How Apple blew the launch

[dadoftwogirls]

Hard to understand what people expect anymore reading some of the posts. Not trying to sound like a fan boy, but the iPad(s) is/are arguably the most desired and successful consumer product ever offered. I might be missing something, but I can't remember anything in the last 50 years (or my lifetime) that has created this kind of hype. The iPod and iPhone are being dwarfed by this thing and they are arguably the two nearest competitors. Considering they sold 17 million in 9 months, it isn't a stretch to understand why demand is far out stripping supply. Everybody wants one now. If they waited until they had stockpiled 5 million units for the day one launch, we'd be two or three months down the road and already talking about the iPad3. I'm sure that Apple would much rather have sold one to the OP and every person in line as they are in this business to make money. However, simple supply and demand logistics are at fault and not some conspiracy (or poor planning) with the desire of getting more publicity. I think at this point Apple has clearly accomplished worldwide recognition without the need to alienate its customer base.

 

[corriewf]

Hard to understand what people expect anymore reading some of the posts. Not trying to sound like a fan boy, but the iPad(s) is/are arguably the most desired and successful consumer product ever offered. I might be missing something, but I can't remember anything in the last 50 years (or my lifetime) that has created this kind of hype. The iPod and iPhone are being dwarfed by this thing and they are arguably the two nearest competitors. Considering they sold 17 million in 9 months, it isn't a stretch to understand why demand is far out stripping supply. Everybody wants one now. If they waited until they had stockpiled 5 million units for the day one launch, we'd be two or three months down the road and already talking about the iPad3. I'm sure that Apple would much rather have sold one to the OP and every person in line as they are in this business to make money. However, simple supply and demand logistics are at fault and not some conspiracy (or poor planning) with the desire of getting more publicity. I think at this point Apple has clearly accomplished worldwide recognition without the need to alienate its customer base.

I understand you point, but it glosses over the flaws. It's not about not getting one that makes people mad. It's about waiting in line for nothing or running around to five different stores for nothing. Check a couple post back to see what apple has done in the past to make supply issues seem not as bad. They had options in place that allowed most people to choose an option.

They didn't have to torture people with mass hysteria.

 

[Mike Reed]

I don't think I'd say they blew it but I would agree that it was handled poorly and seemingly without much forethought (unless you subscribe to the 'Apple wanted to see long lines' conspiracy theory).

Not getting one today itself isn't the issue. The issue is standing outside in the frigid weather with no attempt from the staff to communicate the likelihood that it isn't worth it. Counting stock, counting people in line, asking people who wants what model - all these things were done at the location I went to. Why then, did they not bother to tell people the inventory isn't there until you were about to the door? That was the problem, IMO. They had all the info they needed to let folks know they wouldn't be getting what they came for, but they didn't communicate it. That's the rub.

I felt bad for the folks just in front of me. A shopper came out and announced all types of the 64 Gb models were gone, followed shortly by an employee that said the same thing. This prompted the older couple in front of me to leave. When it was my turn in the store, my rep checked and there were indeed still some 64 Verizon models left.

 

[dadoftwogirls]

I understand you point, but it glosses over the flaws. It's not about not getting one that makes people mad. It's about waiting in line for nothing or running around to five different stores for nothing. Check a couple post back to see what apple has done in the past to make supply issues seem not as bad. They had options in place that allowed most people to choose an option.

They didn't have to torture people with mass hysteria.

Counterpoint taken. The no pre-order is hard to understand, but only Apple in their secretive way ever knows their reasoning on things like this.

 

[Chilean.Miner]

Blame Apple for treating its customers like cattle (with tons of $$) but also blame ourselves for going with it.

\


this

 

[dadoftwogirls]

I don't think I'd say they blew it but I would agree that it was handled poorly and seemingly without much forethought (unless you subscribe to the 'Apple wanted to see long lines' conspiracy theory).

Not getting one today itself isn't the issue. The issue is standing outside in the frigid weather with no attempt from the staff to communicate the likelihood that it isn't worth it. Counting stock, counting people in line, asking people who wants what model - all these things were done at the location I went to. Why then, did they not bother to tell people the inventory isn't there until you were about to the door? That was the problem, IMO. They had all the info they needed to let folks know they wouldn't be getting what they came for, but they didn't communicate it. That's the rub.

I felt bad for the folks just in front of me. A shopper came out and announced all types of the 64 Gb models were gone, followed shortly by an employee that said the same thing. This prompted the older couple in front of me to leave. When it was my turn in the store, my rep checked and there were indeed still some 64 Verizon models left.

I guess everywhere was different. My store, at about 4:50 the entire staff came outside and did this whole run down the line thing high fiving people, while the crowd cheered, and clapped. There had to be 350 people in line. In addition, the whole time they were handing out bottled water and at one point California pizza was giving out food. Yes, they did run out of iPads. But they had a person coming out and announcing up and down the line how many of each model, ATT / Verizon, etc. were left. Of course people were disappointed as they made the announcements and got out line but I didn't hear anyone really bitch out loud. It was the "Ahh" and "Bummer" type comments as they broke ranks. Nobody wants to leave empty handed. However, to me my store experience was pretty good. Sorry to hear others weren't treated the same or got the run around.

 

[corriewf]

Counterpoint taken. The no pre-order is hard to understand, but only Apple in their secretive way ever knows their reasoning on things like this.

Well didn't mean to say you were wrong, just that it didn't address what I was referring to. I agree with what you said.

The reserve process would have been best. I would try and reserve and if no reserves were available, accept my loss and try later. No hassle, no stress. This is their first launch of a device with this many variations. The att band and Verizon band iPads are proprietary devices. If one needs Verizon, they cannot accept att and vice versa. It's much more complex than any other launch and for some reason apple turned it into a free for all. Apple is the best at what they do because they are the most organized of the companies that produce such devices. It's just inexcusable that they somehow just forgot about all of these measures that have been in place for years.

 

[sineplex]

Yes yes yes!!! We aren't all teens with nothing but time. I have kids and a wife I can't tell them sorry I need to go get in line.

No but you sound like a whining kid. Order online the wait is 3 days and delivered to your door. geeeze

 

[Surf Monkey]

The Washington Square location in Portland did fine. They maintained a head count, served water, coffee and iced tea. They kept everyone informed of the stock situation and they had employees walking down the line letting people play with an iPad 2and a Smart Cover. All in all it was a positive experience. I had wanted a black ATT 64 gig and ended up with a black Verizon 64 gig. No serious complaints from that specific location beyond the fact that I wish they'd had more ATT versions on hand. First and last I'd say they moved close to 1k units. Impressive.

 

[shipwrecked]

Here are the launch options for THIS iPad:
Stay awake until or get up early to order at 4am est to receive a week later.
Wait in line and hope they have enough.

With all due respect I would have chosen option B - staying awake or getting up early to order online- especially without the pre-order system in place. I was at Best Buy this evening to buy earphones and there were lots of pissy looking folks in line who were told the only iPad they had left was the 64GB White Verizon 3g. And the line wasn't that long, maybe 80 people.

And I don't understand why the stock was so low, it's obvious tons of people were practically counting the seconds for this launch!

 

[Faux Carnival]

They wanted to be the center of attention like always. Limited stocks, all those lines. Perfect marketing from Apple once again. No doubt half of those people bought it to resell. I can't believe this ****. Way to go iSheep!

 

[Surf Monkey]

Good thing no one is unreasonably judgmental around here.

 

[corriewf]

With all due respect I would have chosen option B - staying awake or getting up early to order online- especially without the pre-order system in place. I was at Best Buy this evening to buy earphones and there were lots of pissy looking folks in line who were told the only iPad they had left was the 64GB White Verizon 3g. And the line wasn't that long, maybe 80 people.

And I don't understand why the stock was so low, it's obvious tons of people were practically counting the seconds for this launch!

I can respect that decision as long as it's a choice and not mandatory like in this case. I probably would have preferred what I did last year and reserve one in store for the next time they get them in. I didn't need it today. I can wait a week. I just don't like the random ****. As Danny glover would say, " I'm too old for this ****." Sometimes this risk can be exciting, will admit it. In your case it worked out.

 

[jarvijarv]

I feel so sorry for you.

Here is why

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r1CZTLk-Gk

LMAO! Everything's Amazing & Nobody's Happy. As someone in his late 30's, I can relate. Having known there was no pre-orders for the iPad 2, and from past experiences with iPhone/iPad first day launches, there was no way in hell I would try and purchase an iPad 2 on day 1. People are dying in the thousands in Japan, I can hold off on an iPad 2 for now and donate $500 to those earthquake victims instead.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Well, they didn't blow it. Their sales won't suffer at all. We as consumers may not have like it. But we have the choice to buy or not.

Agreed. Apple didn't force anyone to stand in line all day to buy one. Those who did wait made the decision on their own.

Enjoy Apple's condescending mind games.

It's nothing personal, just an opportunity to show Apple's the boss.

A show courtesy of "The Gullibles", Apples any place, any time, any price devotees.

Apple pulls their strings so perfectly.

And the same people complaining today will be in line again in a few months for the iPhone 5. Whose fault is that?

what do you want, a limo ride to cupertino and a personal walkthrough of the iPad 2 from Steve Jobs? Get a grip. You're one of millions saying "shut up and take my money". It is you who are lowering yourself to be prostrate in front of the Apple shrine in order to get a new iPad on day one.

If you want to maintain your dignity, just wait until there's plenty of stock, and saunter in, latte in hand at your majesty's convenience? The smart "customer" might just buy an iPad 1, save some money, and wait for greater advances in iPad 3.

And what is this "competition" of which you speak? Your hysteria belies your fanboyism. You are already reeled in. Even non-fanboys admit there's hardly anything out there that competes.

Anyone who waited in line has no one to blame except themselves. Nobody was forced into buying an iPad today. It's not a necessity.

Word of mouth is much more powerful. I know I have personally referred many people to macs. If they keep up with these tactics, they will alienate their core customers. We are the ones that have made them the large company they are today.

People will forget in a few weeks that any lines existed...but the ones that had to wait in one, and not get anything, will remember a long time.

They'll be right back in line waiting for the next iPhone or iPad.

No. Three weeks is nothing. Stuff sells out. It's a fact of life. Part of launching a product is Marketing/PR, and Apple is generating massive amounts of it. Just because you didn't get your iPad on day one, doesn't mean Apple blew anything.

Absolutely. Who exactly did Apple force to purchase today? The customers created the hysteria by buying into the hype that began with the original iPhone.

 

[shipwrecked]

I can respect that decision as long as it's a choice and not mandatory like in this case. I probably would have preferred what I did last year and reserve one in store for the next time they get them in. I didn't need it today. I can wait a week. I just don't like the random ****. As Danny glover would say, " I'm too old for this ****." Sometimes this risk can be exciting, will admit it. In your case it worked out.

Lol. It worked out alright because I wasn't out to get one today Dropped by best buy for another purchase. Instead I bought my first iPad on craigslist last week and so far i'm blown away by it - now i know why it's one of the most desired pieces of tech out there.

I do agree that Apple should let customers pre-order. It would probably make the whole launch a little less of a pain in the ass. And lessen the shipping estimate for those who placed their order on line.

 

[corriewf]

Lol. It worked out alright because I wasn't out to get one today Dropped by best buy for another purchase. Instead I bought my first iPad on craigslist last week and so far i'm blown away by it - now i know why it's one of the most desired pieces of tech out there.

I do agree that Apple should let customers pre-order. It would probably make the whole launch a little less of a pain in the ass. And lessen the shipping estimate for those who placed their order on line.

Yeah, last year for the iPhone 4 they let people make reservations online 24 hours before launch so even though you waited in line, there was one in the store with your name on it. You were not waiting in vain. Waiting in line for hours for nothing is like watching the movie sixth sense, but at the end it turns out the kid was dreaming the entire time....and Bruce Willis was in fact...alive!

Don't forget to get sky fire. Has helped a lot with lack of flash. Kind of a stuttery browser, but great none the less.

 

[chrono1081]

Enjoy Apple's condescending mind games.

It's nothing personal, just an opportunity to show Apple's the boss.

A show courtesy of "The Gullibles", Apples any place, any time, any price devotees.

Apple pulls their strings so perfectly.

Get real. Not everything is a conspiracy. It's a popular item, only a finite amount can be produced, they sold out, end of story. Anyone who thinks there is more to this is an idiot plain and simple.

 

[Doc750]

I post in threads without reading. I'm an idiot plain and simple.

fixed it for ya.

 

[krnboy503]

How did they blow it?

Do you expect Target, Walmart or Best Buy to have hundreds in-stock? Apple store gets majority of the iPads released and get shipments everyday (excluding Sundays). All three Apple stores in Oregon had 300+ in-stock and still had a lot left around 8pm. Again, the amount of iPads per Apple store depends on the region.

Sure pre-orders/reservations helped last year, but they still did a good job preparing for the iPad 2.

 

[f1restarter]

fixed it for ya.

LMFAO. Right on target!

 

[spinedoc77]

Except people aren't "talking" good about Apple with regard to THIS launch.

Lol, Apple could put a boxing glove in the ipad box that sucker punched you when you opened it and people would still be screaming to get in line to pay $499 for it. I am also a victim of waitin in line for 2 hours to leave empty handed and I promised never again. But I realize that Apple is in the unique position of being able to completely sell out of most products regardless how it launches them. Why complain, the only real way to effect change is to buy a different companies product, and we all know that's not going to happen.

 

[Freida]

LMAO! Everything's Amazing & Nobody's Happy. As someone in his late 30's, I can relate. Having known there was no pre-orders for the iPad 2, and from past experiences with iPhone/iPad first day launches, there was no way in hell I would try and purchase an iPad 2 on day 1. People are dying in the thousands in Japan, I can hold off on an iPad 2 for now and donate $500 to those earthquake victims instead.

Exactly! Shame that OP is another "spoiled ......" CK talks about
Isn't it sad that we have reached this stage in our society?

 

[corriewf]

Exactly! Shame that OP is another "spoiled ......" CK talks about
Isn't it sad that we have reached this stage in our society?

Yeah... Ok tell me how this launch was better than past launches? Oh you can't? Awww I guess all you have left is to attack me.

 

[Surf Monkey]

Yeah... Ok tell me how this launch was better than past launches? Oh you can't? Awww I guess all you have left is to attack me.

So, if it wasn't "better" than the previous launches, it's a failure? Great logic.

Apple didn't fail on this product launch. The failure was in people's ability to keep their own expectations in check.