AppleCare, In-Warranty, and Beyond Warranty Mac Service & Repairs
Tekserve is one of the largest independent Apple authorized service providers in the United States. As an Apple Authorized Premium Service Provider, we perform Apple warranty repairs and beyond warranty repairs on all Apple computers and Apple displays. We guarantee most beyond warranty repairs done at Tekserve for one year (see complete warranty details).
To best streamline your service or upgrade experience at Tekserve, we recommend you review the following simple steps.
Before You Come In For Repair
- Make Notes About the Problem(s) You Are Having
When problems occur, write a note with the time, what you were doing on the computer, and exactly what happened (error messages, odd sounds, shut-down, etc.)
- Back Up Your Computer (If You Can)
If you are unable to backup your computer, Tekserve can usually do so for an additional charge. Many failures and repairs don't affect the hard drive or your data, but without a backup you will not be able to access your data until the repair is completed.
- (Optional) If Your Computer's Password Is Confidential, Change It (If You Can)
We will need to know your administrative password for many repairs, so you may want to temporarily change it. See this Apple knowledge base article for step-by-step instructions on resetting your account password.
Coming into Tekserve For Repair
- Stop by Tekserve for a Free Estimate – No Appointment Required
Check our store hours and come in at least 30 minutes before we close. Typically we'll get you in and out in 30 to 40 minutes. It can take longer on weekdays between 5p-8p and weekends between 1p-6p.
- Bring Your Power Adapter
If you have a portable computer, an Apple display, or a Mac mini, please bring the power adapter. If you have a Power Mac, Mac Pro, or an iMac, we don't need any cables at all.
- Don't Bring Your Keyboard and Mouse
Unless the problem you are experiencing is related to the mouse or keyboard, you don't need to bring those with you.
- Please Note That Many Repairs Require a Deposit
We accept a wide variety of payment methods; for details please see "What forms of payment do you accept?" in the FAQ below.
- Ask Us About Upgrades
If you have been thinking about adding more memory (RAM) or a larger hard drive to your computer, we can often complete upgrades without adding time to the repair.
- Ask Us About Renting a Computer During Your Repair
We know it's tough to be without your computer, which is why we offer flat-rate rentals for the duration of your repair with a three day grace period.
After Your Repair at Tekserve
- Your Technician Will Call You as Soon as the Repair Is Completed
Your receipt shows the phone number you gave us to call when the repair is completed.
- Don't Forget to Bring Your Receipt
Your receipt is required to pick-up your completed repair.
- Pick-up Your Repair (Takes 10–20 Minutes)
If you have a rental in conjunction with the repair, it must be returned within 3 days of your repair completion. All other repairs need to be picked up within 30 days of repair completion.
- Verify Your Issue Was Resolved
If you have further questions, you can call our service line at (212) 929-3645 x4 or email help@tekserve.com.
- Continue or Start Backing Up Your Data
A repair is a good reminder that computers can and do sometimes fail. Take this opportunity to start backing up your data.
Mac Upgrades
At Tekserve, we can install a larger hard drive or add more memory (RAM) to your Mac – usually with a quick, while-you-wait turnaround time. Depending on your Mac's model, we can also install a new graphics card or perform other upgrades.
Additionally, we have two standard flat-rate options for hard drive and RAM upgrades:
Max Out Your Mac’s RAM — Starting at $199
Get the maximum amount of RAM Apple recommends for your Mac and get a big boost in speed along with the ability to run more applications at once. You’ll save up to 80% off Apple's RAM pricing, with free professional installation by a certified technician while you wait. Tekserve RAM is guaranteed for the life of your Mac including testing, labor, and same-day replacements if you ever need it.
Most Macs (Up to 8GB) — $199
Includes MacBooks, MacBook Pro, PowerBook, iBook, Mac mini, and previous iMacs with two memory slots.
Current iMacs and Power Mac G5s (Up to 16GB) — $399
Mac Pros (32GB using 4GB RAM chips) — $799
If you're not bringing in your Mac for the upgrade, make sure to bring in your computer's serial number. Please note MacBook Air and Retina MacBook Pro computers can not be upgraded.
Max Out Your Mac’s Hard Drive — $299 Flat Fee
Running out of space for your video, music, or pictures? Max out your Mac's hard drive in about a day at Tekserve. This service includes one of the hard drives below, installation by a certified technician, transferring your data to the new hard drive, and a one year Tekserve warranty.
Most Desktop Macs
2TB (2,000GB) 7200 RPM drive
Laptops & Mac mini
750GB 7200 RPM drive -or- 1TB 5400 RPM drive
Make an External Out of Your Old Drive
If you'd like to purchase an external hard drive enclosure, we'll install your old hard drive into it for free ($35 value). This creates an inexpensive external hard drive you can keep as a backup of your files.
Spill Cleaning
We charge a non-refundable fee of $250 + tax for cleaning the computer and determining the extent of the spill damage. When you bring your Mac in for a spill cleaning, we completely disassemble it and clean the affected parts. Then we reassemble the computer and test the Mac to determine if any of the parts need to be replaced. A technician will then call you with the cost to replace any damaged parts; at that point you can choose to continue the repair or move onto a new machine. You'll get the same advice we'd give a good friend; if it makes more sense to purchase a new Mac, we'll let you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What repairs are covered by my Apple Warranty or AppleCare?
You can read the full-length warranty agreements on Apple's website for the one-year hardware warranty and AppleCare. The basic guideline is that Apple will cover hardware problems caused by manufacturer defects and normal use. Apple will not pay for recovering lost data or damage caused by spills or drops. AppleCare customers have access to free phone support to cover software problems caused by the Mac operating system and some Apple programs (call 800 275-2273). However, Apple will not pay Tekserve to fix any software problems, you must use their phone support for free software support. Any problem caused by non-Apple software or peripherals will not be covered under Apple Warranty or AppleCare.
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How much do out-of-warranty repairs cost?
This varies quite a bit. Please come in so that we can do an initial evaluation and give you an estimate for free. Sometimes the best solution isn't a repair but an external widget, a work-around, or a new machine. We will give you the same advice that we would give our friends: the best solution for your needs and budget.
For portable Macs, we can generally complete repairs for less than Apple's flat-rate repair services but we will let you know when mailing the computer to Apple would be a better choice (and we can send the computer to Apple for you). Desktop Macs are not eligible for Apple's flat-rate repairs, so we'll give you an estimate for any parts that need to be replaced plus labor. We'll also check to see if your computer is covered by any Apple repair extensions that might pay for repairs.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
Tekserve accepts most standard forms of payment:
- All debit and credit cards, as long as the cardholder is present with photo identification. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover & Diners Club are all accepted.
- Personal checks require the check signer to be present with a state issued I.D.
- Company checks do not require the check signer to be present but do require the check bearer to bring their state issued I.D.
- Cashier's checks
- Traveler's checks
- Cash (US Currency only)
- Written purchase orders from Tekserve corporate customers, Fortune 1000 companies, governmental entities, colleges, and universities. Please contact us at credit@tekserve.com to set-up a billing account for your business.
- Tekserve Gift Cards
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Do you guarantee your repair work?
Yes. Most parts that you pay to have replaced at Tekserve are guaranteed for one year, except LCD replacements and all iPod repairs which are covered for 90 days. There is no warranty on plastic parts, software work, or data recoveries - please backup your recovered data! Tekserve Memory (RAM) and cables have a lifetime warranty. There is a 90 day warranty on all repairs done at Apple Depot and/or paid for by AppleCare, Apple Warranty, Tekserve warranty, or third-party warranty. Warranties apply to what we fixed, not the complete unit.
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How much does Tekserve charge for estimates?
We will do an initial evaluation and give you an estimate for free. Of course, it is an ESTIMATE. A technician may need to revise the estimate when they get inside the Mac. Sometimes the repair turns out to cost less than we estimated.
Spills and accidental damage are the main reasons for having to give a revised estimate on a repair. So if we take apart your portable and find the food, smell the wine, or see the electrolytic corrosion, we'll have to call you back and give a new estimate.
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Can I get an estimate over the phone?
Sorry, we need to see the computer in person before we can offer a free estimate.
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Do I need to make an appointment?
No, you don't need to make an appointment. Please come on by; we are open seven days a week. We suggest that you come by at least half-an-hour before our closing time. We do close (or shorten our hours) on a few holidays, please check our hours & location to see if it's a special day. Typically we'll get you in and out in 30 to 40 minutes. It can take longer on weekdays between 5p-8p and weekends between 1p-6p.
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How long do repairs take?
This varies quite a bit. In general, if we can complete the repair within half-an-hour and we have the part in stock, we'll do it while you wait. Otherwise, we usually estimate four to five business days. We offer flat-rate computer rentals during a Tekserve repair ($99 for a MacBook or $199 for a MacBook Pro, plus the cost of transferring data if you don't have a good backup).
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Should I repair an older computer or get a new one?
We can repair most types of Apple Computers out there, no matter how old (or odd) it may be. But with the way technology advances so rapidly, older computers are sometimes not worth the cost of fixing. We understand you're probably attached to your computer, but it might be time (and in your best interest) to move on.
If your computer was built before 2004, that's a good sign it's time to upgrade. For those of you with computers built after the year 2004, repair may be the way to go. However, if the cost begins to look like it might be more than what the computer is actually worth, we'll let you know, and help you decide how to move forward.
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What's the difference between a hardware and a software problem and why does it matter?
Software repairs are required when a program, data, or your operating system is having a problem. These repairs are usually not covered under warranty and can often be solved at home. Try calling AppleCare (800 275-2273), checking Apple's support website, checking the web search on your problem. If the problem is with a specific application, check the manufacturer's website for software updates and support. If those resources can't solve your problem, back up your computer and bring it into Tekserve.
Hardware repairs may be needed if your machine is having an electrical, mechanical, or physical problem. If the machine and its problem are covered by Apple Warranty, an Apple Repair Extension, or AppleCare, Apple will pay for the repair. If your problem is not covered by Apple, we will give you a free estimate for the best solution.
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Why is my computer having problems?
Bring it in and we'll give you our best estimate. Sometimes computers fail for specific reasons, like being dropped or spilled on. Other times, a delicate part like the hard drive fails during normal use. Occasionally some computers have known issues that Apple will cover; even if the normal warranty period has ended. Check if your computer has an Apple Repair Extension by selecting your model from the list of devices Tekserve services.
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Will I lose my data during the repair?
If you are unable to back up your computer, Tekserve can usually do so for an additional charge. Many failures and repairs don't affect the hard drive or your data. When you come in for an estimate, we'll let you know if your data is in jeopardy and how we can back it up or perform a data recovery prior to the repair.
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My peripheral device isn't working. Can Tekserve help?
If it's a hard drive that's not working and the data is important, we recommend that you bring it to us right away. For printers, scanners, and other external widgets, we'd urge you to try to solve problems yourself before shlepping it to us. The first step is usually to check the manufacturer's website for software or driver updates. The second step is to do a Google search on the problem you are having. We just type into the Google search box things like "Finejet 300 paper jam" or "R3660 problems." The third step is usually to call the manufacturer.
These days most ink-jet printers aren't repaired when they fail, warranty repair usually means the manufacturer ships you a refurbished replacement. And sad to say, once the warranty is over, it's rarely economical to repair a $50-$300 printer or scanner. Although we can help with connectivity problems, we don't do hardware repairs on printers, non-Apple monitors, or scanners. There are some websites full of information, like www.fixyourownprinter.com, but you can spend a lot of time and money and still end up with something that doesn't work, so be careful.
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My whole computer network is down. Can Tekserve help?
Yes, please call our Professional Services group at 212.381.6300 to arrange an on-site visit.
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Can I set up a corporate account to simplify service?
