Why Can't We Pre-Order to Pick up in Store?

[Seraphx17]

Other than the first 20 minutes when it was literally impossible to order, I keep on seeing "Not eligible" on all of the models.

Has anyone been able to pre-order for pick-up?

 

[Photography]

I would like to know the same thing as well. I want to pre-order to pickup in store, but am also seeing the not eligible status on the checkout page. I'm currently waiting to speak with an Apple live chat representative regarding this issue, and will post their reply here.

 

[Apple Corps]

Good luck - I've tried to get an answer - no luck...

 

[jlmac17]

Maybe they don't want the same incident that happened in Beijing?

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2012/01/13/tech-today-angry-scene-in-beijing-delays-iphone-launch/

 

[bobsentell]

Apple may want to leave some stock for walk-ins. And with only 8 business days until launch, it may just be too hard to ensure the proper product distribution required to handle pick ups.

I'm sure Apple has its reason that it'll share with us at... . . sorry. I couldn't type that with a straight face.

 

[Photography]

Here's an official Apple representative's reply regarding pre-ordering the iPad online and picking it up in store:

Currently due to the extremely high order volume, in-store pick up will not be an option. However, it'll ship to your address just as fast as it would be available in-store.

I can't say for sure when it will become available. I would recommend checking back tomorrow morning to see if it's available!

 

[nick7138]

Apparently, I was one of the lucky ones. I was able to get it for instore pickup just before it went down again. According to a representative:
That order option is having difficulties with the high volume today. It will be eligible for instore pick up still.

 

[EIGHTYTHREE]

Because the store would be 100x more crowded than its already gonna be...they would have to have armed guards at the door like a Vegas pawn shop! Apple stores are crowded enough when there isn't even a new release item,so you would have people who waited overnight for the launch and people waiting for in-store pickup, and this doesn't include all the extra people who are around just cause of hype. Where do you think all these people will fit? It just doesn't make sense to have total in-store pickup for this type of launch. Its just not safe.

and the other simple reason is the amount of stock readily available.

 

[theman510]

The option to pick up in store was unavailable to me all day. I just tried now and was able to select pick up at then Apple store in Rockaway, NJ.

Im sort of still on the fence about if I want to upgrade, if I put the order in now can I cancel before the 16th with no problem? I want to see how much I can sell my iPad 2 for before determining if I want the new one.

 

[Photography]

I'm also able to select pre-order with pick up in store option in NYC at both the Fifth Avenue and Grand Central stores.

 

[Seraphx17]

Yep, it looks like store pickup just went live. Now the question is what time will they let us in!

 

[maclook]

Are deliveries held until 5pm or are they delivered normally throughout the day

 

[Seraphx17]

Good question. Last I heard is that they are still deciding.

 

[note235]

Are deliveries held until 5pm or are they delivered normally throughout the day

i believe throughout

 

[sluggozmom]

I was just able to pre-order for in store pick up at the Nashua NH store

 

[SporkLover]

I would believe they would want to keep the stores clear for the folks trying to buy an iPad in store.

 

[LFMNX]

Load on shipments, capacity in store for space, number of sales transactions, number of customers etc. Apple is masterful at supply chain management. They spread it out to minimize problems.

 

[MR1324]

i would just order for shipment and avoid the crowd. no matter what shipping option you choose, you will probably receive it on launch day based on what's happened in the past.

 

[jpl88]

anyone knows how long apple will hold onto my ipad for instore pickup if I'm not able to go to the store on the day they invite me to pick it up?

 

[MR1324]

anyone knows how long apple will hold onto my ipad for instore pickup if I'm not able to go to the store on the day they invite me to pick it up?

i remember past emails saying something like "pickup before 9PM on launch day or else your unit will be given up for sale."

 

[Seraphx17]

For people who have done this in the past, can you just walk in and immediately pick it up? Or do you have to wait in line?

 

[Photography]

I just preordered for pickup at the NYC Fifth Avenue store.

 

[zpilot]

Why anyone would want to do an in-store pickup on launch day is beyond me. Especially for an iProduct!

 

[jpl88]

i remember past emails saying something like "pickup before 9PM on launch day or else your unit will be given up for sale."

thanks - I guess with this policy they only charge customers when they pick up the item not when they place it online?
sounds like I'll have to "time" my purchase so that in store pickup falls on the right date.

 

[Photography]

Why anyone would want to do an in-store pickup on launch day is beyond me. Especially for an iProduct!

Several reasons:

1. I live in an apartment complex with an unattended lobby, and I don't want people stealing a $500 iPad since I won't be home to sign for it.
2. I will be working and won't be able to be at home all day to sign for it.
3. I can go and pick it up at my own convenience at the 24 hour Fifth Avenue store.