What do you think lines will be like?

[Nagooya]

When do you think people will begin to line up for the iPhone (if they do at all). And how many people do you think would wait all day for the iPhone?

I'm guessing at least 50 people at the Apple Store near me. People lining up early Friday (6/29) morning.

SO EXCITED:eek:

What do you think it will be like?

[/dev/toaster]

People will start to line up the night before, by morning there will be 20+ in front of the store. Around noon the lines will start getting really long. After that, people will stop lining up because the line is already too long. At 6pm the doors will open and things will get crazy, lots of people leaving with nothing.

If you are lucky to be in the line, after standing in line all day ... you will still have another 25 minutes in the store to deal with. Careful walking to your car if you are in a bad area, or you might get mugged like what happened on the PS3.

People think I am joking, but thats what it will be like for major cities, NY, LA, SF, etc. Smaller areas will have some lines forming up around noon, but lines of like 20+ people.

Don't think showing up at 6pm will grant you a phone, won't happen.

[villanova329]

I've been thinking about this too and I guess that this would be the perfect spot to give my rant.

Everyone pretty much has a cellphone, so you would think that this product targets everyone just like the PS3, Wii, and Xbox360. I don't think the console hype quite applies to the iPhone for a few reasons:

1) There is no contract with buying a console, once you buy it, you can let it sit there and collect dust until you finally get a game for it

2) Teenagers don't really have credit so they can't contribute to the long lines and its mainly their parents who have to stand in line for them to get one

3) Consoles are not released that often, and when they do get revamped, there is such a big jump in technology. People are already waiting for Apple's next revision because Steve Jobs stated that they're planning on making more phones

4) People don't have to pay afterwards for the services of the consoles because once they own it, its theirs. People want the iPhone but can't shell close to $100 a month or more just to use the device

Well, don't take my logic too seriously, this is just how I feel. So I think the lines may be crazy, but not as crazy as the consoles made.

[gr8tfly]

I like your sig. smiley. Thanks! :):apple:

[skubish]

No lines expected.
With a 2yr contract, it will keep all the ebayers away.

[applehero]

There will be lines, maybe not long lines, but there will be people waiting everywhere, even if it's just to demo...

[rayward]

No lines expected.
With a 2yr contract, it will keep all the ebayers away.

And let's not forget that many people, even AT&T customers, are stuck in existing contracts that they cannot break without paying a penalty. All of this will filter the demand on Day #1.

[Nagooya]

I was talking to my brothers about this, and since we are teens, but we are HUGE Apple fans, i think that we would get to our Apple store early in the morning because the mall that i would go to is an outdoor mall so people can show up at anytime. Also, i was thinking that i could try to find an Apple store in a less populated city. The reason i mentioned i was a teenager was that the "buzz" at my school wasn't that strong because they other kids already had their parents by them some sort of nice phone. So i'm not sure how many people will be lining up that are my age, but i hope that the lines aren't too long.

[glide]

At 6PM on the 29th there will be maybe 20-30 in line per store. By 8PM the lines will be gone. I think the number of people willing to spend $599 on a phone + minimum ~$40 on a calling plan + ~$40 on a data plan is being highly overestimated.

[patrick0brien]

At 6PM on the 29th there will be maybe 20-30 in line per store. By 8PM the lines will be gone. I think the number of people willing to spend $599 on a phone + minimum ~$40 on a calling plan + ~$40 on a data plan is being highly overestimated.

-glide

Let's hope - 'cause I hate lines. I've waited long enough for the 8 gigger.

[gr8tfly]

And let's not forget that many people, even AT&T customers, are stuck in existing contracts that they cannot break without paying a penalty. All of this will filter the demand on Day #1.

No penalty for existing customer - you just sign up for a new 2 year contract. Price is same as new customer.

[BurtonCCC]

I'm not going to buy one. Just to play with one.

Dan.

[Furgster]

iphone YAY!!!!

[berkleeboy210]

I think I'm gunna try my luck at an ATT Store. We'll See what happens. man i wish the new apple store on Boylston St in boston was open, then I just could run up the street from the att store.

oh well, just staying positive.

[Nagooya]

I hope the lines are short. I really want one!

[/dev/toaster]

Oh trust me, I hope there is enough for everyone and that the lines aren't too long. I want an iPhone pretty bad, I would hate to stand in line to get nodda.

I just don't think that will be the case, I really think its going to be crazy. Regardless of the contract or cost, people really want this thing.

[retnuh730]

There is no way they'll sell out, except in big cities maybe. People may be apple fans, but there's no way they'll drop a thousand bucks on a phone even before their first bill. You guys overestimate demand way too much. There are too many people locked in at their current carriers to get one at the same time. Get there an hour early if you're worried, but you won't have to.

Apply reason to the formula:

A) 2 year contract with a company only 1/5 of the country has
B) 600$ price just to get the phone
C) another 80 bucks a month just to use it
D) lacking many features that people want
E) the 1st gen product avoiders, waiting for all the kinks to be worked out.

[elg23]

There is no way they'll sell out, except in big cities maybe. People may be apple fans, but there's no way they'll drop a thousand bucks on a phone even before their first bill. You guys overestimate demand way too much. There are too many people locked in at their current carriers to get one at the same time. Get there an hour early if you're worried, but you won't have to.

you may be right, but id rather be safe than sorry

[retnuh730]

you may be right, but id rather be safe than sorry
If i lived in a cooler place, i'd probly wait too for the hell of it, but since I dont. I'll just take my chances.

[Nagooya]

I agree. Id rather try to get one and not get one, then not try and get an iPhone and miss the oppurtunity.

[retnuh730]

I agree. Id rather try to get one and not get one, then not try and get an iPhone and miss the oppurtunity.

I'm telling you. I was like that with the wii, i waited 5 hours outside in the middle of winter to get it and i could have walked in 2 hours after they opened and still got a wii. Demand is never as big as it seems on the internet.

[elg23]

ill get there around 4, with my 80gb 5g and watch a movie till they open the doors...


:-)

[elg23]

I'm telling you. I was like that with the wii, i waited 5 hours outside in the middle of winter to get it and i could have walked in 2 hours after they opened and still got a wii. Demand is never as big as it seems on the internet.

where do you live? i waited 2 months until i found a wii...

[retnuh730]

where do you live? i waited 2 months until i found a wii...

This was for launch, and most of the people in town only thought the PS3 was out, but i live in Louisiana. There were shortages afterwards, sure, but launch is a very confusing time for people, especially if they have other things on their minds.

[blakespot]

You'll be better off at a AT&T/Cingular store as opposed to an Apple Store. There's one tucked away in DC here that will be selling the iPhone. I'll be in line there. :-)



blakespot

[Turkish]

A majority of people in line will not be there to buy a phone - most people just want to say they've touched the thing.

Yes, people will be there to buy also, but plenty just want to be able to play with it.

[indig0blue]

A majority of people in line will not be there to buy a phone - most people just want to say they've touched the thing.

Yes, people will be there to buy also, but plenty just want to be able to play with it.

This brings me back to a point I raised in a different thread. There needs to be an "express purchasing" line. For those of us that just want to buy it, activate it, and get out. There are a bunch of us that don't need to see it, touch it, or smell it. We just want to buy it and go home!

AT&T and Apple - I beg of you! Please give those of us who want to do business the opportunity to get in and get out. We don't want to waste your time. Please don't waste ours!

[jlanuez]

This brings me back to a point I raised in a different thread. There needs to be an "express purchasing" line. For those of us that just want to buy it, activate it, and get out. There are a bunch of us that don't need to see it, touch it, or smell it. We just want to buy it and go home!

AT&T and Apple - I beg of you! Please give those of us who want to do business the opportunity to get in and get out. We don't want to waste your time. Please don't waste ours!

BEST IDEA I've read all day. Hope you are right.
Would love to be in the express line - no touching, no questions, just ring it up ASAP and "NEXT!"...

[Gonzlobo]

BEST IDEA I've read all day. Hope you are right.
Would love to be in the express line - no touching, no questions, just ring it up ASAP and "NEXT!"...

And to expedite (sp) the line, they'll have bikini-clad women with clipboards and forms to fill out before one gets in the door.

[buymeaniphone]

Well you could just wait and buy it off of ebay, if you dont mind paying $1000+.

[iBlue]

...good luck

77007

[Roy Hobbs]

A majority of people in line will not be there to buy a phone - most people just want to say they've touched the thing.

Yes, people will be there to buy also, but plenty just want to be able to play with it.

No one in their right mind would stand in line for hours just to "play" with the iPhone.

[SirOmega]

Hopefully not too long - it'll be hot, 110 or so. I dont plan to go line up until about 3pm. Hopefully the people who start the line wrap around the building on the shaded side (as the sun moves lower in the sky).

[HitmanX]

http://photos.wingerz.com/d/658-2/crowd.jpg

[iBlue]

<jacked image idea>
ahem (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=3782533&postcount=31): not quite as funny the second time though, is it?

[HitmanX]

That is a real picture from my local Apple store.

and now they are sending out the riot police

http://www.citizenstrade.org/images/Riot-cops-with-guns-Reuters.jpg

[patrick0brien]

The latest iPhone (a.k.a. Hermes 4) acquisition plan:

5:30pm CDT, walk to nearest Cingular store with computer bag.
Scope line.
Should line be considered tolerable, execute Plan A.

Plan A: Get in line, Get iPhone, suffer Cash Burn.

If line deemed too long, execute Plan B,

Plan B: Turn right at Monroe, head to Starbucks, sign on to T-Mobile Hotspot (ooo irony), wait for 6pm. Hit Apple Online Store, order iPhone, suffer Credit Card Blamo. Then deal with the inevitable wait.

If Store is clogged, execute Plan C.

Plan C: Explode.

[Nagooya]

That is a real picture from my local Apple store.

and now they are sending out the riot police

http://www.citizenstrade.org/images/Riot-cops-with-guns-Reuters.jpg

Hahaha! I hope it's not like that here..;)

[iSaint]

I live in a small town of 25k in Mississippi, so I'm really curious to see what the interest will be here. There's a franchise just around the corner, and they said they were getting iPhones, so I may check them out. Either way, there's no Apple Store here, and only one AT&T/Cingular company store. I'll definitely be driving by to see how the lines are forming. :apple:

Some of you math geniuses should come up with a formula to calculate the number of people that will be purchasing iPhones next week. Let's see, they now believe 19mm people want the iPhone. But, how many will have their contract due for updating at that time? How many will sign new contracts? Take into account city population and number of stores that will be carrying the iPhone at launch. Now, we should be able to tell how many people will be waiting in line at our local purchase point. I anxiously wait your reply. :D

[tho]

No penalty for existing customer - you just sign up for a new 2 year contract. Price is same as new customer.

You have to also be eligible for an upgrade in order to get the iphone if you have an existing contract othewise you won't be able to purchase the phone.

[loudestnoise]

You have to also be eligible for an upgrade in order to get the iphone if you have an existing contract othewise you won't be able to purchase the phone.

Oh no, here we go. The fact is no one knows entirely for sure, but most of the people here will agree that you can get iPhone w/o being eligible for 2 year upgrade.

Luckily my case, I'm out of contract, and am even willing to sign up a new line and cancel my old one if that's what it takes to get iPhone.

[applehero]

You have to also be eligible for an upgrade in order to get the iphone if you have an existing contract othewise you won't be able to purchase the phone.

I was also told this by an at&t store. I don't think it will hold to be true. After I was told that, as I am not eligible for an upgrade yet, I informed them that my phone was damaged and needed replaced. It suddenly was no longer an issue. For that reason alone, I don't think they can enforce that policy. I have a feeling that's just a way for the stores to deter larger crowds.

[retnuh730]

I live in a small town of 25k in Mississippi, so I'm really curious to see what the interest will be here. There's a franchise just around the corner, and they said they were getting iPhones, so I may check them out. Either way, there's no Apple Store here, and only one AT&T/Cingular company store. I'll definitely be driving by to see how the lines are forming. :apple:

Some of you math geniuses should come up with a formula to calculate the number of people that will be purchasing iPhones next week. Let's see, they now believe 19mm people want the iPhone. But, how many will have their contract due for updating at that time? How many will sign new contracts? Take into account city population and number of stores that will be carrying the iPhone at launch. Now, we should be able to tell how many people will be waiting in line at our local purchase point. I anxiously wait your reply. :D
No way! I live in Bay St. Louis myself! What fair city are you from?

[Furgster]

iphone = Love

[Nagooya]

Gah! The anticipation is getting annoying, I NEED IT NOW! hahaha, but i bet waiting in possible lines will feel like days... that is going to lame. But then we might get iPhone's so it'll all be okay.:D :apple:

[Furgster]

hey nagooya, all of your little smilies and icons annoy me, fix it

[marksman]

This brings me back to a point I raised in a different thread. There needs to be an "express purchasing" line. For those of us that just want to buy it, activate it, and get out. There are a bunch of us that don't need to see it, touch it, or smell it. We just want to buy it and go home!

AT&T and Apple - I beg of you! Please give those of us who want to do business the opportunity to get in and get out. We don't want to waste your time. Please don't waste ours!

I would be all for it. I don't need a time waste demo. I am going to buy one even if the rep bungles the presentation so just let me get it and go.

I am starting to think the lines will be overblown from the standpoint of being unnecessary.

People camp out the night before might end up realizing they spent 18 hours in line for no reason. There are many reasons why this is not likely to be the same kind of crowd as a console, most of them spelled out by others here.

I don't not plan to camp out. I think on Friday I will go down to the local AT&T Store and see whats up at around 6:00pm. If it is too much, I will go back saturday morning, and then follow that up with a trip to the closest Apple Store on Saturday.

I have no real need to have the phone the second it is out. I will survive without one for a few days. I know both Apple and AT&T want to sell me a phone, and I know I want to buy one, so I have no doubt we will come to an agreement, sooner rather than later.

The ironic thing is if I had an iPhone, it might make waiting in line to get an iPhone a more palatable experience.

[zap2]

I'm not expecting huge lines...for a few reasons


1) Contracts, the keep people on ebay away.


2) Its a phone, 600 dollar phone. I'll admit its worth it, but look at the PS3, it was 600 bucks, and while there were lines, it wasn't as big as other system. Also their is no contract for the PS3!

[retnuh730]

I'm not expecting huge lines...for a few reasons


1) Contracts, the keep people on ebay away.


2) Its a phone, 600 dollar phone. I'll admit its worth it, but look at the PS3, it was 600 bucks, and while there were lines, it wasn't as big as other system. Also their is no contract for the PS3!

3) People tend to avoid 1st gen hardware from apple, avoiding problems

4) People holding out for next gen hardware (16GB, 3G)

[applehero]

I hope for all of the above, cause that'll mean I'll have no problems getting one.

[MrSmith]

You, too, can be part of history ;)

[iSaint]

No way! I live in Bay St. Louis myself! What fair city are you from?

Columbus. I was about to send you a PM. Welcome to MacRumors!

[Furgster]

You, too, can be part of history ;)

ummm whoa :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

go look at the picture ^^^^

[taberrr]

No penalty for existing customer - you just sign up for a new 2 year contract. Price is same as new customer.

i called a local att store and the guy looked up my acct info to see if i'm "eligible for an upgrade" and since i was he said i was eligible for a "discount" but when i asked him about it he said they didn't have exact pricing info yet, and to check back "a few days before the 29th." yay discount! [edit: he may have been misinformed, but basically he made it sound like if i renewed my contract, it would be a discounted price on the phone.]

i hope the line will be kind of short, still trying to figure out what time i should go over there. maybe i'll scope it out in the am, then come back in the afternoon. they're open till 10 so they gotta have a lot of them, right?

[taberrr]

You'll be better off at a AT&T/Cingular store as opposed to an Apple Store. There's one tucked away in DC here that will be selling the iPhone. I'll be in line there. :-)

blakespot

:eek: do not listen to this man, proceed to your closest mall/apple store!!!

[gr8tfly]

i called a local att store and the guy looked up my acct info to see if i'm "eligible for an upgrade" and since i was he said i was eligible for a "discount" but when i asked him about it he said they didn't have exact pricing info yet, and to check back "a few days before the 29th." yay discount! [edit: he may have been misinformed, but basically he made it sound like if i renewed my contract, it would be a discounted price on the phone.]

i hope the line will be kind of short, still trying to figure out what time i should go over there. maybe i'll scope it out in the am, then come back in the afternoon. they're open till 10 so they gotta have a lot of them, right?

You are eligible for a discount for phones it applies to. There is only one price for the iPhone. It just not subsidized. It actually ends up being the same type of deal as any other phone: when you get your "discount", you are given the privilege of purchasing it for the same price as a new customer. So, you're really not getting a discount, but, if you aren't eligible, you have to pay a premium. Since the iPhone isn't subsidized, it doesn't matter whether you're eligible for upgrade, or not. I've been a long time customer, so I was hoping for the phone to be discounted, too. Not gonna happen, I'm afraid.

[taberrr]

You are eligible for a discount for phones it applies to. There is only one price for the iPhone. It just not subsidized. It actually ends up being the same type of deal as any other phone: when you get your "discount", you are given the privilege of purchasing it for the same price as a new customer. So, you're really not getting a discount, but, if you aren't eligible, you have to pay a premium. Since the iPhone isn't subsidized, it doesn't matter whether you're eligible for upgrade, or not. I've been a long time customer, so I was hoping for the phone to be discounted, too. Not gonna happen, I'm afraid.

[edit: oh i see what you mean, so only certain phones are discounted at the signing of a new contract?] but i guess since the iphone is so hot, they won't give a "new contract" discount? he must have been misinformed... oh well, still gonna try getting one! hopefully the lines won't be too crazy in maryland.

[graphicwave]

Check out this link, if you haven't seen it before.
http://consumerist.com/consumer/shopping/at-launch-iphone-only-available-at-applecom-apple-stores-and-select-att-stores-268631.php

Note on the second page, it says what the AT&T employees should say when inquiring about an iPhone. It says even if you go to an AT&T store, you will be ordering it from Apple's website. Steve DID say they will be SHIPPING on June 29th.

I think i'm just going to do it at the house.

[classof2011]

I doubt there will be much of a line here since our city is nothing like Memphis, plus the fact that everyone uses PC's and don't give a da*n about Apple. But I'm calling AT&T about the "waiting list" we're having and how many iPhones are coming in....if there's enough room on the waiting list for the first shipment, I'll put my name on. Otherwise, I'll be on the Apple Store online.

[ps49556n]

Check out this link, if you haven't seen it before.
http://consumerist.com/consumer/shopping/at-launch-iphone-only-available-at-applecom-apple-stores-and-select-att-stores-268631.php

Note on the second page, it says what the AT&T employees should say when inquiring about an iPhone. It says even if you go to an AT&T store, you will be ordering it from Apple's website. Steve DID say they will be SHIPPING on June 29th.

I think i'm just going to do it at the house.


Sir, you are misinterpreting the statement from ATT. The state that "select ATT retal locations, Apple.com, and Apple stores" will have iPhones. They say that the local retail channels aka "authorized retailers" NOT ATT corporate stores, will have to wait. Do you really think that they would build up all this hype about 6PM availability and then say you have to order it online and wait?????

The express line would be great but I doubt they would do something like that. Some other members posted some great comments, specifically that a contract is required, most kids/teenagers will not be able to sign a contract/pay for the phone. This is a very different product compared with a Wii or a PS3 which has had 2-3 years of anticipation, no contracts, ability to sell on ebay, and high demand from youngsters.

Honestly I still am unsure about the crowds but since I live in Manhattan, I have decided that although it would be a fun experience to wait at the flagship Apple store on 5th ave, I have a feeling it is going to be a madhouse there and my chances of getting a phone will be slim. There is an ATT corporate store around the corner where I live which I feel will be less crowded, but who knows...

[Squidly]

When our local Apple store opened 2-3 years ago (small suburban area, non-mall), I went by to check it out, hopefully score a t-shirt. This was like an hour before opening. I figured there might be a 20-30 person line.

The line stretched on for over 100 yards.

This won't be as big as that, but I expect 100 people minimum outside each Apple store.

I'm going to our local AT&T store, partly because I think the line will be smaller, and mostly because they should be far swifter in setting the phones up and working out plan details for existing customers.

[Squidly]

Check out this link, if you haven't seen it before.
http://consumerist.com/consumer/shopping/at-launch-iphone-only-available-at-applecom-apple-stores-and-select-att-stores-268631.php

Note on the second page, it says what the AT&T employees should say when inquiring about an iPhone. It says even if you go to an AT&T store, you will be ordering it from Apple's website. Steve DID say they will be SHIPPING on June 29th.

I think i'm just going to do it at the house.

Do what you like, but I called the store and said they'd have them in stock, ready to sell on the 29th.

I suggest you phone ahead.

[ps49556n]

The document from ATT is referring to the authorized retailer independent stores. One of these boutique stores by me in NYC has been hand out fliers on the street offering preorders. I put my name on the list just to see what they plan on doing on the 29th, but I am not going to buy a phone from them.

[Nagooya]

I was thinking that since the TV ads show "Coming June 29" without saying 6pm, then people who want the phone, but aren't MacJunkies would show up in the morning expecting to get it when the store's open. That could mean long lines already formed in the morning! :eek:

What do you think?

[patrick0brien]

-Nagooya

I'm thinking we're about to witness something that puts a signpost into history. Even if it's just a flashy fad - it's going to be noteworthy for at least that.

That being said, gosh, I hope the lines are reasonable - I don't want to have to order online.

[Nagooya]

I hope the launch is successful and that the product is worth it. Also, i hope we can actually get our hands on it, too!

[applehero]

I was thinking that since the TV ads show "Coming June 29" without saying 6pm, then people who want the phone, but aren't MacJunkies would show up in the morning expecting to get it when the store's open. That could mean long lines already formed in the morning! :eek:

What do you think?

That's a good point...hopefully it will get mention at some point before the 29th, otherwise I'll be arriving earlier then anticipated...

[p0intblank]

My dad is most likely getting one next Friday so I'll be going with him. :D We may go to Fifth Avenue store since they'll most likely have the most units. But then there's the Christiana Mall store where there is no tax... but less units.

Hmm... either way, it's going to exciting! I'll be filming the event. :D