What is the point of pre order ?

[burnsatspeed]

On Friday 15/09/2017 at just after 8am, I preordered the Iphone 8 256gb, I then ordered a new ipad pro. The chap I spoke to said that I was the first person who had ordered a new Iphone with him and that delivery would be 22/09/2017 the conversation was complete by 8.25 am and an email confirmation sent at 8.35 am.

I revieved am email last night telling me that I'm on the waiting list ?? 

I was led to expect my new phone today 22/09/2017, Vodafone say there is a first come first served priorty for preorders, so how many phones were Vodafone allocated for launch day, as unless Vodafone call centres have tens of thousands of staff, who all put  Iphone 8 preorders through pre 8.20 am, I can't see why I'm now on a waiting list.

So back to my original question, what is the point of pre order?

[BandOfBrothers]

Pre ordering certainly works for many phones and devices  @burnsatspeed but unfortunately as with all iPhone launches I've watched and been involved with over the years their is always a supply and demand issue from all the Networks and Apple Stores too.

Pre ordering does not guarantee a unit in my experience. 

Totally understand your disappointment. 

[burnsatspeed]

Thanks for your welcome, my issue is that when ordered I was told that I would receive my new phone today. I assumed that the salesperson would see the available preallocation phones and assign one to me. In my past 20 years of dealing with Vodafone if they haven't got a model available you are told straight away.

Unless there has been an issue with Apple supply to Vodafone, I'm still unsure of the point of pre order, as the sales staff must know what is available and when to say that you are now on a waiting list. if there is an issue with supply an email explaing the problem would be better than an email saying you're on a waiting list.

[hrym]

I wish they wouldn't do that.   It's OK for items that are in stock, but major launches, especially of iPhones (where people seem to be particularly impatient) are always going to cause problems.   Apart from the supply issues that @BandOfBrothers has mentioned, the whole infrastructure will be stretched for a short while and delivery times are going to be approximate.

In my experience of mail-order, giving delivery dates is a hostage to fortune becaue you're making promises on matters over which you have little or no control.   I always used to say "should" arrive to cpver unexpected eventualities.

[mistymountain]

Hi there, I am new to Vodafone having had 3 awful years with EE.  I too ordered a iPhone 8 256gb last Friday morning, however I have had no contact from Vodafone since the order regarding my delivery.  I rang them on Tuesday and they said I will get delivery today and to look out for the DPD email/text.  I haven't received a thing, they could at least have the courtesy to send an update of what the timescale is likely to be.

[Deanos89]

I have the same issue I’ve been with o2 since the iPhone 4 and always upgraded as soon as a new iPhone was released. I’ve always received the phone on the day it’s released but as o2 4g signal has been getting steadily worse over the last year or so I decided to try Vodafone out since I have an iPad with them.I preordered my iPhone 8 256gb space grey online on the 15th a little after 8 am and since then received nothing. I can see on the website the space grey is now on backorder so what does this mean for everyone who preordered? It’s not hard to notice that Apple have had some what of a lacklustre launch with the 8 it seems a lot of people are holding out for the X. Is it simply a case of apple not shipping as many units out or is it just Vodafone doing the old trick EE are famous for brand new customers go first existing customers wait? 

[burnsatspeed]

my last email told me to expect a delivery tomorrow, this morning i've received another email saying they are still waiting for stock from Apple, and to quote the email "but don't worry - youv'e got a spot on the waiting list and we'll send your item as soon as possible. All items are sent on a first- come, first served basis."

To have been any earlier I would have had to alter the Einsteinian universe as we know it.

So once again what was the point of pre ordering this phone 

[John]

Hi all,
I understand that this can be frustrating and i apologise for any delay.
You can keep an eye on your delivery using our tracker.
Please keep us updated.

[Damage]

your tracking system is about as much good as a chocolate fireguard

[Damage33]

Vodafone dont care now as they have your order you cant cancel while there is an open order 

so they have you by the balls

if you call returns/upgrades etc you will just get fed lie after lie 

an absolute joke of a company