Went to the Midvalley outlet today to get my battery replacement at around 10.40am and got my phone back at 11.30am.

Just tips before you head over to the service center.

1. Remember to backup.

2. I did ask them to inspect before giving them the phone. First they did a software check to see if all the parts are functioning. Briefly after that, they did an inspection on the hardware. The whole process took about 20 minutes.

Sent my iPhone 6 to replace battery. Battery health says 94% but coconutBattery on my mac says 84%.

Replaced at Machines The Curve, checked in before 11am, got email by 12.30pm same day for collection.

You are right about lack of batteries. Just made an appointment today for Friday and when I called machines to find out how long to replace the battery, they told me that they dont have batteries in stock, but I'll still have to go in to let them "diagnose" my phone to see if its eligible for a battery replacement. Following that, I'll have to fill in some request form for them to order the battery and I would then receive a call from them when it eventually arrives, head over to machines for the 2nd time and wait 4 hours to get the battery replaced.

I even tried apple support, and all they could offer me was, to cancel my appointment ( which I can do by myself) or provide me with the phone number's of other service providers ( which I can also do myself )

Completely agree with your statements about the so called premium sellers/authorised repair shops.