Apple Watch for retail sale by reservation only, no band-swapping during try-ons - report
Shoppers wanting to buy an Apple Watch from an Apple Store will not be able to pick one up without a prior reservation, at least at launch, according to a new report.
Prospective buyers will need to make a "Product Reservation" online to secure a specific model, eschewing Apple' usual Personal Pickup option, according to leaked training documents obtained by MacRumors. The documents also reportedly state that if a person simply walks into an Apple Store, retail workers should offer the option to try on a Watch, but then help them place an order through Apple's website or the official Apple Store app.
"Try-on" appointments will not reserve an Apple Watch for purchase, the report said. It's claimed that Apple will eventually allow walk-in purchases, but only once the the initial demand crush subsides.
The first try-on sessions should open up on April 10, when pre-orders are slated to start, even though the product won't launch until the 24th. It's also been said that although there are a variety of different bands for the Watch, people will not be able to swap them during try-ons.
This is presumed to be because most such appointments are expected to last between five and 15 minutes. The only exception is with people looking to buy an Edition model, who will have as much as 30 minutes. Prices for that line start at $10,000, and Apple has said that the Edition will be available in limited quantities and only at "select" stores.
Prospective buyers will need to make a "Product Reservation" online to secure a specific model, eschewing Apple' usual Personal Pickup option, according to leaked training documents obtained by MacRumors. The documents also reportedly state that if a person simply walks into an Apple Store, retail workers should offer the option to try on a Watch, but then help them place an order through Apple's website or the official Apple Store app.
"Try-on" appointments will not reserve an Apple Watch for purchase, the report said. It's claimed that Apple will eventually allow walk-in purchases, but only once the the initial demand crush subsides.
The first try-on sessions should open up on April 10, when pre-orders are slated to start, even though the product won't launch until the 24th. It's also been said that although there are a variety of different bands for the Watch, people will not be able to swap them during try-ons.
This is presumed to be because most such appointments are expected to last between five and 15 minutes. The only exception is with people looking to buy an Edition model, who will have as much as 30 minutes. Prices for that line start at $10,000, and Apple has said that the Edition will be available in limited quantities and only at "select" stores.
Comments
I'm sure there will be plenty of demo models showcasing a variety of band options already installed, so changing bands would largely be unnecessary.
Good. Cut down on scalpels as much as possible.
Yes, wouldn't want to cut into profits...
I wonder if this prevents putting a stainless band on a sport watch for instance?
However, one thing I would like to see as a potential customer is how easy it is to replace bands. Seems like it might be a more time consuming process than it otherwise appears. Perhaps at that volume a strain on a single demo watch mechanism?
It does raise the question about selling additional bands. Until you see the watch and band on your wrist, how I'll you know? Perhaps once you buy a watch and bring it in with you, they will let you demo other bands on your own watch? EDIT: (Then again since they all look alike, I guess a customer can just try on the store demo model corresponding to the specific combination they own and are interested in).
So much of the watch buying process is contrary to the typical Apple product purchasing process. Many options, will require far more consideration and time interacting with staff, etc...
I like that there will be more of an orderly process. You know there would be people who have no intention of buying the watch in the store wasting store employees time.
Back when I used to buy watches, I'd usually take no less than a week considering my options, unless I happened upon a watch that was exactly what I had in mind.
Indeed, but that could backfire.
I predict that a lot of people will be put off even trying one because of the pressure to buy. When you can try an iPhone or iPad in the shop, it's much more relaxed. If you have to book an appointment, it introduces another barrier to the sale.
Happy to educate you. ????
Ring Apple customer services (and try not to get stuck in a loop), but I haven't seen a link here to reservations.
Personally I think it is going to be while before version 2 comes out, I think it going to follow the Apple TV model. They are in data collections mode at this point. They trying to learn as much as possible before they roll the design.
As it was pointed out , much of the motion and health monitoring hardware and software used in the watch was being beta tested in the 5s and then the 6. I suspect they are thing in the current watch which is being tested as well which will show up as an improved product in the future. Remember they apple said they have no plans to reveal the sales of the watch.
Personally I think it is going to be while before version 2 comes out, I think it going to follow the Apple TV model. They are in data collections mode at this point. They trying to learn as much as possible before they roll the design.
As it was pointed out , much of the motion and health monitoring hardware and software used in the watch was being beta tested in the 5s and then the 6. I suspect they are thing in the current watch which is being tested as well which will show up as an improved product in the future. Remember they apple said they have no plans to reveal the sales of the watch.
They're not obligated to, but I'm sure we'll hear sales numbers. The reason they're burying it in accessories is to hide the margins on these things, at least initially.
Yes, wouldn't want to cut into profits...
I'm kind of on edge to see what will happen.
So much of the watch buying process is contrary to the typical Apple product purchasing process. Many options, will require far more consideration and time interacting with staff, etc...
This is an interesting site:
http://bandswapper.com/
Neatly solves a couple of issues with the sport bands.
What am I missing here?
If a person preorders an Apple Watch on April 10, will the watch ship to them on April 24, or will they be required to pick it up in-store? Or will the preorder simply provide the customer with the option to make a try-on appointment at an Apple Store (at which time presumably they could change their mind on the model and size)?