Apple’s Retail Gameplan for iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus Launch Leaked

It seems that Apple is going to great lengths to ensure that the iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 launch goes as smoothly as possible for both customers and its employees. According to the folks over at 9to5Mac, who appear to have tracked down Apple’s Retail Store gameplan for Friday, September 19th, the company’s big week starts with the arrival of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus inventory as early as Wednesday.

Screen shot 2014 09 16 at 11 28 16 am

The source details that retail inventory specialists (Back of House) have been “instructed to hold back 4% of overall inventory by SKU (minimum 1 device/SKU) for DOA holdbacks”. This will ensure that the customers will not be let down if their new iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus has an issue right out of the box. Meanwhile, devices that were preordered for in-store pickup, will be set aside so they are not accidentally sold to walk-in customers.

“Around 5 am, Apple specialists are directed to begin interacting with the line by sharing their excitement for iPhone 6/6 Plus and answering any questions. At this time, the line will be split based on order type: one for walk-in customers and one for Personal Pickup (PPU). Next, walk-in customers will start getting their Reservation Pass placeholders. This new digital queue system will replace the physical product reservation cards that Apple used during previous product launches. As always, Apple will also be handing out refreshments (most likely coffee and water) throughout the morning. 

Once the clock strikes 8 am, customers will be greeted with a “warm welcome” and then paired with a specialist who will either confirm the Reservation Pass number for walk-in customers or scan the Ready For Pickup (RFP) barcode for Personal Pickup customers. The specialist and customer will head back to the Genius Bar to retrieve their iPhone of choice and begin the transaction.”

Lastly, every customer will be asked if they would like a Personal Setup. If a customer declines the offer, then specialists will hand them “Icing” cards, which invite the customer to return to the Apple Store for future training needs.

Screen shot 2014 09 16 at 11 28 55 am

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.