Reservations Guaranteed or not...

[curtishd]

So now that ATT is official sold out of pre-orders and who know if apple is or not, if you placed a reservation at a local Apple store is it guaranteed to be there on launch day?
Also is there a separate line for those how have a reservation?

 

[eezing]

I too was wondering as I just reserved a unit at my local Apple Store. Do I have to wait in line, or can I just stroll in after work?

 

[Eddyisgreat]

It's a mixed bag. The verbage is confusing everyone. I'll explain my 3G experience.

'Reserved' iPhone on reservation day last year. Got confirmation. Didn't have to put in any buying information (since I didn't preorder).

Couple of days before hand I recieved an email that we had to print out and bring to the store. It specifically stated on it that phones would be held until some time around 12:00. After this, they would be returned to general stocks.

On launch day we made one giant line. Then apple employees came out and told everyone to split into reservation lines and non reservation lines. EVERYONE who did not have a confirmation email or was on the list that the apple employee had had to move into a seperate line, no matter their current position, and had to wait for everyone (who was verified) on the reserved list. Needless to say there were a few pissed folks.

Dunno if you could walk in after hours to claim your property; i was second in line so I didn't need to worry about that.

 

[ScubaCinci]

FWIW, I reserved one via the Apple app and I just got an email saying I can pick it up on the 24th. I'm thinking it's probably guaranteed, kinda the point of "reserving" one like a car reservation.

 

[Mosco]

It seems every store does it differently, but at the very least the email says they will hold it until closing time so you have the whole day to pick it up.

 

[dagomike]

No guarantee, but if you show up when specified, you'll very likely get your phone.

 

[zacharace]

Anyone just end up "reserving" one but get the wrong price? I'm upgrade-eligible but my reservation email shows my 16GB iPhone costs $599?

Pretty sure this was due to AT&T's (crappy) server shutting down and Apple thus not being able to check eligibility, but I'm still thinking about calling and verifying.

 

[joecg]

I called my Apple store and they said as long as I received the confirmation email, I am guaranteed one that day. I'll still show up at 7am anyway just in case, but she said it was guaranteed.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Anyone just end up "reserving" one but get the wrong price? I'm upgrade-eligible but my reservation email shows my 16GB iPhone costs $599?

Pretty sure this was due to AT&T's (crappy) server shutting down and Apple thus not being able to check eligibility, but I'm still thinking about calling and verifying.

Good luck with that. Apple's not accepting calls.

I'm in the same boat as you.

 

[gforce216]

Anyone just end up "reserving" one but get the wrong price? I'm upgrade-eligible but my reservation email shows my 16GB iPhone costs $599?

Pretty sure this was due to AT&T's (crappy) server shutting down and Apple thus not being able to check eligibility, but I'm still thinking about calling and verifying.

Same here. The current idea swirling around is that Apple skipped the AT&T credentials check for the app in order to allow for pre-orders.

 

[MSampson]

wrong price for me too. I have a 3GS that I got on the first day that is eligible as I am the primary line on our family plan. But the phone we will be upgrading is my husband's who has my original iPhone. He is eligible too. But it said I have a reserved 32GB for $699. No way will I pay that with two eligible lines! Hopefully they'll re-check status before charging you and hopefully it will work. I may print out my eligibility screens to bring with me.

 

[ScubaCinci]

Funny, at the bottom of my reservation confirmation email, it says:

"Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis."

Pre-authorization doesn't really = reservation but there was no pre-authorization involved so I dunno what it means.

 

[Sweetbike40]

With the iPad there were two different lines. The reserved line got to go into to store first to pick up their reservations. It was very easy. After that easy experience i figured i'd do the same with the phone yet still attempted to pre-order with no luck. I'm happy i got the reserve in though with the confirmation email. I'm happy now. Just forget about it til next thursday!!

 

[Mosco]

Funny, at the bottom of my reservation confirmation email, it says:

"Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis."

Pre-authorization doesn't really = reservation but there was no pre-authorization involved so I dunno what it means.

I think they are just protecting themselves in case something happens at a particular store.

 

[ChrisN]

Anyone just end up "reserving" one but get the wrong price? I'm upgrade-eligible but my reservation email shows my 16GB iPhone costs $599?

Pretty sure this was due to AT&T's (crappy) server shutting down and Apple thus not being able to check eligibility, but I'm still thinking about calling and verifying.

This happened to me except with the 32gb, just making sure it is not just me.

ChrisN

 

[AshStorm]

I Pre-Ordered through Best Buy but also did a Reservation at the Apple Store via the app just as backup plan. Here is the text of the emailed confirmation I received.... (See bolded portion)

"When you come in to pick up your iPhone, you'll be part of an exciting launch at the Apple Retail Store. We'll have Specialists ready to transfer your contacts, set up email, and help you get apps so your iPhone is just the way you like it. We can't wait to see you at the store.

Sincerely,
The Apple Retail Store team
Pickup Date and Time
June 24 starting at 7:00 a.m.
Please note that your reservation will be held until close of business on June 24.
Pickup Location
Apple Store, South Coast Plaza
See store hours and get directions
Be sure to bring these items with you:
• A valid, government-issued photo ID
• Your Social Security number
• A debit or credit card
Reserved Items
1

iPhone 4 16GB : Black"


It looks pretty legit that they will be holding one for me. I'll be keeping the email handy to wave in their face if it comes to that

 

[tikitommy]

I think they are just protecting themselves in case something happens at a particular store.

i think pre-authorization has to do with upgrade eligibility and such.

Years and years ago when i got my 3G, they went through the line to check people's upgrade eligibility. At that time, you had to be a new customer or upgrade eligible to get the phone.

 

[quid squid]

This happened to me except with the 32gb, just making sure it is not just me.

ChrisN

Same for me, but Apple said don't worry about this because they will be able to verify your eligibility at the store. It was their way of getting around the At&t servers being inadequate.

I just spent 40 minutes on the phone with Apple trying to switch mine to delivery, but ended up giving up and gonna have to try in a day or two.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

I Pre-Ordered through Best Buy but also did a Reservation at the Apple Store via the app just as backup plan. Here is the text of the emailed confirmation I received.... (See bolded portion)

"When you come in to pick up your iPhone, you'll be part of an exciting launch at the Apple Retail Store. We'll have Specialists ready to transfer your contacts, set up email, and help you get apps so your iPhone is just the way you like it. We can't wait to see you at the store.

Sincerely,
The Apple Retail Store team
Pickup Date and Time
June 24 starting at 7:00 a.m.
Please note that your reservation will be held until close of business on June 24.
Pickup Location
Apple Store, South Coast Plaza
See store hours and get directions
Be sure to bring these items with you:
• A valid, government-issued photo ID
• Your Social Security number
• A debit or credit card
Reserved Items
1

iPhone 4 16GB : Black"


It looks pretty legit that they will be holding one for me. I'll be keeping the email handy to wave in their face if it comes to that

Don't forget the part you missed:

Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

They'll wave that in your face, if it comes to that .