Apple sends out iPhone 3G "questions" memo to retail stores
According to AppleInsider, Apple has started issuing memos stressing how to answer questions from customers that might come up between now and the iPhone 3G launch event on July 11th. According to the 3-page memo, there will be no waiting list for the iPhone (wow, this is a "duh" question -- they've never done this for any of their in-store releases). The memo also states what to do if customers ask the dreaded question of "which is better, iPod touch or iPhone 3G?" According to the memo, employees are supposed to tell the customer that the iPhone carries a 2-year contract with AT&T. When asked about iPhone activations, employees are to respond that they "do not have any information at the present time."
AppleInsider notes that Apple will be holding a worldwide meeting on July 6 with retail employees (possibly both AT&T and Apple Store) to discuss launch procedures for the iPhone 3G. You can read more about the long memo by clicking the read link below.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Fraser JK said 4:43PM on 6-25-2008
"Who does Apple think they are, telling companies what to tell their employees?"
It seems like Apple just want to do everything differently man, it's like their way or the high way.
Reply
hbeltran said 5:06PM on 6-25-2008
SO! Whis is better the Iphone or Itouch. After one year I would say the phone but still need it a little louder.
booticon said 4:49PM on 6-25-2008
Still no word on what time it'll launch?
Reply
drewgaren said 4:58PM on 6-25-2008
I have a friend who is a manager of an Apple store up in Michigan here and he has already been told that the the iPhone 3G will launch at 6PM July 11th. I don't see how this is possible with in store activations because people would be at the store way past 10 if this way the case and the mall closes at 9. My theory is that when the Apple store opens the iPhone will be for sale right away and the store will be dedicated to the iPhone for the day for smaller store such as those in malls. It seems logical that the only thing the can do to prevent mass chaos is sell the phone when the store opens, if not then they are gonna have a huge mess on their hands at 6PM. But knowing Apple I wouldn't be surprised if they stick to 6PM.
Reply
Me said 5:56PM on 6-26-2008
Most malls have policies allowing stores to remain open late with preapproval from mall management. I know my local Apple Store, which is inside a shopping mall, was open until around midnight on iPhone day last year.
mare said 5:02PM on 6-25-2008
Apple will be holding a worldwide meeting on July 6 with retail employees (possibly both AT&T and Apple Store)
It says worldwide. How US-centric can one be?
AT&T and Apple are not the only ones selling the iPhone on July 11th. So store employees fron Vodafone, T-mobile, O2 Rogers etc will probably also be briefed.
Reply
nick said 5:04PM on 6-25-2008
6PM would stink but at least I wouldn't have to miss a morning or whole day of work. I've been without my iPhone since June 8th and it officially sucks.
Reply
Brian H said 5:11PM on 6-25-2008
July 6th sounds about right for a store meeting. Apple Stores usually have store meetings at the end of each quarter. I'm sure everything will be alright come the 11th.
Reply
Caitlin said 5:13PM on 6-25-2008
That memo gave little information.
Reply
Sam Highley said 5:53PM on 6-25-2008
"According to the 3-page memo, there will be no waiting list for the iPhone (wow, this is a "duh" question -- they've never done this for any of their in-store releases)."
I don't think this is a 'duh' question. Optus in Australia was initially taking pre-orders for the iPhone with a $50 deposit (I placed one). They've since removed the ability to pre-order, citing 'technical reasons'. Perhaps it was actually pressure from Apple?
Reply
Jay Hash said 8:48PM on 6-25-2008
Can anyone post a copy of the actual memo (if anyone here got one) for some of my fellow employees? We're a fellow mac reseller and people always come in asking about the 3G iPhone, and some of the floor people have no idea what to tell people and I think we're losing customers because if it. The memo would go a long way to keep the customers in the store and actually answering questions so we don't all look lik idiots that know nothing about macs.
Reply
steve ballmer said 11:11PM on 6-25-2008
aka: Propaganda!
http://fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com
Reply