How to Possibly Get an iPhone 4 on Launch Day at Best Buy
UPDATE: Best Buy is now saying they are not taking any more preorders of any of the iphone 4 models as per there FAQ.
Original article…
If you are like me and did not get an order in for a new iPhone yesterday you are looking at a July 2nd ship date if you want it delivered to your door. You could take your chances and stand in a line at an Apple Store. Or you could do what I just did and reserve an iPhone 4 at your local Best Buy and pick it up on June 24.
I live near Hickory, NC, which is usually a drawback when it comes to enjoying the latest and greatest in tech. Unless you order online yup aren’t going to see it in person. And the closest Apple Store is at least 90 minutes away by car. But in this case it may have been a plus.
When I saw it would likely be into July before I got one shipped I was thinking I might just wait and get one of the white ones later this summer. But then this morning I was in Hickory near a Best Buy store and on a whim I went in and asked about reserving one. They clerk said that they already had about 12 or 13 reservations so I would be about 13 or 14 if I reserved right then. I did.
The way iPhone 4 reservations work at Best Buy is that you sign up for either a 16GB or 32GB model. I chose the 32 GB model because the salesperson said there were very few of that model reserved. They are taking reservations for white iPhone 4′s, but they definitely won’t be ready for awhile. So I chose black. Best Buy takes your phone number and will call once they have yours in stock. He told me that they would likely be calling a day or two before the June 24 launch date to set up appointments so they are not overrun first thing in the morning. Those who reserve will get preference over those who show up so long as they agree to come in at the appointed time. To ensure you are serious you have to buy a $50 gift card. But if you choose not go through with the purchase the card is like any other gift card; you can use it to buy anything in the store.
I swiped my ATM card and made my purchase. Since there were very few reservations for the 32 GB model, I like my chances of getting one on June 24.
My advice is if you want to get one at a Best Buy on June 24, go now. The longer you wait the less likely you are to get one. If you live near a smaller town that has fewer people who want cook tech toys, go there. And ask how may they have reserved of each kind and choose the one with fewer reservations.
Here is my reservation gift card.
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Sites That Link to this Post
- iPhone 4 Best Buy Preordering Disappoints | Notebooks.com | June 23, 2010
- iPhone 4 Line at Apple Store | Notebooks.com | June 24, 2010
- iPhone 4: Getting One at AT&T Before July14th | Notebooks.com | June 30, 2010
thats what i did at my local bb store, i was the first to reserve the white 32gb model and the mobile deparment head there said she was allocated by corporate to recieve 2 of each model at her store, she seemed very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my questions (like what if they white doesnt show up). so as long as best buy does what they promised ill have my white iphone 4 on june 24th…
Interesting to hear about the availability of the white model at launch. Did she say anything about demo iPhone units? I wonder if one or both of the white ones are going for the in-store display.
Not to deny what you are saying but this sounds fishy. My BB guy said opposite. Maybe she was not as knowledgeable as perceived to be. But I hope she was and you get yours.
at this point i am skeptically optimistic. it really depends on best buy corporate and if they are actually receiving the white iphone 4 from apple as they have been saying to customers who have been calling in. since she told me the white was coming in i reserved mine bc the first white 32gb to show up at that store will be mine which will be just as soon as anyone else will be getting it with the added benefit that if the white does show up on june 24th i will be getting it way earlier then most people. i can always switch to black as well (no charge according to her) if apple says the white wont be available for a period of time im not willing to wait
there was no mention of them displaying demos and i doubt they would bc that would just piss off consumers
Aha, yeah, Interesting to hear about the availability of the white model at launch. Maybe good news for the fans!
The white iphone is so cool.
I have to admit that it's really a charming phone!
with the multitasking, two camera, chat facetime, App Folders for Sorting Apps
, iBooks, Game Center and take lovely pictures, with the iOS, nearly a match made in heaven!
And this article “New iPhone HD sdk to get 720p HD video recording” totally shocked me!
Actually, me, also can't wait any more to keep one, but maybe it's a little difficult to get mine until July 14th.