How Long in LANTAU ISLAND?

[Inf4life]

Please tell me ANY OTHER consumer product that lets you track its movement from the factory in China all the way to your door?

All this griping about your iPad's long weekend (sipping Mai Tais and catching waves?) on Lantau Island is silly.

Lets start with the basics: First of all, its generally NOT very efficient to distribute consumer goods one-a-time via airfreight and home delivery. If you've ever shipped a package internationally, you'll know how expensive and inconvenient it can be. Simply filling out the customs forms is beyond many people. Secondly, Apple is offering the direct-shipment via FedEx as a convenience to its customers who aren't able to get an iPad at a retail outlet. And in order to do this in a reasonably economical fashion, while NOT charging those customers an arm and a leg for shipping, they've opted for a program that allows their vendor (FedEx) to utilize flexibility in loading and scheduling their aircraft - matching free space with available cargos.

If it wasn't for the FedEx tracking system, most people would have no idea that their iPad was sitting in a warehouse near Hong Kong International airport for a couple of days. They'd simply be happy when it showed up at their door.

Quit yer whining!

First off, anything shipped via Fed Ex, UPS, etc that comes from overseas has a tracking number and I can see the progress from start to finish. Last I checked Apple wasn't the only company that used them.

Second, I just sent two packages to my friends in Iraq a few weeks ago. Those packages were 25lbs a piece. Cost me $46 each for Priority shipping from USPS. Those packages took, count them, FIVE DAYS, to get to IRAQ. A war zone. So you are telling me that it takes my package that weighs 3lbs, 13 days to get to me from China and I should be happy about it because I didn't pay for it??? I would gladly have paid for Priority shipping, just like everyone else here, if it meant I would either get my iPad on the 11th or in five days.

Lastly, it's not a convenience for most of Apples customers that can't get it in a retail store. It's because most of Apples customers have better things to do with their time than camp outside of an Apple store or Best Buy or wherever to get an iPad. If you ask the average family man if his wife will let him get off work at 5pm and go sit in line for 8 hours to buy an electronic device, that he might not even be able to get, instead of coming home to eat dinner with his family he'll tell you that you are out of your mind. You see, some people value their time a lot more than some damn gadget.

I like a lot of people here woke up at 3am, ordered my iPad from my iPhone and rolled right back and went to sleep. Did I think I would get it on Saturday?? Hell no. But did I think it would take 13 days to get to me?? Hell no. Don't advertise fast, free shipping when you don't deliver.

 

[Pak^Man]

First off, anything shipped via Fed Ex, UPS, etc that comes from overseas has a tracking number and I can see the progress from start to finish. Last I checked Apple wasn't the only company that used them.

Second, I just sent two packages to my friends in Iraq a few weeks ago. Those packages were 25lbs a piece. Cost me $46 each for Priority shipping from USPS. Those packages took, count them, FIVE DAYS, to get to IRAQ. A war zone. So you are telling me that it takes my package that weighs 3lbs, 13 days to get to me from China and I should be happy about it because I didn't pay for it??? I would gladly have paid for Priority shipping, just like everyone else here, if it meant I would either get my iPad on the 11th or in five days.

Lastly, it's not a convenience for most of Apples customers that can't get it in a retail store. It's because most of Apples customers have better things to do with their time than camp outside of an Apple store or Best Buy or wherever to get an iPad. If you ask the average family man if his wife will let him get off work at 5pm and go sit in line for 8 hours to buy an electronic device, that he might not even be able to get, instead of coming home to eat dinner with his family he'll tell you that you are out of your mind. You see, some people value their time a lot more than some damn gadget.

I like a lot of people here woke up at 3am, ordered my iPad from my iPhone and rolled right back and went to sleep. Did I think I would get it on Saturday?? Hell no. But did I think it would take 13 days to get to me?? Hell no. Don't advertise fast, free shipping when you don't deliver.

You tell him Boss!

And "vrDrew", we are all fanboys here from time to time.... but don't be ridiculous!

 

[edk99]

So my iPad that was scheduled for delivery today is still in Alaska. I talked to Fed Ex online and this is what they told me.

Thanks. Apple, the shipper has chosen International Economy Service (which is not a Priority service). It has been the same area because of lack of space on the aircraft at the origin point. Apple has chosen this space availability service and delivery commitment of 5 to 7 business days. Track it online tomorrow to ensure it is out for delivery.

I don't care what anyone says, this is unacceptable. I didn't pay almost a $1000 for this kind of customer service.

My frustration exactly!!

Thanks to Apple for treating the idiots (us) that woke up at 4:00 AM to place orders like trash!

So disappointed in a company I used to be proud evangelizing for....

I just lost a whole workday because FedEx (another pile of inefficiency it seems) showed my package in transit from Tennessee as of 4:00 AM, and still showed delivery date of 3/23 this afternoon..... now I'm told the iPad didn't leave Tennessee until 4:30 PM!! Another full plane maybe!

So;

• No Pre-Orders
• Open up online ordering at 4:00AM
• No Express Shipping Option
• Using THE most third class international shipping short of hiring Somali Pirates
• (Not to mention, passing out incomplete information and no inventory tracking at Apple stores to make people line up morning after morning to get an iPad)
• Absolutely NO respect for the consumer!!

This was the last time I try to be one of the first to buy Apple's new toy....

After this whole iPad Fiasco my feelings for Apple are the same as they are for the DMV.... I do business with them because i have to; but NEVER recommend them to anyone!!!!

Both of you guys need to step back from the computer and relax. As long as your iPad get to you by 3/25 you have NOTHING to complain about. Who cares how they shipped it as long as it arrives in the delivery time frame that Apple gave you (3/18-3/25) when YOU PLACED THE ORDER.

if you guys want to complain then complain to FedEx about the screwed up tracking info. Just can't see why you guys are mad at Apple for delivering you the product in the delivery time frame you agreed to when ordering.

 

[Pak^Man]

if you guys want to complain then complain to FedEx about the screwed up tracking info. Just can't see why you guys are mad at Apple for delivering you the product in the delivery time frame you agreed to when ordering.

Already did! But what to do with the rest of the rage?!!

I realize it's a bit of an over-reaction; but is it too much to ask for to get Express Shipping for those who want it. I'm just frustrated with the fact that everyone was forced.... yes, forced to opt for the crappy Economic (allegedly "fast") shipping!

Other than that.... 23rd, 24th.... meh!!

I just have a beef with FedEx, I guess.....

 

[abnospam]

As the OP, I am here to say my iPad delivered today. There is alight at the end of this tunnel. The irony, however, is that I left town this morning for 7 days! You missed me by a couple hours Apple!

BTW - 4.5 days on the island, then 36 hours from AK to my door.

 

[incongruity]

Both of you guys need to step back from the computer and relax. As long as your iPad get to you by 3/25 you have NOTHING to complain about. Who cares how they shipped it as long as it arrives in the delivery time frame that Apple gave you (3/18-3/25) when YOU PLACED THE ORDER.

How they ship it and the level of customer service by that shipper absolutely can be something to be unhappy about, IMHO.

Because of the cut-rate shipping option that Apple has used, I lost half a day of work waiting for a package that wasn't going to show up: Apple contracted with Fed-Ex to ship my iPad in a manner that meant Fed-Ex could push back the deadline at-will, apparently, despite my Apple order page indicating that my order had been upgraded to priority shipping.

Because of that promise and the stated delivery date of 3/23 (via Fed-Ex's own system, even), I made plans to be at home to receive the package because it was reasonable to expect that it'd be here, on-time. Instead, Fed-Ex decided that it was lower-priority and could stay in Memphis a bit longer, after having sat in HK for a few extra days as well. Was I notified of the additional delay? No. Was it even reflected in their system? No, not until the deadline had passed.

That certainly isn't priority service and it's not even reasonable economy service - and it cost me half a day of work time, needlessly.

Yes, my delivery window goes until the 25th but that doesn't make this okay. FedEx wasted my time and Apple chose FedEx's lower than economy shipping option which has resulted in poor service for many of us.

I'm certainly not enraged but this is such a strong contrast to every other Apple experience I've had (including the one just a few weeks ago when I got my new MBP). So yeah, I'm disappointed.

 

[rikbrown]

That picture solves the mystery. Four free nights in a Hawaii like Island. No wonder they dont want to come home.

Lantau is a lovely island! And I'm lucky enough to be travelling to Hong Kong next month again. I may or may not be scheduling said trip to coincide with the iPad 2's release in HK (doubt it'll be available where I am for god knows how long).

On the plus side, all your iPads will be getting a nice view of the giant Buddha statue on their way in/out of Lantau. Some good luck/karma for you.

 

[pmcdn]

Anyone here who saw their ipad stuck in Lantau for a bit get their shipment AFTER the estimated delivery date?

 

[edk99]

How they ship it and the level of customer service by that shipper absolutely can be something to be unhappy about, IMHO.

Because of the cut-rate shipping option that Apple has used, I lost half a day of work waiting for a package that wasn't going to show up: Apple contracted with Fed-Ex to ship my iPad in a manner that meant Fed-Ex could push back the deadline at-will, apparently, despite my Apple order page indicating that my order had been upgraded to priority shipping.

Because of that promise and the stated delivery date of 3/23 (via Fed-Ex's own system, even), I made plans to be at home to receive the package because it was reasonable to expect that it'd be here, on-time. Instead, Fed-Ex decided that it was lower-priority and could stay in Memphis a bit longer, after having sat in HK for a few extra days as well. Was I notified of the additional delay? No. Was it even reflected in their system? No, not until the deadline had passed.

That certainly isn't priority service and it's not even reasonable economy service - and it cost me half a day of work time, needlessly.

Yes, my delivery window goes until the 25th but that doesn't make this okay. FedEx wasted my time and Apple chose FedEx's lower than economy shipping option which has resulted in poor service for many of us.

I'm certainly not enraged but this is such a strong contrast to every other Apple experience I've had (including the one just a few weeks ago when I got my new MBP). So yeah, I'm disappointed.

Well looking at my tracking info mine is suppose to be delivered today. I highly doubt that given it is in transit to Indy and I'm in Florida. Am I pissed. Not really. Fortunately I'm having it delivered to my work so I don't have to make plans to be home to get it. So it will probably get here tomorrow and I'm not going to loose sleep over it.

In the end it is still better then waiting in line, scouring stores and making dozens of phone calls to find one.

Estimated delivery Mar 24, 2011 by 4:30 PM

Mar 24, 2011 6:15 AM In transit INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Mar 24, 2011 3:59 AM Arrived at FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Mar 23, 2011 6:14 PM Departed FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
Mar 23, 2011 6:14 PM In transit ANCHORAGE, AK
Mar 23, 2011 11:39 AM Int'l shipment release ANCHORAGE, AK
Mar 23, 2011 8:49 AM Arrived at FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
Mar 22, 2011 11:20 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 21, 2011 11:52 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 20, 2011 10:41 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 19, 2011 11:50 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 19, 2011 2:40 PM Picked up SHENZHEN CN
Mar 19, 2011 2:40 PM Left FedEx origin facility SHENZHEN CN
Mar 19, 2011 1:00 PM In transit LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 18, 2011 6:12 AM Shipment information sent to FedEx

 

[Inf4life]

Well to update my status. My iPad 2 is out for delivery right now.

 

[Inf4life]

Well another great job by Fed Ex. Been checking my tracking all day and just now says that my iPad was delivered..........at 10:49am. WTF??? Why is it just now updating?? Gayness.

 

[emigrant]

White Wifi-3G 64GB ATT

Mar 24, 2011 2:22 PM Delivered BROOKLYN, NY
Mar 24, 2011 9:04 AM On FedEx vehicle for delivery BROOKLYN, NY
Mar 24, 2011 8:13 AM At local FedEx facility BROOKLYN, NY
Mar 24, 2011 6:05 AM Departed FedEx location NEWARK, NJ
Mar 24, 2011 2:28 AM Arrived at FedEx location NEWARK, NJ
Mar 23, 2011 3:59 PM Departed FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
Mar 23, 2011 11:56 AM Int'l shipment release ANCHORAGE, AK
Mar 23, 2011 8:49 AM Arrived at FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
Mar 22, 2011 11:20 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 21, 2011 11:52 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 21, 2011 1:13 AM In transit LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 20, 2011 11:05 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Mar 20, 2011 12:44 PM Picked up SHENZHEN CN

Estimated delivery Mar 24, 2011 by 4:30 PM, Brooklyn,NY


Yes, yes, yes!

 

[pmcdn]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8F190 Safari/6533.18.5)

Why would Apple do anything differently when people camp out/line up to buy their products as fast as they possibly can?

 

[Pak^Man]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8F190 Safari/6533.18.5)

Why would Apple do anything differently when people camp out/line up to buy their products as fast as they possibly can?

Because the novelty and cool-factor of a shiny new toy, and the edge Apple enjoys will begin to fade over time.... but true customer loyalty, goodwill, and lifetime customer value takes a long time to build, and couple of small mistakes to ruin.

Here's a small example:
I (a consumer) always make an effort to buy all my Apple gear directly from Apple.... because I used to like how they treated me. Not I'm not too sure.... let's say that next year I decide to buy a $2000 MBP, where the profit margin is a $1000 (for simplicity).

If I buy from Apple online, Apple gets the $1000 profit. But now I'm not happy with Apple and I buy that next MBP from Amazon, where Apple has to share the margin (Amazon keeps $300 and Apple gets the remaining $700). Apple just lost 30% of their profit.

That repeats over millions of consumers and before you know it Apple's profitability per unit, and hence their stock price takes a hit!

It's quite sure that Apple's profitability is gfar higher through direct web sales (by a long margin), followed by Apple Stores, and finally channel partners.... it's just business logic.

That's why Apple should do it differently.... as this arrogance catches up with companies in the long term.

 

[KaosTheoryx]

Lantau is a lovely island! And I'm lucky enough to be travelling to Hong Kong next month again. I may or may not be scheduling said trip to coincide with the iPad 2's release in HK (doubt it'll be available where I am for god knows how long).

On the plus side, all your iPads will be getting a nice view of the giant Buddha statue on their way in/out of Lantau. Some good luck/karma for you.
Image

please say hello to my ipad while your there

 

[KaosTheoryx]

May 1, 2011 11:59 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Apr 30, 2011 11:23 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Apr 29, 2011 11:50 PM At local FedEx facility LANTAU ISLAND HK
Apr 29, 2011 11:34 PM In transit LANTAU ISLAND HK
Apr 29, 2011 7:18 PMPicked up SHENZHEN CN Package received after FedEx cutoff
Apr 29, 2011 2:58 PMLeft FedEx origin facility SHENZHEN CN
Apr 28, 2011 11:46 PMPicked up SHENZHEN CN Package received after FedEx cutoff
Apr 28, 2011 10:41 AM Shipment information sent to FedEx
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my delivery date is may 4th and unless it gets to AK tomorrow (monday) it'll never make it and im supposed to go out of town thursday (the 5th) and wont be home til sunday

 

[macaddict3]

ha thats quite funny and annoying at the same time.

 

[tychocraft]

the mine is there now for 8 full days.... Wtf is happening there....