change the look of the watch by simply slapping on a different band.
To be fair, it doesn't change the look of the watch, it changes the look of the band. The watch is still going to be an identical black glass square with silver highlights for most people in the world.
I went to my Apple store at lunch and saw the space gray sport model. It didn't look too good. The problem is the color/texture looks to simuliar to $10 watches. The white sport looked really nice. And of course the space black bracelet looked awesome.
Not sure which one to buy now.
That's good information, this is why I think it's important to go into the store and try them on, see it up close and personal and how it looks on your wrist. Online they appear one way, but since this is such a personal item, it is more important to be happy with the colour than how a laptop might appear a different shade in person vs. on the website.
To be fair, it doesn't change the look of the watch, it changes the look of the band. The watch is still going to be an identical black glass square with silver highlights for most people in the world.
Make sure you get ALL those nits K?
Just to be fair.
And it doesn't change the "look of the band" does it, since the band is being replaced. It still looks the same band as before, just it's now in a drawer somewhere.
I'm not complaining about the pre-orders themselves. This is all business as usual. Nothing you can do about supply and demand on launch day.
What I'm upset about is the people who said Apple should have offered a week of previews/fittings, by appointment before the pre-order day. By doing it this week, customers who needed to see it in person to chose were shut out on day one. For a product that's meant to be worn, this is ridiculous.
Instead you have people ordering multiple watches, intending to cancel orders after they have a chance to visit the store. You have people who weren't that devious who will likely return them after they get to the store, and this only encourages scalpers who don't need to see them, to strike quickly buy up supplies and offer at a premium on the street.
And what upsets me personally is that for everyone who complained about the preview/preorder who suggested Apple should have held off until after a week of previews and were shut down by the usual mouthy fan bois on this site with defenses like 'you think you know more than apple? They have already thought of this and have a plan.', and this time I joined that chorus.
Why are you complaining? Are you frantically trying to decide and obtain one? Otherwise, tone down your complaining, it's irrelevant.
I think we all agree that there are inherent challenges with a roll-out like this. But if you couldn't provide a better solution that you were willing to share with Apple months ago (when they were planning), then shut up.
What's your solution again?...that Apple should have just provided watch demos 2 weeks before pre-order? What would that have done?...nothing... your idea (if it is yours) would have just crowded the store with thousands MORE people into the store to try it on. Versus Apple's solution, reduce physical resources being spent by allowing virtual purchases (basically sight unseen).
Nope, I think Apple got it right this time. But put up your wonderful 20/20 hindsight solutions, chances are you're wrong.
And sorry, couldn't make any sense of your last paragraph.
Bottom line, complain after 4/24 when it is available at the stores. There may be reason to question Apple's strategy if there are only 20 watches at each store...because that would really irritate the conventional customer who wants to try on the watch and buy it on the spot. There should be a hundred or so watches available at the store come 4/24...but that's just my opinion on how Apple should have allocated inventory.
What's your solution again?...that Apple should have just provided watch demos 2 weeks before pre-order? What would that have done?...nothing... your idea (if it is yours) would have just crowded the store with thousands MORE people into the store to try it on. Versus Apple's solution, reduce physical resources being spent by allowing virtual purchases (basically sight unseen).
Really, so the stores aren't crowded with thousands more people to try it on today? Or for the next two weeks? Seriously how is starting this process a week or two earlier any more a problem for the Stores than it is two weeks later?
Quote:
Originally Posted by drewys808
There should be a hundred or so watches available at the store come 4/24...but that's just my opinion on how Apple should have allocated inventory.
You're not keeping up. There will be NO watches available at ANY Apple Store on 4/24. Apple has not announced when watches will first be available at the stores. So no luck picking one up on the 24th. Hope you were able to pre-order yours.
And it doesn't change the "look of the band" does it, since the band is being replaced. It still looks the same band as before, just it's now in a drawer somewhere.
Touche. But the fact is, the band will be different and the watch won't. The watch will still look exactly like everybody else's. Just with a different band.
Really, so the stores aren't crowded with thousands more people to try it on today? Or for the next two weeks? Seriously how is starting this process a week or two earlier any more a problem for the Stores than it is two weeks later?
You're not keeping up. There will be NO watches available at ANY Apple Store on 4/24. Apple has not announced when watches will first be available at the stores. So no luck picking one up on the 24th. Hope you were able to pre-order yours.
To clarify, the comparison is IF Apple had demos for 2 weeks PRIOR to preorder...what situation would we be in? And my opinion is that Apple would have had a LOT more physical visits to the store... which would have been unnecessary...and kind of awkward to have a physical product but unable to order.
If everyone already knows that there will be zero watches available at the store on 4/24...then yes, I'm not keeping up. Then thanks for educating me. But then you say "Apple has not announced" so how do you know? We'll see...I'm open to an "I told you so" wag of the finger, bring it on. :-)
Among the many challenges that a company must resolve...I just think that bringing fairness to all customers during a launch day is not at the top of the list. It's never completely fair and that's okay.
Edit: to answer your first question, the stores are not crowded with thousands MORE people. Then again, I know nothing of Apple's retail stores' traffic this morning.
AMEX reported the charge for mine immediately, and the thing's shipping in "June". Now they do also report "pending" and that was just my phone notification but...
I've ordered one and Apple hasn't even reserved the money yet. This is for one being dispatched in May.
I guess the folks at Apple read all the blogs, info sites, reviews, and came to the conclusion that no one was going to buy the watch or rMB, and therefore stopped manufacturing them. /s
Touche. But the fact is, the band will be different and the watch won't. The watch will still look exactly like everybody else's. Just with a different band.
Well the entire look of the "watch visual experience" will be changed then (I'm clearly not in marketing where they no doubt have a buzzword for this), however the term would go. The ensemble will be different, just like wearing a different pair of pants with a particular suit jacket. Then, since the band covers a lot more area than the watch face my impression is it would have a significant, at any rate, impact on the visual image of the device.
Perhaps even mores with the Apple watch since with the face largely dormant it's going to be a lot more visually neutral than a standard timepiece, just the edge of the case for the most part (and in my sample that will be black so even less obtrusive).
I've ordered one and Apple hasn't even reserved the money yet. This is for one being dispatched in May.
Hmm, I wonder if this has Apple Pay as the differentiator? I used the app and Touch ID to pay for the previously selected model via Apple Pay. Probably need to look at my AMEX account on my computer rather than the iPhone Passbook report.
kind of awkward to have a physical product but unable to order.
How awkward is it that they have to order the watch online even while standing in the store, only to find out they can't get it until August?
Quote:
But then you say "Apple has not announced" so how do you know? We'll see...
Apple has not announced how soon after April 24th inventory will be available for purchase by walk-in customers without pre-orders, but they announced none will be available for purchase on the 24th. Apple appears not to want any lines for this product launch.
Quote:
I just think that bringing fairness to all customers during a launch day is not at the top of the list. It's never completely fair and that's okay.
I'm not complaining about fairness, I'm concerned about not marketing 'the most personal product Apple has ever made' in a manner that makes sense, especially after stressing the fashion angle. Apple should be concerned that everyone who wants a watch on the launch day has the opportunity to order one with all the facts. It's a product that's meant to be worn. People will have to try it on, and see it in person to decide. All Apple is doing with this current strategy is encouraging customers to order watches they don't want, and/or plan to return, to make sure they get at least one wearable product on launch day, and the more of this kind of thing that goes on will ensure there is a shortage and delays for others, and will cost Apple money to process the returns as well. And it only emphasizes that this really isn't a fashion item, but a tech product that you don't need to see to buy.
I'm not complaining about fairness, I'm concerned about not marketing 'the most personal product Apple has ever made' in a manner that makes sense, especially after stressing the fashion angle. Apple should be concerned that everyone who wants a watch on the launch day has the opportunity to order one with all the facts. It's a product that's meant to be worn. People will have to try it on, and see it in person to decide. All Apple is doing with this current strategy is encouraging customers to order watches they don't want, and/or plan to return, to make sure they get at least one wearable product on launch day, and the more of this kind of thing that goes on will ensure there is a shortage and delays for others, and will cost Apple money to process the returns as well. And it only emphasizes that this really isn't a fashion item, but a tech product that you don't need to see to buy.
As I said, I agree that there are challenges in all Apple rollouts (esp. a wearable device). but you still have not provided any other better way, because at this point, I don't think there is a better way. So what's your solution again?
I kind of want to backtrack on my opinion that there will be watches available on 4/24 to buy directly from the retail store...because really, the best method to fill orders in the supply chain is to manage it remotely and not have inventory (i.e. sizes/colors not immediately in demand) sitting on a store shelf.
I really don't think the problems are as bad as you say it is.
- encouraging customers to order watches they don't want? This will be few and far between.
- make sure they get at least one product on launch day? What! for who?...Oh I see, for those that wait in a line outside the store 48 hrs before it the store opens? Makes no sense.
- process returns? There really is no returns...just a cancellation of a virtual order resulting in someone else getting a reduced delivery time.
For most, this is indeed a fashion item AND a tech item. You say this is not a fashion item? Wrong...again.
Also "growing pains" as Apple learns which models/bands/price-points will have the most traction.
They could really only start out with a very general idea.
Some of the media tweets showing up in my Twitter feed are driving me nuts. Jake Tapper from ABC tweeted that the Watch "launched" to sparse crowds and no lines. Of course people who don't know (i.e. lots of people) that the Watch doesn't actually go on sale today will think the product launch is a flop.
There are always new ways to turn an Apple celebration into another "Apple Is Doomed" moment, it seems...
First come first serve.
Gotta be fast when racing against the whole world.
Knowing what you want in advance and a fast internet connection helps.
By not having my daughter-in-laws address in my saved shipping addresses cost me the April 24th delivery. The app worked like a charm as did ApplePay so it was painless until I got the notice of delivery. The Turlington-Burns blog caused me to buy this for my DnL because she's training for a marathon as well.
…this is a mess. I was optimistic and supportive of Apples plan thinking they really had this worked out, but they didn't. I feel like an idiot now suggesting to people that Apple would not have offered online ordering and previews on the same day knowing that this is a device many customers need to see first, so there would be adequate time to pre-order witin at least the first several days.
Nope. So to all of those who suggested Apple should have offered a week of preview/fitting appointments before pre-orders started, I'm sorry. You were right. This is a mess.
My Response
Quote:
Originally Posted by Westcoast8
So you are saying that Apple Stores could handle all the customers that needed to see the ?Watch first in a week?
Are you frigging nuts? You are aware there is not an Apple Store on every corner? You are aware that the previewing is done by a few of the staff, i.e., Specialists. You are aware that you "…will be able to view all three collections and get hands on with Apple Watch Demo…?"
I can't imagine how much time that would take. But I would suggest that if every Apple Store carried the full compliment, i.e, 54, ?Watches in stock to try on, purchase and set up, you would hate it if you were not in the first few dozen in line by the time the doors opened in the morning.
What is a disastrous marketing and sales strategy is over and under carrying inventory. Too much could kill the business, as recently experienced by Samsung's Androids. Apple, on the other hand is unique. There is really no comparable product. A smartwatch is not an ?Watch. No matter how you wind it.
Touche. But the fact is, the band will be different and the watch won't. The watch will still look exactly like everybody else's. Just with a different band.
newsflash -- this is a watch designed for doing things on it. if you require a purely cosemetic solution, there are still other watches in the world. it wont be apple's. ever.
there. thats it. different use case. can you accept it? or will you still firebomb every threat with your repetitive nonsense about it being a black screen?
I wonder how many buyers had selected and marked a favorite model in the Apple Store iOS app or online in recent days/weeks? I assume that, while Apple promoted marking favorites as a way to speed up ordering, they also would use this info to get a sense of demand for the different configurations.
Anyway, I'm glad I set an alarm to get up in the middle of the night and complete my order with the first rush. I was wondering whether I'd wake up later and find the same model still available with the same delivery date.
I'm glad I did the same and woke up in the middle of the night. At least I'll get mine the 24th and my wife's about 2 weeks later.
Really was torn about laying down £300 on this but finally thought no. I'll wait for next years revision and in the meantime get a Pebble Time instead. You can't really wear it to bed and sleep with it on overnight due to the battery life. I think Apple have been hampered by current battery tech on this one. Damn I wish they'd sort out battery technology! (the industry and not just Apple!)
well that was easy. ran thru the process twice and got two. used the app.
ordered the 38mm SS with leather strap, email sent 12:03, it ships on time. the second one was a space gray sport, but by 12:05 it's 4-6 weeks already. Apple must be "constraining" that one on purpose, eh? heheh, jk.
guess I should have ordered the grey sport first.
just scheduled at appt to try some on for Saturday...
doh. did a try-on today, and holy shit the watches are smaller in person! like seemingly half the size. all the close photos must be distorting the perspective because they really look nothing like the real deal.
so I had to cancel my Apr 24 38mm order and reorder a 42mm, for June. bummer.
Comments
change the look of the watch by simply slapping on a different band.
To be fair, it doesn't change the look of the watch, it changes the look of the band. The watch is still going to be an identical black glass square with silver highlights for most people in the world.
I went to my Apple store at lunch and saw the space gray sport model. It didn't look too good. The problem is the color/texture looks to simuliar to $10 watches. The white sport looked really nice. And of course the space black bracelet looked awesome.
Not sure which one to buy now.
That's good information, this is why I think it's important to go into the store and try them on, see it up close and personal and how it looks on your wrist. Online they appear one way, but since this is such a personal item, it is more important to be happy with the colour than how a laptop might appear a different shade in person vs. on the website.
To be fair, it doesn't change the look of the watch, it changes the look of the band. The watch is still going to be an identical black glass square with silver highlights for most people in the world.
Make sure you get ALL those nits K?
Just to be fair.
And it doesn't change the "look of the band" does it, since the band is being replaced. It still looks the same band as before, just it's now in a drawer somewhere.
I'm not complaining about the pre-orders themselves. This is all business as usual. Nothing you can do about supply and demand on launch day.
What I'm upset about is the people who said Apple should have offered a week of previews/fittings, by appointment before the pre-order day. By doing it this week, customers who needed to see it in person to chose were shut out on day one. For a product that's meant to be worn, this is ridiculous.
Instead you have people ordering multiple watches, intending to cancel orders after they have a chance to visit the store. You have people who weren't that devious who will likely return them after they get to the store, and this only encourages scalpers who don't need to see them, to strike quickly buy up supplies and offer at a premium on the street.
And what upsets me personally is that for everyone who complained about the preview/preorder who suggested Apple should have held off until after a week of previews and were shut down by the usual mouthy fan bois on this site with defenses like 'you think you know more than apple? They have already thought of this and have a plan.', and this time I joined that chorus.
Why are you complaining? Are you frantically trying to decide and obtain one? Otherwise, tone down your complaining, it's irrelevant.
I think we all agree that there are inherent challenges with a roll-out like this. But if you couldn't provide a better solution that you were willing to share with Apple months ago (when they were planning), then shut up.
What's your solution again?...that Apple should have just provided watch demos 2 weeks before pre-order? What would that have done?...nothing... your idea (if it is yours) would have just crowded the store with thousands MORE people into the store to try it on. Versus Apple's solution, reduce physical resources being spent by allowing virtual purchases (basically sight unseen).
Nope, I think Apple got it right this time. But put up your wonderful 20/20 hindsight solutions, chances are you're wrong.
And sorry, couldn't make any sense of your last paragraph.
Bottom line, complain after 4/24 when it is available at the stores. There may be reason to question Apple's strategy if there are only 20 watches at each store...because that would really irritate the conventional customer who wants to try on the watch and buy it on the spot. There should be a hundred or so watches available at the store come 4/24...but that's just my opinion on how Apple should have allocated inventory.
Originally Posted by drewys808
What's your solution again?...that Apple should have just provided watch demos 2 weeks before pre-order? What would that have done?...nothing... your idea (if it is yours) would have just crowded the store with thousands MORE people into the store to try it on. Versus Apple's solution, reduce physical resources being spent by allowing virtual purchases (basically sight unseen).
Really, so the stores aren't crowded with thousands more people to try it on today? Or for the next two weeks? Seriously how is starting this process a week or two earlier any more a problem for the Stores than it is two weeks later?
Originally Posted by drewys808
There should be a hundred or so watches available at the store come 4/24...but that's just my opinion on how Apple should have allocated inventory.
You're not keeping up. There will be NO watches available at ANY Apple Store on 4/24. Apple has not announced when watches will first be available at the stores. So no luck picking one up on the 24th. Hope you were able to pre-order yours.
And it doesn't change the "look of the band" does it, since the band is being replaced. It still looks the same band as before, just it's now in a drawer somewhere.
Touche. But the fact is, the band will be different and the watch won't. The watch will still look exactly like everybody else's. Just with a different band.
Really, so the stores aren't crowded with thousands more people to try it on today? Or for the next two weeks? Seriously how is starting this process a week or two earlier any more a problem for the Stores than it is two weeks later?
You're not keeping up. There will be NO watches available at ANY Apple Store on 4/24. Apple has not announced when watches will first be available at the stores. So no luck picking one up on the 24th. Hope you were able to pre-order yours.
To clarify, the comparison is IF Apple had demos for 2 weeks PRIOR to preorder...what situation would we be in? And my opinion is that Apple would have had a LOT more physical visits to the store... which would have been unnecessary...and kind of awkward to have a physical product but unable to order.
If everyone already knows that there will be zero watches available at the store on 4/24...then yes, I'm not keeping up. Then thanks for educating me. But then you say "Apple has not announced" so how do you know? We'll see...I'm open to an "I told you so" wag of the finger, bring it on. :-)
Among the many challenges that a company must resolve...I just think that bringing fairness to all customers during a launch day is not at the top of the list. It's never completely fair and that's okay.
Edit: to answer your first question, the stores are not crowded with thousands MORE people. Then again, I know nothing of Apple's retail stores' traffic this morning.
Have you ordered a watch?
AMEX reported the charge for mine immediately, and the thing's shipping in "June". Now they do also report "pending" and that was just my phone notification but...
I've ordered one and Apple hasn't even reserved the money yet. This is for one being dispatched in May.
Touche. But the fact is, the band will be different and the watch won't. The watch will still look exactly like everybody else's. Just with a different band.
Well the entire look of the "watch visual experience" will be changed then (I'm clearly not in marketing where they no doubt have a buzzword for this), however the term would go. The ensemble will be different, just like wearing a different pair of pants with a particular suit jacket. Then, since the band covers a lot more area than the watch face my impression is it would have a significant, at any rate, impact on the visual image of the device.
Perhaps even mores with the Apple watch since with the face largely dormant it's going to be a lot more visually neutral than a standard timepiece, just the edge of the case for the most part (and in my sample that will be black so even less obtrusive).
I've ordered one and Apple hasn't even reserved the money yet. This is for one being dispatched in May.
Hmm, I wonder if this has Apple Pay as the differentiator? I used the app and Touch ID to pay for the previously selected model via Apple Pay. Probably need to look at my AMEX account on my computer rather than the iPhone Passbook report.
kind of awkward to have a physical product but unable to order.
How awkward is it that they have to order the watch online even while standing in the store, only to find out they can't get it until August?
Apple has not announced how soon after April 24th inventory will be available for purchase by walk-in customers without pre-orders, but they announced none will be available for purchase on the 24th. Apple appears not to want any lines for this product launch.
I'm not complaining about fairness, I'm concerned about not marketing 'the most personal product Apple has ever made' in a manner that makes sense, especially after stressing the fashion angle. Apple should be concerned that everyone who wants a watch on the launch day has the opportunity to order one with all the facts. It's a product that's meant to be worn. People will have to try it on, and see it in person to decide. All Apple is doing with this current strategy is encouraging customers to order watches they don't want, and/or plan to return, to make sure they get at least one wearable product on launch day, and the more of this kind of thing that goes on will ensure there is a shortage and delays for others, and will cost Apple money to process the returns as well. And it only emphasizes that this really isn't a fashion item, but a tech product that you don't need to see to buy.
I'm not complaining about fairness, I'm concerned about not marketing 'the most personal product Apple has ever made' in a manner that makes sense, especially after stressing the fashion angle. Apple should be concerned that everyone who wants a watch on the launch day has the opportunity to order one with all the facts. It's a product that's meant to be worn. People will have to try it on, and see it in person to decide. All Apple is doing with this current strategy is encouraging customers to order watches they don't want, and/or plan to return, to make sure they get at least one wearable product on launch day, and the more of this kind of thing that goes on will ensure there is a shortage and delays for others, and will cost Apple money to process the returns as well. And it only emphasizes that this really isn't a fashion item, but a tech product that you don't need to see to buy.
As I said, I agree that there are challenges in all Apple rollouts (esp. a wearable device). but you still have not provided any other better way, because at this point, I don't think there is a better way. So what's your solution again?
I kind of want to backtrack on my opinion that there will be watches available on 4/24 to buy directly from the retail store...because really, the best method to fill orders in the supply chain is to manage it remotely and not have inventory (i.e. sizes/colors not immediately in demand) sitting on a store shelf.
I really don't think the problems are as bad as you say it is.
- encouraging customers to order watches they don't want? This will be few and far between.
- make sure they get at least one product on launch day? What! for who?...Oh I see, for those that wait in a line outside the store 48 hrs before it the store opens? Makes no sense.
- process returns? There really is no returns...just a cancellation of a virtual order resulting in someone else getting a reduced delivery time.
For most, this is indeed a fashion item AND a tech item. You say this is not a fashion item? Wrong...again.
Also "growing pains" as Apple learns which models/bands/price-points will have the most traction.
They could really only start out with a very general idea.
Some of the media tweets showing up in my Twitter feed are driving me nuts. Jake Tapper from ABC tweeted that the Watch "launched" to sparse crowds and no lines. Of course people who don't know (i.e. lots of people) that the Watch doesn't actually go on sale today will think the product launch is a flop.
There are always new ways to turn an Apple celebration into another "Apple Is Doomed" moment, it seems...
By not having my daughter-in-laws address in my saved shipping addresses cost me the April 24th delivery. The app worked like a charm as did ApplePay so it was painless until I got the notice of delivery. The Turlington-Burns blog caused me to buy this for my DnL because she's training for a marathon as well.
…this is a mess. I was optimistic and supportive of Apples plan thinking they really had this worked out, but they didn't. I feel like an idiot now suggesting to people that Apple would not have offered online ordering and previews on the same day knowing that this is a device many customers need to see first, so there would be adequate time to pre-order witin at least the first several days.
Nope. So to all of those who suggested Apple should have offered a week of preview/fitting appointments before pre-orders started, I'm sorry. You were right. This is a mess.
My Response
Quote:
So you are saying that Apple Stores could handle all the customers that needed to see the ?Watch first in a week?
Are you frigging nuts? You are aware there is not an Apple Store on every corner? You are aware that the previewing is done by a few of the staff, i.e., Specialists. You are aware that you "…will be able to view all three collections and get hands on with Apple Watch Demo…?"
I can't imagine how much time that would take. But I would suggest that if every Apple Store carried the full compliment, i.e, 54, ?Watches in stock to try on, purchase and set up, you would hate it if you were not in the first few dozen in line by the time the doors opened in the morning.
What is a disastrous marketing and sales strategy is over and under carrying inventory. Too much could kill the business, as recently experienced by Samsung's Androids. Apple, on the other hand is unique. There is really no comparable product. A smartwatch is not an ?Watch. No matter how you wind it.
Your Response
Nope.
So what was your point?
newsflash -- this is a watch designed for doing things on it. if you require a purely cosemetic solution, there are still other watches in the world. it wont be apple's. ever.
there. thats it. different use case. can you accept it? or will you still firebomb every threat with your repetitive nonsense about it being a black screen?
I'm glad I did the same and woke up in the middle of the night. At least I'll get mine the 24th and my wife's about 2 weeks later.
Really was torn about laying down £300 on this but finally thought no. I'll wait for next years revision and in the meantime get a Pebble Time instead. You can't really wear it to bed and sleep with it on overnight due to the battery life. I think Apple have been hampered by current battery tech on this one. Damn I wish they'd sort out battery technology! (the industry and not just Apple!)
doh. did a try-on today, and holy shit the watches are smaller in person! like seemingly half the size. all the close photos must be distorting the perspective because they really look nothing like the real deal.
so I had to cancel my Apr 24 38mm order and reorder a 42mm, for June. bummer.