This method of buying Timefactors Smiths watches is so frustrating

Printable View

Show 50 post(s) from this thread on one page

26th February 2023, 11:42
Reeny

I struggled to see a major problem when I missed out on the first wave of 150x Commanders.
It was disappointing - Yes

But no-one died, and I still had all of my arms and legs.
I missed out on a watch - that is all. And then managed to snag a PRS60 from the second batch.

If the business can sell 150x units in 1.5 minutes, then sell the second 150 units in 2.5 minutes - the business is successful.
£109k worth of sales in 3-weeks is good going in my books.
26th February 2023, 13:59
Mick P

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reeny

I struggled to see a major problem when I missed out on the first wave of 150x Commanders.
It was disappointing - Yes

But no-one died, and I still had all of my and legs.
I missed out on a watch - that is all. And then managed to snag a PRS60 from the second batch.

If the business can sell 150x units in 1.5 minutes, then sell the second 150 units in 2.5 minutes - the business is successful.
£109k worth of sales in 3-weeks is good going in my books.

About 20 years I did something I vowed I would never do, I queued up to buy something in Argos where you had to fill in a silly little chit to buy whatever it was you wanted, hang around for 5 minutes before some assistant yelled out the chit number. A lot of people were moaning about this method but were still buying all the same.

It was crowded and doing a thriving trade so Argos were obviously doing well so good luck to them, I have used them frequently ever since.

If as a customer you don't like the sales method, go elsewhere.
26th February 2023, 17:45
williemays

My coworker brought in a jar of flavored peanut butter recently, I think it was strawberry shortcake from Nerdy Nuts at https://nerdynuts.com or something similar. She described how these are sold in small batches online at specific times and dates, and are usually sold out within minutes.

Similarly, I have heard on the Marc Maron podcast WTF that his commissioned artisan cat mugs at https://www.wtfmugs.co often sell out within minutes.

So from Nerdy Nuts to WTF, Tiimefactors keeps good company!
27th February 2023, 11:09
Man of Kent

I tried a couple of times and failed over the years. It's put me off trying again tbh, life's too short to worry about trying to buy unobtainium.
27th February 2023, 17:16
Brammer

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2kilo

Not quite true, Shopify default is set to collect payment automatically after sale last I looked, it’s Eddie that’s changed this to shipping, which is a little outdated now, especially with pre-order being a popular marketing tool. I’m guessing but 200 orders in seven days is for new launches? Doesn’t look like enough stock for 30 orders a day all year? So it’s about managing the flow, I would look at other methods, increase the standard delivery to 3 weeks, and maybe release in batches, with due in dates (a ’back in stock’ app or similar is also essential on so many levels). Or better still, sell new items on pre-order, a month ahead, gives you a month to pack at your own pace… Spend time being upfront with the customer on timing, keep them in the loop, with automated progress emails (omnisend), and use the time lag for PR - artisan, microbrand, watch brand takes time to pack perfectly. Sadly having a store closed as such is long term suicidal? Turns away new customers, new interest… just my 2 pence :)

Hi.

The method has been changed to collect after fulfillment so we are prepared for any unforeseen issues. Things such as illness, any issues that may arise with the watches, changes in personal circumstances, etc. Pre-ordering is a popular at the moment but there are many potential issues with productions delays and a myriad of other problems, all the while you have customer money and need to consantly be in conversation.

It's not perfect but the small batch system allows us to to be able to clear orders every fortnight and also be able to pivot if any issues do crop up.

We are looking a different methods all the time though.
27th February 2023, 18:51
pacifichrono

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daddelvirks

A famous poet once said ‘you can’t always get what you want’.

Jagger.
4th March 2023, 23:14
Daddelvirks

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacifichrono

Jagger.

That’s the guy!
18th March 2023, 16:42
765 RS

Have a few questions about buying and hoping the collective can help (or even Eddie? I can see you reply from time to time on this part of the forum).

I've been lucky in the past and have snagged the PRS-25 a few years ago. I have been meaning to get a Jubilee bracelet for it, does anyone know if they are available during the buying window (has anyone had any success recently).

Also more generally, I understand that there are 200 orders that can be made, sometimes Eddie let's it be known how many of the popular models are available? If there are no limits to the popular stuff then it's likely that most people will try and get that and limit the opportunity for the other watches....I'm hoping to buy a baby Dreadnought too, any idea on my chances :)
18th March 2023, 16:57
swanbourne

Quote:

Originally Posted by 765 RS

Have a few questions about buying and hoping the collective can help (or even Eddie? I can see you reply from time to time on this part of the forum).

I've been lucky in the past and have snagged the PRS-25 a few years ago. I have been meaning to get a Jubilee bracelet for it, does anyone know if they are available during the buying window (has anyone had any success recently).

Also more generally, I understand that there are 200 orders that can be made, sometimes Eddie let's it be known how many of the popular models are available? If there are no limits to the popular stuff then it's likely that most people will try and get that and limit the opportunity for the other watches....I'm hoping to buy a baby Dreadnought too, any idea on my chances :)

The jubilee bracelet won't be available again until the middle of this year.

Eddie
18th March 2023, 17:05
765 RS

Quote:

Originally Posted by swanbourne

The jubilee bracelet won't be available again until the middle of this year.

Eddie

Thanks - appreciate the reply!

Can now concentrate on getting the watch ☺️
18th March 2023, 21:38
YCymro

Good luck to all forum members for tomorrow’s competition. I’ve been practicing my scales so might be in with a chance too :rolleyes-new:
19th March 2023, 10:39
jjjamie

Crossing my fingers for an Everest!
19th March 2023, 15:04
Ruggertech

Why did I even waste a few minutes of my life trying? What a crock.
19th March 2023, 15:05
YCymro

Failed again.

Was on the ball when the shop became live, but the authentication added too many seconds delay. waffle dials were out of stock within a minute and store was closed within two.

Have tried using laptop, phone and iPad at various times, all with auto fill on, but the authentication blows it for me.
19th March 2023, 15:09
burnside

Hello

I managed to get an Expedition in the cart and checkout and then when I got to confirming payment and authorising on the banking app (my app). Boom. Sold out.

A tad frustrating, but C’est La Vie!
19th March 2023, 15:09
TheDeli

Managed to get an Everest Expedition this time.

Was able to get added to basket at 13:59 and transaction completed at 14:01 after authentication and security confirmation on banking app.

Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app
19th March 2023, 15:10
chrisgillett

Fail

Same here. F****d by MasterCard 2FA. Pre-registered both postal address and CC details as autofills and had one in my basket...

Guess I'll stick with my PRS-25 40mm (which I love but want a smaller piece).

C.
19th March 2023, 15:10
oca9i

omg ... i have missed it again.. it was my mistake... input wrong autorisation payment code !!!
19th March 2023, 15:14
David_D

Why did I even try?!
19th March 2023, 15:20
valkyrix

Missed again as well.
Auto filled all my payment details but even then still out of stock when i hit checkout.

Very disappointed it seems I'll never get my hands on one
19th March 2023, 15:21
jeromeo

I did not even get close . Had one in basket, so I thought I was done , but no - did not even get to payment ..
19th March 2023, 15:25
pete-r

I had a go at a baby d polar. No chance.
19th March 2023, 16:36
YCymro

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDeli

Managed to get an Everest Expedition this time.

Was able to get added to basket at 13:59 and transaction completed at 14:01 after authentication and security confirmation on banking app.

Nice one :thumbsup:

You must have fingers faster than a porn star on speed
19th March 2023, 17:16
PaulBoes

I got to basket, payment and authorization. Than boom, out of stock, fail.
Hopefully there will be a next time.
19th March 2023, 17:34
wallyuk

I added to basket and then sat there in a "less than a minute scrolling "queue for 8mins, at which point I knew I was too late.
Never mind, great that Eddie is a huge success and has plenty more delights in the pipeline.
19th March 2023, 17:37
Mr Curta

I wonder whether occasionally opening at a time only advertised to TZ members via a non-public area of the forum might be an idea, like those concert pre-sale opportunities that artists send out to their fanbase. I think that SC is visible to those with 50+ posts, but not the general public. Just a thought.
19th March 2023, 17:42
abraxas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Curta

I wonder whether occasionally opening at a time only advertised to TZ members via a non-public area of the forum might be an idea, like those concert pre-sale opportunities that artists send out to their fanbase. I think that SC is visible to those with 50+ posts, but not the general public. Just a thought.

I agree. Bury it in The Pit.
19th March 2023, 17:45
chrisgillett

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Curta

I wonder whether occasionally opening at a time only advertised to TZ members via a non-public area of the forum might be an idea, like those concert pre-sale opportunities that artists send out to their fanbase. I think that SC is visible to those with 50+ posts, but not the general public. Just a thought.

Seems like a good idea [he says while noting his post count…]
19th March 2023, 17:50
Mr Curta

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisgillett

Seems like a good idea [he says while noting his post count…]

You'll get there in a couple of years at your current rate :smug:
19th March 2023, 17:53
wallyuk

Tell me about it, might have to take up Wordle.
19th March 2023, 18:01
burnside

Hello

I like Mr Curta’s idea, but Eddies place his rules.

I am ever hopeful for a Commander and an Expedition. I can’t grumble too much as have picked up some crackers on the forum including a number of Eddies own. And I’d suggest a significant number of the forum membership have done the same as well.
19th March 2023, 18:11
Vorpal

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDeli

Managed to get an Everest Expedition this time.

Was able to get added to basket at 13:59 and transaction completed at 14:01 after authentication and security confirmation on banking app.

Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app

Congrats! Exciting news. I got a PRS-25 Honeycomb and an Ice Blue Trans-Global, wo I can't complain. I'm waiting on news on the GMT expedition Traveler, as that's my next target, though I do like the look of the baby dreadnought.
19th March 2023, 19:19
chrisgillett

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Curta

You'll get there in a couple of years at your current rate :smug:

Haha. I’ve had a long break after picking up my Everest 40mm a few years back - don’t recall buying a watch being so damn hard back then - or perhaps I got lucky?
19th March 2023, 19:24
765 RS

I got to checkout but messed up, otherwise I would have got the Polar baby Dreadnought. Don't mind, there's always next time.....my sanguine attitude makes me think whether I really really want it either. Much to ponder.... 🤔
19th March 2023, 19:46
Dapper

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Curta

I wonder whether occasionally opening at a time only advertised to TZ members via a non-public area of the forum might be an idea, like those concert pre-sale opportunities that artists send out to their fanbase. I think that SC is visible to those with 50+ posts, but not the general public. Just a thought.

Good idea:encouragement:
19th March 2023, 20:50
MilSpec60

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulBoes

I got to basket, payment and authorization. Than boom, out of stock, fail.
Hopefully there will be a next time.

There will be a next time as long as you do not give up. You were me last time the store opened. Just this morning I finally purchased mine. I got an Expedition, and so will you as long as you don't give up.
19th March 2023, 20:55
blackal

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilSpec60

There will be a next time as long as you do not give up. You were me last time the store opened. Just this morning I finally purchased mine. I got an Expedition, and so will you as long as you don't give up.

that’s quite inspirational !

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0d2b46bf24.jpg

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
19th March 2023, 21:27
PaulBoes

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilSpec60

There will be a next time as long as you do not give up. You were me last time the store opened. Just this morning I finally purchased mine. I got an Expedition, and so will you as long as you don't give up.

Thanks, I hope so. I’ll try again.
20th March 2023, 06:27
strell

I missed it again! Don’t know how people are so quick! Swear I was done in like a minuet.
25th March 2023, 23:33
Marcusu

I wonder if the watches with less demand are selling under this system?
Just say I wanted to buy an Aerotimer on a quiet Tuesday afternoon.
Maybe sell 150 high-demand watches in the “mad-minute” and keep the online store open only for the other watches the rest of the week?
4th April 2023, 13:56
abraxas

Do only losers have watches for sale?
https://www.watchpro.com/corders-col...ches-for-sale/
5th April 2023, 16:43
Vorpal

Well, when the purchase does go through I feel like a winner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by abraxas

Do only losers have watches for sale?
https://www.watchpro.com/corders-col...ches-for-sale/
5th April 2023, 17:02
number2

I must have missed these...
https://www.facebook.com/10002826242...NDxpl/?app=fbl
5th April 2023, 17:32
swanbourne

Quote:

Originally Posted by number2

I must have missed these...
https://www.facebook.com/10002826242...NDxpl/?app=fbl

They're also on the forum.

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...m-Miyota/page6

Eddie
5th April 2023, 17:43
number2

Quote:

Originally Posted by swanbourne

They're also on the forum.

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...m-Miyota/page6

Eddie

Yup just seen them, are you ready to divulge when and how much?
9th April 2023, 11:37
YCymro

Again, good luck to all forum members for this afternoon’s shop opening. I’m going to give this one a miss.
Looking forward to success stories.
9th April 2023, 14:04
TheGent

Looks like the shop is open a bit longer today!
9th April 2023, 14:05
YCymro

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGent

Looks like the shop is open a bit longer today!

Did you buy anything, or just browsing 
9th April 2023, 14:08
TheGent

Quote:

Originally Posted by YCymro

Did you buy anything, or just browsing ï˜‰

Going for an Expedition!
9th April 2023, 14:08
pete-r

Polar Dreadnought. I've umm'd and ahh'd about one for ages but finally got one to try.

Now need to find a nice 18mm rubber strap.....

Show 50 post(s) from this thread on one page