Try In Store Before Pre-Orders?

[Psypher]

This is a bit of wishful thinking, but since there will probably be about a month between the Spring Forward event and the Apple Watch release date I'm hoping that Apple will set up demo models in the stores prior to the pre-order date. This will allow users to try out the different watch materials, sizes, and bands to pick out exactly what they want before pre-ordering. The demo units don't even need to be working units, but just enough to give us an idea of the aesthetics.

If they don't do this and still allow for pre-orders, people are going to have to just guess and hope they like what they pre-order. If they don't do this and not do pre-orders, the Apple Stores will be crazy on launch day as everyone will be wanting to try it out before they buy. There's typically only 1-2 weeks between a keynote event and a product launch, but all rumors are suggesting an early April launch for the Apple Watch. Why give 3-4 weeks between the event and the launch?

Thoughts?

 

[jordanst]

According to this article:
http://9to5mac.com/2015/03/03/apple...key-features-switch-to-iphone-focus-on-bands/

"Apple is also considering a new “Special Reservation” program for customers to pre-reserve a custom Apple Watch casing and band combination before going into the store, trying it on, and completing the purchase."

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Most of us will pre-order sight unseen just as what we've been doing with the iDevices (many here have already decided on the exact model they want pending the outcome of the prices). If you want to try it out, do that on launch day in the store, then get back to the end of the line and hope the model you want won't be sold out.

 

[lewisd25]

Yes, I think it would be a great idea. Apple should have set up demos of iPhone 6/6+ in the week leading up to release. With the Apple Watch, I think it would be even more essential, plus it would give Apple Store employees more time to gain experience interacting with customers regarding the Apple Watch prior to launch.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

According to this article:
http://9to5mac.com/2015/03/03/apple...key-features-switch-to-iphone-focus-on-bands/

"Apple is also considering a new “Special Reservation” program for customers to pre-reserve a custom Apple Watch casing and band combination before going into the store, trying it on, and completing the purchase."

I wouldn't be surprised if they do this only with the Edition models.

 

[madsci954]

First gen iPhone and iPad had a 3-4 week gap between the final announcement and product launch. I believe it was a gauge the demand and see how many units to have ready. (Don't quote me on that, I may be wrong)

My gut would tell me they won't have demo units in store for people to try on before launch day. However lately Apple has been doing things different then predicted, so they may have in store trial nuts on hand.

 

[iBreatheApple]

I wouldn't be surprised if they do this only with the Edition models.

I agree!

 

[Flow39]

I doubt they would, but who knows? Maybe they'll suprise us on Monday! I kind of hope they do so that we can get some hands on time to determine which size would be best for us.

 

[noobinator]

Apple never shows off products before release dates in their stores.

 

[dacreativeguy]

It is odd for an announce so far before shipping day (Mar 9 > Apr ??), so maybe they WILL have a display at some point before pre-ordering. On the other hand, Apple stores are already constantly mobbed, so it doesn't make a lot of sense to lure more people into the store before they have anything to sell them.

Maybe Apple can borrow the Microsoft Stores for trying on samples. They are usually empty and are across the walkway from the Apple stores anyway.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

It is odd for an announce so far before shipping day (Mar 9 > Apr ??), so maybe they WILL have a display at some point before pre-ordering.

Not really. The original iPhone was given release date on June 11, 2007 and streeted on June 30th, and the original iPad was given release date on March 5, 2010 and streeted on April 3rd.

 

[lunaoso]

If they do I'll be taking a trip up to my nearest store as soon as I can to figure out what I want to get. And to see the new Mac pro in person for the first time .

 

[Night Spring]

As I said in another thread:

You have to remember that for those of us hanging around in online forums avidly following any speculation on the watch, a trial period before it actually goes on sale makes sense, but for the average public, it would make absolutely no sense to walk into a store one day, see watches on display, and be told they are not for sale yet, it's just there so people can try it on. They'd be like, if you are not selling it, why do you have it on display?

 

[Piggie]

I have to laugh.

Can you even imagine what would happen in reality, if Apple, a week or two before launch day said, you can come down to an Apple store and see how the Gold model looks on your wrist.

Think about it for more than a nanosecond!
Can you imagine what would happen in reality if they did this?