Maccentric’s elite team of Apple-certified technicians are here to answer any questions you may have about service and repairs for your Mac, iPhone or other devices. Here are our most frequently asked questions:
Why do you charge a diagnostic fee? Shouldn’t this be covered by Apple, my warranty, purchase, etc.?
You’ll be charged $0 for work that’s covered under Apple’s warranty or AppleCare. For work outside of warranty coverage, we charge a small diagnostic fee of $149 which is applied directly toward labor, parts and the full cost of the repair. Many repairs are covered completely by this fee. Paying our employees for the expert labor they put into repairs is important to us (and probably to you, as well).
Mac users are incredibly intelligent and often know what’s wrong with their machine. However, we always run diagnostics on every machine to be 100% sure that we’re fixing your exact problems. That way, there are no issues once your machine is returned to you. Sometimes, we’re even able to identify that the problem is something less expensive like a cable or connector. Confirming the issue avoids wasting your valuable time.
I’m locked out of my iPhone! Can you help me?!
Ugh, we know it is frustrating to be locked out of your device. YES! We can help. However, in most cases, we charge a $49 fee to do so. This is because doing it quickly and correctly requires a significant amount of hands-on time from our Apple-certified professionals.
You can also try to restore access on your own using Apple’s support documentation. Remember: We’re here to help if you want to save yourself from a headache or simply have our pros with hundreds of hours of training do it for you.
What’s the difference between Maccentric, going to an Apple Store or using XYZ repair shop down the road?
It’s simple: two of those options provide Apple-certified services and parts and one doesn’t.
As an Apple Authorized Service Provider, Maccentric’s repairs are backed by Apple. We use genuine Apple parts. With the nearest Apple Store located hundreds of miles away, we think having a local shop complete your repairs is better than spending several hours in a car.
Why will XYZ repair shop replace this part and you won’t?
We only use genuine Apple parts in our repairs, which means we also use Apple’s preferred methods of fixing broken devices and computers. It’s a policy we must adhere to as an Apple Authorized Service Provider. We recognize this may not be a fit for everyone. You can weigh the pros and cons of Apple-certified parts and service vs. our competitors and pick the one that’s right for you. No judgement here.
Do you sell Apple products?
Nope. We only provide service and support. But, we can advise you on the right choice for your needs and make a suggestion on where to buy it. This helps us be unbiased when it comes to repairs and providing the best value for our customers.
What repairs are covered by my Apple Warranty or AppleCare?
Most Apple hardware comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. You can extend coverage if you purchase AppleCare+ or the AppleCare Protection Plan. In general, however, warranties typically cover hardware problems caused by manufacturer defects and in the course of normal use.
For any repair, we check your warranty with Apple and let you know if it’s covered. Some things are not covered. For example, iPhone accidental damage like a water spill is not covered by warranty, but may be covered under AppleCare+. We’ll walk you through any costs and how they’re covered.
We can also help with Apple’s Exchange and Repair Extension Programs, which are typically at no cost to you.
Do I need an appointment?
Nope! Come in anytime during our regular business hours and we can help. You can also call or email and we’ll get you the information that you need.
Will you mail off my device to be repaired?
The majority of repairs will take place right here at Maccentric, with the same quality of service you receive from Apple.
Sometimes we may ask you to turn off “Find My” location services, so you may be a bit concerned. We only do this because it is required by Apple before we run diagnostics tools in our shop.
Why are your prices different from Apple’s?
Most of our prices are consistent with what you’d pay in an Apple Store. We want to be fair and provide value to you; so, we must cover some basic business needs like wages for our staff and overhead.
How long will it take? I need it back ASAP!
When we discuss your repair, we’ll always give you an accurate time frame so you can make plans accordingly. We never want you to be down and without your computer or device. If your repair isn’t urgent, we can even plan ahead to make it more convenient for you!