"reserved" at Apple store?

[Motionblurrr]

One iPhone remains at your local Apple store. There are two people. Guy #1 is standing at the counter, credit card in hand, ready to buy the iPhone. Guy #2 is you. You are still asleep, expecting to waltz in later in the day and buy the very last iPhone that they held for you even though you made no actual agreement to ever come in and buy it. You just got your name put on some list for pre-approval.

Do you really think it's still going to be there when you arrive?

Wouldn't reserving it technically be the agreement?

 

[Apple Corps]

One iPhone remains at your local Apple store. There are two people. Guy #1 is standing at the counter, credit card in hand, ready to buy the iPhone. Guy #2 is you. You are still asleep, expecting to waltz in later in the day and buy the very last iPhone that they held for you even though you made no actual agreement to ever come in and buy it. You just got your name put on some list for pre-approval.

Do you really think it's still going to be there when you arrive?

Yes - it will be there for me Friday - I don't have to be there at 8 am sharp or whatever - that is my understanding. I do not expect them to hold it beyond Friday for me.

 

[Scorch07]

I have called several stores and asked how this will work. They have all told me that as long as I come before they close on Friday, there WILL be a phone waiting for me, even though I have not put down a deposit. 5 of 5 stores have confirmed this. Once Saturday comes, if these phones haven't been picked up, your reservation is cancelled.

Yeah, see, I like this idea. I still don't know though. I mean, it's not like they aren't going to ever sell it or something if they hold it just the whole day Friday.

 

[SheepNutz]

I have called several stores and asked how this will work. They have all told me that as long as I come before they close on Friday, there WILL be a phone waiting for me, even though I have not put down a deposit. 5 of 5 stores have confirmed this. Once Saturday comes, if these phones haven't been picked up, your reservation is cancelled.

This is what I've been told as well. I can't make it up to my local apple store until 6PM on Friday, and if I don't have a phone saved for me, I'll be pissed.

 

[slpdLoad]

Wouldn't reserving it technically be the agreement?

Yes - it will be there for me Friday - I don't have to be there at 8 am sharp or whatever - that is my understanding. I do not expect them to hold it beyond Friday for me.

It's entirely possible that I'm wrong on this - I just haven't seen anything actually stating this will be the case.

Apple's "pre-ordering does not guarantee availability" doesn't give me much confidence.

 

[Captain Magic]

Reserved a 32 GB white one... Will get a call from them when it's there.

 

[Motionblurrr]

This is what I've been told as well. I can't make it up to my local apple store until 6PM on Friday, and if I don't have a phone saved for me, I'll be pissed.

LOL are you my twin? I'm in the same boat! Lemme guess, work?

I can imagine the uproar that Apple will recieve if in fact "reserving" doesn't mean reserving.

I'll be pissed too. >:[

 

[azsprty]

The apple store here in phoenix says by reserving they get a rough estimate of how many phones they would need to order and then go from there. A manager said i have a better chance of getting one as opposed to someone who doesnt reserve but its still no guarantee. Ive also read that last year they didnt run out of 3gs til a few days later. This is my first launch, ive reserved but have no clue when to arrive

 

[TurboSC]

I'm sure the Apple stores will be stocked well with iPhones, so don't worry guys.... if they learned from the last launch, they should be in good shape this time around.

 

[bhimpele]

One iPhone remains at your local Apple store. There are two people. Guy #1 is standing at the counter, credit card in hand, ready to buy the iPhone. Guy #2 is you. You are still asleep, expecting to waltz in later in the day and buy the very last iPhone that they held for you even though you made no actual agreement to ever come in and buy it. You just got your name put on some list for pre-approval.

Do you really think it's still going to be there when you arrive?

Guy #2 gets it because he reserved it for 1 day only. Apple knows that the phone will sell the next day no matter what, so they'd rather not anger a customer that they have reserved one for. I know it seems silly that they didn't ask for a deposit, and they are very vague about the process, but the title of my confirmation email is "Your iPhone Reservation". Thats what a reservation is. It even says that you can come "anytime" that day to pick it up.

 

[Apple Corps]

I'm sure the Apple stores will be stocked well with iPhones, so don't worry guys.... if they learned from the last launch, they should be in good shape this time around.

That is probably the best response - I'm not going to waste time worrying about it.

At day's end the only guarantees that are rock solid are:

DEATH & TAXES

 

[dave006]

I reserved one at my local Apple Store as well (via the Apple online store). I never received an email or any kind of confirmation. Anyone know any specifics on the Apple Store reserve process?

You should have received an email with the following....

Dear xxxxxx,
Thanks for starting your iPhone purchase online.To finish the process, come to the store you selected and look for a Concierge in an orange shirt. We'll help you complete your purchase, activate your new iPhone, and set it up for you. Find a store
Make sure to bring these items with you:
• A valid, government-issued photo ID
• Your Social Security number
• A debit or credit card

We look forward to seeing you.
The Apple Retail Store team​

There is a disclaimer concerning the "Reservation Process"

Visit your nearest Apple Retail Store and pick up an iPhone 3G S starting at 8 a.m. on June 19 or pick up an iPhone 3G today.*
* Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis

You are really just completing the first steps in the purchase process to shorten the time in the Apple store completing the purchase.

Dave

 

[azsprty]

I can pretty much guarantee if your not in line early and they run out, reserved or not, you arent getting one til next shipment. I have read several places where you should be fine regardless that they are ordering far more than reserved or anticipated

 

[gwfattwkr]

no chances

I can pretty much guarantee if your not in line early and they run out, reserved or not, you arent getting one til next shipment. I have read several places where you should be fine regardless that they are ordering far more than reserved or anticipated

although I reserved mine and got the email I can arrive anytime, I will not be taking any chances I will be there in the morning in the line like a sucka.

 

[dave006]

This is what I've been told as well. I can't make it up to my local apple store until 6PM on Friday, and if I don't have a phone saved for me, I'll be pissed.

They are not holding a phone for you, it is not guaranteed iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

They should have stock for Launch Day, June 19 and as other posters have indicated they did not start to run out until day 3-5 at most stores. Most stores were receiving daily restock shipments but they did start to run out of specific color / size / color combinations last year.

Dave

 

[bhimpele]

There is a disclaimer concerning the "Reservation Process"

Visit your nearest Apple Retail Store and pick up an iPhone 3G S starting at 8 a.m. on June 19 or pick up an iPhone 3G today.*
* Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis

You are really just completing the first steps in the purchase process to shorten the time in the Apple store completing the purchase.

Dave

Of course there's a disclaimer, in case something happens and they F-up, they are covered. They still plan on reserving phones for ONE day for those who have reserves them.

 

[sandman42]

Just to add one more data point: I have a phone reserved via the web, and I discussed it in person with some of the nice people at my local Apple Store. They say (for whatever that may be worth) that they'll hold a phone in my name all day Friday, but if I don't show up on Friday it'll be fair game to anyone that walks in the door. I won't be able to get to the store till after work on Friday, and I'm really hoping they're going to live up to their promise when I get there...

There is a disclaimer concerning the "Reservation Process"

Visit your nearest Apple Retail Store and pick up an iPhone 3G S starting at 8 a.m. on June 19 or pick up an iPhone 3G today.*
* Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis

You are really just completing the first steps in the purchase process to shorten the time in the Apple store completing the purchase.

Dave

Is 'pre-authorizing' the same thing as 'reserving'? I'm inclined to think they're not. I think pre-authorizing is the process anyone goes through to get the activation process started, and reserving is something that's specifically meant to hold a phone for you on launch day.

 

[nabechu]

My apple store said even if you reserved a phone with them, they're not holding it for anyone. Its all first come, first served...so get there early.

 

[SheepNutz]

You should have received an email with the following....

Dear xxxxxx,
Thanks for starting your iPhone purchase online.To finish the process, come to the store you selected and look for a Concierge in an orange shirt. We'll help you complete your purchase, activate your new iPhone, and set it up for you. Find a store
Make sure to bring these items with you:
• A valid, government-issued photo ID
• Your Social Security number
• A debit or credit card

We look forward to seeing you.
The Apple Retail Store team​

There is a disclaimer concerning the "Reservation Process"

Visit your nearest Apple Retail Store and pick up an iPhone 3G S starting at 8 a.m. on June 19 or pick up an iPhone 3G today.*
* Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis

You are really just completing the first steps in the purchase process to shorten the time in the Apple store completing the purchase.

Dave

My email reads differently than yours. Here's mine:

Dear xxxxxx,
Thanks for reserving your iPhone. You can come to the store you selected anytime on the day of your reservation. When you arrive, talk to a Concierge in an orange shirt. We'll help you complete your purchase, set up your phone, and get off to a great start.
Date:

Friday, Jun 19
Location:

Apple Store, Kenwood Towne Centre
Make sure to bring these items with you:
• A valid, government-issued photo ID
• Your Social Security number
• A debit or credit card
We look forward to seeing you.
The Apple Retail Store team

 

[SheepNutz]

They are not holding a phone for you, it is not guaranteed iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

They should have stock for Launch Day, June 19 and as other posters have indicated they did not start to run out until day 3-5 at most stores. Most stores were receiving daily restock shipments but they did start to run out of specific color / size / color combinations last year.

Dave

This is not what 2 representatives from my local apple store have told me.

 

[SheepNutz]

Is 'pre-authorizing' the same thing as 'reserving'? I'm inclined to think they're not. I think pre-authorizing is the process anyone goes through to get the activation process started, and reserving is something that's specifically meant to hold a phone for you on launch day.

I read it the same way you do.

 

[dave006]

This is not what 2 representatives from my local apple store have told me.

I read it the same way you do.

OK, let's try this again, here is the main Apple iPhone purchase page:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/buy/

It clearly states right above the "Get Started" button:

The Apple Retail Store

Reserve your iPhone 3G S at the Apple Retail Store and pick it up on June 19. Or pick up an iPhone 3G today.2

At the bottom of the page: 2): Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

When you complete the reserve at a local Apple Store you are really only completing the "Pre-authorization" step in the purchase process. This should also make the line move faster as the basic carrier steps will be complete and you will be able to complete the purchase transaction faster than last summer.

Apple is not trying to confuse you but provide for a case where the demand for a specific color / storage size unit may not be available. The same thing happend last year. They will try very hard to meet your expectations but "stuff" happens.

Dave

 

[bhimpele]

OK, let's try this again, here is the main Apple iPhone purchase page:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/buy/

It clearly states right above the "Get Started" button:

The Apple Retail Store

Reserve your iPhone 3G S at the Apple Retail Store and pick it up on June 19. Or pick up an iPhone 3G today.2

At the bottom of the page: 2): Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

When you complete the reserve at a local Apple Store you are really only completing the "Pre-authorization" step in the purchase process. This should also make the line move faster as the basic carrier steps will be complete and you will be able to complete the purchase transaction faster than last summer.

Apple is not trying to confuse you but provide for a case where the demand for a specific color / storage size unit may not be available. The same thing happend last year. They will try very hard to meet your expectations but "stuff" happens.

Dave

I just got back from my Apple store. The MANAGER said that when they get their shipment, they will have 2 different stock piles. One for reserved, and one for walk ins. If you have reserved one, you will have to wait in line, but they WILL have set aside a phone for you for THAT DAY ONLY. The disclaimer about not being guaranteed a phone is just to protect themselves in case something unplanned happens. I have now been told this exact same thing by 6 stores.

 

[Motionblurrr]

I just got back from my Apple store. The MANAGER said that when they get their shipment, they will have 2 different stock piles. One for reserved, and one for walk ins. If you have reserved one, you will have to wait in line, but they WILL have set aside a phone for you for THAT DAY ONLY. The disclaimer about not being guaranteed a phone is just to protect themselves in case something unplanned happens. I have now been told this exact same thing by 6 stores.

I....I love you. This is amazing news. Ill have to call my Apple store and see what they say

 

[AHDuke99]

Will I be able to buy it at the price Apple had on their site? The reason I ask is that it says I can go with the early upgrade, but the AT&T man told my sister that we all had to do the full retail price. I don't want to show up and be blindsided by a $699 bill. Apple.com and ATT.com both say I can get it for $499.