Apple is being reckless!

[DavidNM]

Here's a promotional e-mail I just received from Apple. Sorry gang but this is going to cause problems. I can't imagine how many people are going to show up to pick up their iPad and be told to go away as one isn't available - or stand in line until 3. Whoever is the project manager of customer communications for the iPad rollout is going to get a little egg on their face:

-----------------------------------

The Apple Retail Store is the best place to experience iPad. Have one of our Specialists show you all the amazing things it can do. If you buy one, we'll even help you get set up and running.

Wi-Fi models available on April 3 while supplies last. Wi-Fi + 3G models available in late April.
Some features and applications are not available in all areas. Application availability and pricing are subject to change.
TM and copyright © 2010 Apple Inc. 1 Infinite Loop, MS 83-DM, Cupertino, CA 95014.
All Rights Reserved / Keep Informed / Privacy Policy / My Info
If you prefer not to receive commercial email from Apple, or if you've changed your email address, please click here.

 

[HX_Guy]

What are you talking about? If you reserved one...there will be one available for you until 3pm. Its as if you ordered online for home delivery...except this is delivery to the store instead.

 

[DavidNM]

But what if I really hadn't given it much thought - buying an iPad. And then I see this and say "Yippy Skippy" I'm gonna get mine Saturday. This says nothing about re-reserving or time frames.

 

[HX_Guy]

Great...then you go to the store and wait in line to get one and there is a chance that they may sell out before your turn comes. Isn't this how it has worked in the past with Apple or any sort of product?

 

[DavidNM]

Actually, in most larger cities, you go into the Apple store and walk into a riot! Then when you ask for you iPad you're told to stand in line or come back after 3 - or worse yet go to a Best Buy. That would be a very souring experience.

 

[HX_Guy]

The big line outside woudln't tip you off that it's for the iPad?

So basically you are saying that you want to walk into the Apple store and pick up an iPad and be out of there in 5 minutes or otherwise it's a very souring experience and Apple is being reckless? I think you're expectations are a bit high.

 

[LMControl]

Really..... Apple is being reckless. Now let's see.... after the buildups and deployment of the iPhones and other hotly anticipated items, all of a sudden Apple has lost their way?

Don't think so. Anyone who really wanted one will have this covered by now and any hype that is generated is only gravy for Apple.

Something tells me Apple, the 4th largest public company in the US in terms of market cap, knows a few things about how to release and deliver product.

Chill. Out.

 

[iDaryl]

Really..... Apple is being reckless. Now let's see.... after the buildups and deployment of the iPhones and other hotly anticipated items, all of a sudden Apple has lost their way?

Don't think so. Anyone who really wanted one will have this covered by now and any hype that is generated is only gravy for Apple.

Something tells me Apple, the 4th largest public company in the US in terms of market cap, knows a few things about how to release and deliver product.

Chill. Out.

Well said...

 

[DavidNM]

The big line outside woudln't tip you off that it's for the iPad?

So basically you are saying that you want to walk into the Apple store and pick up an iPad and be out of there in 5 minutes or otherwise it's a very souring experience and Apple is being reckless? I think you're expectations are a bit high.

Nope - that's not what I'm saying - you're reading something into my comments that isn't there. What I am saying is that not everyone is as keyed into what's going on with the iPad as we are. There's a ton of people out there with Macs or iPhones of some sort whose e-mail address is on file with Apple. The mailing that went out sounded like you could just stroll on in on the 3rd and voila - buy an iPad. Not true!

BTW - I'm a huge fan of Apple. I owned the first 2 models of the Newton, have been to over a dozen MacWorlds and in the past have held numerous non-disclosure agreements with them.

 

[jwookie]

I received an email about my reservation this morning. It said:
Your iPad will be ready and waiting this Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm

When you come in to pick up your iPad, you'll be directed to a line for those with reservations. We'll have Specialists ready to help you set up your iPad, free workshops, and more. We look forward to seeing you at the store.
Sincerely,
The Apple Retail Store team

It listed my store and the model that I reserved, seems pretty organized to me.

I'm sure they want a big crowd for the cameras and will likely have extras for the people that didn't reserve one, I figure that's where the fighting will be.

My store was also offering ipad workshops from 5pm-6pm

YEAH! The time is near. . . .

 

[CanonicalKoi]

Wi-Fi models available on April 3 while supplies last. Wi-Fi + 3G models available in late April.

If people don't pay attention to the bit I bolded up there, it's their own darned fault. Being up-front with people about availability is not "reckless". "Reckless" would be saying, "Hey, everyone that walks in the door will walk out a happy iPad owner!!" when you can't guarantee that.

 

[DavidNM]

Wi-Fi models available on April 3 while supplies last. Wi-Fi + 3G models available in late April.

If people don't pay attention to the bit I bolded up there, it's their own darned fault. Being up-front with people about availability is not "reckless". "Reckless" would be saying, "Hey, everyone that walks in the door will walk out a happy iPad owner!!" when you can't guarantee that.

Yea but the notice should read "while supply lasts" - because they're not going to have a heck of a lot to hand out when the dust settles.

 

[CanonicalKoi]

Wi-Fi models available on April 3 while supplies last. Wi-Fi + 3G models available in late April.

If people don't pay attention to the bit I bolded up there, it's their own darned fault. Being up-front with people about availability is not "reckless". "Reckless" would be saying, "Hey, everyone that walks in the door will walk out a happy iPad owner!!" when you can't guarantee that.

Yea but the notice should read "while supply lasts" - because they're not going to have a heck of a lot to hand out when the dust settles.

I don't get the distinction you're trying to make. Since they're selling 3 different product lines in numerous locations, the plural "supplies" is correct. That's not being reckless, it's being truthful--"We can't guarantee how many there will be, but we'll sell 'em until we run out." Sadly, nobody's figured out a way to legislate the buying public's command of the English language. Nor a way to force them to actually read beyond, "Shiny! Sold now! Want!"