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iPhone X Unavailable to Walk-In Customers at Apple Stores in Sales Tax-Free States [Updated]

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While hundreds of customers are lined up at Apple's retail stores across the United States today for a chance to get their hands on an iPhone X, that doesn't appear to be the case in the states of Oregon and Washington today.

seattle iphone x
MacRumors has received multiple tips from readers who claim Apple's stores at University Village, Bellevue Square, Southcenter, and Alderwood in the Seattle area have turned away walk-in customers wishing to purchase an iPhone X since opening today.

At least five Twitter users have said likewise, including one at Pioneer Place in Portland, with store employees reportedly telling customers that iPhone X inventory is limited to those who pre-ordered the device on Apple's online store.

Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook said iPhone X would be available at Apple retail stores today starting at 8:00 a.m. local time, but he didn't clarify if all locations would be receiving stock in time for launch day. The answer would appear to be no.

Even where the iPhone X is available, supplies are likely extremely limited and going fast on a first come, first served basis. At some locations, customers have been lined up since early this week for a chance to purchase the device.

Apple forecasted that its revenue in the current quarter will be between $84 billion and $87 billion. Even the low end of that range would smash Apple's all-time record for revenue in any quarter, suggesting that iPhone X sales will be very strong.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was at Apple's Palo Alto store in California on Friday morning to celebrate the iPhone X launch, as he usually does for every iPhone launch, according to a video shared by CNBC moments ago.

Apple did not immediately respond to our request for comment about iPhone X availability in the Seattle area. We'll update this article if we hear back.

Update: A source who wishes to remain anonymous claims the iPhone X is not available for walk-in customers to purchase in Oregon as an anti-scalping measure, since it is a sales tax-free state. Washington is also affected since a reciprocity agreement generally allows Oregon residents to pay no sales tax in that state as well.

A handful of MacRumors readers and Twitter users have claimed the iPhone X is not available for walk-in customers in Delaware, which also doesn't charge sales tax. Alaska, New Hampshire, and Montana may also be affected as sales tax-free states, although Apple doesn't have any retail stores in Montana.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

_Refurbished_ Avatar
111 months ago
Instead of telling customers they didn’t have any, they were simply told “you’ll shoot your eye out”.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
111 months ago
I thought this was going to say “trio of stores in San Francisco Bay Area” because of that ballsy heist reported earlier!
I have this strange feeling that the Northwest allotment of iPhone Xs went to San Francisco.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
simonmet Avatar
111 months ago
I thought this was going to say “trio of stores in San Francisco Bay Area” because of that ballsy heist reported earlier!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
111 months ago
Glad to know since I am planning to play with the X in store today during lunch time. My packages are coming in 3 weeks. I don't like the store during launch day - too crowded.
Just back from playing with one in the Sprint store next to my office. I have to admit, I didn't miss the home button at all. And that screen!! I didn't pre-order, and am now having a bit of remorse.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
seatton Avatar
111 months ago
Glad to know since I am planning to play with the X in store today during lunch time. My packages are coming in 3 weeks. I don't like the store during launch day - too crowded.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
111 months ago
Actually it does make sense for Washington. I don't pay sales tax there as long as I show my Oregon driver's ID. At least not anywhere along the Oregon/Washington border, but I think it's statewide. It's to help the WA business compete with Oregon businesses.

Boo hoo mister "I live in Portland so I get Apple Stores" :p
Yes, it makes sense now. I found out yesterday Washington gives residents of sales tax-free states a rebate. Nice.
[doublepost=1509816085][/doublepost]
Those scalpers ruin it for everyone. Just yesterday I was chatting up this couple. Yep, four phones going straight to being resold!
Yesterday at Michigan Avenue they were selling phones device only and telling people they could get back into line to get 2 more after they made their purchase. Of course we have 10.25% sales tax so that probably discourages at least some resellers.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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