When you buy an Apple product you pay more and you know your paying for the sleekness and sexiness of the product in addition to the superiority of the product your purchasing. What your led to believe when you join the elite Apple club is that you’re buying into a certain lifestyle. When you walk into an i-store anywhere in the world you are wowed and wooed by every single product.
I bought my laptop 2 years ago in Dubai and although I had my misgivings on coping with the Mac technology the cool dudes who sold me the computer were so confident and guaranteed every assistance that I bought my laptop on the spot. I just felt so comforted by the service I would always get and the fact that my Apple would never be infected with any worms and it was so very strong that it was impenetrable by any virus that I made a huge mistake and did not buy the warranty extension.
When I moved to Mumbai I never gave the Apple another throught as there were always so many computer dudes in India I was sure I would get better service if I ever needed it for my Apple In India. I was so very wrong. My biggest mistake was not sending the laptop to Dubai to get repaired when it got ill 3 weeks ago. The nearest i-store closest to my house in Mumbai is 45 mins away and is located in Mahalaxmi just off Breach Candy. It is one of the most inconvenient places to go to as it’s the hub of the most persistent traffic and is also area with no parking.
The worst part about having one's laptop repaired in Mumbai,is the i-store and the supposedly 'Apple compliant' service it purports to offer. The store services the millions in South Mumbai who have expended a considerable sum of money to own Apple products and they have ONE single individual doing all the technical work from the actual assessment of what is wrong with your product to what it will cost to repair, which in my case was something he required to look up on the laptop (no one else seemed to be capable on going online and doing that for him) while another angry customer let all the staff in the shop get a piece of her mind.
I have been to the Apple stopre 4 times in the last 4 weeks as they never could tell me exactly what was wrong during the first two visits or how long it would take to repair thereafter. What truly irritated me was not the fact that my computer’s health deteriorated further while in the i-store but there was a complete disregard for my time and for the amount of fuel I would have to expend to make another trip to the store. I have honestly had better service in Indian government run organisations, which is really the worst insult I can bestow on anyone or anything!
I refuse to rave and rant any more about how the Mahalaxmi i-store done me wrong. Instead let me share my list of a few things to do when your stuck in Mahalaxmi (everyone with an Apple anything in the area pay attention you will need to spend time pottering about there). First a confession although I should inform everyone of the very famous temple there I did not visit it as I was not in the state of mind to a place of religious worship in the mood I was in. In hindsight I really should have, as God may have been able to pave the path to some service and straight answers across the street. Fear not as I have not disposed my Apple I know there will be so many opportunities to visit the temple. Maybe i should skip the store next time and just take the laptop to the nearest house of God!
When I am a bit peeved I turn to chocolate and the Cinnabon outlet a few shops away was an ideal distraction. I had been pre-warned my Cinnabon fans to insist on freshly baked stock so that is exactly what I did. My first Cinebon experience in India did not disappoint the chocolate mini bite sized ones were yummy but I counted two less pieces then I would receive in Dubai and pointed it out to the management who informed me in India you only get 4. Do note that although you receive two less the pricing is almost the same as Dubai.
My next find was treasure, which I know prove to be a burden on my wallet for years to come. I cant think of enough nice things to say about the small shop full of natural, ayurvedic creams, potions and every conceivable beauty product barring very disappointingly make up. Forrest Essentials is just an amazing store with a super energy, feel and chic packaging. I walked in off the street only intending to do some browsing but the Jasmine oil they had on the burner coupled with the products on display were so enticing that I was relieved when they accepted my credit card. The shop was a real find for apart form the lip balm, night cream and Jasmine Oil I discovered a natural calendula mosquito repellant spray, which is something I have sought far and wide after suffering from the increased barrage of monsoon mosquito bites.
Another place which is worth the visit is the Shraddha Charitable Trust, which is an organization which helps mentally challenged young adults to attain financial independence. They are located across the street form the i-store in a public school behind the Ghetto Pub. When I got to Shraddha's premises and I saw the lovely ladies who teach the challenged young people handicrafts and those that manage the store where the handicrafts are sold all I could do was admire those who strive to assist others better their lives. I did buy a few wonderful gifts, which I wanted to send my friends back home and I will honestly say not one was bought out of pity.
Their products were so very professionally made that you really cant find fault with them and when you consider every product is handmade you know your getting more then value for your money. You can purchase number unique handmade items like jute bags, greeting cards, floating candleholders, gift boxes and funky ethnic handbags and stationary. My favorites were the cute ethnic handbags and the unique extremely well crafted disposable plates made from leaves.
As I paid for the goods I bought at Shraddha I actually considered giving them the entire sum of money I had saved up to get my computer repaired, well barring what I had spent at Forest Essentials but as I need the computer to make my daily bread I have to put that thought on hold. They do accept charitable donations and they are happy to provide you with a tax certificate as well for the same so if your feeling charitable do pay them a visit.
As the Aroma Thai Foot Spa located a few doors away from the i-store I assumed it probably gets a lot of customers from the i-store that need soothing down. The spa looked and felt relaxing to be in and the staff were warn and very kind but the chairs that they use were so uncomfortable that even if the session was wonderful i can only best describe it as adequate.
If anyone from Apple or i-store is reading this for the love of God do something. I intend to own my laptop, i-pod and apple accessories for a long time I really cant afford to spend so much on Cinnabon, Forest Essentials and reflexology! Train more technical staff for your stores or just remove all Apple service centers from India and give us an alternative as to how we can seamlessly repair our Apple goods.
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