and if they think they’ll lose your business over it, they may honestly give it a shot.

Or you may end up selling them their own copy of the software for just this purpose. I think the kicker would be insuring that customers didn’t bork the rental computer like people bork rental cars (or rental movies, etc.).

]]> By: Geof F. Morris http://gfmorris.com/2008/04/01/could-time-machine-make-loaner-machines-a-reality-for-applecare/comment-page-1/#comment-7041 Geof F. Morris Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:19:41 +0000 http://ijsm.org/?p=4230#comment-7041 Excellent! Excellent!

]]> By: Will http://gfmorris.com/2008/04/01/could-time-machine-make-loaner-machines-a-reality-for-applecare/comment-page-1/#comment-7040 Will Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:01:06 +0000 http://ijsm.org/?p=4230#comment-7040 Probably not much longer. The store front is all blocked off, and there are definate signs of progress to be heard as one walks by the store. Summer probably. Probably not much longer. The store front is all blocked off, and there are definate signs of progress to be heard as one walks by the store. Summer probably.

]]> By: Geof F. Morris http://gfmorris.com/2008/04/01/could-time-machine-make-loaner-machines-a-reality-for-applecare/comment-page-1/#comment-7039 Geof F. Morris Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:39:26 +0000 http://ijsm.org/?p=4230#comment-7039 I see it on their site; do you have any idea when they're supposed to open? I see it on their site; do you have any idea when they’re supposed to open?

]]> By: Will http://gfmorris.com/2008/04/01/could-time-machine-make-loaner-machines-a-reality-for-applecare/comment-page-1/#comment-7038 Will Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:03:42 +0000 http://ijsm.org/?p=4230#comment-7038 Not for much longer my friend, Apple Store opening up in Bridge Street. Just down from Mountain Outfitters. Not for much longer my friend, Apple Store opening up in Bridge Street. Just down from Mountain Outfitters.

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