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Post by phoebear611 on Apr 19, 2015 3:22:40 GMT -8
To be clear - the part that I REALLY found screwed up on the launch is to have zero availability on "the day of the launch at the stores on the 24th". I don't care what any of you say ...that's just f**ked up! THAT was NOT planned that way - that was NOT a brilliant stroke - that was simply an OH SHIT moment! That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. As for the wait on the watches - sure it could have been a bit shorter but it's not horrible...I'm down with that. It's the former that has me in a tizzy. The whole trying on strategy is all very cool and well thought out .... product placement yes, well done. Were there errors - HELL YES. I was very clear on what I found in my local Apple store on day one which is a very, very, very busy Apple store. Sales personnel were not all well prepared. FULL STOP. Many were .... but many were not. That just is not Apple's style. Steve would have had an aneurysm. For the love of Pete - I live in NEW YORK - not in a hick town. How could I not have qualified personnel here?! (Although it shouldn't matter to Apple where I live, right?) When all was said and done I still bought 5 - a mix of sport and stainless ones but boy oh boy - would love to be drinking a cup of coffee and be sitting across from TC one day!....Coffee gives me ZERO filter. I'll ask again: Have you made your feelings on this subject known to Apple? No I haven't because I hate to only email them when I have a complaint. I thought about it and realized that I had never emailed them congratulating them on anything and that's bad form. Who the hell wants to hear from someone who only calls upon you to complain. I was truly only going to offer constructive criticism but you know how that gets received for the most part - "Complaint Dept." ... instead I just whined on this thread about it. Heck, there are more important things in life .... should have gone with the Amex thieves to the Amalfi Coast and enjoyed some lemoncello in Sorrento at some seaside cafe overlooking the Blue Grotto instead of getting my knickers in a bunch over this crap. Enjoy your Sunday - life is too short
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Post by phoebear611 on Apr 19, 2015 3:36:38 GMT -8
No....to my post from Thursday. This is not like selling phones or pads. Too many options..."try on time". Let's say you had 1000 watches in the store on launch day. How many people could have a decent experience that day? How many could sit down, try on four or five bands, two watch sizes...a couple of styles? In a day.....300? 400? While this is going on the other 500 are standing outside wondering what the heck is going on....and getting mad. I don't think Apple ever wanted lines on April 24. I'm not sure they ever planned to allow walk-ins on April 24. They may have misjudged the size of the market, but not what kind of experience they want people to have. Suppose a person waits in line eight hours after the store opened....then gets in for his/her try-on or order.....and only the wrong size, color, band is available. Not good. Better to do THIS rollout different. But RED - that's why they have larger brains and pay checks - they should have some of this figured out. I would like to think they aren't human like us but are a few steps ahead...OR at least would have come up with something way more creative to roll this out (as far as amount of availability on launch date) but I guess this was as differently as they could think.
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Post by Red Shirted Ensign on Apr 19, 2015 5:30:36 GMT -8
When the Apple Store was first created the idea of using a storefront in the manner that Apple did was thought wasteful, infficient and arrogant. Then the Apple Store became an amazing place to see product. You could ask about product there but most purchases were made on-line and at other retailers. But you learned about new things at the Store. The store was for "try ons".
With the watch the store retains its primary role: to see new product. To learn about it. To try it on. But buying will be done as most buying has been for other products...on-line or at third parties ( but here it is Selfridges and a few high class places).
The watch is being marketed differently.....but the same.
We'll see how it all turns out starting in a week.
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mark
fire starter
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Post by mark on Apr 19, 2015 6:25:24 GMT -8
No....to my post from Thursday. This is not like selling phones or pads. Too many options..."try on time". Let's say you had 1000 watches in the store on launch day. How many people could have a decent experience that day? How many could sit down, try on four or five bands, two watch sizes...a couple of styles? In a day.....300? 400? While this is going on the other 500 are standing outside wondering what the heck is going on....and getting mad. I don't think Apple ever wanted lines on April 24. I'm not sure they ever planned to allow walk-ins on April 24. They may have misjudged the size of the market, but not what kind of experience they want people to have. Suppose a person waits in line eight hours after the store opened....then gets in for his/her try-on or order.....and only the wrong size, color, band is available. Not good. Better to do THIS rollout different. But RED - that's why they have larger brains and pay checks - they should have some of this figured out. I would like to think they aren't human like us but are a few steps ahead...OR at least would have come up with something way more creative to roll this out (as far as amount of availability on launch date) but I guess this was as differently as they could think. I think everyone is missing the main point here. Running a store with lots and lots and LOTS of SKUs has a cost associated with it. Not just an inventory cost (which presumably Apple could bear), but also an aging cost, an unpopularity cost, and it ALWAYS leads to discounting. That is something that Apple rarely does, and for them it's an excellent choice because it maintains the premium brand image (and doesn't lead to remorseful customers). I believe that those costs would lead to lower margins and lower profit, and perhaps only a tiny bit more sales (especially for a new and popular product). Most likely, Apple made the right choice here. I suspect they will use the data over the first few weeks/months (and continuously) to determine what mix of watches (if any) to keep in stock at the stores. For example, if the sport watch with blue band is a huge seller everywhere, they may opt to carry those already assembled and separately boxed at the stores for immediate, impromptu, purchase. But the stainless steel with midnight blue modern buckle may not be as popular and it would be folly to keep that one in stock at stores.
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Post by qualitywte on Apr 19, 2015 7:07:02 GMT -8
"I think everyone is missing the main point here. Running a store with lots and lots and LOTS of SKUs has a cost associated with it. Not just an inventory cost (which presumably Apple could bear), but also an aging cost, an unpopularity cost, and it ALWAYS leads to discounting. That is something that Apple rarely does, and for them it's an excellent choice because it maintains the premium brand image (and doesn't lead to remorseful customers). I believe that those costs would lead to lower margins and lower profit, and perhaps only a tiny bit more sales (especially for a new and popular product). Most likely, Apple made the right choice here. I suspect they will use the data over the first few weeks/months (and continuously) to determine what mix of watches (if any) to keep in stock at the stores. For example, if the sport watch with blue band is a huge seller everywhere, they may opt to carry those already assembled and separately boxed at the stores for immediate, impromptu, purchase. But the stainless steel with midnight blue modern buckle may not be as popular and it would be folly to keep that one in stock at stores."
I get all that and I agree with it. I just don't think they were very smart in the manner they presented this "new kind of launch" to the public. It's like they didn't even know themselves that they would not have watches available on launch day at the stores. You're right we will see on the 24th, because I still don't know what is expected on that day and I hope they start managing those expectations somehow.
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Post by redinaustin on Apr 19, 2015 7:11:46 GMT -8
To be clear - the part that I REALLY found screwed up on the launch is to have zero availability on "the day of the launch at the stores on the 24th". I don't care what any of you say ...that's just f**ked up! THAT was NOT planned that way - that was NOT a brilliant stroke - that was simply an OH SHIT moment! That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. As for the wait on the watches - sure it could have been a bit shorter but it's not horrible...I'm down with that. It's the former that has me in a tizzy. The whole trying on strategy is all very cool and well thought out .... product placement yes, well done. Were there errors - HELL YES. I was very clear on what I found in my local Apple store on day one which is a very, very, very busy Apple store. Sales personnel were not all well prepared. FULL STOP. Many were .... but many were not. That just is not Apple's style. Steve would have had an aneurysm. For the love of Pete - I live in NEW YORK - not in a hick town. How could I not have qualified personnel here?! (Although it shouldn't matter to Apple where I live, right?) When all was said and done I still bought 5 - a mix of sport and stainless ones but boy oh boy - would love to be drinking a cup of coffee and be sitting across from TC one day!....Coffee gives me ZERO filter. I believe Tim is having one of his charity auction right now, so for the right price you can!!!
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Post by phoebear611 on Apr 19, 2015 7:15:18 GMT -8
To be clear - the part that I REALLY found screwed up on the launch is to have zero availability on "the day of the launch at the stores on the 24th". I don't care what any of you say ...that's just f**ked up! THAT was NOT planned that way - that was NOT a brilliant stroke - that was simply an OH SHIT moment! That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. As for the wait on the watches - sure it could have been a bit shorter but it's not horrible...I'm down with that. It's the former that has me in a tizzy. The whole trying on strategy is all very cool and well thought out .... product placement yes, well done. Were there errors - HELL YES. I was very clear on what I found in my local Apple store on day one which is a very, very, very busy Apple store. Sales personnel were not all well prepared. FULL STOP. Many were .... but many were not. That just is not Apple's style. Steve would have had an aneurysm. For the love of Pete - I live in NEW YORK - not in a hick town. How could I not have qualified personnel here?! (Although it shouldn't matter to Apple where I live, right?) When all was said and done I still bought 5 - a mix of sport and stainless ones but boy oh boy - would love to be drinking a cup of coffee and be sitting across from TC one day!....Coffee gives me ZERO filter. I believe Tim is having one of his charity auction right now, so for the right price you can!!!
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Post by phoebear611 on Apr 19, 2015 7:16:30 GMT -8
To be clear - the part that I REALLY found screwed up on the launch is to have zero availability on "the day of the launch at the stores on the 24th". I don't care what any of you say ...that's just f**ked up! THAT was NOT planned that way - that was NOT a brilliant stroke - that was simply an OH SHIT moment! That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. As for the wait on the watches - sure it could have been a bit shorter but it's not horrible...I'm down with that. It's the former that has me in a tizzy. The whole trying on strategy is all very cool and well thought out .... product placement yes, well done. Were there errors - HELL YES. I was very clear on what I found in my local Apple store on day one which is a very, very, very busy Apple store. Sales personnel were not all well prepared. FULL STOP. Many were .... but many were not. That just is not Apple's style. Steve would have had an aneurysm. For the love of Pete - I live in NEW YORK - not in a hick town. How could I not have qualified personnel here?! (Although it shouldn't matter to Apple where I live, right?) When all was said and done I still bought 5 - a mix of sport and stainless ones but boy oh boy - would love to be drinking a cup of coffee and be sitting across from TC one day!....Coffee gives me ZERO filter. I believe Tim is having one of his charity auction right now, so for the right price you can!!! I can't afford Tim! Although my husband would argue that Tim would probably not be able to afford me!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 7:24:11 GMT -8
This is where Apple screwed the pooch: Lack of transparency. Up until a few days ago, the website was still leaving the impression one could purchase in the store on April 24th. They COULD have said that buying online was the best way to buy an Apple Watch and that there would be no inventory in the stores on April 24. Apple could have also marketed just a small subset of Watch models and bands in the store, but that would likely lead to costly returns after the stores began stocking the desired model/band.
Those who didn't get an April - May delivery order online were planning to endure a line to get it next Friday. Now, their wait is June or July.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 7:26:06 GMT -8
I believe Tim is having one of his charity auction right now, so for the right price you can!!! I can't afford Tim! Although my husband would argue that Tim would probably not be able to afford me! Tim asked that you tell him when Apple screws up, not when they get it right. His pay is complementary enough.
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Post by phoebear611 on Apr 19, 2015 7:28:46 GMT -8
This is where Apple screwed the pooch: Lack of transparency. Up until a few days ago, the website was still leaving the impression one could purchase in the store on April 24th. They COULD have said that buying online was the best way to buy an Apple Watch and that there would be no inventory in the stores on April 24. Apple could have also marketed just a small subset of Watch models and bands in the store, but that would likely lead to costly returns after the stores began stocking the desired model/band. Those who didn't get an April - May delivery order online were instead led to believe they could endure a line to get it next Friday. Now, their wait is June or July. Mercel - I bought it the weekend of the launch and got June already...granted I didn't buy it until Sunday night but geez. That was for both stainless and sport.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 7:43:41 GMT -8
I ordered 12:09am and it STILL shows "Processing Items," with a delivery of 4/24 - 5/8. So what's it gonna be, April 24 or I should know in a few days. Incidentally, the best wait to buy online is using the app, not Apple's website, which is way more crowded, subsequently confirmed by Apple staff.
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Post by phoebear611 on Apr 19, 2015 8:25:06 GMT -8
Damn - I did not know that!
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Post by phoebear611 on Apr 19, 2015 16:05:25 GMT -8
I ordered 12:09am and it STILL shows "Processing Items," with a delivery of 4/24 - 5/8. So what's it gonna be, April 24 or I should know in a few days. Incidentally, the best wait to buy online is using the app, not Apple's website, which is way more crowded, subsequently confirmed by Apple staff. Wait - but under " AVAILABLE TO SHIP:" What does yours say? Mine says June
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Post by jmolloy on Apr 19, 2015 16:13:59 GMT -8
I ordered 12:09am and it STILL shows "Processing Items," with a delivery of 4/24 - 5/8. So what's it gonna be, April 24 or I should know in a few days. Incidentally, the best wait to buy online is using the app, not Apple's website, which is way more crowded, subsequently confirmed by Apple staff. Wait - but under " AVAILABLE TO SHIP:" What does yours say? Mine says JuneMine is mid-May. I still am hoping that Apple will under promise and over deliver. This is the first product I have bought online, preferring to queue, but I'm pretty certain that some "late" iPhone 6's and "late" iPhone 5s's came earlier than promised.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 17:04:43 GMT -8
Mine says "Deliver by April 24 - May 8"
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Post by phoebear611 on Apr 19, 2015 17:39:35 GMT -8
Why am I watching the ACM's and they (Apple) are still running the commercials with the April 24th launch? If they aren't letting the public have the watches yet and we have all seen the videos (tutorials) then what exactly are we waiting for on April 24th?
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Post by Red Shirted Ensign on Apr 19, 2015 18:26:08 GMT -8
Why am I watching the ACM's and they (Apple) are still running the commercials with the April 24th launch? If they aren't letting the public have the watches yet and we have all seen the videos (tutorials) then what exactly are we waiting for on April 24th? The first deliveries will happen on April 24. That is the day the regular public will be in the game. How many? Don't know...but Twitter will be burning up!
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Post by Luckychoices on Apr 19, 2015 20:31:16 GMT -8
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Post by hamourabi on Apr 20, 2015 2:22:32 GMT -8
Why am I watching the ACM's and they (Apple) are still running the commercials with the April 24th launch? If they aren't letting the public have the watches yet and we have all seen the videos (tutorials) then what exactly are we waiting for on April 24th? the only thing would be lots of preorders delivered in the stores and their happy owners being instructed how to start with the watch
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