The Real Issue

[pmau]

Apple totally misinformed the public. The fact is that they did not have a single pink watch ready and yet they claimed delivery 4/24 as a possibility.

Join the Leather Loop folk from Planet Endor.
I have not seen a real confirmation of one single Leather Loop.

Just a view review videos, a few fake Apple Store Appointment pictures and some screenshots on of Tweets.

Apple should haver done a staged rollout where some models could only be ordered later.
This way we would all know we don't get what we want.
Of course this is bad for numbers.

Please don't' tell me about Space Gray Sports that are shipping. I did not order this.

 

[Arran]

The "delivery window" was an unwanted surprise that was sprung on us without warning.

Could it be a crafty attempt to thwart scalpers?

By utilizing broad delivery windows, apple has given itself the option to delay shipment to dubious customers, whilst still satisfying quoted delivery obligations to legitimate customers.

For example, I've just seen a June delivery move to May and then "Shipped" (as of now) in a matter of days. Something very odd and unpredictable is going on.

 

[pmau]

Could it be a crafty attempt to thwart scalpers?

By utilizing broad delivery windows, apple has given itself the option to delay shipment to dubious customers, whilst still satisfying quoted delivery obligations to legitimate customers.

For example, I've just seen a June delivery move to May and then "Shipped" (as of now) in a matter of days. Something very odd and unpredictable is going on.

Not at all. Look at the orders. It's mainly sport model combinations.
No link bracelet, no classic buckle, no leather loop ...

 

[Arran]

Not at all. Look at the orders. It's mainly sport model combinations.
No link bracelet, no classic buckle, no leather loop ...

Ah, okay. Sport only.

But you've got to admit it, Apple have given themselves the opportunity to completely bust the scalper's modus operandi with the unpredictability of delivery windows.

Whether that was deliberate or not.

 

[shortcut3d]

I know there's been quite a bit of talk about this, but ... The real issue is a lack of communication. Prior to the pre-order, it was widely assumed that the watch would be available in stores on 4/24 (yes, I'm aware of Angela's vague email ...). It was also assumed that if you ordered on 4/10 - particularly if you did so near the time pre-orders opened - you would get your watch on (or near) 4/24. These assumptions were based on prior experience with apple and apples own publicity on watch availability.

So to me, the issue isn't keeping the promise of the delivery window; the issue is poor communication by apple. A 2 week window is too long and too vague. And not being able to update it to a shorter, more specific time period - say 4/29 to 5/1 - is both unexpected and not up to par for apple. No one at Apple can answer the simple question for pending orders - what specific date is the watch delivering. That's upper managements fault in my view.

When I saw the delivery window at 00:01:00 in the iOS App, I thought to myself, "Uh Oh". I think that was Apple's way of communicating that launch day deliveries would be very limited. I thought first 5 minutes would be safe, but alas I am still waiting for one 42mm SS BSB. Technically, they never guaranteed delivery on the 24th. I think they didn't want "analyst" figuring out how limited the was initial production run. That is also the reason there are none in stores. There was simply not enough to remotely meet demand. It was more of a soft launch like the rMini, or should have been done like that. Unfortunately, there was way too much press to make it quietly available late afternoon.

 

[cmichaelb]

Why?

TPB Season 4, Episode 4....

I'll ****in' piledrive the next guy who complains about the preorders.

I'm the Green Bastard from Parts Unknown...That's why.

Cory and Trevor? Get the **** in the ring!

The "delivery window" was an unwanted surprise that was sprung on us without warning. I realize the lapdogs go along with anything that Apple spews out but this was really annoying and CLEARLY they didn't have their **** together and Angela has no idea how to rollout an Apple product.

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Like we're the least bit afraid of Canadians.

lol. I take it you've never seen TPB?

 

[SixtyK]

Which do you think is worse, the initial whining or all the whining about the whining?

I've moved right along to whining about people whining about the whining...

 

[KPOM]

When I saw the delivery window at 00:01:00 in the iOS App, I thought to myself, "Uh Oh". I think that was Apple's way of communicating that launch day deliveries would be very limited. I thought first 5 minutes would be safe, but alas I am still waiting for one 42mm SS BSB. Technically, they never guaranteed delivery on the 24th. I think they didn't want "analyst" figuring out how limited the was initial production run. That is also the reason there are none in stores. There was simply not enough to remotely meet demand. It was more of a soft launch like the rMini, or should have been done like that. Unfortunately, there was way too much press to make it quietly available late afternoon.

I think you are right. If the Chipmunk.nl site is right, most of ours were assembled the weeks of April 5th and April 12th, meaning that they truly were practicing "just in time" supply chain management, which resulted in this being not "in time" by many people's standards. I think Apple was concerned about not being "stuck" with too much inventory of unpopular combinations.

 

[cwieberdink]

Not at all. Look at the orders. It's mainly sport model combinations.
No link bracelet, no classic buckle, no leather loop ...

This is my issue, that despite preorder window of two weeks, not a SINGLE leather loop or modern buckle, or pink sport band, were shipped. Not a single one. To anyone. In any country. How is that not a big deal that several watch configurations were already shipping 4-6 weeks after preorders. Also it was totally backwards to allow try ons AFTER the preorder window started. Really, really dumb, for real. That is partly what has led to all these multiple orders, canceled orders, re-orders, all the jacked up orders.

 

[armandxp]

It's not whining. I agree that it will come when it comes. It's really just an observation. Not too much to ask, in my view, that more specific info is provided from upper management to customer service and, most importantly, to customers.

This whole product launch has been very different than previous Apple launches. And long with that comes the new problems. When the 5s came out, my Apple store got 1!!! One!!! I had waited in line for ten hours to be told no. So, it's not the first time there has been a mess on ordering new products.

My order went through at XX:01, and I received mine on Friday. Happy about that, but have been there and felt the pain. I will always use the Apple Store App from now on when ordering. Good luck!

 

[pmau]

My order went through at XX:01, and I received mine on Friday. Happy about that, but have been there and felt the pain.

I assume you have a sport model or at least a sport band ...

 

[Pinksteady]

No, the real issue is that people complaining have lost all sight of priorities in their lives.

 

[Appl3FTW]

Which do you think is worse, the initial whining or all the whining about the whining?

bingo.. lmfao pot calling the kettle black i tell you. oh how ironic.

 

[mwinget]

#firstworldproblems

Earthquakes in Nepal killing over 4,000 people..
Riots in Baltimore over a police killing.

THAT'S the real problem.. NOT Apple "missing" a two weeks window for an item that is a luxury for everybody.

 

[pmau]

Earthquakes in Nepal killing over 4,000 people..
Riots in Baltimore over a police killing.

THAT'S the real problem.. NOT Apple "missing" a two weeks window for an item that is a luxury for everybody.

I bet you are not in Nepal and also not a resident of Baltimore.
Don't fake compassion and empathy.
Thanks.

 

[SixtyK]

Earthquakes in Nepal killing over 4,000 people..
Riots in Baltimore over a police killing.

THAT'S the real problem.. NOT Apple "missing" a two weeks window for an item that is a luxury for everybody.

Apple missed a window? Did I fall asleep for nine days?

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oh how ironic.

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

 

[zmunkz]

No, the real issue is that people complaining have lost all sight of priorities in their lives.

So because someone takes a minutes out of their normal life to vent a little steam on here, before returning to the real world and its associated stresses and duties, you judge them to be lacking life priorities? That is pretty facile and presumptuous, wouldn't you say? I hope you don't actually think that way.

EDIT: And shame on whoever up-voted that comment.

 

[joraem]

if certain combinations were clearly not going to be available at "launch," apple should have said that in advance or not offered those models for pre-order on 4/10 (pink sport band, all leather loops). If Apple Knew it was going to have a launch "window'" it should have advertised it in advance ("pre-orders will deliver a minimum of 2-4 weeks from the date ordered, and may take longer depending upon the popularity and availability of the model you select"). If Apple knew after 4/10 that parricular models would not deliver in the early part of th 4/24 to 5/8 window, it should have advised its effected customers. Etc.

Communication. Lacking.

 

[TheGreenBastard]

TPB Season 4, Episode 4....





Cory and Trevor? Get the **** in the ring!



lol. I take it you've never seen TPB?

You alright Cory? I don't give a **** actually!

 

[Pinksteady]

So because someone takes a minutes out of their normal life to vent a little steam on here, before returning to the real world and its associated stresses and duties, you judge them to be lacking life priorities? That is pretty facile and presumptuous, wouldn't you say? I hope you don't actually think that way.

EDIT: And shame on whoever up-voted that comment.

I upvoted your comment to make you feel better.

 

[cmichaelb]

You alright Cory? I don't give a **** actually!

Lmao! Oh man I gotta go rewatch that one and Conky

 

[adammull]

Earthquakes in Nepal killing over 4,000 people..
Riots in Baltimore over a police killing.

THAT'S the real problem.. NOT Apple "missing" a two weeks window for an item that is a luxury for everybody.

Because a forum discussing that would be so fun and a good way to blow off steam.

 

[Charlesm3030]

I got mine on launch day, but I think it's ridiculous that someone who ordered 10 min after the start of a preorder that was 2 weeks before release day has no idea when a watch will be arriving and no one seems to know. I was in the T-mobile iPhone 6+ debacle and remember the anguish.

OMG I REMEMBER THAT MESS! It was the worst launch ever! Almost next to this one. This is pretty bad. I ordered a watch 6mins in to update my credit card and I am in the 4-6 week window. It's almost like they should have just waited until June to release the thing. But oh well.

 

[Supermallet]

it was totally backwards to allow try ons AFTER the preorder window started. Really, really dumb, for real. That is partly what has led to all these multiple orders, canceled orders, re-orders, all the jacked up orders.

This I think is really the biggest screw up of the launch. If you had try-ons available BEFORE pre-orders, then Apple could have gathered some general data on demand for different configurations, which would have resulted in shorter wait times for most people.

It's almost like they should have just waited until June to release the thing. But oh well.

I have heard several people express a similar sentiment: Apple should have delayed the launch until they had enough stock to get everyone who ordered on the first night to get a launch day watch. This makes no sense to me, because it sounds a lot like, "If I can't have my watch day one, then no one should have it." Why would Apple hold off on releasing the watch, delaying sales? I think if they had done that, a LOT of people would be complaining much more loudly because they don't even have a shot of getting the watch ASAP.

 

[adammull]

This I think is really the biggest screw up of the launch. If you had try-ons available BEFORE pre-orders, then Apple could have gathered some general data on demand for different configurations, which would have resulted in shorter wait times for most people.



I have heard several people express a similar sentiment: Apple should have delayed the launch until they had enough stock to get everyone who ordered on the first night to get a launch day watch. This makes no sense to me, because it sounds a lot like, "If I can't have my watch day one, then no one should have it." Why would Apple hold off on releasing the watch, delaying sales? I think if they had done that, a LOT of people would be complaining much more loudly because they don't even have a shot of getting the watch ASAP.

Uh no, because we never would have known. We would have just all been ready on 5/9. We wouldn't have know about 4/24.

Honestly it seems like they had some issue. Clearly. We don't know what it is, but based on serial numbers, and weeks of production, and deliveries, we know they've actually moved only a small (for Apple) amount of product and they just started manufacturing in April. So really the only logical conclusion is that they were more driven to meet their Spring promise and please shareholders than actually produce in quantity. Is this the new Apple? Beholden to the stock holders?