No option for swapping bands at purchase?

[Abazigal]

I am interested in a black Sports Watch, but would prefer the red band over the bundled black one. However, I can't stomach forking out so much money for a separate band, and it doesn't seem like I can customise my band colour at the time of purchase, even if I order online.

What are my options, besides just biting the bullet and forking out the money for what is essentially an expensive piece of rubber?

 

[lordofthereef]

You don't have options sadly. This is one think I've mentioned would be wonderful. In this forum all I've received is flack for suggesting it though lol.

 

[tromboneaholic]

I do think it would be nice, but I guess Apple doesn't mind selling more accessories. I blame the purse lady.

 

[matt9013]

Buy off of Amazon. Some really nice companies sell 3rd party bands which are just as good if not exactly the same as Apple ones for half the cost.

 

[Abazigal]

Buy off of Amazon. Some really nice companies sell 3rd party bands which are just as good if not exactly the same as Apple ones for half the cost.

Thanks for the heads up. Have looked up Amazon and found some nice bands at a fraction of the price.

Can't be sure of the quality, but for the price, can't really complain.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Can't be sure of the quality, but for the price, can't really complain.

As long as you do your due dilligence during your search you'll be OK w/ the 3rd party bands -- even the non-brands.

Also if you buy from a vendor that is shipped from Amazon you can return it if it's truely a P.O.C. -- just check the "not as listed" box. I recently bought a metal link braclet for my AW - $20 compared to the $100s Apple wants. Sure, the clasp wasn't as sexy, and the links were more of a PITA to remove, but for that kind of $ difference who cares. I'd feel like a chump -- not actually I would be one -- buying Apple's cases and bands -- also be broke. These are essentially throw-away/low value items when you go to sell your device.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

These are essentially throw-away/low value items when you go to sell your device.

Not necessarily. Some members got the base SS Series 2 model and are using their expensive Link Bracelet purchased with Series 0 with it. New rubber/nylon band from Series 2 can be moved to the old AW for selling.

 

[BarracksSi]

Order one of the Nike models so you'd at least have a functionally different band to go with your red band.

 

[nicho]

Order one of the Nike models so you'd at least have a functionally different band to go with your red band.

OP may even find someone to buy it off him.

 

[tatyiona]

I thought apple started a program last year where as long as you buy the Watch from an Apple Store or apple online you can set up a band exchange. You have to call customer service within 14 days and pay for the band you want then send them the old band and they refund your money

 

[Julien]

I thought apple started a program last year where as long as you buy the Watch from an Apple Store or apple online you can set up a band exchange. You have to call customer service within 14 days and pay for the band you want then send them the old band and they refund your money

I think this is only when buying a separate (SKU) band and not an included band. The included band is part of the original purchase (SKU).

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I thought apple started a program last year where as long as you buy the Watch from an Apple Store or apple online you can set up a band exchange. You have to call customer service within 14 days and pay for the band you want then send them the old band and they refund your money

I think this is only when buying a separate (SKU) band and not an included band. The included band is part of the original purchase (SKU).

They did have a band only exchange program for the included band, but it must meet several criteria as follows:

"- The new band must be within the same collection as the watch and must be an available band option for that watch face.

- The band swap is within 14 day return period.

- The watch must have been purchased at the Apple Online Store, Kiosk, or Apple Store App.

- You are not using band swaps as a way to configure a sellable product for a customer."

The first rule in bold is the most important one. If the band you want is not an available out-of-the-box option for that collection (i.e., one of the current models), you can't switch to it. For example in the OP's case, he wants the red band but Apple no longer sells SS with the red Sport band as a model and so he can't switch to it.