Apple Store vs AT&T Store for iPhone purchase ?

[err404]

I'd go with Apple. They have been more lenient in the past with restocking fees and are much faster at completing your transaction. Unfortunately Apple has less access to ATT system and are therefore less capable of addressing complex problems. When my wife got her 3GS last year from Apple, they were not able to port her old number from Verizon to my account and we had to go to ATT at the other side of the mall in order to complete the activation. It took over an hour for ATT to fix the issue (45 mins of that was waiting for a rep). The experience at ATT was less pleasant and they were constantly pushing accessories while we were there.

 

[SLC Flyfishing]

Is AT&T still advising customers that they have to wait 10-14 days for the iPhone to arrive at the store? If so, then you may have better luck at an Apple Store. Good luck.

Mine (in Salt Lake City) had plenty of 16's in three weeks ago when I got mine, but they had no 32's. Hence the reccomendation that if I wanted a 32, I should go down to the apple store, pick it up, then return to AT&T for the activation.

I actually had a very pleasant experience with the AT&T store during my iP4 purchasing experience. Not that I wouldn't have had a similar experience with the Apple store, but I've had less than optimal experiences there in the past (mine is always super crowded).

SLC

 

[sectime]

Mine (in Salt Lake City) had plenty of 16's in three weeks ago when I got mine, but they had no 32's. Hence the reccomendation that if I wanted a 32, I should go down to the apple store, pick it up, then return to AT&T for the activation.

I actually had a very pleasant experience with the AT&T store during my iP4 purchasing experience. Not that I wouldn't have had a similar experience with the Apple store, but I've had less than optimal experiences there in the past (mine is always super crowded).

SLC

I thought the remodel of the store would have helped but I think it is worse. I had to take my MacPro in for service, thought I was going to die walking from the parking lot. Sorry for the off topic post

 

[danny_w]

I just bought a 16GB at at&t store this week. I was upgrading from another phone but using my wife's eligibility (my line still has until mid next year). I was told by the local Apple store that I would have to do it at at&t, or my wife's SIM would end up being deactivated and she would ahve to come in. At&t took care of it no problem, and I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. I happened to get the when there were no custoemrs at the store and salesmen just standing around.

EDIT: I did have to warn them up front not to deactivate my wife's SIM card. She still had to setup her voice mail all over though.

 

[Cricketman]

Had an absolutely fantastic experience at AT&T store. Waived my activation fees and paid my ETF from T-Mobile.

3 iPhones bought last week. HIGHLY recommended.

 

[Salukipilot4590]

2009 (New to iPhone and AT&T)

(live in Long Beach)

Made an appointment at the Apple store (South Coast plaza...15 miles away) for 1:30pm
Arrived at Apple store at 1:25pm
Was told I needed to wait until 4:45pm even though I had an appointment
Drove to local AT&T store (1.5 miles from the house) 2:00pm same day
Bought iPhone, signed contract, walked out 2:10pm.

2010 (Upgrade)

Walked into AT&T store @ 12:00pm
Upgraded iPhone
Walked out of AT&T store @ 12:30pm after chatting (read: flirting with cute blonde) with rep for a while.

Never was a fan of the Apple store.

 

[bowlerman625]

IMHO the apple experience is superior.

 

[Amnesia87]

The biggest advantages of buying at an Apple Store is in general they are more likely to make exceptions on things like cracked screens and whatnot(regardless of what they will tell you), and during the first 30 days, if you have any issues with your phone, they can replace it with a new phone as opposed to refurb phone.