Apple Contacting Some Early Apple Watch Customers: 'We're Working on Your Order'

[JeffyTheQuik]

Regarding this whole launch...

Why Friday for the launches?
Friday works for the standard launches because there is:
3 day weekend if you take the day off
The distribution point is the store, so, over the weekend, deliveries can arrive at the store, and there are more people there
They get 3 days' worth of sales to report, rather than one day
There is a "Plan B" factor, so if the pre-order doesn't work for you, you can go to the store on a Friday morning. Plan "C" is the other stores (AT&T, Best Buy, etc.)

Why Friday doesn't work for the Watch (or online only orders)...
UPS charges more for Saturday Delivery. That, or since the payment was for weekday delivery, the customer has to wait until Monday, should anything, like not being there to sign for it, shipping delays, etc. happen. Since there is no "Plan B" (besides eBay), customers are (or feel) screwed. Monday would have been better. The logistics people at UPS/FedEx on the processing end would have time to work out the kinks, and be ready on Monday, Tuesday at the latest.
Since UPS/FedEx deliver at random times, the customer is stuck, waiting at home, or worse, relying on someone else to wait for them, which is the weak link in the chain. (A case in point... I was waiting on a Friday for an Insulin Pump, which had to be signed for, and Mrs. Thequik had to take the kids to school. Guess who showed up during that 20 minutes? Yep... UPS Had to drive 2 hours to the UPS center in Redmond, WA in Friday traffic to get it. Not fun.)
And, yes, I know there are ways around this, like hold for pickup, or delivering to work, but each of those is a pain, plus introduces risk. There is a kitsch to the wait, and the shared experience that comes from the store launches that is missing here.

This whole thing smacks of "what's best for Apple", not "what does the customer want," like you must buy it from the Apple Store, so we get all the profits, and don't have to share them with Best Buy or other stores. The emotions of this are: "I hope that someone doesn't screw this up," instead of, "I hope that I get lucky and get one!" The difference between the two is the first is the best that someone can do is not fail, and they're "back to zero," and the latter is that "you're at zero," and hoping to win the lottery. If it fails, oh well, but with the first, if it fails, you have the expectation of success, and you are the one that has to jump through hoops to make it good.

And, yes, mine does arrive tomorrow.

Hopefully, the Watch 2 launch will solve these issues.

 

[topcatmg1]

So has anyone in the UK had their Space Grey Sport despatch or prepare for despatch?

Yes I have. Dispatched with delivery tomorrow. Confiormation email at 8.02 on launch day. Changed to Preparing for Dispatch yesterday morning and payment taken. Changed to dispatched this morning (along with a 38mm silver sport with blue strap).

 

[djcerla]

a bunch of whiners

Hello all

I have been following MR since the very beginning. I think it's always on point and balanced, and so *where* the majority of the forum comments.

I'm registering today to post this: commenters have turned into a bunch of constant whiners. Or worse, just check out posts during "bendgate", most of which where from new users posing as Apple users (they where not).

So, before the Watch release everybody was crying and complaining that Apple would never be able to sell this "useless" new product.

Now that the Watch looks like an obvious, huge hit, complaints have turned to the "botched" launch.

Nothing was "botched" here: quite simply, demand vastly exceeded supply, and the huge variety of the offer (>50) didn't help Apple. I'm personally very pleased about the execution, as an Apple fan, a longtime AAPL shareholder and a Watch customer (mine was ordered in Germany and arriving in 4-6 weeks).

The stupidity just reached a new high today, with users complaining about an email stating their orders are just on time.

Have fun with your new Watch people.

 

[dlmiddlecote]

Yes I have. Dispatched with delivery tomorrow. Confiormation email at 8.02 on launch day. Changed to Preparing for Dispatch yesterday morning and payment taken. Changed to dispatched this morning (along with a 38mm silver sport with blue strap).

Lucky you!
Confirmation email at the same time, but no change for me!

 

[mlightfoot]

38mm Sport WB shipped, 42mm SS Watch BB not

I ordered two watches at 08:02 on the 10th.

38mm Apple Sport - White Band
42mm Apple Watch - Black Band

White sport has shipped today, 42mm SS Black Band "still processing"

Called Apple and agree with the other posts, very poor customer service received, just repeating the order page I was looking at, no insight - shame on your Apple. You own our household and we're faithful customers. I would have preferred a simple "yep it's unlikely you're going to received your 42mm tomorrow" at least it would have felt like a response!!!

 

[mikeb147]

I just wish Apple would be transparent with its customers around issues with the 42MM SS Black sports band. There is obviously a manufacturing issue. Sending this pointless mail just rattles people's cages. It's all just a lack of communication on Apples part. Yes I understand you could argue that there is a 2 weeks window and Apple is still in their rights, but let's be honest, Apple has always been a company which has amazed us with their products and services and always under promised and over delivered, this all just seems out of character is all...

 

[Sinclair16k]

And right there that's the bit that really p****s off, of course I'm happy your getting your watch but how can a later order be shipped when apple stated they will be shipped in time order.

Good news for you matey but Apple are really not playing this well, why don't they just be honest and confirm that they obviously have production issues with the black sports band or the 42mm face, maybe they should offer a change of band colour, I'll take it lol

Of course I totally understand the frustration of people that got an earlier shipment date and no sign of it. Perhaps Apple have recevied slightly more stock of certain models hence the quicker ship dates ?!?

 

[ChrisS1081]

My wife was charged to her bank yesterday at 11 am she just told me. I guess that's a good sign?

 

[The Bogeyman]

That's awesome, glad to see someone in the UK getting confirmations. Who is delivering for you?

I've not had chance to look at that but it's probably going to be UPS as with previous deliveries from Apple.

 

[Rogifan]

Hi Rogifan I've seen quite a few of your posts and it seems that the impatience of us hardcore Apple fans is frustrating you, you do realise your on a thread for us moaners don't you. Why not just let us moan and apply yourself in a topic that you may be a bit passionate about, then you can become frustrated with someone arguing back when they have no reason to

I wasn't aware this was a thread for moaners. Unfortunately it seems like site needs to be renamed to MacWhiners.com because that's all people seem to be doing these days. Reminds me of this.

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

My wife was charged to her bank yesterday at 11 am she just told me. I guess that's a good sign?

A very good sign. Look forward to the "it's shipping" e-mail!

----------

Hello all

I have been following MR since the very beginning. I think it's always on point and balanced, and so *where* the majority of the forum comments.

I'm registering today to post this: commenters have turned into a bunch of constant whiners. Or worse, just check out posts during "bendgate", most of which where from new users posing as Apple users (they where not).

So, before the Watch release everybody was crying and complaining that Apple would never be able to sell this "useless" new product.

Now that the Watch looks like an obvious, huge hit, complaints have turned to the "botched" launch.

Nothing was "botched" here: quite simply, demand vastly exceeded supply, and the huge variety of the offer (>50) didn't help Apple. I'm personally very pleased about the execution, as an Apple fan, a longtime AAPL shareholder and a Watch customer (mine was ordered in Germany and arriving in 4-6 weeks).

The stupidity just reached a new high today, with users complaining about an email stating their orders are just on time.

Have fun with your new Watch people.

Good to know that you registered, just to whine about people whining.

 

[yozh]

My order confirmation email time stamp is Fri, Apr 10, 2015 at 3:08 AM EST. Got the 42 SS with Sports Band. Got the same email "We're working on your order." and 4/24-5/8 estimate. This is gotta be one of the most upsetting launches since iPhone 3G fiasco.

 

[mikeb147]

I just registered macwiners.com come and rant people! ###

 

[SAJapple]

I ordered a 38mm thinking that the 42mm will sell out faster and I will get mine quicker - no such luck! So disappointed now.

 

[djcerla]

[/COLOR]
Good to know that you registered, just to whine about people whining.[/QUOTE]

Not whining at all, just pointing out the attitude here. Anyways, people are receiving shipping notifications just after the "dreaded" email, so there was really nothing to whine about in this specific topic.

 

[Copperrick]

I just registered macwiners.com come and rant people! ###

Lol thanks Mike, at least over there we may not get the "do gooding" people who can't just take a hike and let us have our fun/moan.

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[/COLOR]
Good to know that you registered, just to whine about people whining.

Not whining at all, just pointing out the attitude here. Anyways, people are receiving shipping notifications just after the "dreaded" email, so there was really nothing to whine about in this specific topic.[/QUOTE]

I think mikes comment was targeted at others not us

 

[martinctv]

I just wish Apple would be transparent with its customers around issues with the 42MM SS Black sports band. There is obviously a manufacturing issue. Sending this pointless mail just rattles people's cages. It's all just a lack of communication on Apples part. Yes I understand you could argue that there is a 2 weeks window and Apple is still in their rights, but let's be honest, Apple has always been a company which has amazed us with their products and services and always under promised and over delivered, this all just seems out of character is all...

I use to work for Apple and ambiguity is their favorite word. They will never be transparent. Hell, there're not even transparent with their employees. I got the same dreaded email last night telling me what I already know, that my order is processing. If they would just tell us the watch we ordered is back ordered or something truthful, we could and would except that although maybe a bit disappointed. What bothers me is not the shipping window of 4/24/-58, it is that some folks that ordered later and received windows of 4-6 weeks and some for June, will get their watches first. I am happy for those that will receive their watch tomorrow, but I am annoyed at Apple for not being transparent with their customers, as I was annoyed as an employee.

 

[PorterRucks]

Still in the dark.

Placed order at 3:02 AM Eastern (US), or 1 minute after launch. To prepare, I had my watch selection in Favorites in the Apple Store app on my iPhone, and had Apple Pay configured. My alarm went off a bit before 3 am. Grabbed the iPhone, opened Apple Store , tap, tap, tap. Order done. Confirmation email arrived at 3:03 AM. Back to sleep.

So far,

* Delivery window still at April 24 to May 8.
* Status still "processing."
* Have not received any update email from Apple.
* No credit card charges processed. (Initially upon placing the order, the charge for Apple Care was processed, but then reversed.)

I ordered the lowest price, and likely most popular, model: Sport, 38 mm (black on black). So I have three conclusions.

1) As usual on launch day, supply and demand do not match. So what's new.
2) However, now that Apple is in the luxury market, I'm a nobody. The bling crowd is more important to Apple than others regular folks ordering basic models.
3) Don't waste sleep on the next new product rollout, especially if its targeted to the luxury crowd.

 

[Copperrick]

A very good sign. Look forward to the "it's shipping" e-mail!

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Good to know that you registered, just to whine about people whining.

Hahahahaha brilliant well said JEFFY

 

[yozh]

So so far I think I seen 1 or 2 post that say that they got a shipping email or the status changed to shipping. Any one can say what watch model/band is shipping ?

 

[dazzadazza]

June Shipment - NOW TOMORROW!

Originally showing as shipping in June, Gourmet Pixel offices are now awaiting Watch arrival tomorrow! 24th April.

Maybe Apple was just setting expectations lower so they could beat them... or maybe no-one ordered the green one....

 

[Copperrick]

Image

Originally showing as shipping in June, Gourmet Pixel offices are now awaiting Watch arrival tomorrow! 24th April.

Maybe Apple was just setting expectations lower so they could beat them... or maybe no-one ordered the green one....

What the hell is going on, I had a much sooner delivery date, but stil processing

Congrats by the way dazza

 

[Prelate74]

Wait a minute. Maps was the final straw. That, and Ive and Mansfield hated working with Forstall and refused to sit in on meetings Forstall attended.

Remember before Forstall got fired we started hearing all the rumors about Ive possibly moving back to the UK?

Forstall apparently was such a PITA the stories leaked out there was cheering and applause within Apple when he got the boot.

He's directly responsible for letting iOS stagnate and Android to catch up, and apps iOS on features.

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Preparing for shipment, my card was finally charged between5-6pm CST tonight and my status changed immediately.

See that's what makes this roll out frustrating. Why are some getting emails, and some not?

 

[BlueMoon63]

This isn't directed at anyone.... I noticed that the top three purchased "Slice" was the Black Sport Band, Milanese and then Link. There is no way Apple would know for sure which models would be the most popular until the orders started coming in on the 10th. No one here knows how the "I ordered at 12:02am" versus "I ordered the same at 12:10am" really works out when the orders reach the end point.

The demand was obviously more than they had already made and boxed up, so some will need to be made to fill those orders within the two week window. Some models have availability and therefore, they can fill orders that came in hours or days or even a week later. It isn't anything against us or the people who got up in the middle of the night.

Apple had trouble filling orders on the iPhone 6/6+ and they had millions ready to go... How many previous iPhone launches were there? 6 or 7? They had time to adjust to demand and still couldn't keep up.

Since Apple has no idea how many Apple Watches to make for anticipated demand, and there are so many different options, they can't box up 5mm of each variance. These are boxed and sealed and ready to go... They can't start opening the boxes and stripping off bands just to fill earlier orders.

I think it sucks, but I don't blame Apple for a new product launch. I just can't...

If you are mad and you are still processing, show Apple your anger and cancel and wait for Rev 2.

Still wish everyone got their order tomorrow - especially if you got up in the middle of the night.

 

[MacUser4_20]

People are pissed because Apple stated preorder April 10 with launch date of April 24. Some of us had to stay up till 3am to order within minutes of launch hoping that's a guaranteed April 24th launch date watch. Instead after ordering we get the April 24 to may 8 ship date.

I bet everyone's been thinking "naw no way it won't arrive on the 24th, the date range is worst case scenario".

Well worst case scenario just happened for a lot of people. So I'm not going to challenge that and definitely understand why they're upset. These are the people that would have definitely lined up for hours, but now not gonna happen. And definitely no weekend of playing with a new device.

I got the note, disappointed but happy they at least acknowledged my order exists! I got 42mm sport space grey. Seems to be a pattern here.

Well said.
This is the sentiment that most of us long time early adopters, launch day junkies, and fanboys who loved Apple before it was cool to love Apple, are feeling.
Many of us were up and preordered by 12:04am.
The fact that we may not be getting our product while others who ordered later, or in other countries, this Friday is extremely dissatisfying from a customer service standard. Some may call us whiners, but in truth, people like us are the ones who continually spread Apple cheers day in, and day out, helping to build the Brand. Without us, the cult would have never became the mainstream. Apple must never forget their roots that were built on the anticipation of early adopters, and people who wait up all night, gather in masses on launch day, and participate in launches of products that change the way we perform daily tasks.
Shame on the decision makers to take their lifeblood customers and throw them to the wind. Remember the days that were dark and bleak, and billions of profit was measured in losses? We stood by you Apple. Please do not fail us during your hours of success. This train ride may not last forever, and in the long run, you need us just as bad as we need you.