Interesting what Apple is doing - lines without buyers!

[bbeagle]

Many people might have overlooked this - it's interesting what Apple is doing with the Apple Watch. Apple won't need lines on opening day for others to gauge how well the Apple Watch is selling!

They'll be in the stores starting April 10 - with no chance to take one home until April 24.

So, Apple stores will be crowded on April 10th and the weeks going forward with people going in to check out the watches. Most of these people will just be curious, with no intention to buy the watch. But Apple will get press and hype regardless.

I bet there will be no 'launch date' lines, as Apple will want people to order early, and come in later to pick up - thereby eliminating the possibility of 'no lines' and a catastrophy.

So even if the Apple Watch doesn't sell well, nobody will 'know' for a long time. Even in an earnings call, Apple can 'hide' the sales because the Apple Watch is under the 'accessories' category just like Apple TV. And if it sells well, Apple can announce the good numbers, but they don't have to announce bad numbers.

Very ingenious - Apple. See? Apple can 'innovate' with they way they sell things!

 

[cleirac]

Not really thinking too much about them hiding anything.

Apple: Come to our stores, look and try them on before you buy.
Curious Haters/Fans: Wow. I want! ... Wrist-melting! ... Take our money!
Press: Apple is doomed. Too many people at the stores with zero sales.

Fast forward to 3rd Qtr Report Call

Tim Cook: We had a record-breaking quarter, people love the stunning Apple Watch and the magical bands! For the first time ever, our undisputed champion was knockout by our newest sensation, the Apple Watch Collection. It was unbelievable considering the iPhone had a record-smashing quarter too.

 

[/dev/toaster]

Of course there will be launch day lines. Pre-orders will sell out and the next best bet is to stand in line.

Limited supply means the scalpers will be out padding the line.

 

[cleirac]

Of course there will be launch day lines. Pre-orders will sell out and the next best bet is to stand in line.

Limited supply means the scalpers will be out padding the line.

For obvious reasons, the Apple Watch Edition will be on limited edition. Good for them if they have ton of money for AWE to scalp the rich buyers. I am against scalping and I do not really see a mass hysteria for the AW during it's launch weeks as compared to the iPhones. It will also be available first day in China and other big markets.

 

[bbeagle]

Of course there will be launch day lines. Pre-orders will sell out and the next best bet is to stand in line.

I'm guessing Apple will have limited pre-orders on-line..... but also take other pre-orders ONLY at the Apple store starting April 10th. So, you'll be able to look at the bands, size your wrist, try the different sizes, then pre-order right there, and then pick up on April 24th.

 

[cleirac]

I'm guessing Apple will have limited pre-orders on-line..... but also take other pre-orders ONLY at the Apple store starting April 10th. So, you'll be able to look at the bands, size your wrist, try the different sizes, then pre-order right there, and then pick up on April 24th.

Limited pre-order is possible if public going to the stores will be lukewarm to it. So I think they are trying to gauge the level of public interest on AW via an intimate and direct interaction.

Yeah, a genius PR - Apple takes it seriously. Their most personal product ever. Go to the stores and find your perfect style!

 

[Dhonk]

if they had done this with the iPhone 6, I would definitely have gotten the Plus. Still happy with my 6 though

 

[/dev/toaster]

For obvious reasons, the Apple Watch Edition will be on limited edition. Good for them if they have ton of money for AWE to scalp the rich buyers. I am against scalping and I do not really see a mass hysteria for the AW during it's launch weeks as compared to the iPhones. It will also be available first day in China and other big markets.

Scalpers won't go for the gold watch, no way. That isn't even close to being a risk.

I am talking about the very limited supplies of the SS and sport model.

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I'm guessing Apple will have limited pre-orders on-line..... but also take other pre-orders ONLY at the Apple store starting April 10th. So, you'll be able to look at the bands, size your wrist, try the different sizes, then pre-order right there, and then pick up on April 24th.

You might be able to pre-order on the 10th in store but don't expect a 24th pick up or delivery.

 

[cleirac]

Scalpers won't go for the gold watch, no way. That isn't even close to being a risk.

I am talking about the very limited supplies of the SS and sport model.

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You might be able to pre-order on the 10th in store but don't expect a 24th pick up or delivery.

No way millions of Sport and SS will be "limited supplies" considering "not many want / need an AW." I do not see it happening with the 1st Gen. However, I am not underestimating the loyalty of Apple fans and the magic of Apple marketing - and this strategy might do the trick. And you are right, with a sudden surge of demand, no matter how many Apple will produce, it will become all of a sudden in "limited supplies".

 

[Flow39]

I think we will still see lines. Like someone else said, pre-orders are limited, so lining up is your best bet to get one on launch day. I most likely will be camping, just because I want to camp for a first-gen product

 

[cleirac]

I think we will still see lines. Like someone else said, pre-orders are limited, so lining up is your best bet to get one on launch day. I most likely will be camping, just because I want to camp for a first-gen product

Oh yes, there will be long lines at the Apple Stores depending on the number of carriers and other retails stores selling them on launch day and the pre-order results - if ever, I am not sure, if it will be sustained long lines in all stores carrying them that they will run of stocks. If reports are true, that Apple is planning to initially produce at least 5-6 millions, that might be more than enough. Hence, it will not be that limited. They have to control the quantity for pre-order. If it sells out within seconds - and once Apple announced they sold by the millilons pre-order - yeah, be ready for a long line. I agree, they are doing this strategy to replicate the recent successes. Maybe, Apple is going all the way and you are right - if you want one, day 1, pre-order else ...

 

[/dev/toaster]

No way millions of Sport and SS will be "limited supplies" considering "not many want / need an AW." I do not see it happening with the 1st Gen. However, I am not underestimating the loyalty of Apple fans and the magic of Apple marketing - and this strategy might do the trick. And you are right, with a sudden surge of demand, no matter how many Apple will produce, it will become all of a sudden in "limited supplies".

They are also launching in 9 countries ... I am willing to bet they will sell out on pre-orders and first day lines.

But, I also suspect they will recover supplies quicker than the iPhone because the device is far less complicated to build.

Within a month of release it won't be that hard to get them.

 

[cleirac]

They are also launching in 9 countries ... I am willing to bet they will sell out on pre-orders and first day lines.

But, I also suspect they will recover supplies quicker than the iPhone because the device is far less complicated to build.

Within a month of release it won't be that hard to get them.

Agreed.

We are just too optimistic there will be lot of demands or Apple will be so good at their game, lol on this, haha. I read way too many, most people do not want it, not many will wear "expensive"' watch they do not need.

 

[/dev/toaster]

Agreed.

We are just too optimistic there will be lot of demands or Apple will be so good at their game, lol on this, haha. I read way too many, most people do not want it, not many will wear "expensive"' watch they do not need.

Want is a stronger force than need

 

[Flow39]

Oh yes, there will be long lines at the Apple Stores depending on the number of carriers and other retails stores selling them on launch day and the pre-order results - if ever, I am not sure, if it will be sustained long lines in all stores carrying them that they will run of stocks. If reports are true, that Apple is planning to initially produce at least 5-6 millions, that might be more than enough. Hence, it will not be that limited. They have to control the quantity for pre-order. If it sells out within seconds - and once Apple announced they sold by the millilons pre-order - yeah, be ready for a long line. I agree, they are doing this strategy to replicate the recent successes. Maybe, Apple is going all the way and you are right - if you want one, day 1, pre-order else ...

That strategy will be used, guaranteed. I honestly would bet that Apple does this purposely because they want to see the lines over everyone getting a pre-order. They know these lines are a huge boost for publicity and advertising for free, so why wouldn't they want this to happen, right?

 

[cleirac]

That strategy will be used, guaranteed. I honestly would bet that Apple does this purposely because they want to see the lines over everyone getting a pre-order. They know these lines are a huge boost for publicity and advertising for free, so why wouldn't they want this to happen, right?

If Apple will be able to convince the majority of people who are not planning to buy but will be checking them out in the stores. Yes, the few of us who are set to buy are not guaranteed anymore to get one in Day 1, if we do not successfully pre-order. In my opinion, as it is, Apple is planning to produce more than enough for us who are dead set on buying Day 1.

So depending on the buzz or results of this strategy, to make people who do not want it, to love and make them realize, the products are so gorgeous and will have profound positive effect in their lives, that if they use it everyday instead of looking at their iPhones one thousand times each day, then we are going to be in trouble starting on pre-ordering process as that will now be so limited because of the increase demand. Basically, my money is on Apple will succeed with this strategy as not many will be able to resist Apple and the Apple Watch. If they fail, we should be able to get one easily, if not in Day 1 - a few days after.

 

[Flow39]

If Apple will be able to convince the majority of people who are not planning to buy but will be checking them out in the stores. Yes, the few of us who are set to buy are not guaranteed anymore to get one in Day 1, if we do not successfully pre-order. In my opinion, as it is, Apple is planning to produce more than enough for us who are dead set on buying Day 1.

So depending on the buzz or results of this strategy, to make people who do not want it, to love and make them realize, the products are so gorgeous and will have profound positive effect in their lives if they use it everyday instead of looking at their iPhones one thousand times a day, then we are going to be in trouble starting on pre-ordering process as that will now be so limited because of the increase demand. Basically, my money is on Apple will succeed with this strategy as not many will be able to resist Apple and the Apple Watch. If they fail, we should be able to get one easily, if not in Day 1 - a few days after.

Apple really needs this strategy of putting the watches in stores 14 days early to work like you said. If it doesn't, Apple and the whole smartwatch market will be in trouble, especially Apple.

I also agree with the strategy you outlined. Many most likely can't resist the urge to buy one.

 

[cleirac]

Even if they succeed, as our poster friend here said, Apple can easily make a lot in a matter of few days, (we will just need to wait a little) vs. the tremendous demand or what happened with the roll-out frenzy for iP6.

 

[Flow39]

Of course there will be launch day lines. Pre-orders will sell out and the next best bet is to stand in line.

Limited supply means the scalpers will be out padding the line.

Oh the lovely scalpers...ruining Apple product launch days since 2007.

 

[cleirac]

I agree, this is a masterstroke strategy!

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Oh the lovely scalpers...ruining Apple product launch days since 2007.

And that is another fight we have to battle, they are watching & ready ... Haha. F' them.