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

[Copperrick]

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.

I completely agree with you blue moon, the only fly in the ointment are, Apple are the second most richest company in the world, bearing in mind the hype behind these watches and the reception they got at the announcement (not forgetting every botched launch since the iPhone 4), I think it would be reasonable to assume that Apple would over order on everything to make demand, it's simple (and companies with no where near apples finances do this) have a system that knows stock levels of each product (trust me they knew what they had) and fulfill the orders made within that stock level first.

I'm only saying that with the billions of dollars/pounds (that we the public give Apple) you would think they could get just one launch right

 

[mejsric]

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.

Actually... Most readers here knows who they are.

 

[DrivinWest]

This email is probably a cry for help from the store team, and was only sent to people who have loaded the order status page more than 360 times in the last hour.

I think there may some truth to this. I've obsessively checked my order status via the website and Apple Store app. I wonder if people like me are being targeted with the email. It makes sense.

 

[Prelate74]

That is not the point. People who got a 4/24-5/8 window should expect their delivery, it is those that got a 4-6 week window and some a June delivery will get their watch sooner. If Apple were transparent about it in stead of being ambiguous, people would most likely not be upset.

You are absolutely correct!! It's the ambiguity that is irritating. Just say what's really going on! Geesh!!

 

[jthesssin]

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.

Not really....I dropped over 2 grand on 2 watches and neither are close to shipping. I also never received any email from Apple stating they are working on my order like all the others. I checked with people in my office today and none of them got the email either. Its like NC was forgotten about or something

 

[jasonsewell]

Obviously there are a lot of people who wanted an Apple Watch on the first day it was available. Traditionally, these people would have waited in line at an Apple Store, and taken whatever was available when they got to the head of the line.

I'm one of these people. I didn't feel too strongly about color or size, so when my alarm went off at 2:55 am, I browsed through the availability dates and choose a combination (38mm, alum, pink) that showed immediate availability. I completed my order in about 90 seconds, and received my confirmation email at 3:02 am (EST).

The problem is that the availability dates were simply wrong on the Apple Store. Some combination that showed immediate availability are not shipping to anyone this Friday. Other combinations that showed June availability are shipping today. This isn't some kind of nuanced logistical complication. It was a bald face error. Apple showed incorrect availability dates.

I've been collecting data points and here is what I can come up with. Please correct me if you have contradictory information.

• Pink-banded watches: no one receives on Friday.
• Green-banded watches: tons available. Even people who waited until the next day to order are getting theirs Friday.
• 42 mm Space Gray: Very limited, but some people are getting theirs Friday depending on band
• Black-banded watches: Very limited, but some receiving Friday. Apple is not following FIFO queue.
• Milanese band: no one receives on Friday.

 

[cmichaelb]

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

I got the email I wanted- shipping notification.

 

[jaydee24601]

And no one knows what's going on at customer service! Again! And the cloak of Apple's secrecy is now at its worse! Very disappointing -- it's gone from fun and pseudo fashionable, to alienating and exclusionary! No likey!

 

[TwistedPain]

Obviously there are a lot of people who wanted an Apple Watch on the first day it was available. Traditionally, these people would have waited in line at an Apple Store, and taken whatever was available when they got to the head of the line.

I'm one of these people. I didn't feel too strongly about color or size, so when my alarm went off at 2:55 am, I browsed through the availability dates and choose a combination (38mm, alum, pink) that showed immediate availability. I completed my order in about 90 seconds, and received my confirmation email at 3:02 am (EST).

The problem is that the availability dates were simply wrong on the Apple Store. Some combination that showed immediate availability are not shipping to anyone this Friday. Other combinations that showed June availability are shipping today. This isn't some kind of nuanced logistical complication. It was a bald face error. Apple showed incorrect availability dates.

I've been collecting data points and here is what I can come up with. Please correct me if you have contradictory information.

• Pink-banded watches: no one receives on Friday.
• Green-banded watches: tons available. Even people who waited until the next day to order are getting theirs Friday.
• 42 mm Space Gray: Very limited, but some people are getting theirs Friday depending on band
• Black-banded watches: Very limited, but some receiving Friday. Apple is not following FIFO queue.
• Milanese band: no one receives on Friday.

Apple is following the queue, the problem is, if they run out of certain SKUs what can they do? Obviously they had more demand for Black Banded watches than Green or Blue bands. They didn't foresee the exact demand for certain SKUs. Also, Apple never promised delivery on just the 24th. They gave everyone a two week window. Thus, as long as Apple still delivers to you in that window, they kept their promise.

 

[icedlatte]

What's really funny is I didn't want the black sport band to begin with, but the blue one wasn't offered for the 42mm SS. I find it ridiculous that we weren't even offered the opportunity to switch to whatever was available (white?) so we could have the 24th arrival date.

 

[Copperrick]

what's really funny is i didn't want the black sport band to begin with, but the blue one wasn't offered for the 42mm ss. I find it ridiculous that we weren't even offered the opportunity to switch to whatever was available (white?) so we could have the 24th arrival date.

exactly what ive been saying!! :d

 

[Steve121178]

i got this email, yet some people are getting their watches early...
apple you dropped the ball on this one and i hope heads roll at Apple HQ

So some people won't get it on day 1. Not that important at the end of the day.

 

[Joshuargh]

Apple is following the queue, the problem is, if they run out of certain SKUs what can they do? Obviously they had more demand for Black Banded watches than Green or Blue bands. They didn't foresee the exact demand for certain SKUs. Also, Apple never promised delivery on just the 24th. They gave everyone a two week window. Thus, as long as Apple still delivers to you in that window, they kept their promise.

They're not really following the queue, I've read plenty of posts from around the world on multiple forums about people who are going to be receiving their 42mm SG Sport watches on Friday that ordered 5+ minutes after a lot of other people including myself who are still stuck on "Processing Items".

 

[Copperrick]

They're not really following the queue, I've read plenty of posts from around the world on multiple forums about people who are going to be receiving their 42mm SG Sport watches on Friday that ordered 5+ minutes after a lot of other people including myself who are still stuck on "Processing Items".

Yep I'm in your boat josh

 

[Joshuargh]

Yep I'm in your boat josh

Very frustrating, But nothing we can do but wait and hope they come early next week.

 

[neuropsychguy]

This is by far the most misleading email of the 21st century.

More misleading than Nigerian scam emails? More misleading than political candidate emails? etc. "By far the most misleading" is a gross exaggeration.

 

[Copperrick]

More misleading than Nigerian scam emails? More misleading than political candidate emails? etc. "By far the most misleading" is a gross exaggeration.

Lol those are blatant scams, let's not split hairs

 

[xdhd350]

I think it would be reasonable to assume that Apple would over order on everything to make demand, it's simple (and companies with no where near apples finances do this) have a system that knows stock levels of each product (trust me they knew what they had) and fulfill the orders made within that stock level first.

Let's not forget that they ran into a production problem a few months back with the display manufacturer. Apple has very high quality standards, and well they should, given the prices they charge. I think they had wanted more inventory available for launch, but simply couldn't get enough made in time.

I spent many years working in the semiconductor industry. I've seen major scrap incidents where several wafers had to be tossed because of something that wasn't discovered until many, many wafers were involved. That affects the ability to supply customers like Apple the chips they need in the time frame they need them. My wife still works in that industry and her company is an Apple supplier. She tells me how tough the QC audits are by Apple inspectors.

Unfortunately, that same wife wanted to 'try one on' before ordering so we didn't get ours ordered until Friday afternoon. Needless to say, mine won't ship until June and hers is slated for mid to late May. Dang it.

 

[Copperrick]

Let's not forget that they ran into a production problem a few months back with the display manufacturer. Apple has very high quality standards, and well they should, given the prices they charge. I think they had wanted more inventory available for launch, but simply couldn't get enough made in time.

I spent many years working in the semiconductor industry. I've seen major scrap incidents where several wafers had to be tossed because of something that wasn't discovered until many, many wafers were involved. That affects the ability to supply customers like Apple the chips they need in the time frame they need them. My wife still works in that industry and her company is an Apple supplier. She tells me how tough the QC audits are by Apple inspectors.

Unfortunately, that same wife wanted to 'try one on' before ordering so we didn't get ours ordered until Friday afternoon. Needless to say, mine won't ship until June and hers is slated for mid to late May. Dang it.

Lol order now mate you will probably be shipped before me.....no really I get what your saying, buts it's an old Apple argument, always supply issues, whilst I understand, also it should be remembered that Apple have used this excuse/reason far too many times, which means either they should have taken it into consideration this time and amended stock levels accordingly or not suggested the big launch date in the first place

I JUST WANT IT LOL

 

[phigment]

[*]Pink-banded watches: no one receives on Friday.
[*]Green-banded watches: tons available. Even people who waited until the next day to order are getting theirs Friday.
[*]42 mm Space Gray: Very limited, but some people are getting theirs Friday depending on band
[*]Black-banded watches: Very limited, but some receiving Friday. Apple is not following FIFO queue.
[*]Milanese band: no one receives on Friday.
[/LIST]

People are receiving Milanese band this Friday, I've seen several confirmations.

I haven't seen one confirmation of 42mm SS w black sports band

 

[cwosigns]

• Pink-banded watches: no one receives on Friday.
• Green-banded watches: tons available. Even people who waited until the next day to order are getting theirs Friday.
• 42 mm Space Gray: Very limited, but some people are getting theirs Friday depending on band
• Black-banded watches: Very limited, but some receiving Friday. Apple is not following FIFO queue.
• Milanese band: no one receives on Friday.

Some people are receiving Friday (just not me).

 

[mikezmac]

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.

Yes, it was botched. They announced before and after the pre-order launch they were having issues. There most defiantly was undisclosed problem(s)

 

[RMarch]

They're not really following the queue, I've read plenty of posts from around the world on multiple forums about people who are going to be receiving their 42mm SG Sport watches on Friday that ordered 5+ minutes after a lot of other people including myself who are still stuck on "Processing Items".

They could very well still be following a queue. The logistics of launching in 9 countries on a single day is significant. We at best have anticdotal data. Most likely it is a combination of the country you live in / model ordered / time order placed in that country, etc. Take all these factors into account, and yes, someone in the UK or Australia might be getting SKU X on the 24th that ordered 5 minutes later than someone ordering the same SKU in the US who is only going to end up getting it on the 1st. Both still within the window Apple specified.

I ordered two in Australia. A sport coming tomorrow on the 24th and the now infamous 42mm SS black sports band that Apple said I should not expect until mid May which is still processing. There is just no incentive for them to move people "up" in the line. If the model is available in a particular distribution hub, the next person gets it. Pretty simple.

 

[RebelScum]

People are receiving Milanese band this Friday, I've seen several confirmations.

I haven't seen one confirmation of 42mm SS w black sports band

^^^this.

 

[Joshuargh]

They could very well still be following a queue. The logistics of launching in 9 countries on a single day is significant. We at best have anticdotal data. Most likely it is a combination of the country you live in / model ordered / time order placed in that country, etc. Take all these factors into account, and yes, someone in the UK or Australia might be getting SKU X on the 24th that ordered 5 minutes later than someone ordering the same SKU in the US who is only going to end up getting it on the 1st. Both still within the window Apple specified.

I ordered two in Australia. A sport coming tomorrow on the 24th and the now infamous 42mm SS black sports band that Apple said I should not expect until mid May which is still processing. There is just no incentive for them to move people "up" in the line. If the model is available in a particular distribution hub, the next person gets it. Pretty simple.

I'm in Australia also (Brisbane) and there are people in my city as well as other cities in Australia that ordered the same model after me that will be receiving theirs tomorrow. I don't expect to me "moved up" in the queue, But I also don't expect people in the same country and even city as me who ordered after to be getting theirs before me. Doesn't make much sense.