Late to the Game

Alright, so because of my complicated scenario involving my upgrade to the iPhone 6, I kind of decided late that I actually wanted to get it right away. I obviously didn't preorder, and have now observed how the iPhone 6 is out of stock everywhere, which I somewhat was expecting.

What exactly would be my best bet in getting one now? I called 2 of the nearest Verizon stores, 2 Walmarts, and a RadioShack, to no avail. The Apple store isn't really an option because the nearest one is like 2 hours away, and I don't exactly want to go that far.

If I order from Verizon now, they claim I should get my iPhone 6 by October 17th. I'm not overly satisfied with that, but if it's the best option I will take it. I'm not overly knowledgable in shipping methods and schedules for stores, so how soon will stores be getting their next shipment of iPhones? Would I be able to get one sooner if I check in to these stores frequently, asking whether they are in stock? RadioShack was trying desperately to make me a customer, claiming "If you order now, you could potentially get your iPhone in 2 business days if they are in the warehouse" (highly unlikely in my mind).

So, will checking in with stores, or ordering from Verizon get me an iPhone sooner?

 

I heard that the 6 had orders pushed back to November, but maybe that was the 6+, so I will look into it. I don't think I will have the most horrendous problems since I don't want a 6+.

[Edit] I just looked at Apple's website and plugged in my desired configuration, it says available to ship in 7-10 business days. I know this is a weird question, but does that mean it will arrive in 7-10 business days? Or, it will process etc, and then begin to start making its way in 7-10 business days?

 

This is all great news guys, I may be able to do in store pickup, actually. I want my iPhone, so I think I can tolerate a 4 hour round trip. Even if I decide to get it shipped to me, it still will be way better than October 17th! I will take October 1st-4th (based on the 7-10 day estimate) any day.

[Edit] In store pickup is a no-go. The nearest Apple store (2 hours away) and even the next (5 hours away) lists Unavailable for in store pickup.

[Edit] Just placed my order today, won't get here until October 15th-20th. :/

 

I know this died awhile ago but my phone already started shipping. The email from Apple says "Delivers October 8th" but on UPS it says "Scheduled Delivery: Friday, 10/03/2014, By End of Day". Before it started shipping, the range was "October 15th-20th".

Which one should I trust/be prepared for?