How Apple blew the launch

[Axiem]

I don't think Apple or Best Buy has had to handle a launch before with 18 different SKUs hitting the same day. I bet next year will be smoother as they learn from this one.

Yeah, there'll be fewer SKUs

Yup...pretty lame. You can order online...should get it around April 15th... I wonder how much longer before the employee that answers the phone at the store goes postal. I won't be calling more, but out of the two times I have called, she sounded like a robot.

Every single time I've called, I've gotten a different employee. I imagine they take shifts.

 

[canadianipad]

Yup...pretty lame. You can order online...should get it around April 15th... I wonder how much longer before the employee that answers the phone at the store goes postal. I won't be calling more, but out of the two times I have called, she sounded like a robot.

I'm sorry, but with every post you sound more and more like a spoiled little child. "well last time Apple did this, and Apple did that, and I want, I want, I want"
Again, you were lucky last time with preorders and Apple also taking names and giving people a call when new shipments came in.
There is no rule or law they have to do this.

And fine, you didn't get up early to order online. But if you are now saying you are fine waiting a few weeks, order online now. 3 weeks is a few weeks.

 

[Sodner]

I think you asked why I made this thread? To be honest. I wanted an outlet for those that went through a not so great experience and to point out the flaws in the launch.

The flaw is you DID NOT GET THERE EARLY ENOUGH.

Man Dude my iPad 2, the exact one I wanted, the one I have already, is soooo sweet.

 

[dmaul1114]

The flaw is you DID NOT GET THERE EARLY ENOUGH.

And I could argue it's a flaw to do a launch that requires lining up in the first place.

It's just not worth this continued argument. Some like lining up and were happy with the experience regardless of whether they got one or not, and others aren't.

And as I've said many times, it's not worth being upset anyway. I don't like lining up so I always just order online or wait a month or two to buy new gadgets and avoid the early rush. It's not rocket science and there's no reason to feel so strongly compelled to be the first kid on the block to have the hot new toy. Pretty silly behavior from adults IMO.

 

[corriewf]

Whew, the trolls are all out desperate today. I must be hitting on some truth to make them grasp at straws.

 

[ayz]

you're the one grabbing at straws.

apple is not an american company any more than any of the other ones are. yes they are headquartered in the US. but all of their manufacturing is done overseas.

as for pre-orders, companies engage in pre-orders when there is sufficient stock. apple released the ipad early to beat or match competitor release cycles, since tablets tend to be one-time, cyclical purchases. they did not have sufficient volume to fill demand. you cannot do a release without any stock in-store, especially given the focus apple has placed on their retail stores as these high-end marketing tools and distribution channels. solution? nix pre-orders.

apple doesn't need to generate and cater to existing demand. apple is trying to scramble to get these things out of the factory as fast as possible to keep up with existing demand.

i would recommend someone who's proven themselves to have zero business sense or understanding to not get on a high horse trying to criticize apple's business practices

 

[Carouser]

Whew, the trolls are all out desperate today. I must be hitting on some truth to make them grasp at straws.

Whew, you're all out desperate for strawmen today. You must be missing the point if you have to call people trolls.

 

[Sodner]

In a perfect world Apple would know the demand and have the exact amount available to everyone exactly when they wanted it, but that will never happen.

Apple had millions of dollars sitting around in the estimated 1 million iPad's they did have. Should they have waited till then made 500,000 more? 2 million more?

They sold what they had when they had a reasonable amount.

Be it on line at a store, or hitting refresh every 30 seonds at home on your Mac. Some will get them, some won't, and it really can't ever be any different.

 

[ayz]

That's the option I wanted. I had to work and wasn't going to be there right at five so I assumed I wouldn't get one. I am fine waiting a few weeks. Anyway when I got there shortly after five I got in line just to see if I could one or reserve one for later. I was surprised when there was so much of the line left when they ran out. There was almost a riot. There was no inventory checking. No option to reserve for later....just come back and wait another...that's a giant load of bs imo. I don't mind waiting a few weeks but without a reserve list, I'm not going to constantly call the apple store to get one. That's absurd. Apple needs to have proper channels for people to reserve at a local store etc. They are wasting their customers time and their own employees time answering call after call.

it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that all 200 people outside the apple store probably aren't getting ipads

 

[ayz]

And I could argue it's a flaw to do a launch that requires lining up in the first place.

yeah that would probably be the worst argument ever next to the holocaust being a great idea

 

[admanimal]

At the end of the day, there is probably no set of things Apple could have done to ensure no one feels the way the OP does. Getting a million things into people's hands across an entire country/world in 24 hours is complicated, and I'm sure Apple's management has a much better grasp of how to make it happen than any armchair CEOs on Macrumors.

 

[dmaul1114]

yeah that would probably be the worst argument ever next to the holocaust being a great idea

Just opinion. I think lining up to buy gadgets is completely and utterly pathetic behavior for adults to engage in.

I've never lined up for anything and never will. Especially not for Apple products as I can't stand a huge chunk of their fanbase.

So I think it was a pretty lame launch strategy to not have preorders, but again not a huge deal since they offered online ordering--even if the shipping times are sucking for many.

Limited stock doesn't matter when it comes to preorders. Video game consoles have very limited stock for months after launch and they still do preorders and everyone I've gotten I've just went to the store hours after opening on launch day and picked up my preorder with no lines.

That's the way I think all product launches should be handled personally. If they're not, I'll order online or just wait a while or just say the hell with it and buy something else.

Again, I think people are bitching WAY too much about something so minor as a gadget launch. But I do think it was crummy way to do it in terms of making it as easy as possible for consumers to get a hold of their product as waiting in line for hours is a huge hassle and companies should try to find ways to limit that as much as possible IMO. Especially when Apple has done preorders with products like the iPad 1 and iPhones in the past. But it's done, and someone should lock this thread so this endless argument could stop.

Some people aren't happy, and nothing is going to change their minds. And the Apple fanboys will defend their beloved company to the death. So it's a useless argument.

 

[3N16MA]

At the end of the day, there is probably no set of things Apple could have done to ensure no one feels the way the OP does. Getting a million things into people's hands across an entire country/world in 24 hours is complicated, and I'm sure Apple's management has a much better grasp of how to make it happen than any armchair CEOs on Macrumors.

Don't forget that Apple plans on releasing the iPad 2 in 26 other countries only 2 weeks after the US launch (hope that holds up). Pretty sure that is a huge undertaking that some do not understand.

 

[dmaul1114]

Don't forget that Apple plans on releasing the iPad 2 in 26 other countries only 2 weeks after the US launch (hope that holds up). Pretty sure that is a huge undertaking that some do not understand.

With the limited stock, that was probably also a poor decision.

They should probably due a tiered launch next time that's more like the iPad 1 launch.

Launch wifi only units in the US first like last time, then 3G a month or so later. It appears the 3Gs are very delayed in shipping anyway.

Then do the international launch a month or two later.

Better to have people wait a little longer up front, than think they'll get one at launch and come away frustrated when they're hard to find.

Not having stock spread across 18 skus at launch would probably be wise as well as it's a huge headache when there's limited stock and people wanting certain models etc.

But hey, they're the experts. I'll just say I prefer the way other companies handle their launches and leave it at that. Hopefully some better tablets for my needs roll out in 2-3 years and this can be the last Apple product I buy (it's my 2nd ever after an iPod Nano I bought last year).

 

[anthonymoody]

This thread makes me LOL. Based on everything we're seeing- and from- multitude of directions - the launch was inarguably an unmitigated success. And an ongoing one at that. Apple is obviously selling every iPad 2 it can mfr, and will likely do so for months.

Worst case scenario is that if supply can't catch up by the end of June, you get some revenue shifted into CY Q3 from Q2. I don't think it was remotely possible under any circumstance that they could've satisfied current demand by the end of March (I.e. CY Q1) anyway so this is the likeliest scenario.

I think Apple was wise to release it when they did, to let some of the steam out of the pent up demand prior to previewing iOS 5, at which point I can imagine another crush of people deciding to buy (assuming iOS 5 shows itself to be clearly superior/comparable to some of the android features some clam ore for, e.g. Better notifications, widgets, file system, etc.)

 

[ravenas]

And it's possible that they were instructed to do that by corporate. Which if that's the case, I would say is not conducive to good customer satisfaction in that regard.

My suspicion is that the troubles people had with getting stock on Friday were all caused by Apple's corporate edicts. Which means Apple either didn't have enough stock made or were intentionally withholding to increase the lines and hype of "sold out" headlines.

Honestly the iPad 2 has a helluva lot more viable competition this year than last. The Android tablets are not vaporware anymore. More than a few people in line with me were just as happy to jump ship to Xoom. So I figure Apple has perhaps a month to make a big PR splash with their release. I doubt we're going to see sales as brisk as last year's steady month-to-month demand growth.

Not a bad idea, although my experience with the Apple Store is that it's great if I can get there when they're not crowded. The more people shopping there, the less I like it.

QFT

Middle of a weekday is best at mine. If I hadn't been able to play with the iPad 1 on multiple days I never would have bought it. I thought it was an overpriced toy on first announcement.

That's one reason I'm not too upset over not getting one yet. I want something other than the smart cover (I'd like padding), and I wouldn't mind there being more time for that stuff to come to market.

Yeah, the smart cover looks neat but I'm doubting its effectiveness now. Not having anything to cover the back is asking for trouble. How much you wanna bet we see a version 2 before the end of summer?

 

[dmaul1114]

This thread makes me LOL. Based on everything we're seeing- and from- multitude of directions - the launch was inarguably an unmitigated success. And an ongoing one at that. Apple is obviously selling every iPad 2 it can mfr, and will likely do so for months.

It's undoubtedly a financial success for Apple. And I'm sure the ill will won't hurt them much financially.

It has soured me a tad--though more that's posting on sites like this and dealing with Apple fanboys who've always annoyed me since my online order has moved pretty quickly (just a few days slower than I'd expected)

But I do think I'll end up going Droid rather than iPhone 5 (or whatever the next model is) this summer as I'm sure those will be less hassle to acquire and I don't want to get too locked into the Apple world as I'm just not much of a fan. The iPad is a temporary device until something that better suits my needs comes out and I can jump ship.

 

[admanimal]

My suspicion is that the troubles people had with getting stock on Friday were all caused by Apple's corporate edicts. Which means Apple either didn't have enough stock made or were intentionally withholding to increase the lines and hype of "sold out" headlines.

Intentional withholding is a myth. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever for them to do this. No one would know the difference between the store having 100 or 1000 while they were lining up, and while "sold out" sounds nice, so does "we sold 1.5 million" instead of "we sold 1 million."

 

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, the smart cover looks neat but I'm doubting its effectiveness now. Not having anything to cover the back is asking for trouble. How much you wanna bet we see a version 2 before the end of summer?

I just got a neoprene netbook sleeve to keep in in with the smart cover on.

I want it as thin as possible, and in a case/cover that's easy to remove as I prefer using the device naked.

 

[corriewf]

At the end of the day, there is probably no set of things Apple could have done to ensure no one feels the way the OP does. Getting a million things into people's hands across an entire country/world in 24 hours is complicated, and I'm sure Apple's management has a much better grasp of how to make it happen than any armchair CEOs on Macrumors.

ummm they could have just done what they did for the iPad 1 launch. I think they did a great job with the first iPad launch and I didn't get one on launch day for that either...but it was much smoother.

 

[admanimal]

ummm they could have just done what they did for the iPad 1 launch. I think they did a great job with the first iPad launch and I didn't get one on launch day for that either...but it was much smoother.

Of course, and I'm sure every single person was 100% satisfied with the iPad 1 launch and no one felt the way you do now for any reason.

You do realize that your personal experience isn't what decides whether something is successful or not, right?

 

[SiMBa37]

I think some of you guys are being pretty harsh on the OP. I sympathize with him as I walked away empty handed from the Apple store on Friday too. I was mostly pissed off at myself for deciding to voluntarily wait in line as #200 on a cold miserable day when I could have been at home with my lovely wife and son.

Am I mad at Apple? Not really, they were orchestrating a PR stunt, a spectacle for local people and media to see. I guess they didn't factor in an earthquake and a horrific tsunami in Japan.

Although it did really irk me when Adam Christianson of MacCast was saying on his Podcast what a fun day his waiting in line experience was in North San Diego. I'm glad he was enjoying chatting with the Apple fans in a warm sunny climate, but people at my Apple store with angry, cold, bitter, and outright yelling at the staff for not keeping people informed about inventory.

But in perspective, this is a luxury electronic device. I'd much rather be waiting in cold by an Apple store for an iPad than have my home, family, and friends destroyed by a Tsunami.

 

[corriewf]

With the limited stock, that was probably also a poor decision.

They should probably due a tiered launch next time that's more like the iPad 1 launch.

Launch wifi only units in the US first like last time, then 3G a month or so later. It appears the 3Gs are very delayed in shipping anyway.

Then do the international launch a month or two later.

Better to have people wait a little longer up front, than think they'll get one at launch and come away frustrated when they're hard to find.

Not having stock spread across 18 skus at launch would probably be wise as well as it's a huge headache when there's limited stock and people wanting certain models etc.

But hey, they're the experts. I'll just say I prefer the way other companies handle their launches and leave it at that. Hopefully some better tablets for my needs roll out in 2-3 years and this can be the last Apple product I buy (it's my 2nd ever after an iPod Nano I bought last year).

This is one of the best posts in this thread. * claps * I couldn't agree more!

 

[canadianipad]

ummm they could have just done what they did for the iPad 1 launch. I think they did a great job with the first iPad launch and I didn't get one on launch day for that either...but it was much smoother.

But remember, it was only the wifi version available first. That's 3 models.
This launch they had 18!
So last year they put all their efforts into the WiFi. Thats a huge difference in numbers and stock.
Again, just because Apple does something once, doesn't mean they have to do it the same every time. There are always factors for the decisions.
This time was supply. They wanted to get the iPad 2 out fast. Then the huge international launch on the 25th.
Apple is trying to make ALL its users around the world happy.

 

[TJRiver]

Perspective people, perspective......... while "magical", the iPad is essentially a very expensive toy for adults.

With so many important (and heartbreaking) things going on in the world, isn't bitching about not getting the latest toy on the first day it is sold kind of pathetic? And isn't 14-15 pages of comments on that bitching also kind of sad? And my wasting time from my day to add to the same comments is even sadder.

Buck Up OP, Apple will make more, you can count on it. Me, I am going to get around to getting a refurbished V1 iPad when the budget permits. Enjoy the bleeding edge, kiddies.