Store gets Apple’s seal of approval
AN ELECTRONIC repairs store in Wokingham has been certified by Apple.
Pratts Pods, located on Elms Walk, has become the first company in Berkshire accepted on Apple’s Independent Repair Provider (IRP) programme.
This gives the store exclusive access to the latest Apple training, specialist service tools, diagnostic and calibration equipment and genuine parts.
Rory Pratt, managing director of Pratts Pods, described the recognition as “a huge achievement”.
He said: “We honestly are thrilled to be able to announce this. This is the next big step for our business and a huge achievement for us to be working so closely with Apple to provide our customers the best possible repairs.
“This really does set us up to be one step ahead from other repair shops.
“You genuinely can’t get much better than this.”
The team at Pratts Pods have been working towards the accreditation for more than a year.
To be accepted on the programme, each company has to meet strict requirements set by Apple.
This includes specific business and operational requirements, an easily accessible location and Applecertified technicians to perform the repairs.
Mr Pratt said: “So now you can rest assured your device will be well looked after.
“Where available, all services will be offered, our standard aftermarket pricing alongside our IRP pricing for genuine Apple repairs on the latest devices.
“This will give our customers the option to choose between both services.”
By becoming the first in the county to receive this certification, Mr Pratt said Pratts Pods are the only store in Berkshire that can “confidently repair an iPhone 12 or 13 screen without you getting error messages pop up”.
He added: “We are the only repair shop in the area that can offer you genuine new iPhone batteries bought direct from Apple.
“We are also the only repair company within 10 miles that can assure you your MacBook has a brand new genuine display assembly installed.”
The service is available now and Mr Pratt believes this will secure the store’s position in the industry.
“With every new iPhone comes a new challenge for our industry to overcome due to the lack of availability of new and genuine parts, and Apple’s habit of trying to block out aftermarket parts via third party repairs,” he said.
“For us this is no longer a problem and we have managed to secure our position in this industry for a long time to come.”
The store is open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays, and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.