about an hour after the store opened following the keynote
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Wrong. Apple books revenue when transfer of ownership occurs which is when fedex or any carrier takes it. Then it is legally yours. If you never receive it, does Apple follow up? No, you have to do all the legwork.
For a house, that is why there are escrow companies to handle the in between periods. I have never transferred 100% of purchase to a seller for a house and let them continue to live in it a few more weeks.
Incorrect, if you never received it, you call Apple at which point they either refund your money or ship you a new one. Have you ever ordered anything online before?