Geek Tested:

Microsoft is Stealing Retail Staff from Apple Stores

Posted 09/22/09 at 08:35:53 AM by Paul Lilly

We're not sure if the grass is necessarily greener on the other side, but it doesn't have to be, so long as there's more green to go around. Citing sources who have spoken on the condition of anonymity, The Loop says Microsoft has been in contact with numerous Apple retail store managers to come work for the competition in exchange for a pay raise.

Sources say not only are Apple employees being offered "significant raises," but in some cases, Microsoft is willing to pay for moving expenses as well. Once hired, the ex-Apple employees begin contacting the top sales staff from their previous place of employment to offer them a higher paying job at Microsoft.

Good move by Microsoft or foul play? Hit the jump and sound off.

COMMENTS:16

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BS...
Submitted by xterminator on Wed, 09/23/2009 - 11:49am

Oh come on... MS has just been dissapoiting me.. Completely agree with Xylogeist

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Why would microsoft WANT to
Submitted by Xylogeist on Wed, 09/23/2009 - 9:09am

Why would microsoft WANT to hire a Mac salesman? chances are, a Mac salesman isn't tech savvy due to the autism of the Mac system - it's boring and for people that want everything spoon fed to them - they wont be able to deal with the hard core customers PC shops get.

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Not surprising...
Submitted by optionboy16 on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 9:51pm

I work for a contractor for Big Oil and contracts come and go all the time. We have a saying, more of joke really, is that we don't change jobs, just coveralls. When a guy works for ConocoPhillips and is offered more money to do the same job for BP, who wouldn't take it? I know Apple and MS are pretty different are far as software goes, but retail is still retail. Experience can sometimes make or break a store. Or in my field, extend or end contracts.

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that picture is really
Submitted by nekollx on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 1:12pm

that picture is really creepy

two black obalists gate entry to the Apple Store, the glowing icon of The Manufacturer your only marker that "here be Ne'hlim"

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Who knows
Submitted by damazeen on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 10:13am

Perhaps MS is planning to open up MS Stores, I mean, they have Zune and OS for mobile phones, and operating systems, ect. All they really need is a store front. I'm sure that would go well with the general public... going to a MS shop and stuff.

Here today, gone tomorrow. Live life.

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We have a prophet among us.
Submitted by NeauxFear on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 1:53pm

We have a prophet among us.

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Um, they are opening stores.
Submitted by lunchbox73 on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 1:50pm

Um, they are opening stores.

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Is it illegal for MS to
Submitted by dugn on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 8:14am

Is it illegal for MS to offer Apple employees more money to join them? Nahh. Let 'em do it.

Does MS really want Apple experts to boast about MS products? Imagine the dialog, "Well, if this is (Zune, Windows 7) confusing, I know where the closest Mac store is - and the (iPod, Mac OS X) is a lot easier to use." Not a good move.

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Keyword is RETAIL
Submitted by Havok on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 8:35am

If Tech support is the armpit of business, then Retail is considerably further south. Most Retail associates (I'm speaking from direct experience with ones I work with) have no clue what they talk about. All they do is sell. They have a cue card, or a book to read specs from or troubleshoot from, but they don't actually KNOW what they sell. In this case, Microsoft wants the Apple SELLERS because thats all Apple Geniuses do.

Apple Rep: "Oh, hello good sir, how can we Geniuses help you today?"

Average Joe: "My Macbook disc drive has jammed and won't let me eject my disc."

Apple Rep: "Our solution is for you to purchase a new Macbook. This way, you have a functiong slot drive again."

Retail isn't about help, it's about selling crap...and it blows.

OMGWTFBBQ

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well said
Submitted by jihnn on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 8:49am

most tech support is a joke..........start on page 1 go through the pages and hope you get an answer to your customers problem..

i have actually seen some of the notebooks used by some tech support, first teir support help really does not know anything and sometimes knowledge is a deturrent.. your employer has a script just follow it and you will be ok

page 33 " i'm going to have to reasurch your problem, someone will give you a call back with the information you need. thanks have a good day."

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I'd hate to be the one
Submitted by mattman059 on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 7:41am

I'd hate to be the one training the new employees that came from apple.

Employee 1: "Excuse me...um, what is the second mouse button for?"
Trainer: *Facepalm*

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LOL
Submitted by exaltedbladder on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 2:10pm

LOL

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except, you know, macs
Submitted by nekollx on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 8:36am

except, you know, macs have a second mouse button. It's just mising the divisor line

------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.

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Interesting
Submitted by MarioJP on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 7:05am

"I have been in the situation where competitors have taken employees,
and more than I a few times I was glad they did because it saved me
from firing them!"

Wow really? LOL!

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warning to MS
Submitted by robinjames on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 6:00am

There is always a risk to doing this.. If your only motivation is to steal from Apple, you will likely set aside your regular screening / hiring routine in the process, and get an employee you wouldn't have usually hired. I have been in the situation where competitors have taken employees, and more than I a few times I was glad they did because it saved me from firing them!

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But I bet your staff wasn't
Submitted by yourfriendlane on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 7:30am

But I bet your staff wasn't populated with geniuses!

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