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Any one else think the try out reservation is really dumb
- Thread starter Wiesenlooser
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The answer should be obvious. People are going to spend way more time trying on all the different band options to decide which ones are the most comfortable and what watch size they would rather have. Plus, this is a completely new product that most people will never even seen before. Then, they will probably spend quite a bit if time debating how much money they want to spend: "do I want to spend $40 more or this band or $60 more that band?" etc. etc. etc. Not to mention people coming in with their friends and trying on all the different styles and colors of bands. "I think the blue looks better on you, no, I like the white better". Getting the picture now?
I just remembered the gold watch because somebody just mentioned it. There's another time waster. "Wow, that is so cool!. I could never afford one but can I try those on?"
One difference is aesthetics. Look around this forum and see how many people have posted about whether a 38 or 42 would be a better size on their wrists. There are posts about color band would look better with an individual's complexion, as well as the questions about whether the Sport will look okay with a Milanese band because of aluminum vs SS. The watch won't be in peoples' pockets. It will be a visible accessory and as such I can see people standing in the store while they decide what look they want to display. I also can see some people bringing spouse/partner along to get a second opinion -- appointments will help move it along.
There is so much more to this than 'is my thumb going to be able to reach all the way across a Plus' and 'is the Plus too big for my jeans' pocket'. Interestingly, I am not seeing people say that they will just pre-order one and if they don't like it, they will go and exchange it as they were willing to do for the 6 and the Plus. That alone says this is a more "lasting" decision and people want time to play with their options first.
I was kind of thrown off by the fact that you need to make a reservation to TRY on an Apple Watch. This feels way too formal to me - kind of like an half commitment. The beauty of apple Stores was that you could always just drop by and check out their new products without any Apple Store Salesman bothering you...
This is going to come across as elitist but I'm going to say it anyway. I would rather make a reservation with someone at the Apple Store to try on a watch than wait in line with people who have no intention of buying one but want to "play" with one anyway.
I dont know. When I go to an Apple Store I usually see people/kids trying out an iPad or an iPhone and they spend a rather long time playing with it. Specially the kids who just open a video game.
I thought it was always part of the charm of the Apple Store that you could just walk in there and try out their new products without someone bothering you.
In my case, I feel like 80% certain I won't buy one. I might, but maybe not. It does not feel right to reserve a slot with this kind of attitude. But it is also the only way to try one. I think they will lose alot of impulse buyers with this.
Just imagine someone visiting an Apple Store who has heard about the Apple Watch . They see the table and are curios
"can I try one?"
"no you need a reservation"
" Ah ok. Yeah well maybe some other day"
I think it's likely that they will have a table with a smattering of models on it, and an area for one on one demos and fittings. I don't think they're going to make it hard for people to see it, and hold it, but I think that to try it on and fiddle with it you'll need a reservation.
I doubt appointments will always be needed; this is likely going to help the crowd control on 'opening day'. Since pre-orders start April 10, those people who are on the fence until they get to play hands-on are going to be at the stores on April 10 - they already feel they are losing an advantage because online preorder will start hours before the
stores open. I'm sure the malls appreciate any effort to eliminate the campers and the lines waiting for the store to open.
Theft is another big factor behind this reservation system.
How would a visitor to the store get the user experience of the watch if it is cable locked to the table to prevent theft and cant be worn on the wrist ?
If it's not cablelocked what is to prevent someone from pocketing one and walking out with it in that commotion?
You mean like how it is with every iphone every year? Stores handle it fine.
But there aren't as many combinations. All you need to know is color, carrier, and storage. With the Watch, people might want to try on multiple bands, compare the Sport to the Stainless Steel, etc. I think eventually they may allow walk-ins, just as jewelers do today, but since it's a new product and there may be a big rush at the beginning that's not possible.
Apple employees standing there.
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I will give you that. It does make some sense during launch period. But I think they need to change it once the hype tails off to get impulse buyers. I just think many people would never make a reservation, even if they are interested.
Worse than dumb.
I can't stand salespeople around me.
Gives me the willies. I always tell them to go away (nicely )
Yet the Apple people are often nice.
I can't stand salespeople around me.
Gives me the willies. I always tell them to go away (nicely
)Yet the Apple people are often nice.
What Apple Store do you go to where employees are just standing there? The one I go to I have to wait 5 minutes just to talk to someone. You are suggesting that they devote a few employees to stand there like prison guards and watch over the customers near the watch table?
Geniuses are not security and there will be problems if they ever have to function as security. Apple might hire security to be near the store doors during launch in case someone decides to "pocket a watch" but I doubt the Geniuses will actually DO anything to get a watch back from a thief.
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Psst.... Rosedale Center in Roseville, MN.
You know where I go? Apple Store #1 Glendale, California.
... and that is why it is a busier one!
I like the idea. Lets face it it, it will be packed. It has to be done right.
I hope you can pick a date/time and when making a reservation they asked you what you might be interested. What size you would prefer. etc so it won't waste time and that when it's my time the combos/bands i'm interested in are available or every sales associate has his/her own kit, with every strap (doubtful) so i'm not waiting while "Joe" goes on about how he can't decide etc. and i'm waiting for him.
I hope you can pick a date/time and when making a reservation they asked you what you might be interested. What size you would prefer. etc so it won't waste time and that when it's my time the combos/bands i'm interested in are available or every sales associate has his/her own kit, with every strap (doubtful) so i'm not waiting while "Joe" goes on about how he can't decide etc. and i'm waiting for him.
Worse than dumb.
I can't stand salespeople around me.
Gives me the willies. I always tell them to go away (nicely
Yet the Apple people are often nice.
It is EXACTLY the same with me. This was always a HUGE reason why the apple store has the best buying experience. You can try **** on your own without someone bothering you. Just wont be possible with Apple Watch if they keep the reservation model.
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Uhm... isnt this exactly what they are doing now? An Apple employee standing at the table and letting you try the Apple Watch once you have made a reservation?
Reservation is one on one session with an employee. He/she doesn't need to keep his/her eye on the other watches on the table while holding a Q&A session with you.
I hope he/she does because otherwise people would be lurking around the table and steal the other apple watches once the table is unlocked
Definitely a good idea! Personally, I want to try on the Edition watch that I know I can't afford. Haha! At least I can say, "I tried on a $10,000 watch!"
This is why the Edition watches will not be present at every Apple Store. There would be too many looky loos which would occupy employees and impede customer service.
I hope he/she does because otherwise people would be lurking around the table and steal the other apple watches once the table is unlocked
Sigh, we're going to go back and forth on this all day. Let's just agree to disagree.