Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Won't Allow Swapping of Bands at Apple Watch 'Try-On' Appointments

First thought: "Great, something else for people to complain about." Checked the comments and the complaints were there to start us off. I'd like to commend commenters for keeping the Macrumors experience predictable - entitled and whiny.

There can be legitimate reasons to complain but over something like this?
 
Rogifan said:
There is no indication that non-sport bands won't work with the sport watch.
Click to expand...

So what's this? https://www.macrumors.com/2015/03/18/apple-employees-apple-watch-training/

Apple-Watch-Training-800x566.png
 
MacFinnley said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the sport Apple Watch is not compatible with non-sport bands.
Click to expand...

Not compatible in what meaning?

If you mean absolute then no. The shape of each edition is identical to the others. So a 38mm band for a SS model will fit the Al sport model just fine.

If you mean aesthetically then yes. Some bands were made for the SS model and have a SS attachment. So if you use one of those bands on an al case there will be some clashing. Up to the individual to figure out if its tolerable or not.

----------
MacFinnley said:
So what's this? https://www.macrumors.com/2015/03/18/apple-employees-apple-watch-training/

Image
Click to expand...

It's a list of available bundle options. Pro tip: read the small print below the chart.
 
neuropsychguy said:
There can be legitimate reasons to complain but over something like this?
Click to expand...

I agree some of the comments are over the top, but what clothes retailer would stay in business if you had to make an appointment to try clothes on and were limited to two articles per appointment?

Not that I've ever done it, but if I was buying an article of clothing for $1,000, I'd expect to to try on whatever I wanted. Even Walmart permits that. :)

Apple's dilemma here is that they want to project the watch as a high-end fashion item with "personal service", but they're simply not staffed-up to deliver.
 
Arran said:
I agree some of the comments are over the top, but what clothes retailer would stay in business if you had to make an appointment to try clothes on and were limited to two articles per appointment?

Not that I've ever done it, but if I was buying an article of clothing for $1,000, I'd expect to to try on whatever I wanted. Even Walmart permits that. :)

Apple's dilemma here is that they want to project the watch as a high-end fashion item with "personal service", but they're simply not staffed-up to deliver.
Click to expand...

But as far as we know this is just for launch. I'd be very surprised if this process will be the same 2-3 months from now.
 
Kind of weird how they offer numerous options in the spirit of user preferences and freedom, but as soon as a cost in time is involved, it goes out the window. I think this'll bite them since the more options they offer, the more requests to swap they'll get. And not everyone reads tech sites to inform themselves in advance...
 
Chupa Chupa said:
Not compatible in what meaning?

If you mean absolute then no. The shape of each edition is identical to the others. So a 38mm band for a SS model will fit the Al sport model just fine.

If you mean aesthetically then yes. Some bands were made for the SS model and have a SS attachment. So if you use one of those bands on an al case there will be some clashing. Up to the individual to figure out if its tolerable or not.

----------



It's a list of available bundle options. Pro tip: read the small print below the chart.
Click to expand...

OMG, so I was mistaken. thx for shedding light on that. :cool:
 
YegorH said:
Apple never marketed anything such as this gadget. So much buzz about this watch, they are afraid it won't sell well - that's why.
Click to expand...

Lol, yeah right. It'll sell by the millions, thats all. What they don't want is a bunch of tourists and window shoppers wasting their employees time and ultimately not buying anything. I'm sure there well aware of how many people visit an Apple store vs how many actually buy something while they are there. Supplies will also be tight early on so they want serious customers served first.
 
Northgrove said:
Kind of weird how they offer numerous options in the spirit of user preferences and freedom, but as soon as a cost in time is involved, it goes out the window. I think this'll bite them since the more options they offer, the more requests to swap they'll get. And not everyone reads tech sites to inform themselves in advance...
Click to expand...

Yep. It puts the salesperson in an extremely uncomfortable position: Having to say no to their customer.

And as the Internet teaches us, Apple's customers (unlike Burberry's more discreet "clientele") won't take no for an answer. :)

 
Man, this has to be the most polarizing product I can remember Apple ever releasing. People seem to really want this product, or really loathe its existence. And it makes for fascinating threads in a twisted kind of way.
 
burtba said:
Aaaaaand you would know this how? So you know better than APPLE about customer experience:confused: o.k.....
Click to expand...

A company that refuses to sell you an item IN STORE unless you book an appointment?

On that appointment, you only get to try 2 models (out of 18) and refuse to let you swap out bands that you might be interested in buying?


yeah, I think the other guy might know a little more than current Apple about customer experience.

----------
nick42983 said:
Lol, yeah right. It'll sell by the millions, thats all. What they don't want is a bunch of tourists and window shoppers wasting their employees time and ultimately not buying anything. I'm sure there well aware of how many people visit an Apple store vs how many actually buy something while they are there. Supplies will also be tight early on so they want serious customers served first.
Click to expand...

that's true, what Apple needs to do is do a credit check on everyone that came in the door.

and make you sign a waiver saying you WILL buy an item or 2 before you are allowed to leave.

Because why should Apple let you see their precious items if you aren't ready to toss them cash the second you walk into a store? That is MADNESS!
 
rwilliams said:
Man, this has to be the most polarizing product I can remember Apple ever releasing. People seem to really want this product, or really loathe its existence. And it makes for fascinating threads in a twisted kind of way.
Click to expand...

I think it simply mirrors the internal battles within Apple over the product, it's purpose and positioning in the market.

Jobs' steady hand is eminently missing from this product launch. It's all seems a bit chaotic. Schizophrenic even.
 
kingofwale said:
A company that refuses to sell you an item IN STORE unless you book an appointment?

On that appointment, you only get to try 2 models (out of 18) and refuse to let you swap out bands that you might be interested in buying?


yeah, I think the other guy might know a little more than current Apple about customer experience.
Click to expand...

Um...Apple is not requiring you to book an appointment to buy the watch.

http://9to5mac.com/2015/03/29/apple...aled-magical-tables-demo-loops-sales-process/
If a customer wants to try out the Apple Watch without going through the try-on and sales process, they will be able to use a new demo unit connected to an iPad mini. These demo units will be mobile and will be able to be used anywhere in the store.

Additionally, customers who already know which Apple Watch they would like to purchase can buy one via a dedicated purchase station called the Landing Zone. Following the completion of the purchase, customers can access the Personal Setup station to setup the Watch, sync with their iPhone, fit bands, and install Apple Watch apps.
Click to expand...
 
Mac Rumors loves to go negative with it's headlines

Why lead the story with "won't allow swapping of bands…" ? There are a million other leads for this article, but as usual MR chooses to go negative.
 
They should upgrade from Apple Stores to Apple Malls. The stores have lines outside quite frequently and they need to expand.
 
Xiroteus said:
Comes off a bit too *Apple, telling you want want*
Click to expand...

And when you buy an Android Wear watch are they 'telling you' what bands you can buy with the watch, or do you have endless options?

I love how people have problems with Apple 'just because'.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back