I'm 18, an Authorized User, and At&t customer...Apple Store?

[Spongey817]

To preface, I've tried using the search function, but have come up empty handed as to an answer to this SPECIFIC question. Thank you...

I am 18 years old and on a family plan with At&t with my parents. I am also an authorized user to make changes to the account. On Friday, I plan to walk into an Apple Store (by myself), add the $30 data plan, and walk out with my 3G iPhone.

Considering I have a valid photo ID, the last 4 digits of the primary account holders SSN, and know the name of the account holder, should I be okay?

I called an Apple Store, and of course, they were clueless...Any help would be greatly appreciated...Thank you...

 

[acrafton]

I posted a few minutes ago. . .I went into an Apple store today and asked a few questions about adding a phone to a family plan, activation, etc. . .and the Apple employees (3 of them) were like deer in the headlights. They had no clue and finally suggested I go to the ATT store in the same complex. They answered my questions, had a few suggestions, etc and know the process.

My advice is unless you have a simple single phone buy/activate/new plan the ATT store will probably be a better choice. Anything complex and the Apple guys will be lost. The ATT store guys do plans, activations, etc. all day long. The Apple store doesn't and it is obvious.

 

[FSUSem1noles]

I posted a few minutes ago. . .I went into an Apple store today and asked a few questions about adding a phone to a family plan, activation, etc. . .and the Apple employees (3 of them) were like deer in the headlights. They had no clue and finally suggested I go to the ATT store in the same complex. They answered my questions, had a few suggestions, etc and know the process.

My advice is unless you have a simple single phone buy/activate/new plan that ATT store will probably be a better choice. They do plans, activations, etc. all day long. The Apple store doesn't and it is obvious.

Agreed, Apple stores are going to be chaotic come Friday, to no fault of their, they just aren't familiar with phone plans, activating, authorized users, etc,etc...

Unless you're doing a basic activation, ie, main account holder and a new customer, you'd probably be better off going to AT&T..

And I'm sure there's going to be quite a few customers who are going to give these poor Apple store employees a hard time should they pull up account info that the "customer" feels is incorrect... not upgrade eligible, etc,etc..

 

[rablat]

Luckily my apple store said no problem being an AU as long as you have the info. My store would be the one at the Streets at southpoint in Durham NC.
personally I think people are making this WAY more complicated than it need be.

 

[Spongey817]

personally I think people are making this WAY more complicated than it need be.

I think you're right. Believe me, I'm fairly educated when it comes to this iPhone stuff. However, it's the mixed messages sent by both At&t and Apple that have people somewhat confused.

In any case, I thank you for the responses. It seems At&t might be the better option, but I fear their stock will not be as plentiful as Apple's. I'll give At&t a call and see what they suggest.

Any other suggestions?

 

[kovalchuk71]

Luckily my apple store said no problem being an AU as long as you have the info. My store would be the one at the Streets at southpoint in Durham NC.
personally I think people are making this WAY more complicated than it need be.

Hey rablat, Im from Cary. Do you think the apple store at Southpoint will be packed? Did you go last year?

 

[FSUSem1noles]

I think you're right. Believe me, I'm fairly educated when it comes to this iPhone stuff. However, it's the mixed messages sent by both At&t and Apple that have people somewhat confused.

In any case, I thank you for the responses. It seems At&t might be the better option, but I fear their stock will not be as plentiful as Apple's. I'll give At&t a call and see what they suggest.

Any other suggestions?

Even if AT&T were to sell out on Friday, they'll be getting more in on Saturday and on a regular basis after Friday...

It's not going to be impossible to find a phone should you want one..

Alot of people are making the iPhone out to resemble the Ninteneo Wii or a hot gaming system...

Oh'Noes, we'z gonna have an iPhone shortage!!11!111!!!!

 

[Spongey817]

As an update to those interested...

I just got off the phone with my local at&t store. The rep (who seemed very knowledgeable) assured me that I'll be able to upgrade to the iPhone without the account holder present. This, assuming that I am an authorized user over the age of 18 with the last 4 digits of the primary account holder's SSN.

Looks like its off to at&t come Friday. Hopefully they'll have a fresh stock of 16 gb White iPhones for me...

 

[Spongey817]

Even if AT&T were to sell out on Friday, they'll be getting more in on Saturday and on a regular basis after Friday...

It's not going to be impossible to find a phone should you want one..

Alot of people are making the iPhone out to resemble the Ninteneo Wii or a hot gaming system...

Oh'Noes, we'z gonna have an iPhone shortage!!11!111!!!!

Just to comment on this post...

Both the Apple store and at&t stores locally reported shortages in my area shortly after the launch, so my worrying is based on previous experience.

Also, last year the 8 gb model sold at a much faster pace then the 4 gb model. Considering I'm buying the white 16gb iPhone...I'd say I have reason to be a bit more cautious.

 

[rablat]

Just to comment on this post...

Both the Apple store and at&t stores locally reported shortages in my area shortly after the launch, so my worrying is based on previous experience.

Also, last year the 8 gb model sold at a much faster pace then the 4 gb model. Considering I'm buying the white 16gb iPhone...I'd say I have reason to be a bit more cautious.

I think you will be safe most are gonna go for the cheap.
And i think the 16ers will go for black for the most part.

kovalchuk71
You got PM

 

[CIrawI3riCIge]

Agreed, Apple stores are going to be chaotic come Friday, to no fault of their, they just aren't familiar with phone plans, activating, authorized users, etc,etc...

Maybe they should be trained to handle relevant inquiries and issues. I mean, they are coordinating the in-store activation process. They know exactly what to expect Friday and should be able to handle it wisely.