The Mac Shack

Exceptionally rude and in no way helpful.
When I took them my laptop a few months ago, and they told me it would take seven days before they could even run diagnostics, I assumed it was an isolated incident, but then they gave my girlfriend the same story today.
Did I mention they’re rude?
If it takes seven days before someone can run diagnostics on a laptop, that means you’re busy enough to warrant hiring another employee or you’re just really lazy.

Service, knowledge and integrity – that’s what you’ll receive at the Fort Collins Mac Shack, at no extra charge. Whether you need a tune-​up (I went for that a few years ago), have a hard drive fail (I went because of that last year) or suddenly can’t get iTunes to work, they can handle it. It seems like the more complex and unusual the problem is, the more delighted they are to solve it. I’ve never seen frustration from any of them, even when I had been pulling my hair out trying to fix this last problem.
Few businesses earn my total trust and respect these days, but these professionals have done exactly that. A message for them all: thank you, thank you, thank you. And Chris didn’t need to be reminded of who I was when I went back for pick up. Now that really made me feel valued.

After opening my MacBook to find a funky black stripe running through the screen, I took it into the Mac Shack at the recommendation of an apple customer service rep on the phone. Upon first glance the guy behind the counter told me «this is physical damage for sure.» Nothing had happened– no drop, slam, crack, etc.- and I told him this, to which he replied, «I’ve seen a million just like this– it’s been damaged.»
He assured me that it would probably be covered by my warranty (the comp was less than 6 months old), packaged it up, and sent me on my way. They called me back a few days later and told me that my warranty would, in fact, not cover the damage, and that it would cost $ 800+ to replace. I asked them about my options, and they were helpful and sympathetic– they even assured me there would be no charge on their part. Ultimately I decided to just pick it up and deal with the damage for now– I can’t afford an $ 800 repair on a laptop I’m still paying for.
When I went to pick it up the next day, the guy behind the counter said, «that’ll just be $ 70 for the diagnostics.» Uh…“the guy on the phone told me there wasn’t no charge.” He ran to the back to «double check» and said, «you’re totally right.» I said I was glad I had checked and he replied, «well whether you pay or not, I still live my life.»
Later I took it to an Apple Store where it was diagnosed in seconds and my warranty DID cover it. From now on, I’ll make the drive to the Apple Store in Boulder to avoid the confusion and the feeling that the guys at the Mac Shack might not have done all they could to help me out.

As I was waiting for assistance, a previous customer brought in a tray of sticky buns as a thank you to the crew at the Mac Shack for helping her with computer problems. I took that as a good sign and my experiences confirmed that they deserved a tray of sticky buns and more! I forgot my laptop power cord in my office and my back up hard drive failed, so I could not transfer files to my desktop from my hard drive. The staff member who is also a DJ advised me about backup hard drive options and helped me figure out what was taking up so much space on my laptop (music!). We got everything sorted out and they kindly let me camp out in the store while I charged my laptop and backed everything up on to the new drive. When I asked if they would lend me a power cord for the night so I could continue backing up, they kindly obliged. Even though it is against policy. I offered to leave a credit card or rent it, but they said they would trust me with it. Being there several hours, I noticed that all of the staff were prompt, attentive, and helpful. Aces to Mac Shack! I am sure I will be back when the next inevitable computer crisis hits.

These guys are beyond helpful. After spilling liquid on my MacBook Pro (the hazards of doing work at a bar), I gave them a call and they gave me guidance on how to treat the situation. I immediately took the laptop to their store, where they performed Spill Damage (quoted at $ 159). They told me it would be 3 – 7 days, but called me back the next day (awesome quick service!) to inform me that after taking a look at everything, I would need to replace parts. I ending up selling them my laptop for an in-​store credit of $ 150 (and waived the spill damage fees since I chose not to replace parts) and they helped me decide which new laptop to purchase based on my needs. They ordered it for me and were able to extract everything off my old hard drive. Once the new laptop arrives, they will do a free data transfer.
I’ve had previous problems with my Macs, and these guys have always been knowledgable and very accommodating. They have a very quick turnaround time with repairs. I am extremely thankful to have them nearby!

The staff were knowledgeable, efficient and took the time to explain what needed to be done to get my MacPro and MacAir computers running like new. I would definitely return and refer my friends to this Fort Collins resource.

Quality customer service and superior service knowledge.
After taking my Mac laptop to another store in town I was quoted a high price and inaccurate information for what I needed to have done. I walked into The Mac Shack and had the problem fixed within 15 minutes and free of charge.
Empathy to a customer’s situation, product knowledge surpassing competition and true customer service. I could care less that parking is hard to find, because going in here is worth it.

I have a part-​time home in Ft. Collins, Colorado, and am there about six times a year, for a few weeks at a time, so there are substantial periods where I am not near my Chicago area Apple Store. I bought a new computer over Memorial Day weekend, and swapped my backup cell phone for a second iPhone at the same time.
I have had several problems with both phones and the new computer since the beginning of June, when I began to use all three. My support professionals at Apple in Chicago have been a bit stymied at times over some of the things going on, but mostly things were resolved. But I had to take the devices on the road and hope they would all work properly.
After three days in Ft. Collins, just this late July, I suddenly «saw» a bunch of e-​mails seemingly disappear. What was left was everything up to the date that I got my new computer. That is, I lost everything from June 5 through these late 20’s of July. I tried for over an hour to figure out what I may have done, but one weird thing after another happened. I was upset, but moreso baffled.
I checked my first iPhone, and all the current stuff was there for about two seconds and then it went away… to the date of the new computer. My newer, second iPhone did the same thing… showed me current mail for a moment and then «whoosh», it went away.
All three devices lost all the Mac Address mail from June 5 forward. My Yahoo things were fine (as usual)…The problem seemed to be with my Mac/​Apple server.
My sister, a full time Ft. Collins resident, recommended MacShack, and Eric in particular, who had aided her for hours and hours this past spring. She had the highest regard for the shop and for Eric in particular. I called and was tole by Eric to
bring all three devices in.
I cannot say that even Eric, who really knows his technology, could in the end figure out where the six weeks of mail had gone, but he found some of it, showed me many new tricks on my Maverick system, set up numerous extra and helpful things for me to connect and track my devices, set up book marks for me to research problems in the future, and at the end of an hour and a half insisted his fee could only be $ 39 since there had been no major «work» done on my computer.
I beseeched him to let me pay considerably more, as the server problem that had occurred was at least the likely remaining reason after all his efforts to eliminate other causes. He was patient, smart, and let me know that on future visits he would be happy to help me, but that he simply could not/​would not charge more.
The amount of attention and effort I received was great at any price. But at such a price structure, I really got a lot of
return for dollars spent.
I was also given the name of the Apple Advanced Tech who may be able to unravel the mystery of the missing mail, but Eric at least helped me locate some of it, and put it back where it should have been.

Mac Shack is amazing, their pricing is awesome and their knowledge is out of this world, when other stores told us buy a new computer they repaired our 8 year old Mac Desk top, increased our memory and repaired our graphic card. We also bought a Mac book Pro Lap Top for my wife and a Note Air Lap Top for me! They also fixed my email issues that was crashing my Lap Top. We will keep coming back! You will not go wrong with using them.

There are few things worse than having your laptop experience cardiac arrest, so when my MBP «died» on me, I felt as though I had been dropped onto a distant planet. I was aware of a Mac Shack in FoCo, but knew nothing of their reputation. Being an Apple product addict, I rightfully assumed the Shack’s staff would be Genius Bar level experts. Before making a trip to Boulder to the Apple store, I decided to give the Shack a try. Chris was very courteous and helpful, with a quick preliminary diagnosis, explained the likely problem, the pricing, and the timeline for replacing the hard drive. Chris phoned right on schedule with the news that the hard drive had been replaced, at a very reasonable price, and invited me to pick it up at my convenience. My MacBookPro and I have happily been reunited, and it could not be more pleased with the service and professionalism of the Mac Shack. With 2 MBPs, 2iPads, 3 iPods, and 3 iPhones in our household, I am sure we will be repeat customers. Thanks guys, for saving my data and returning me to Planet Earth. Great job!

They had my computer for three months to fix an operating system problem that, to my understanding, wasn’t too complex. The last month and a half, I heard nothing from them after going in and being promised it’d be ready «in a day or two.» No calls, no emails, nothing for 30+ days. When I came in to ask what the heck was going on, they claimed they had called even though they hadn’t and didn’t even offer an apology for taking so long. I’m going to Apple in Boulder from now on, at least they call back.

Super friendly and knowledgeable. Fixed my MacBook in 20 minutes and didn’t charge for counter service. Also have a nice selection of used MacBooks. Will definitely be going back!

ALERT! Totally biased review from a self-​proclaimed Apple Geek and gadget guru!
In a household with 2 MacBooks, an iPad, 3 iPhones (1 broken), 4 iPods, it’s obvious we’re a little brand loyal. The thing is, I know what I like and I know a lot about it. So when I need service or support or accessories, why the HELL is there not an Apple Store in FTC? With enough Apple products in my house alone, I could open one in my garage, I just don’t have enough stock or fellow geeks to run it.
The Mac Shack in Old Town is a haven for folks who need the service, support or guidance of fellow users with the experience and know-​how.
Friendly staff are there to offer their opinion and what they use, instead of hard selling you on something you don’t need. A huge array of stock from older to newest, all fully refurb’d and running sweet.
I’ll come here first before ever trudging all the way to the corpo Boulder or Cherry Creek stores.