Apple Store 3G Reservation Policy

[rmcsteve]

Well, it has now been 9 days (7 business) and nothing. So much for the 3-5 days up to a week which I was told. I have a feeling that some of the other posters were correct, the folks in the stores were talking out of their behinds when giving out estimates. I'm now wishing that I too had ordered online when the wait was 5-7 days. I probably would have had mine tomorrow.

It's a frustrating and lousy system they have setup. You have to make a reservation to get one of these things, but after that you feel like you've been locked in a room alone, without any windows, waiting for your turn to be let out. Next week I'll probably just get a new laptop instead.

 

[Brad Groux]

Well, it has now been 9 days (7 business) and nothing. So much for the 3-5 days up to a week which I was told. I have a feeling that some of the other posters were correct, the folks in the stores were talking out of their behinds when giving out estimates. I'm now wishing that I too had ordered online when the wait was 5-7 days. I probably would have had mine tomorrow.

It's a frustrating and lousy system they have setup. You have to make a reservation to get one of these things, but after that you feel like you've been locked in a room alone, without any windows, waiting for your turn to be let out. Next week I'll probably just get a new laptop instead.

I was told 24-48 hours, and I'm now on day 14... two full weeks, and 10 full working days.

 

[Cheviot]

So, I called the Apple Store a few hours ago. I asked if it was worthwhile to wait for my reserved iPad to come in or if I should just order one online. They asked how long ago I reserved it. 8 days ago. They said that with the number of reservations they had I would be better off ordering at online store.

Just placed the order. They're quoting 20 days until delivery.

 

[CPMS]

For the people who got their Ipads - did they have to take a print of the email and carry ID?? I am thinking what would happen if I just show up and claim that I got a mail ....desperate times lead to desperate measures!!!

What does the mail say?

You don't need to take a copy of the email with you to pick up the iPad (I didn't when I picked up mine). You will need some form of ID. Unfortunately if you just go in and tell them you got the email they'll ask for your name and check if "your" iPad came in with their latest shipment. I think they match up what stock comes in with the reserve list. By the way, the email includes the following info:

1. When your reservation expires (you have till the end of the following business day from receipt of the email)
2. Pickup Store Location
3. Exact model you reserved

Other than the addressee in the email message, your name isn't included anywhere in the body of the message.

Hope this helps a little. Sorry about your wait. Mine took about ten days or so to get to me.

 

[tail24]

Mine had my name taped across it when I picked it up. I also had to provide my itunes account email address that they emailed.

So I doubt that you will be able to walk in and say hey I got an email. They know every person the ones in the back belong to.

 

[epb]

Mine wasn't labeled or anything, nor did they check my ID, but they did ask for my iTunes account name. Then again, my email is myfirsname.mylastname and I paid with AMEX and the same name is on the card.

 

[rmcsteve]

It's now 10 days (7 business) and counting... I've decided to waste 5 minutes of my life and call the Apple store to see if they know anything. (I'm starting to think that's an oxymoron)

So, I called the Apple Store a few hours ago. I asked if it was worthwhile to wait for my reserved iPad to come in or if I should just order one online. They asked how long ago I reserved it. 8 days ago. They said that with the number of reservations they had I would be better off ordering at online store.

Just placed the order. They're quoting 20 days until delivery.

Cheviot, you're f-ing kidding right? After waiting 8 days your store is now telling you that it will be quicker to wait 20 days to order online? Which store is that? Personally, I would probably give up at that point.

EDIT: Yep, wasted 5 minutes of my life calling the Apple store in Syracuse. Spoke with a friendly young lady who could only confirm that I'm on the list and guaranteed to get one. (Not exactly reassuring) Beyond that she wouldn't tell me anything else, outside of the fact that they're not even supposed to be giving out any estimates on wait times for iPad reservations. Reading between the lines, I wonder what that means exactly? Most likely, it's going to be a long time!

 

[Brad Groux]

WOOHOO! I just received the email.

I originally reserved on 05/07 so it took 15 days, but really only 10 full business days. I bought the size with the most demand and registered at a very busy Apple store, so your mileage may vary.

 

[rmcsteve]

WOOHOO! I just received the email.


I originally reserved on 05/07 so it took 15 days, but really only 10 full business days. I bought the size with the most demand and registered at a very busy Apple store, so your mileage may vary.

Congratulations you lucky b*****d! I can only hope that I far as well! Enjoy your new iPad!

 

[Brad Groux]

I just got home with my new toy. I can CONFIRM that you can now pay for your iPad with an Apple Store Gift Card. They took it without even hesitating.

 

[Cheviot]

My plan is to keep this one on order and see if mine comes in at the apple store. Whichever one gets here first, wins.

 

[racrac]

I just got home with my new toy. I can CONFIRM that you can now pay for your iPad with an Apple Store Gift Card. They took it without even hesitating.

good for you!!!! If you're tired of it by Wed evening, I will be happy to buy it off you for a $50 premium

 

[Ocey2ktru]

I have been waiting eversince the 7th as well but it seems that your store might be more consistent than mines. Your pretty lucky lol!

 

[jasong]

I did a reserve on the 13th (8 days ago) and also ordered the following day with a 28th ship date and 2nd delivery date.

...still waiting...

Looks like the line in front of me is pretty long given the posts here.

I called a few times and went in person a few times and each time the person I talked with said there was no way they could look up where I was in the line.

 

[racrac]

i was at the store today at 955am to show them how desperate I was to get it before wed.

Got a sympathetic girl who said she could NOT find where I was n line....she said she could look and tell if I was in the line at all...but she couldnt tell me a position. She also said that the 32Gig+3G is the most popular model.

She DID tell me that Apple has streamlined their supply chains over the last 1 week and it should start flowing from Monday...but not to take her word for it.

Now here's the clincher: when I was walking out, a 'specialist' pulled me aside and said, 'sir, if you really want it so bad, they are selling on CL for some money extra'.

I now have a niggling doubt that the apple store staff (atleast some of them) are involved in blackmarketing these ipads.