Mac Headquarters

I would not go here again. I had a macbook and I broke my screen by dropping my cell phone on it. I decided to go to Mac Headquarters because it was close to my house and I figured I could avoid all the lines in the mall. Well, I went there, explained how my computer broke. They opened my computer, plugged it in; the computer turned on and the screen was broke.The sales person decided not to do a diagnostic exam because it was clear that the screen that was broken. They made me pay $500 upfront. I recieved a call about 3 days later saying that my computer had been shipped to who does screen repairs (I didn't know they had to ship it...) and my computer isn't turning on because there had been a large amount of water damage to it. I told them not to make the repair because it wasn't turnin on, so they shipped it back to the mac headquarters. One of the employees at mac headquarters took a look at my computer and figured out my battery was fried. My computer still worked but it had to be plugged in. This was not true when I broke my screen initially. The rep said that water damage can take time to affect a computer. They gave me my computer back with a partial refund because they had to cover shipping. I was out $96 for that service. The sale representatives were fine but I find it out outrageous that I had to pay for shipping. They made the mistake of not doing a diagnostic test, not me.

Also, I've asked for a breakdown of costs on two seperate occasions and I still have not received it.

Posted 10/14/09 | Report Abuse

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After calling the Apple store in in St Louis Galleria, to ask if the would work on my Apple iMac G5/2.1 20-Inch (iSight) to upgrade the built in 512 Mb of ram to highest possible 2 GB replacement, I was told that if my computer is no longer on apple site that they could no longer work on it and was told to try macwarehouse. I explained that I wasn't comfortable installing the ram myself and I explained that I was a loyal mac user for over twenty years, and didn't plan on changing but that was all they could do for me to tell me to go somewhere else? I asked to speak to the manager which that person suggested it wouldn't matter. I then insisted to talk to the manager. I explained the problem again to the manager, and she told me that it was impossible for them to stock every memory to service old computers. I told her, we were talking about an item that takes up about an inch worth of space to store. I was told that didn't matter, to which I also told that I was planning on buying an upgrade to dreamweaver to CS4 while there, a $200 item but not I will not be buying it there, nor will I be buying any product software or hardware from them in the future, and if they can continue to throw money out like that in this economy, while good luck to you with that business model. Wish her a good day and hung up.

I then googled and found this page for MacHQ, called them. Explained the problem to the person answering the phone, they would work on my computer but he said that didn't have memory in stock but he would order it for me, when I asked if he need a down payment on it, so he wouldn't be stuck with it. He said not necessary, he had my phone number and would call me when it came in and that was all he needed.

So who would you rather give your business to? I'm buying all future hardware for mac HQ, and NEVER going to an apple store again.

Posted 09/14/09 | Report Abuse

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I had one of the macbook pros with the bad nvidia controller that apple will replace within 3 yrs of purchase. I called machq, told them I wanted my mbp fixed and then trade it in for a new 17" mbp. The guy said no problem, they had the mbp I wanted in stock, and they would give me $900-$1100 for mine, depending on its condition. I went right up there, and found out there were NO 17" mbps to be found. They explained that "in stock" meant in stock at a warehouse in Texas. Then I found out that the $900-$1100 was NOT in-fact contingent upon the condition of my laptop. If I gave them a $2000 deposit and signed up for their "new computer for life program" they'd give me $1100, otherwise they'd give me $600. When I declined the offer, the owner explained to me that he was going to sell my laptop for $1100, and it was unfair of me to ask him to buy it for $1100. I reminded him that $900-$1100 were his numbers, and asked him if he really wanted to tell me that MY using HIS numbers was unfair, while telling me that him making a 83.3% profit on my laptop was totally fair. Apparently math makes him angry, so I terminated the discussion.

Posted 08/04/09 | Report Abuse

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This was the easiest computer buying experience of my entire Mac life. The sales guy was really cool and he knew how to use all the apps that came with the new laptop. The place is fun, the people are fun and no mall to contend with. LOVED IT!

Posted 12/08/08 | Report Abuse

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I went into MacHQ and purchased a new Mac Book. I had a good experience. The salesman was very helpful. He gave me direction about transferring my data from my old machine and showed me around the new operating system. He spent over an hour answering my questions and offering my guidance. He seemed genuinely excited for me and my new "baby". The store was pretty cool too. The door bell was very cool! The overall experience here was second to none. You can't get this kind of attention at the mall.

Posted 10/23/08 | Report Abuse

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I bought a new macbook from this store. I am a brand new user to apple from windows. I asked simple questions about transferring all my music from I tunes and I left more confused than what i was. The salesman was not enthusiactic about selling me a computer and seemed like he did not care if i bought one or not. I am not very happy with the entire sales approach or any of the help I did not get. I feel like i was a number and had money to buy a new laptop and that he new and did not want to over extend any help. I am not sure if I would go back there for any thing unless it was warranty work. Just don't feel like I mattered to him. That I interrupted him doing something. Would love a response back from the owners. I even asked about getting a discount through the education part because my wife is a teacher in st louis, it seemed like i had to jump through 10 hoops with the salesman to get it. I could of bought online and saved 100.00 dollars. Owners of macworld if you read this i would ask you to contact me about the whole sales experience. You can email me at firesout@sbcglobal.net. thanks.

Posted 10/03/08 | Report Abuse

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I'm looking to trade in my Mac Desktop for a Mac Laptop and had no idea where to start. I called Mac Headquarters to ask all sorts of questions. Even though the associate and I realized that the store couldn't provide me with what I needed he still answered all my questions and gave me great advice when looking for a Mac. Also offered to put me on a list to call if they recieved what I was looking for. So helpful, so nice. Deffiatley will recomend to my friends.

Posted 02/08/08 | Report Abuse

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Called to ask a question over the phone and the sales associate was not helpful AT ALL. He made it seem as if I was bothering him with my questions. I called because I thought they would help me figure out exactly what I needed for my husband as a Christmas gift. I left very unsatisfied and still need help. Sorry I am not a MAC genius...will not go back and won't let my husband go back :)

Posted 12/20/07 | Report Abuse

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I am a Mac geek and I will return to Mac Headquarters from now on. The atmosphere is bright and really interesting. I recommend Mac Headquarters to everyone who uses a Mac!

Posted 11/28/07 | Report Abuse

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I went to Mac HeadQuarters for the first time last week. The place is really cool. The staff is friendly and very well educated on the Mac. I tried having my dual 867Mhz G4 serviced at the mall and they didn't even know what it was. These people know the old stuff as well as the new stuff. I got the feeling that they would talk for hours about any Mac related issues. I liked that they have their own parking lot too. I didn't have to park and go through the mall. I met other customers there also who were just sort of "hanging out" talking with each other and the staff about Macs. This is a fun store. I will be back.

Posted 11/28/07 | Report Abuse

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As a self proclaimed Mac Addict, I've loved this place for years. It's a breath of fresh air after trying to purchase from the mall-based Apple stores. If I really want to ask some of the serious questions about a Mac, I go here. The staff is very knowledgeable not only on Mac's but on computer and electronics in general. Great store -- worth a visit for any friend of Mac!!

Posted 10/23/07 | Report Abuse

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Very helpful, courteous and respectful. Highly recommended. I got my IMAC upgraded to max out the RAM. Solved any problems I had and very prompt. All that was expected was taken care of and exceeded my expectations. Glad to have another place where MACs are understood and can get help on the older MACs too. Great place to shop, fun and professional people. Try MAC Headquarters out, no regrets!!

Posted 10/23/07 | Report Abuse

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I went into MacHeadQuarters because they were recommended to me by a friend. I was delighted to see all the vintage posters and the used Macintosh computers for sale. They were even running vintage commercials in the showroom on a big screen tv. That was very cool. I needed to have my new MacBook Pro fixed under warranty. I wasn't sure if they could do it because of the warranty status. Turns out, they are Apple authorized to do warranty work. They had my machine fixed and back to me in 2 days. The service was excellent. The employees there were very friendly and helpful. It is such a pleasant surprise to find a local Mac shop other than the big Apple stores. The people here are down to earth and they even know a lot about the older Macs, which is unheard of in the Apple stores. You should check this place out. It is a great destination for all Mac lovers!

Posted 10/02/07 | Report Abuse

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I heard about this place from a friend. I stopped by on a whim to check out their used Macs. They have a really cool showroom with a "theatre" and the employees there were really friendly. The selection of used Macs was great and the prices were very reasonable. I didn't intend to buy anything, but I couldn't pass up a great deal on a used MacMini. The staff there were very well versed on all Macs including the really old ones. They actually have a collection of vintage Macs. I wasn't disappointed. I'll be back.

Posted 09/04/07 | Report Abuse

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I stopped by the new location of MacHQ the other day to look at MacBooks. The new place is really cool! The salesman was very informative and helpful. He took the time to answer all of my questions and even offered to purchase my old iBook and apply the money to the purchase of the new MacBook. This was very helpful to me as a college student. I have a limited budget and being able to trade in my old computer for money off on the new one allowed me to purchase the next model up from what I would have purchased. This is a first class operation! I will be back and I will tell my friends to go here too. No far away parking, no long walks through the mall, just a mac friendly staff and a great store.

Posted 08/23/07 | Report Abuse

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went in because i live just across the street, i just wanted to fool around with some of the programs and look at refurbs. I was in the store for about 25 mins at least half of which i was the only "customer". Only once did someone say anything to me and it was simply "hello". I know that because my age (19yrs old) and the way i dress (im a screenprinter covered in ink) that a typical human being would assume i have little money and am just there to waste time and play with the fancy computers, however little to the clerk's knowledge, i intend on purchasing a brand new MacBook Pro in the next week or two because of my student loan. It's somewhat frustrating to me that this stereotype is constantly made but it has made me decide that i will be shopping at one of the stores in the mall since i have never had any problems there. All i could have asked for on my visit would have been someone to offer to answer my questions.

Posted 06/19/07 | Report Abuse

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Let me begin by openly stating that I barely know where this store is, but that I have been by there. Mac Headquarters has been around for quite some timewith almost no advertising that I have seen (and yet they are still here). There has been emotion and accusation spouted about this store, but please keep in mind that largely by word of mouth this store has satisfied enough people that they are very much in business. Don't let the frustrations of the rare but vocal complainers (who did not follow the store's rules, by the way) sway you from trying this store when the vast majority of their customers have made no complaints. This is a case where one should listen to the deafening silence and total lack of complaints that have come from the vast majority of their customers.

Posted 01/30/07 | Report Abuse

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While I know resources for Macintosh's are few and far between. I would consider going to the Mac store in the mall or other stores before going here. I brought my laptop in to get fixed while getting talked into also buying a new software. I told then specifically what to fix while they also agreed to install the software for me. I asked if I would get it back soon and they said it would be no longer than 5 days...try 2 wks. When I got the computer I was in a hurry to be somewhere. When I got home nothing I told them to fix was fixed and the software was not installed. I went back to complain.. got no money back and they told me how I could fix it. This costed me hundreds of dollars people so I was furious. I was able to attemt to manually fix my own computer and when trying to install my software that they insisted I buy, my computer was too old for the software and now they refuse to take it back due to state laws that don't allow software items to be returnable. This would have been nice to be informed of while buying especially since they suggested this would be a GREAT BUY.. yeah right. Not to mention the condescending tone I received by numerous employees there who are supposed to be helpful to the computer buyer (even if they aren't familiar with such foreign computer language)... take my advice adn DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE.. not only is it inconvenient but you will probably leave more stressed out than you came!

PROS: Unfortunately I have none!
CONS: Unwilling to cater to customers, condescending, unreliable, unprofessional

Posted 08/28/06 | Report Abuse

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Catherine & Ken: There is a special offer for you at the bottom of this article. I am sorry you had a bad experience at our store. We strive to make every customer feel important, because they are.
Ken: We will hold any item in the store for 24 hours. Any holds longer than 24 hours require a deposit. The reason is while many customers have good intentions when putting items on hold, items on hold longer than 24 hours seldom get picked up. This can make products unavailable for those who are ready to purchase right away. If a customer leaves a deposit on an item we can hold it for just about any designated time. It isn't much of a secret that Apple has always had inventory issues. We try to keep items in stock but unfortunately the Apple Stores tend to get their inventory before we get ours. As far as convenience goes MacHeadQuarters has many advantages over the Apple Stores. The Apple Stores are both buried deep inside the mall and are difficult when someone has to carry heavy items back and forth. We also don't require a long wait at the Genius Bar to check an item in for service. You can normally be in and out in just a few minutes. One thing I must address though because I wouldn't want anyone reading your review to think the store is any easy target for thieves. Our showroom does have 3 security cameras (iSights, of course so they may be difficult to spot) and all of the computer equipment is locked down with alarms. Since most of our inventory qualifies as felony charges if stolen we do prosecute shoplifters. Missouri state law states that we must offer lunch breaks for our employees. They should have been a bit more discreet when taking their break though, so I apologize that due to the "coziness" of the store that it was obvious what they were doing.
Catherine: I am sorry you had a bad experience at MacHQ. If you were mistreated by an employee of MacHeadQuarters I want to know about it. You can call me personally at 314-525-0201. You can rest assured that kind of behavior is not tolerated at our store. I must also apologize for the delay in the turnaround time of your repair. The store has been under extra pressure lately because we are the only retail location in Saint Louis recognized by Apple Computer as an Apple Specialist that is authorized to do warranty work for Apple. With Apple's recent recall announcement on PowerBook and iBook batteries we have been innundated with repair work. I know that isn't your problem it is ours and we are making staffing adjustments now that will resolve any turnaround issues that recently occured. Not to mention that we have been in the process of moving our retail store to a new expanded location at 7120 Manchester. As of Aug 28th the move is now completed Anyway you can also rest assured because every one of our repairs are warrantied for 90 days. So if there is a problem bring your computer back. We will put it in the front of the line and fix it as quickly as possible for you. You are welcome to call me anytime to discuss your experience. Our number one priority is to make you happy. I personally guarantee it.
Catherine & Ken: If possible we hope you could give a us second chance to serve you. We would like to extend an offer to you: On your next visit, tell the clerk that you are Ken W or Catherine W. from Insider Pages and we will give you up to 10% off any item in the store. Keep in mind that discounts on Apple branded products may be lower because sometimes that would be less than what we actually pay for them. Please give us another try we won't let you down!

PROS: Conveniently Located, Recognized by Apple Computer as an Apple Specialist
CONS: 4 stars not 5 because everyone makes mistakes, Difference: we correct ours.

Posted 08/19/06 | Report Abuse

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I was commisioned by a famliy friend to upgrade his wife's computer. Because of travel arrangements, the timeframe in which I had to do the job was very specific. I went to MacHQ and spoke with a very helpful woman who helped me figure out exactly what I would be buying on his behalf. I told her that I'd be coming in on Dec. 12th. On the 9th of December, I called MacHQ and confirmed that I was coming in on the 12th and needed the list of products ready to be picked up (including a 17" iMac). He refused to set one aside for me and assured me that he had enough of the iMacs in stock, and that I didn't have to worry about it. I showed up on the 12th and they had no 17" iMacs left. Without an apology or an explanation, they left me no option, aside from purchasing the 20" in stock. I went to the Apple store in the mall (the very one MacHQ advertises against as inconvenient) and was outfitted with no problem. Now, I know that this was a minor thing in the great scope of things, but I had emphasized to them how important it was that I get the equipment and install it all in a limited timeframe and they disregarded it. I believe that if Mac purveyors want Macs to be taken seriously as a business machine, they'd better conduct their businesses better than PC chains, especially if they're independent. I don't think MacHQ will last long unless it takes seriously every person that comes through their door. (And, by the by, with the lack of security cameras or locks on cabinets/doors/cases, a thief could easily swipe some inventory if left alone a while, as I was on my first visit while the entire staff ate their lunch in the back room all at the same time). Unwise practices.

PROS: Really good entertainment software, cute "Appley" presentation
CONS: Unreliable & unresponsive, feels like a treehouse business, unprofessional

Posted 12/13/05 | Report Abuse

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Brought Emac computer in with black screen- said they fixed it and it was "up and running". Picked it up and was handed an empty invoice that said 1 hour labor $95. They had the wrong system # written on their work order and did not update the system, even though they said they did, which I later found out was crucial. When we brought it home all our files were empty (work order said no data lost) and now we couldn't connect to the internet which had never been a problem. The Apple store in the mall has a 'Genious Bar' and confirmed (in writing) they believed MacHq did this damage. The Apple store fixed our problem with a simple update that took about 15 min. (no charge) A conversation with the store owner of MacHQ was like talking to a stubborn child. Because I was a woman, he called me "hysterical"- actually we were having a calm conversation- it made me laugh it was so absurd- and said he would not help me if I was going to report him to the BBB. Although he said he won cases there before (red flag). Apple Care does not have them listed in their database as authorized anything.

PROS: Technicians were friendly even after I said I was disputing charges
CONS: Owner, Jim Votino, needs to grow up and learn how to run a business

Posted 11/04/05 | Report Abuse

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These guys run a nice little operation. They sell used and new Apple Macintosh computers, carry a respectable collection of Mac software titles, and carry an assortment of 3rd. party accessories that you don't always see in the "real" Apple Stores. They also do Mac repair work and troubleshooting.

Worth a visit if you own a Mac!

PROS: Nice, clean store - giving an alternative to Apple's retail outlets.
CONS: Could stand to carry a few more product/accessories.

Posted 06/14/05 | Report Abuse

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