Apple Jack Orchards — Local services in Rockford Township

We have been going to Apple Jack Orchards for over 20 years and have seen it change from a nice family environment to a more commercial feel. The kids are a lot older now, so it is less about the experience for us and more about just getting some fresh apples. I will say that the olden days with less “business” seemed more fun than the “need to get a ticket for each activity” approach. All in all this is not a big deal as we don’t go for the “king of the hay pile” or petting zoo anymore. The reason for this review is to share the poor “business” experience we had. We bought some apples and caramel for a total of $44. After leaving and driving for 10 minutes, my wife happened to get a notice on her phone from her credit card that a large purchase was just made. She reviewed the transaction and saw a $440 charge was just made at Apple Jack. A small (not so small) oops on their part? Since they did not ask for a signature on the receipt, my wife could not have even caught this error when processed at the store. We returned to the orchard and my wife went in to get this corrected. The response was not what you would expect following a $396 error on their part. In summary: • When they realized it would take some time to figure out how to correct this on their new system, one person made the comment that “she (as in my wife) won’t mind waiting”. How do they know she won’t mind waiting? • When we asked for a receipt to show the credit, they said it was a new system and they didn’t know how to print a receipt. Really? This has to be the most basic function since it is done at all other retail environments. After some prodding, someone finally said “oh, there is a print receipt” button. Imagine that? • I would think you would be overly apologetic following a $396 error. Not really for the staff that addressed this. Not even an offer for a free apple pie for our troubles. • On a side note, the young lad running the apple cannon could use a little customer service lesson too. I write this not to get a free bag of apples, but in hopes that Apple Jack Orchards recognizes how the impression their staff and the indifference they show can negatively impact their customers. Even those customers that are 20 plus years...

This used to be our go-to spot for years but the price increases and admission fees will cause us to look at other options. Just to be able to walk thru the gate and pick apples requires the purchase of a $10 wristband for each person. With 4 of us going, a $40 cover charge for the privilege of picking apples is ridiculous. If you have kids, you are probably going to want to upgrade to the $20 wristbands so that they can participate in the activities there. Once you pick your apples, you are charged by weight. I forget what the rate was, but 4 small bags were in the neighborhood of $120. All together, we ended up paying $160 for 4 small bags of apples.

Aside from the kids activities and apple picking, across the street there is a store/bakery, small area with chickens and goats to feed, and someone playing a banjo. We usually get the Apple donuts which were maybe $5-$6 a bag in the past but when we visited last year, I believe they were up to $12.

Aside from the rising costs, the Apples themselves are good, it's fairly close, and most of the staff tend to...

I’ve been coming here since 2002 and I can’t believe how disappointed I am with Apple Jacks now. Parking is a nightmare. They have so little organization and no one directing traffic besides at the crosswalk, so it takes a while to get through. Prices have increased (not surprising considering inflation) but I’m glad I didn’t go to the activities across the street this time, because apparently they charge excessive fees for things that used to be affordable, like the corn maze and apple picking. Even the play equipment near the shop has been moved across the street so you now have to pay. They have boomed in popularity yet have the same amount of registers so lines are long for everything. You’d think if they were raking in income with these prices, they could afford more registers and even increase production of popular items, like the donuts. You usually can’t get donuts unless you wait in the crowded shop and snatch them off the shelf as soon as they land. I plan to check out other orchards as Apple Jacks has really gotten too big for...