I just got back from the Apple Store, Bay Street, where I picked up a copy of Mac OS X Leopard. I find myself in an Apple Store on a relatively frequent basis, yet each time I’m struck by the experience, which is always exquisitely crafted.
Apple’s attention to detail isn’t left unrewarded. Their retail stores are always bustling with people and the dollars are flowing. In most stores, when things get busy, you can expect to wait in line to complete your purchase. Not so at an Apple Store.
Each Apple Store has a few employees roaming around with handheld card readers. When I was ready to check out, one of them came over to scan my items and swipe my credit card. My email address is on file, so my receipt was sent electronically. No paper was involved in the process.
I was no more than two steps out the door, when my phone vibrated a couple times to indicate a new message. My receipt was in my pocket, easily and instantly.
What’s needed next is a widely accepted way to make payments with a mobile phone, as a replacement for credit cards. Then the entire process could be conducted electronically.
