What exactly is the point of a retail store, if I have to make an online reservation to buy the product?
they should just can all the retail stores and go all online
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Watch for Sale in Retail Stores by Reservation Only, No Walk-In Sales
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
What exactly is the point of a retail store, if I have to make an online reservation to buy the product?
they should just can all the retail stores and go all online
my area is a high socio-economic area (average income $145,000 pa) and i know a number of people who are getting $15,000 and $17,000 watches and will be doing so at an apple store
If that trends nationwide it'll be good for my stock portfolio.
My geographic area is not typical nor a good example as the demographic is comprised exclusively of multimillion dollar earners.
Watch reservation made through chat
I am quite confused at the moment. I contacted apple support via chat to enquire about making a reservation to try on the apple watch on the 10th April 2015 and was told that there was no special system to reserve an appointment. The Apple representative then created me a Genius bar appointment to try on the Apple watch and told me there would be no issue in me trying on the apple watch with this reservation.
It doesn't sound right to me but I have the chat transcript printed out as proof when I arrive for my appointment on Friday and they decide to knock me back
I am quite confused at the moment. I contacted apple support via chat to enquire about making a reservation to try on the apple watch on the 10th April 2015 and was told that there was no special system to reserve an appointment. The Apple representative then created me a Genius bar appointment to try on the Apple watch and told me there would be no issue in me trying on the apple watch with this reservation.
It doesn't sound right to me but I have the chat transcript printed out as proof when I arrive for my appointment on Friday and they decide to knock me back
What exactly is the point of a retail store, if I have to make an online reservation to buy the product?
they should just can all the retail stores and go all online
The main point for the retail stores is for people to have a chance to play with Apple devices and win them over that way. They also offer training and sell accessories. It really is more about service like the genius bar, where you can have problems solved should the be any. The sale of a lot of the hardware happens online, as you can upgrade the specs of a computer online, but not in a retail store. They are very successful at what they do, so why get rid of them?
And once supply is not limited anymore, I am sure you can walk in and buy.
I am quite confused at the moment. I contacted apple support via chat to enquire about making a reservation to try on the apple watch on the 10th April 2015 and was told that there was no special system to reserve an appointment. The Apple representative then created me a Genius bar appointment to try on the Apple watch and told me there would be no issue in me trying on the apple watch with this reservation.
It doesn't sound right to me but I have the chat transcript printed out as proof when I arrive for my appointment on Friday and they decide to knock me back
Based on what you said I made a Genius appointment for Friday. Worth a shot. I don't normally do the "first day" thing but I thought I would this time for the fun of it. The Mall of America is going to be a zoo, lol. The line might extend into the Microsoft store across the hall
Nah, they wouldn't allow that.What exactly is the point of a retail store, if I have to make an online reservation to buy the product?
they should just can all the retail stores and go all online
Think of the customer break-down:
1) Early adopters. "I just want it". They won't walk into a retail environment - they'll buy online.
2) Uncertain early adopters. "I want it, but I need to try it on before committing, and see which model I prefer". Like any high-demand new and innovative product at a well-organized retail environment, there is an allocation for display (i.e. not for sale), the rest for reservation (i.e. online), and if demand doesn't yet meet supply - the rest is for instant purchase (i.e. in-store). Most likely, this memo is simply pre-empting the fact that reservation demand will far outweigh supply, hence in-store isn't an option. Apple would NEVER deny their customers the tangible experience of wearing what they keep calling their most personal device ever, however: so the stores are necessary.
3) Certain non-buyers. "I want to play with it, maybe I'll buy the second edition". Again, give the tangible experience, build faith in the product/platform.
4) Skeptics. "This is a dumb product. I'm going to put it on so I can see how dumb it is." Don't underestimate how important this group is: they are the most vocal, and the endorsement of a formerly-skeptical person holds a ton of weight in skewing buying decisions (for better or for worse). This is why not-for-sale display pieces can not be allowed to be depleted.
As usual, Apple is showing that they understand retail, and that they understand human psychology. If they maintain their track record of proving that they understand product design, this product will be a killer: skeptics, non-buyers, uncertain early adopters will all become visible and vocal endorsers. Early adopters are always visible and vocal endorsers, regardless of product quality ("I have something you don't, isn't it beautiful?")