Pebble - Winning Customer Satisfaction

2 weeks ago I was not a happy Pebble user. The smartwatch that I got so used to was broke - the display went haywire.

I was disappointed as the watch was still fairly new. Although it was still under warranty, I wasn't sure my problem would be resolved satisfactorily, as there is no local service center at where I am. I emailed the Pebble customer support, described my issue, got a response within 3 days. The person at the other end showed empathy, asked for supporting proof in the form of photos. And another email exchange, I was promised a replacement set.

Just like that.

Slightly over a week after that, I am now a happy Pebble user again, with a whole new Pebble Steel on my wrist. I am impressed with the service, and I think it gives overseas buyers confidence to its products.

With new waves of smartwatches introduced by the big boys, the future is unknown and challenging to Pebble. The next 12 months will be critical for the company to come out with a sustainable plan. Whatever it is, I hope this inspiring startup survives.

Helpful customer service and satisfied users will only do them good.

Pebble Steel - Pebble undergone steel surgery

Same but different - a mere change of look on the same brain and muscle prove to be just enough to get some people to click that "Order Now" button. At least it got me.

The original Pebble is still great. One of its advantage over the competitors is that it looks more like a watch. But there's no denial that it lacks the premium feel in the exterior department. Certainly it does not go very well with say shirt, tie and pant.

That's where Pebble Steel comes in. It is not the so called gen 2 of Pebble, and more like iPhone 5c and 5s which coexist. The cool steel body (and additional leather strap) can be yours for US$ 100 more than the original Pebble. I thought it will be a hot seller if it was priced at US$ 199 instead, since some less smart watches like G-Shock may cost more than that. But at US$ 249, it make it harder for someone to justify getting something that's just nice to have. Nevertheless I suspect there is still a big group of people like me who just can't resist the "Order Now" button....

Can't wait till mid Feb.