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Just when you thought Apple had reached its innovative limit, it has been announced that a new iOS app will allow customers to collect items in its stores 12 minutes after ordering them via their mobile.
So, imagine the scenario: You’re in a queue. Not at the bank; you do that online. Not at the Post Office; they no longer exist in your neighbourhood. Not at the supermarket; they deliver. Wherever, with minutes at your disposal, you download this latest app, decide you need an iPod/Pad/Parsnip (sorry, the virtual vegetable has not actually been invented yet) and order away.
Let’s cut to the chase, literally, you have 12 minutes to leave your queue, jump back in your car (they may not have realised yet, but unlike Tesco, Apple do not have a store in every postcode sector), find somewhere to park and screech into the Apple Store.
Then you decide you don’t like it, it’s not your colour.
We wonder if the innovators at Apple are struggling without their leader? The telling points are:
- The app effectively allows consumers to undertake the transaction themselves and simply use the store as a pick-up point. (Apple techies no longer required, but a useful role for a Post Office)
- The service will only be available for products which are in-stock at the intended pick-up location. (If you’ve got to be there in 12 minutes and you can only have what they’ve got in stock, why not just go there and browse anyway. At least you won’t plump for something in the wrong colour.
SnapShop Verdict = unimpressive
The next app will be, of course, one that allows you to order something you don’t yet know you want. Actually, Apple have mastered that already!
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