Apple Now Inviting Apple Watch Customers to 'Just Walk In' for Try-Ons

[MacRumors]

Apple today shifted its messaging concerning Apple Watch try-on appointments, which were required in the early days following the wearable's launch to be able to interact with and size the various models of the Watch. The messaging of try-on appointments has now largely vanished from the Apple Watch's online storefront, with a notification encouraging customers to visit their local Apple Watch store for workshops on the device or "just walk in to try Apple Watch on."

In reality, walk-in customers have generally been able to arrange immediate try-on sessions for some time now as the crowds have significantly lessened following the initial surge. With Apple gearing up to begin in-store sales of the Apple Watch in just a few weeks, however, the company is already changing its customer guidance to omit the recommendation of making an appointment.

Even though the messaging is pivoting away from scheduled appointments, it should be noted that retail stores are still accepting try-on appointments for customers wanting to ensure their time with the Apple Watch. Try-on sessions may become a bit busier once in-store sales begin, so at that point appointments may become more advisable.

Article Link: Apple Now Inviting Apple Watch Customers to 'Just Walk In' for Try-Ons

 

[thekeyring]

I walked in on "launch day" and tried one on straight away. The employee I spoke to said "We've got to have lots of staff because it's a launch day, but we haven't had a crowd because you can't buy them in store."

Most of the staff were wondering around without much to do. People seemed as interested in the watch as any other product.

 

[0815]

I walked a few days after the official sales start into one store to look at them. I was told that I would need an appointment to try one on, but they give out appointments right away - so the apple guy typed on the iPad and 2sec later I had the appointment and could try it on. Also a couple a days ago it seems to be the same. I have the feeling there was in most store no need for an advanced appointment since people did not really line up to try them on.

So good thing that they now remove the unnecessary formality (was maybe needed on day 1 or 2, but not after that)

 

[macduke]

That's basically how my appointment went. I showed up about an hour earlier than my appointment and they took me in no problem. Let me try on a wide variety of bands and cases and play with the watch for a quite a bit over my 15 minutes. They didn't seem bothered in the least. The girl was actually really friendly and pulled out her iPhone and showed me some things with her personal watch, such as demonstrating the remote camera capability and drawing/tapping on another employee's watch. Things had definitely died down in the store by the time I stopped by, which was May 15th. I had already ordered my 42mm SS ML and luckily it was still the one I liked the most. Finally got it on Tuesday and like it even more than I thought I would.

 

[bbeagle]

I walked in on "launch day" and tried one on straight away. The employee I spoke to said "We've got to have lots of staff because it's a launch day, but we haven't had a crowd because you can't buy them in store."

Most of the staff were wondering around without much to do. People seemed as interested in the watch as any other product.

Which is why this launch was such a screwed up mess.

The people who were most excited about the Apple Watch and really wanted to try it on, were forced to order it online, as that was the only way to get one.

Therefore, most of those people had decided upon a watch, and didn't need to try it on.

The only people you got were people who only heard about the Apple Watch from media, walk-bys at the mall, and people who already purchased but were curious to see it in person.

There should have been a try-on period for 2 weeks before pre-orders started on April 24, with immediate shipping. THIS would have made sense.

 

[2457282]

I had the appointment for first thing on the non-launch date. I think Apple is still missing the whole point (or they are not and just simply trying to spin the story). People who walk in want to walk out with something in their hand (or on their wrist). I am very happy with my watch now that it has been delivered, but the whole experience of going in, only to be forced to order, only to be forced to wait over a month, seems like a complete failure no matter how much they try to spin.

 

[JohnApples]

I too went to the Apple Store on "try-on launch day" and 2 days after, and both times I immediately was approached by a staff member and was able to try on a watch literally in a matter of seconds from walking into the store.

I spoke with a retail employee and asked how they were able to have me walk-in for a try on without an appointment, and she said that almost every try-on they did was without an appointment because "hardly anyone knew that you had to schedule one online."

Strange launch indeed.

 

[Rogifan]

I had the appointment for first thing on the non-launch date. I think Apple is still missing the whole point (or they are not and just simply trying to spin the story). People who walk in want to walk out with something in their hand (or on their wrist). I am very happy with my watch now that it has been delivered, but the whole experience of going in, only to be forced to order, only to be forced to wait over a month, seems like a complete failure no matter how much they try to spin.

How does someone just walk out with product when there isn't any in stock? Plus Apple said from day one it would initially be online only so anyone going to a store expecting to walk out with the Watch only has themselves to blame.

 

[inhalexhale1]

Both times I've been in an Apple Store, since he watch debut, I saw people looking at everything but the watch.

 

[2457282]

How does someone just walk out with product when there isn't any in stock? Plus Apple said from day one it would initially be online only so anyone going to a store expecting to walk out with the Watch only has themselves to blame.

so what you are saying is that spin worked very well for you. okay. It did not work on me however.

Apple did not say it was online only on day 1. They admitted that they had no stock after pre-orders started and before launch date (which effectively made it a non-launch). And even then, so what. A customer expectation is always to go in buy something and walk out. Otherwise, I would stay at home and purchase on-line. It really is a bad thing that you can walk into a store but not actually have the option to buy something.

 

[triton100]

This was the most botched up launch ever done. I can't believe that Angela whatever her name is in charge of this has got away with no proper criticism of her handling. Absolute joke. She has no comprehension of the true apple customer. Making people come in to make an appointment to have to come back a second time to try it on and then buy. Everyone had already ordered the thing online. They didn't need extra staff on launch day as purchases were already made. She spoilt what could have been an exciting release and turned it into a confusing damp squid. And She's the highest paid whatever in the world. Joke ! She was brought in for her fashion connections but I doubt it would have been that hard to tap into the fashion world without her. Apple is a world renowned respected brand and would have played ball with or without her influence. Am so annoyed by the handling Of it all. Though I do respect tims ethos of bringing in new talent and expanding, however there is no question that this was a mistake.

 

[69650]

Just walked in and got an "appointment" to look at the Watch on launch day. Did the same a few weeks ago. Unless you can actually buy one there and then it was pointless. I only went in to see what it was like. Might buy one when they're in stock but if the new MacBook is anything to go by it could be a long wait. I've been in a few times to buy the new MB but they never have any stock even though it's officially now available to buy in store.

Nearly 3 months after the product announcements and they've still got not stock. Just plain ridiculous.

 

[69650]

How does someone just walk out with product when there isn't any in stock? Plus Apple said from day one it would initially be online only so anyone going to a store expecting to walk out with the Watch only has themselves to blame.

To be fair the vast majority of Apple's customers don't read websites like this. Apple was running Apple Watch ads on UK prime time TV for weeks after the announcement. They all ended with the strapline "24-04-15". The clear inference was that it would be available to buy on that day. For the average customer it was a reasonable assumption having watched that advert that you would be able to walk in to an Apple Store and buy one from that date onwards. It was very misleading.

 

[Urban Joe]

No doubt Apple Watch will be a permanent fixture in the Apple product line up. It's likely to take a while for it to become as mainstream or as much of a must-have/necessity product like the iPhone. Sadly, in 2-3 years this model will probably seem like a relic.

 

[Mackinjosh]

Not long now before they start begging people to buy the stock they have on hand. These are just awful devices.

 

[treborn]

I would love to walk-in and try one on, but only if I can buy one from there. Kinda like test driving a Tesla, then having to order it online and wait for them to send it to you. Beats the all-american-consumer experience, in my opinion. I think I will just wait until I can walk in bare wrist and walk out with a watch.

 

[Sheza]

Why is everyone blaming Angela for the 'botched launch' ?

It's quite clear that measures needed to be taken because, simply put, the stock did not exist when it needed to.

Apple launched it too quickly, Angela clearly took the hit.

 

[hipnetic]

"Inviting" or "Begging"?

 

[mchart]

Every time I walk into the royal Hawaiin Apple Store I see no one near the watch section. Their competition is an Omega, Rolex, and boutique (JLC, IWC, Breitling, etc) stores next door.

As I said before this thing came out - they are attempting to compete with luxury watches but no consumer of mechanical high end watches gives a crap about a smart watch.

About time they at least let you try one on without an appointment, but boutique high street shoppers expect a different experience then what Apple stores are capable of providing.

Anyone who wanted one has one by now. I really don't see sales holding well for this thing. It's a novelty until it can communicate and compute independent of an iPhone.

 

[captain cadet]

This was the most botched up launch ever done. I can't believe that Angela whatever her name is in charge of this has got away with no proper criticism of her handling. Absolute joke. She has no comprehension of the true apple customer. Making people come in to make an appointment to have to come back a second time to try it on and then buy. Everyone had already ordered the thing online. They didn't need extra staff on launch day as purchases were already made. She spoilt what could have been an exciting release and turned it into a confusing damp squid. And She's the highest paid whatever in the world. Joke ! She was brought in for her fashion connections but I doubt it would have been that hard to tap into the fashion world without her. Apple is a world renowned respected brand and would have played ball with or without her influence. Am so annoyed by the handling Of it all. Though I do respect tims ethos of bringing in new talent and expanding, however there is no question that this was a mistake.

It makes sense when you have people spending $17,000+ Edition wanting to buy a watch but then end up in the waiting line for someone to buy a $200 sports watch.

 

[testcard]

"...just walk in to try Apple Watch on."
Not sure about the split infinitive. I'll blame Angela.

 

[mchart]

It makes sense when you have people spending $17,000+ Edition wanting to buy a watch but then end up in the waiting line for someone to buy a $200 sports watch.

No it doesn't. When I walk into a Rolex boutique and want to look at a $20k watch I don't make an appointment. I walk in and that's that.

Appointments is not how the rest of high street operates.

 

[roland.g]

This was the most botched up launch ever done.

This is probably a good point to stop reading this. I did. Yawn. This tired old narrative has been driven into the ground by the me me me now now now crying that has overwhelmed the Apple Watch forums for much of April and a good part of May. And the record is beyond broken.

 

[WestonHarvey1]

Not long now before they start begging people to buy the stock they have on hand. These are just awful devices.

What do you base that opinion on? How long have you had yours? I liked mine instantly and like it more and more with time.

 

[Richard412]

Both times I've been in an Apple Store, since he watch debut, I saw people looking at everything but the watch.

+1