I just got back from a trip to my AT&T Store where I went to exchange my black iPhone 5 for the white version. I’ve actually tried to exchange my black iPhone 5 since I received it. For the last 3 weeks, I went pretty much every single day to my AT&T Store asking if they had received any iPhone 5. For the last 3 weeks, I was told the same answer: “no, sorry, we haven’t received anything”.
Today, one smart AT&T employee finally realized I had been coming every day for three weeks and told me that I didn’t have to physically come and check, as I could simply order an iPhone from the store. You’d think they would have offered this solution before, but that’s another problem that we won’t even bother addressing here.
I was then directed to an AT&T employee who processed my order/return. Without much hope, I figured the AT&T employee probably didn’t know anything about time frames and delivery estimates, but to my surprise, he said that because I am ordering a 64GB iPhone 5, it will ship within 24 hours.
Wait, what? 24 hours, as in one day? How is this possible when Apple’s own website tells me that any iPhone 5 model ships in 3-4 weeks?
He confirmed that any other model usually ships within 2 to 3 weeks, but because there is much less demand for the 64GB version of the device, they have plenty of them available. He noted that because I am placing the order today, it will probably ship today, and be delivered by tomorrow or Wednesday. The manager of the store, who happened to be walking by also confirmed that my device will ship in 24 hours. Right on time for my weekend in Napa!
I’m really not sure if this applies to orders placed online. AT&T’s website still shows the 64GB version shipping within 2-3 weeks, which is the usual time frame.
If you’re looking to get your hands on an iPhone 5 but haven’t been able to due to low inventory, I suggest you go talk to someone at your local AT&T store. Of course, as mentioned above, this is only for the 64GB version of the iPhone 5, but if you’re really desperate for an iPhone 5, you probably won’t mind coughing a few extra bucks.
Now, for the story, and for those wondering why I want to exchange my black iPhone 5, well, it’s simply because I think the white model looks better. It really is a personal preference. It will actually be my first white iDevice ever. Because I am in the 30 days time frame, I am allowed to return the device, and exchange it without any problem, besides the $35 recycling fee. Note that AT&T recently changed its return and cancellation policy. Any purchase made after October 7 will now be subject to a 14 days return policy.