Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the many questions that we are frequently asked.
Can you pick up and return my computer? I can’t get there myself.
Lapin offers pickup and drop-off service for laptop or desktop Macs in the Chicagoland area. There is a fee associated with this service, which varies depending on your proximity to our Chicago and Evanston locations.
If you require this service, please fill out our form here or call one of our locations to inquire or set up a time.
In some cases, it may be more economical to ship your computer to us, or schedule an onsite consulting or service visit.
Can I mail or ship my machine to you and have you ship it back?
Absolutely!
Many of our customers are located out of range of our Chicago and Evanston locations. We routinely work on computer via mail-in service and are happy to ship the unit back for actual shipping costs if requested once the repair is completed.
For mail-in service, we request that you include as much information as possible with the unit(s) you are mailing in. Relevant information includes:
- Full contact name for billing and questions — someone who is familiar with the problems and the current state of the unit you are mailing in
- Any available contact numbers which have the ability to record messages or voicemail
- Valid email address for contact person
- DETAILED problem description. The more detail the better! It will help us pinpoint your issue and prevent unnecessary correspondance which may increase turnaround times
- Return shipping address, especially if it differs from the “sent” address
- Administrative password(s)
We would recommend using a trackable, insurable shipping service to send us your computer, such as UPS or FedEx. All return shipments are sent using UPS ground service, insured for the value of the computer, unless otherwise requested.
Lapin requires payment for services rendered, parts required, and any outbound shipping charges prior to returning your computer(s). If you have additional questions, please contact the store you intend to ship to by phone. Our contact information for current locations can be found here.
Can I have someone else dropoff/pickup my computer for me?
Not a problem.
For pickups, we require the full name of the person who will arrive in your place to retrieve your machine. We may ask for ID — it’s nothing personal.
If you’d like to have someone else dropoff/check in your computer, please provide them with all of the relevant information we will ask for upon checkin, including:
- Full name
- All contact numbers
- Valid email address
- Billing address (and shipping address if you request outbound shipping)
- Administrative password for your computer(s)
If your machine is out-of-warranty, your representative may also pay our standard diagnostic and/or express service charges, or you may request that we call you to obtain payment prior to working on your computer.
Can I drop my machine at one location and pick it up at another?
This isn’t standard procedure, but if required, we can facilitate. Please contact info@lapin.com if this is something you would like to set up.
Someone told me it would cost this much, but you’re saying it’s this much. What’s up with that?
Lapin is an independent Apple Service Provider. We only work on Macs and other Apple equipment and have an extremely talented and competent technical staff. We have an affiliation with Apple for warranty service and onsite consulting services but we are an independently owned and operated business.
Many times people come to us as an alternative option, or even a last resort in extremely difficult troubleshooting situations, having been quoted pricing on specific parts and repairs by friends, other stores, the Apple Retail locations, or other means. As helpful as that is in some instances, we MUST perform our own full suite of diagnostics and diagnose your specific issues on our bench, with our own tools and technical staff. We cannot perform repairs or order parts based on diagnoses from other companies, institutions or people.
We are the highest-rated Apple Service provider in the Chicagoland area and are one of the only Premium Service Providers designated in and around Chicago. We will give you a proper diagnosis fast, and competitive pricing on parts and labor for any repair that may be required.
Will we be able to match Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, or other massive retail and online vendors on parts pricing? Probably not. What we can provide you is the absolute best Mac repair experience you can find anywhere, friendly service, reasonable prices, fast turnaround, and followup support and warranty service that you cannot find anywhere else.
Can you pre-order parts so I can just bring my computer in when they arrive?
Unfortunately this is not possible.
As an Apple Authorized Service Provider, Lapin must meet strict Apple metrics with regard to repair turnaround times, bad part return windows, accurate diagnosis, minimal part requests, and other factors. For this reason, we require that you check your machine in for a standard diagnostic so we can personally verify what the problem is and exactly what parts must be ordered to properly repair your computer. Many times part numbers vary within the same model numbers, so we want to be sure we are fixing your computer properly, and with the correct parts, the first time.
If you have concerns about our standard turnaround time, please ask about our expedited service options or rental computers.
Can I bring my own parts for you to install?
Lapin is happy to install standard upgrade parts into your machine should you wish to provide your own. Hard drives and RAM are the most common examples. However, items not purchased through Lapin carry only the manufacturer’s hardware warranty and Lapin’s 90-day service guarantee. In the event of a part failure, this can lead to extended wait times since Lapin cannot replace the faulty part on the spot and must wait (weeks in most cases) for the manufacturer to replace the faulty component.
We do not normally perform installations for customer-provided service parts, including LCD panels, logic boards, or other internal proprietary electronics. Most of these parts are used or sourced through unofficial channels and we cannot offer any guarantee on our work for service parts that we do not provide.
Do you fix iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches?
Lapin is not currently a “Mobile Device” service provider for Apple, so we cannot fix hardware issues with iPhones, iPod Touches and in most cases, iPads.
That being said, we do offer a mail-in service for iPad screen repair/replacement, both for the front glass (Digitizer) and LCD, in the event of dropping, cracking, or other abuse.
If you are having software or syncing issues with your device, we can help. Feel free to check in your mobile device and the computer it is syncing with for our standard bench service, or if you’d prefer not to part with your devices, you can schedule a field consultation any time.
When are you open and how can I get in touch?
A list of our current locations, maps, hours of operation, and other information can be found on our contact page.
Should I back up my data before bringing my computer in for service?
YES!
Although Lapin service technicians try their hardest to retain customer information, in some cases computer and hard drive malfunctions can pose a risk to the integrity of your data. For this reason you should ALWAYS have and maintain a recent backup of all of your critical information.
If you have lost data and have no alternatives, data recovery may be an option.
How long will it take for my computer to be ready?
Lapin’s standard turnaround time for full diagnostic and repair services is 2-3 business days. Depending on how many machines are in our working queue, there is a possibility that you computer may be ready sooner than that. However, turnaround time may be extended if out-of-stock, vintage, or scarce parts are required to complete your repair.