It's been over a week since I've had my iPad Pro, and I've still yet to snag an Apple Pencil or a Smart Keyboard. The prospects of obtaining either of the vital iPad Pro peripherals from Apple's online store doesn't seem good. Shipments are currently slated 4-5 weeks out in most cases, and in store personal pickup doesn't even appear as an option when checking out.

The situation is so bad that eBay scalpers are taking advantage and selling the Apple Pencil for double and sometimes triple the price. Needless to say, it's a frustrating situation for iPad Pro early adopters wishing to make full use of the new hardware.

But not all hope is lost for those of you hoping to snag a reasonably priced Apple Pencil or a Smart Keyboard before late December or early January. I've seen several reports of folks that have been able to walk in store and pick up one or both products, even though Apple's online store was showing out of stock. According to an Apple employee that I recently spoke to, Apple is receiving frequent shipments of both products and selling out almost as fast as it can re-up.

Thankfully, there is a way that you can check your store's local inventory before making the trip. Instead of risking disappointment, use this handy tip before you venture out in order to up the chance of scoring an Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard, or if you're particularly fortunate, both.