In store pickup availability is not guaranteed on day 1

[techguy9]

I chatted yesterday online through the Apple website and they told me that it is not guaranteed that your watch will be avaliable for in-store pickup on day 1 if you request that. They will notify you when it will be available. Screenshot below.

 

[TonyC28]

I hate having to do it without trying it on or even seeing it in person, but I'm pre-ordering for home delivery at 2:01am CST on Friday. For this whole confusing purchase process for these watches that seems to be the easiest way.

 

[Tammster]

In store pickup availability is not guaranteed on day 1

Isn't "ordering" for in store pickup (which I thought was not available) different than "reserving" the watch? I was told from the local Apple employee (who seemed to know what he was talking about) that the watch you reserved will be there on day 1 if you have a reservation.

 

[MrLoL]

I don't get it, either when you ask for home delivery, they tell us that it is very likely that it will ship on 24th and not delivered on 24th like it is said.
And then they tell us that in-store pickup might not guaranteed that it will be available on 24th.

What the hell?

 

[techguy9]

I hate having to do it without trying it on or even seeing it in person, but I'm pre-ordering for home delivery at 2:01am CST on Friday. For this whole confusing purchase process for these watches that seems to be the easiest way.

That what I decided to do after this chat. I'm just pre-ordering, schedule an Watch tryout appointment, and camping out on my doorstep on the 24th ,

 

[Dave245]

I chatted yesterday online through the Apple website and they told me that it is not guaranteed that your watch will be avaliable for in-store pickup on day 1 if you request that. They will notify you when it will be available. Screenshot below.

So there is no reserving online to pick up in store for day one? If not I will pre-order for home delivery i can only make it to the Apple Store on the 24th.

 

[techguy9]

I don't get it, either when you ask for home delivery, they tell us that it is very likely that it will ship on 24th and not delivered on 24th like it is said.
And then they tell us that in-store pickup might not guaranteed that it will be available on 24th.

What the hell?

I know, super confusing process!

 

[Dave245]

Isn't "ordering" for in store pickup (which I thought was not available) different than "reserving" the watch? I was told from the local Apple employee (who seemed to know what he was talking about) that the watch you reserved will be there on day 1 if you have a reservation.

I was under the impression that you could reserve online for in store pick up

 

[rjlawrencejr]

I think that is a just in case hedge. However, I'm quite confident the watch I reserve on April 10 will be awaiting my wrist on April 24.

 

[techguy9]

So there is no reserving online to pick up in store for day one? If not I will pre-order for home delivery i can only make it to the Apple Store on the 24th.

Nope, that's what the person said though.

 

[rockyroad55]

I was under the impression that you could reserve online for in store pick up

Same here but that reservation process doesn't go into effect until the 24th. So you'd have to wait until launch day to book the appointment?

 

[TonyC28]

The fact that there are so many threads similar to this one speaks to how confusing this process is. It's baffling really. I was going to say it's unnecessarily confusing but I am beginning to wonder if this is all intentional due to low initial inventory. If that is the case then Apple is doing a good thing to avoid long lines of people trying to buy something that isn't there. Maybe they should have had a handful of watches in stores for the last couple months for people to try on by appointment. Then have an online pre-ordering period, like the 10th through 24th. Then purchase by appointment in the store. It's kind of weird that our best chance to purchase one is to do so by pre-ordering when we've never seen or touched the product. Of course the same could be said of new iPhone launches but we pretty much know what we're getting with those. Just my two cents. And Apple defenders please take a breath. I am just suggesting what I think might have been an easier customer experience.

 

[macuserpl]

Same here but that reservation process doesn't go into effect until the 24th. So you'd have to wait until launch day to book the appointment?

I think the whole goal is to get rid of lines so making it possible to reserve from 4/10 makes sense. Also, if that's to be trusted:

Yes, if the stock that is determined online doesn't run out you can make a product reservation and pay at the store on the 24th. Online portal will show you your pick up date at the store.

Most units will get reserved prior to the 24th, so on launch there will be no units for people to reserve and purchase for the same day but they can reserve for a future day