preorder/actual stock inventory in store confusion

[Matt8045]

Guys i'm confused, I got in late to the preorder game party, so I'm striking out at walmarts with 10+ people in front of me on the couple i've been to. I know if I preorder through AT&T i'm looking at roughly mid October to receive the phone.

QUESTION! If the preorders are that backed up, how will apple stores/at&t stores have any in stock for people who wait in line? Do they have a seperate shipment for in store regular purchases vs. preorders? I don't have a problem waiting in line for a couple hours but how do I know the store will have any in stock? thanks

 

[Jason S.]

QUESTION! If the preorders are that backed up, how will apple stores/at&t stores have any in stock for people who wait in line? Do they have a seperate shipment for in store regular purchases vs. preorders? I don't have a problem waiting in line for a couple hours but how do I know the store will have any in stock? thanks

They have an amount alloted for preorders, and another amount allotted for stores to sell on launch day.

I think you will have better luck trying an AT&T store on launch day than you will at Walmart. AT&T is definitely going to get a larger shipment than Walmart will. Last year, I personally know of two people who went to the AT&T store the afternoon that the iPhone 4S came out, and they were able to get the exact models and colors they wanted.

 

[Matt8045]

They have an amount alloted for preorders, and another amount allotted for stores to sell on launch day.

Oh cool, I'm guessing the wait in line outside the at&t store method is probably more reliable than going with walmart too. Looks like I have an early morning Friday. Thanks

 

[DArsenault]

They reserve some for preorders, but most of the stock is shipped to Apple stores, carrier stores and third party stores ie Best Buy