[mft_]

They seem to inject additional people into their processes, for reasons I can't discern but I'm sure exist.

For example, even buying something as simple as an Airtag means waiting for a random employee to be free, who then gets one for you, only to then wait for another different employee to be free to allow you to pay for it. Maybe that's just about theft prevention?

My one "Genius Bar" experience (recently) in Munich was really crappy - told to check in, then told to wait by a table where I was ignored; when I re-approached someone, told to wait somewhere else... and watching the flow of things, it became very apparent that my 'appointment' had no value - I was helped in a queue after people who'd just walked in.

[hnbear]

Most non computer purchases like AirTags can be self serve. You grab a box off the shelf, scan it with the app, Apple Pay and walk out. No person necessary. Works on everything without a unique serial.

[mft_]

I'm not clear from your comment whether you're proposing how things should be, or how things actually are in your experience?

(Your vision isn't the case in the [European] Apple stores I have experience of...)

[hnbear]

This is my actual experience in US Apple stores. It’s been available for a while, but staff don’t always guide you to it.

Eg. https://www.howtogeek.com/338754/how-to-buy-stuff-at-the-app...

But earlier references are from 2012 for the easy pay roll out.

Maybe US only. Definitely a shame if it is.