Do not assume your cultural norms are everyone's cultural norms.<p>That this guy was spoiling your (and likely other folks') moment is unfortunate. However, this is not screwing up an iPhone launch, this is spoiling your experience. Your experience is not the iPhone 5 launch.<p>I am sympathetic that this engagement didn't go the way you wanted it to. Complaining on the internet is not the way to address this issue, and if you thought this was actually a big deal (especially for how they were going to treat others), I hope you expressed your feelings to the guy at the store, not just the anonymous internet, because it comes off as a bit entitled.<p>After all. You got your iPhone didn't you? You now get to spend the rest of its life with your iPhone, one would presume that is actually the important part of your relationship with your phone.<p>Edit: Nice stealth edit on the title (going from "AT&T Screwed Up the iPhone 5 Launch" to "AT&T Screwed Up the iPhone 5 Launch for me"). *grin<p>I should say that I really don't want to delegitimize your disappointment (c.f. <a href="http://weeklysift.com/2012/09/10/the-distress-of-the-privileged/" rel="nofollow">http://weeklysift.com/2012/09/10/the-distress-of-the-privile...</a> ) because I know exactly how you feel. But I also don't think your post is constructive, or lends any interesting insight or analysis to the topic of a user's relationship with their devices, or Apple and AT&T.
I'm hoping this was satire of some sort. Otherwise this guy got a ton of page visits for a non-issue.
And if isn't a troll, please grow up. They didn't screw up anything, just your box opening experience. Besides, they're suppose to make sure your SIM is working in your new phone!
While I can understand the excitement of opening up a shiny new thing, and agree somewhat with your assessment that the rep messed up (forgetting the charger and haphazardly handling your new phone), I don't feel that your proposed solution is in any way viable, and might even end up pissing people off more:<p>2. The rep retrieves the phone and hands it to you to check.<p>3. The rep then encourages you to open your iPhone and shares in your excitement.<p>4. Once the phone is open, the rep then respectfully asks to take the phone and goes about his business. He leaves the protective covers on the phone, and lets you take them off at your own will.<p>So, here you are on iPhone 5 launch day, you've been waiting for hours, and the store is absolutely packed with people. How does this process work out? Do you lose your place in line while you open your phone and play around with it for a few minutes (even though it doesn't do anything yet)? Is the rep supposed to stand there and wait, 'sharing in your excitement' while the lines grow even longer? The reps are at work and they are trying to get these rabid fans their iPhones as soon as possible. This guy was working quickly because the line was out the door and he's trying to do his damn job. I'm guessing that when you work at a phone company, even the thrill of a new iPhone loses its charm pretty fast.
I would guess most people want the carrier to do this stuff for them though I agree it should be optional. If you order directly from Apple you can avoid it. AT&T definitely <i>did</i> screw up their iPhone 5 launch in other ways. Lagging behind Verizon in LTE coverage and failing to offer iPhone 4S owners any good option besides paying their ETF and switching carriers.
This person would have been better served going to an Apple Store. I've bought (many) phones from an AT&T store, and I don't ever recall them <i>not</i> opening the boxes for me, tracking down various pieces of cable, throwing out crap. Indeed, on a few occasions, I just walked out with the receipt, phone and charger - nothing else. And, when it wasn't an apple phone - that's exactly what I wanted.<p>If you want the pristine "Apple" experience, then the Apple store is absolutely where you went.<p>I really, really feel for the author - wish that his day one iPhone 5 experience had been all he had been looking for - I know precisely what that moment of expectation is like, where you actually sit and marvel at the fit-and-finish of the cardboard box, and how the packaging all fits together as you slowly unbox it - but, AT&T was not the place to do that.
Yeah, AT&T doesn't run the tight ship that Apple does. I'm sure it is easy for them to open it like it is just any other phone.<p>That's why people buy an iPhone in the first place though. It is the experience, that starts before you even turn on your iPhone.
If they waited for every customer to enjoy the unboxing experience then the line would have barely moved as everyone would be joygasming.<p>On the real.<p>The employees are trying to rush through the mass. They have the setup the phone, activate and etc for the account that they don't have the luxury of time for you to enjoy the unboxing experience. It is unfortunate for those who enjoy it - sure. But it is what it is and business is business. There are a hundreds of customers waiting and want to play with their phone and so they have to blitz through to fulfill every customer.
Not trying to troll you but where did you read apple spends 10x on packaging? Not only do you sound spoiled, but you also sound uninformed. I'm sorry that your experience was ruined but its just a toy.
My AT&T rep was very considerate of my strong desire to get my hands on my new device. He also mentioned a survey to review his performance, and how likely I would recommend AT&T strictly on how he handled me. OP should use that survey. My guy was delightful.