Sadly, I'm with OP.
I have 3 TF pieces and given that I will not be able to build the collection I'd like to, may end up letting these go.
I will not debate / challenge / condemn Eddie's business model / m.o.
It's his company and he can do as he pleases.
It's up to us whether we want to play along.
And @petay993 summed it up pretty well for me (on both watch makers).
First World problems really - those should not steal our joy!
100% agree with this statement. It’s good Eddie is sticking to his guns and using a business model that suits him and what he wants to achieve. If people like me are put off the process it won’t hurt him as other, more dedicated collectors will step in and take our place. It’s up to us to decide if we want to play the modern watch buyers game, be it Timefactors, Rolex or some other brand. There is always something else to spend our money on if we choose.Originally Posted by MHe225
Regrettably, the popularity of the offerings has created this situation. Shopify only allows 7 days to take payment before the authority to take payment expires. I shouldn't take payment before the goods ship which is why the website is configured to close once 200 orders are received, which is the maximum we can ship in 7 days. These 7 days involve an 80 hour week, which at my age is somewhat challenging.
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
So if the limiting factor is Shopify, what other payment mechanisms are available that provide a longer window for shipment ?
That will just kick the can further down. He’ll then have 400 orders to fulfil, 2 80hours weeks to do it so exactly the same stress and there will be as many disgruntled would-be customers as now because the shop would open every fortnight, experience the same rush…
The only thing that could alleviate the issue is to step up the expedition side of the business, and it comes with many constraints that Eddie has decided he dod not want.
Maybe a team of TZ members could volunteer to assist for a new launch if Eddie could have the space to accommodate them for the day, and multiply the amount that can be expedited in a week, thus relieving the pressure to allow other stuff to sell as well.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
More Eddie's ability to ship 200 orders in 7 days. Eddie could increase the order limited on Shopify, but as said he's already flat out.
There are other ways it could be solved which I'm sure Eddie has contemplated over the years such as;
Outsourcing handling and shipping
Increasing prices to lessen demand
Pre-packing all watches so all that's required is to print and stick a shipping label on order
I was disappointed when I couldn't buy a Smiths Commander but I put a Wtb and was able to purchase it in a short period. I would try this Avenue.
It certainly is Eddie, don't get 'killed' by your own success....
At you age you should be sitting in your arm chair smoking a pipe pondering about where your life went so quick.
I'll get me coat.
Got a new watch, divers watch it is, had to drown the bastard to get it!
Why did I even try?!
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
I did not even get close . Had one in basket, so I thought I was done , but no - did not even get to payment ..
I had a go at a baby d polar. No chance.
If I remember correctly the problem was the insertion of the warantee card to match each watch and of course the checking of the watch before posting.
Costume jewellery. Ouch!!!
Not beyond a decent fulfilment company you´d like to think though no idea how much ´checking´ might be involved per unit, time involved...Rugger might or might not be approximately on the money...
Last edited by Passenger; 7th February 2023 at 15:37.
I guess it all comes down to whether Eddie wants to grow the operation or whether he's happy to let Timefactors continue at a the size it's at - I'm not sure whether this is a profit making exercise or a love letter to a hobby that happens to also make money, but if it's the latter (which I think it may be), that would explain a reluctancy to start involving employees/outsourcing distribution
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.
that’s quite inspirational !
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Thanks, I hope so. I’ll try again.
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 :)
This is not what I'm finding. 78% of orders were from new customers last time we opened. I can see how many people are on site each time we open and that number is growing. The limiting factor is how many shipments we can get out of the door, each time we open it's an 80 hour week to clear the orders before the authority to take payment expires. I have plenty of stock for 30 orders a day with another 7 shipments of watches due in the next 6 months and more in the pipeline.
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
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.
Last edited by Reeny; 26th February 2023 at 14:23.
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.
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.....
Me too.
Not sure what sort of strap I fancy for it though; perhaps something like this for a bit of orange highlight (an orange strap is too much for me!) - https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/en-...oaAuXcEALw_wcB
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.
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