Went into the O2 shop yesterday. The assistant manager said:
- they've been told they're getting a consignment from Apple, but they've not been told how many units per shop (they may know more later in the week, but they'll probably not know until Wednesday, or on Thursday morning). In her words "we could get five phones, we could get 50".
- O2 have been reassured by Apple that they will have plenty of stock for O2 stores. O2 stores are getting priority after Apple.
- She confirmed that the iPhone 4 will be available to O2 customers only, as per the website announcement
- they will probably open the shops early, based on how many people are there. If they open at 10, this means 9 or possibly earlier, depending on when the shipment arrives and how quickly they can merchandise the stock and get them into the system.
- she's had dozens of people coming in and asking for the iPhone 4, asking to put a deposit down, asking for phones to be reserved etc. It's FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Two phones max per person. Contract owners have to be present to sign a new contract.
- she said to make sure you have your micro sim with you, but if not, they'll have plenty in the stores; certainly, they'll have enough to deal with any phones they sell on the day.
- you can trade in your old iPhone on the day and the money will be processed instantly against your purchase, however, you need to knock 10% off the O2 Recycle website value because you're doing it in-store. A 16gb 3G will get you £149, depending on the condition and whether it's boxed etc.
- F&F discounts will not apply to new iPhone 4 contracts unless a member of O2 staff does it for you on your behalf.
- take all the ID you will need: two recently-dated proofs of address, photographic ID.
Good luck everyone!
